Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
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 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 that while driving approximately 65 MPH with her son seated in the front passenger's seat, there was a loud popping sound coming from the passenger's side seat before the front passenger's seat headrest exploded. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be inspected; however, the vehicle was not repaired due to a fractured clip. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, she observed that the driver's side seat headrest had detached from the seat, potentially compromising safety in the event of a collision. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.
My headrest (AHR) Deployed while I was at a stop light. I was not rear-ended. For that to happen. I checked online, to recalls have been made in regards to it. I took it to a dodge service center, they took pictures. On the first day. Then today I had to bring it back in, so they could inspect it. They also took more photos and let me know that it had failed and a pin was broken. A small black sharp piece was on my seat. Which I believe is what failed. I'm truly lucky I was not in motion when it happened. Something like this could cause someone to wreck or seriously injure someone. I did go to the er after it happen and they said a tbi(traumatic brain injury) and a sprain of my neck.
While driving on a smooth paved road at normal speed, the active head restraint on the passenger seat suddenly deployed without any impact or collision. The headrest struck the passenger in the back of the head, causing pain and a potential injury. The vehicle did not experience a crash, bump, or sudden stop. After deployment, the headrest could not be reset or latched back into place. This appears to be a mechanical failure of the active head restraint system. This defect poses a serious safety risk because it could injure the driver causing an accident and may deploy again unexpectedly.
We were driving on the interstate and my front seat passenger headrest blew apart. I could have suffered neck injury due to the force of the impact, or accident due to startling the driver. We called our local dealership and they were familiar with this issue however stated it is not on a recall and we could have the headrest replaced for $500 plus labor. There were no warning signs from the vehicle. I did have a sore neck and headaches for a couple of days. I just had a mechanical give me this page and said I should report the issue.
The drivers side headrest popped open while I was sitting in the parking lot and adjusting my seat before I drove off. The metal pin is missing and the plastic part that was holding it is broken. No accident, just opened on its own. That would have been bad if it hit me while I was driving down the street.
Headrest popped open on passenger side and car hasn't been in accident since I have had it. Also my backup camera isn't working, it started going blank, and upside down til it doesn't do anything anymore.
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Dodge Journey. While driving approximately between 62-74 MPH, the vehicle shook and a loud noise was heard underneath the vehicle. Also, while driving, the vehicle's rear end tended to sway towards the right. The contact stated that the vehicle's driver's seat failed to lock in the desired position. The contact took the vehicle to direct Chrysler Dodge (located at 495 w lee hwy, wytheville, va 24382, [phone]) where a front and rear wheel alignment was performed. The dealer also replaced the driver's seat and latch, struts, and sway bar. The contact stated that the noise from underneath the vehicle remained, the shaking persisted, and the seat still failed to lock in place. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 6,000. The VIN was unavailable.
After reclining the seat, the passenger's side headrest deployed. At the time the vehicle was stationary in a parking lot. Not sure why that happened. Don't know what to do about this, take it to the dealer or what. Is there a recall on the headrests?
NHTSA investigations
Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early…
Seat complaints in other Journey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat problems on the 2017 Dodge Journey?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the seats of the 2017 Dodge Journey, 10% of the model year's 201 complaints. The component named most often is front assembly › head restraint (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Dodge Journey seat problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seats 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 seat problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to seats 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.