Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Dodge Journey owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the instrument cluster was flickering, and the vehicle stopped. The contact pulled over and noticed smoke. The contact opened the hood and detected a fire. The contact extinguished the fire with some water he had. There were two unknown warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, a police report, or an air bag deployment. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the oil warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to her residence the next day. The vehicle was then towed to a collision shop where the mechanic retrieved several fault codes. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to her residence. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that the front passenger's side headrest had deployed independently. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, she heard a clicking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from underneath the passenger's side hood. The contact stated that she did not notice any warning lights being illuminated. The power steering and brakes were still functioning as needed which allowed her to pull the vehicle safely to the side shoulder. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, several unknown warning lights were flashing on the instrument panel. The contact stated that after receiving an oil change, the engine oil was low within a week. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where the oil level was topped off, and the contact was informed that the engine oil cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that oil was leaking onto top of the transmission and that the engine oil cooler needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
I took my car in for an engine knocking noise and was told that my motor needs to be replace. I was told that they have recalled all the other motors that were made during this time period but mine is not part of the recall. They have attempted it is a known issue with the cylinder that were put in the 2.4 L motors but will not help me in fixing the issue because they don't have my motor on recall. My is the E5 and the motors that they have recalled are the E4 and E6 motors that were put into the Jeeps and the Chrysler but they have not recalled the Dodges motors. Consumer have found out that these motors in fact have two recalls on them. The recall number is W80 and W84. They have found that the cylinder O-rings are bad, and this is confirmed with the with the notice that was sent with NHTSA ID # 10138863 with the manufacture communication number 9003357. …
The vehicle shuts off while driving. It has occurred 6 times over the course of a year. It results in a total loss of power, steering, brakes creating a very unsafe scenario. It has happened 5 times while doing above 35 mph and in one case above 50 mph and resulting in one missed stop sign. This creates a tremendous level of anxiety. I have taken it in on four occasions to reputable repair facilities Christian brothers automotive for repair three times soon to be four times and CarMax once. Three times I was turned away with no help only inspection fees. The fourth time Christian brothers replaced cam shaft sensors only to have another incident while driving 40mph down the road. Thankfully I was able to stop safely and now I have another appointment scheduled for service. I feel like there is a safety miss on this vehicle.
I bought my 2017 Dodge Journey in September 2021, as I was driving home I noticed an issue with acceleration. I would have my foot on the throttle and the vehicle would seemingly convulse, like accelerate then bow down and repeat. I brought It back to the dealership and they kept it for a week and returned my vehicle stating they couldn't figure out the issue. to this day it still does the same thing! Its so dangerous especially when pulling out from a stop sign or a highway into flowing traffic. Sometimes My car will accelerate Great! Mostly its slow and harsh when im on the throttle. Only stops when I release the gas petal or floor it... NOT SAFE The dealership
The vehicle wouldn't start, just kept idolizing. After trying for 10 minutes then getting a new key battery, the vehicle started then engine light was on. A code for crankshaft was on. But then check engine light went off by time I was home. Car broke down in middle of road. Wheel and breaks locked up which was very unsafe with my kids in car and I was unable to move it till tow truck came. Vehicle started working once it was at the auto repair shop. So we had him change the fuel pump because nothing else would show was wrong with the vehicle. Then 5 days later it broke down again. It is now back at the auto repair with no code showing.
My engine light came on my vehicle and the dealership says it's a catalytic converter problem and I need a new one. That part apparently is recalled on other vehicles but not on mine for the year 2017. But other vehicles are having issues with that part as well and the dealership says the manufacturer should pay for it since it's recalled but the manufacturer told me no due to not being in a certain year. I have kids and need my car.
My check light came on and when I check the code which was a p0420, Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1). Emissions Recall U67: Catalytic Converter Efficiency. This was part of the recall. Therefore it doesn't meet the CA emissions standard. It is causing my vehicle to slightly overheat at standstill. It's hasn't been inspected yet and It has been over a month since this started happening to the vehicle.
Engine complaints in other Journey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2017 Dodge Journey?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2017 Dodge Journey, 22% of the model year's 201 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2017 Dodge Journey engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2017 Dodge Journey, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2017 Dodge Journey engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.