Acceleration complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the adaptive cruise control (ACC) mode failed to disengage as intended and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the windshield wipers engaged unintendedly and remained engaged after the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road. The contact's husband disconnected the battery terminals to turn off the windshield wipers; however, the vehicle failed to restart upon reconnecting the battery terminals. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V332000 (Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle with the cruise control activated, the cruise control failed to immediately deactivate, and the vehicle failed to decelerate while depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the rear-view mirror and back-over prevention camera failed and displayed a black screen, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The cause of the failure has not yet been determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000.
The contact owned a 2017 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the instrument panel began to behave erratically, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, prompting her to attempt to quickly veer to the shoulder of the roadway. As a result, the contact was sideswiped by another vehicle on the driver's side. The air bags did not deploy. All warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact transported herself to an area hospital and was treated for a nondescript injury to her right shoulder. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V332000 (Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control), and the VIN was included, and parts were available. …
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60-70 MPH, the traction control warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was released, the vehicle was shaking erratically. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway, and the vehicle was turned off. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started. The contact stated that the traction control switch was inoperable. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken back to CarMax, where the vehicle was purchased. The contact was informed that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to operate. …
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle hesitated upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. The vehicle entered LIMP Mode with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact initially took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a shift solenoid defect related to the engine control module (ECM). The contact took the vehicle to several other independent mechanics and was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V332000 (Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control) which she linked to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the software update would be covered under recall; however, any additional repairs would be paid out of pocket. …
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and the RPM was between 2,500 - 3,500 RPM, the vehicle started decelerating. There was a red lightning bolt illuminated on the instrument panel, indicating a failure with the electronic throttle system. The failure had become persistent. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was 90,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would independently accelerate without warning. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
The car will be driving and just completely shut off in traffic power steering locks up. You can't get the car into park. The windshield wipers go crazy the screen goes black. It starts doing clicking sounds I had to have the firemen come and get me out of the road my car stopped since the second time this is so dangerous, they cannot figure out what's wrong with it I replaced the battery @ the dealership, I've replaced the alternator at Aamco. I bought this car in 2016 new off the lot. I've had many problems with the electrical. This is just the worst .my radio turns on and off at Will .my driver side window will not roll down unless it's below 30 outside which is super strange, and my air conditioning turns itself on turns itself off, but this was the scariest this is happened before last year and I had Aamco look at the transmission. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Journey years have acceleration problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2009 (36), 2016 (33), 2015 (32), 2010 (29) and 2014 (22) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 2% of all complaints for the 2009.
Is there a recall for Dodge Journey acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for any Dodge Journey model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Dodge Journey acceleration problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles; 40% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the cruise control (8 mentions), followed by the throttle (3).
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.