2016 Dodge Journey Transmission Problems

Which parts fail

• Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
  1

Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  1122%
• 25k–50k
  816%
• 50k–75k
  1325%
• 75k–100k
  1122%
• 100k–150k
  714%
• 150k+
  12%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Dodge Journey owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact's wife owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The vehicle lost power while depressing the accelerator pedal in the middle of an intersection and narrowly avoided being struck by an 18-wheeler. The check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact and his wife manually pushed the vehicle out of the intersection. Once out of the intersection, the contact attempted to drive the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to engage while shifted in drive(D) or reverse(R). Due to the failure, the contact had a friend tow the vehicle back to the residence. The contact's wife informed him that a week prior to the failure, the vehicle surged forward upon depression of the accelerator pedal after coming to a complete stop. The contact stated that there was an abnormal, burning odor coming from the vehicle after the failure. …

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving 35-40 MPH, the engine started overheating. The message "Temperature High" was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the power windows were intermittently inoperable. While attempting to drive from a complete stop, the transmission failed to shift gears as intended. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal while driving, the engine revved, but the vehicle failed to respond as intended. Additionally, there was a discrepancy between the instrument cluster speedometer reading and the digital speedometer reading. The vehicle was taken to Wilcox & Sons Automotive, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the water pump, the radiator, the cooling system, and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. …

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard a grinding sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle started to jerk. The contact veered off the roadway and turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact then stated while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle started to jerk and decelerated while the accelerator pedal was being depressed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled off the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was inspected by an independent mechanic who retrieved DTC codes for transmission failure. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle began to decelerate and lost motive power. The contact depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. While coming to a stop the vehicle inadvertently lunged forward. The vehicle was turned off and restarted but failed to exceed 30 MPH while driving. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was flashing on and off. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed the contact of transmission failure with the vehicle and referred her to the local dealer for assistance. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the contact felt a loss of power. The contact stated that the vehicle started to decelerate and eventually stopped. The contact stated he did not notice any warning lights being illuminated. The contact pulled off the highway safely and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V461000 (Power Train). The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer who informed her that there was no recall on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 143,069.

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 47 - 50 MPH, the vehicle would not shift above the second gear and hesitated to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with transmission pump and torque converter failure. The mechanic informed the contact that the transmission pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V461000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 82,850.

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 30 Mph, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer and it was confirmed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the Vin was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 46,600.

The engine/powertrain occasionally does not accelerate on the freeway causing us to backup traffic. This happens randomly and will eventually cause a major accident. I have contacted dodge but they want me to leave my car for 6 weeks with no loaner I am a single mother that is not possible. The car is under bumper to bumper coverage but they still wont fix the issue! Also my heated seats are stuck on high and often smell like they are going to catch fire! Again dodge wont help!

The vehicle started making a whining noise, also brake light came on, vehicle lost ability to brake in open traffic, slipping in and out of gear, vehicle loss power while driving in open traffic. This all began on or around 10/8. The engine light came on in the vehicle after which time the vehicle was no longer driven by owner as a safety precaution. On 10/11 the vehicle was diagnosed by Aamco transmissions. The mechanic advised the vehicle had experience hydraulic pressure failure, the hydraulic pump in the vehicle went out unexpectedly. The mechanic said all fluids were inspected and topped off and look well all except transmission fluid, which was described as burnt. The mechanic explained that because of the pump failure the transmission wasn't receiving any pressure. …

To whom it may concern: My 2016 Dodge Journey Crossroad AWD (3.6L) is currently experiencing "P0944 Loss of Hydraulic Pump Prime" (See attached diagnostic report, vehicle_record_report.pdf from a local auto repair shop) The car was assembled in November 2015. The assembly date falls within the date range specified in the attached safety recall report for S44 / NHTSA 16V-461. (attached is copy, RCRIT-16V461-1293.pdf). However, the VIN number for my vehicle doesn't show up when searched. Given the type of transmission problem we're experiencing, the assembly month/year, the engine too, can someone be assigned to investigate if my vehicle should be included in the recall? It has the symptoms and details to indicate that it might. Also, I did open a case with FCA, Case #[redacted]. They informed us that if the VIN doesn't show up, there is no recall. …

Related recalls

Transmission complaints in other Journey years