Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 20 | 30% | — |
| 2019 | 23 | 23% | 29,000 miles |
| 2018 | 72 | 30% | 22,000 miles |
| 2017 | 59 | 29% | 37,000 miles |
| 2016 | 85 | 22% | 61,000 miles |
| 2015 | 118 | 21% | 48,000 miles |
| 2014 | 106 | 25% | 47,000 miles |
| 2013 | 73 | 21% | 60,000 miles |
| 2012 | 116 | 31% | 85,000 miles |
| 2011 | 43 | 25% | 80,000 miles |
| 2010 | 653 | 60% | 78,000 miles |
| 2009 | 814 | 51% | 80,000 miles |
| 2008 | 6 | 75% | 91,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact stated that their father owned a 2020 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, the vehicle began making an abnormal noise. The Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system warning light was illuminated. The contact began to head back home when another vehicle blew its horn and informed them of a fire coming from under the front driver's side of the vehicle. The contact immediately stopped the vehicle and was able to safely exit. The fire expanded and consumed the front of the vehicle. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire. A fire report and a police report were filed. The vehicle was towed and totaled. The contact had no injuries, and no medical attention was needed. The dealer was not informed of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that after the vehicle was not driven and remained parked in the driveway for two weeks, the police department notified the contact at approximately 1:00 AM that the horn was sounding continuously. The contact attempted to deactivate the horn using the security alarm key fob, but the attempt failed. The contact opened a vehicle door and attempted to start the vehicle with the door open. At that time, the doors locked automatically, and there was a burning plastic odor coming from the vehicle, and the horn continued sounding. The contact immediately exited the vehicle and removed fuses from the fuse box; however, the fuses were extremely hot and caused burn injuries to the contact's hands. After removing the fuses, the horn continued sounding, and the engine failed to turn off. …
As I was driving, I began to park. I put my foot on the brake and proceeded to put car in reverse. The back up camera began to flash. Once it stopped flashing, the image on the screen was upside down. It's is available for inspection. This is a safety hazard. The purpose of the camera is so that people can see what's behind them. If the Camry isn't functioning properly it's can cause accidents. No warning. The camera just randomly did this. And since then the camera has been upside down. I have never had this issue before. I cut the car off for days at a time and the issue will not go away. I googled the issue and a lot of people with Dodge automobiles have had similar issues.
Vehicle: 2019 Dodge Journey Issue: Rearview Camera Failure / Malfunction I am reporting an ongoing issue with the factory-installed backup camera in my 2019 Dodge Journey. The camera has been malfunctioning for several years. The camera intermittently displayed a blank screen, glitching image, or the image would appear upside down when shifting into reverse. Over time, the issue worsened, and the camera now fails to display any image at all. This poses a significant safety concern, especially since reverse cameras are a federally required safety feature on vehicles manufactured after 2018. Despite attempted inspections, no clear fix was provided, and I believe this may indicate a manufacturing defect. I am requesting that Chrysler/Stellantis acknowledge this issue and investigate whether other owners have experienced similar problems. …
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the engine was slow to turn over and start. There was an abnormal chugging sound at start up. The contact stated while driving, the vehicle shut off unintendedly and failed to restart. The contact stated that the half-circle symbol to depress the brake pedal was displayed. The engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined the failure was due to the electrical system. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the failure was due to the oil. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. …
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while reversing into a parking space the rear-view camera screen inadvertently turned black. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that as she opened the hatchback, the rear-view camera functionality returned. The contact also stated that the interior lights of the vehicle remained on for a month. The vehicle was taken to the local Pep Boys auto store who diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. Then, the vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that no issues were found with the vehicle however, an unknown software was reprogrammed. The contact stated that the interior lights remained on and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the rear wiring system needed to be replaced. …
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. …
In April 2025 I was driving and the abs light came on and windshield wipers went off sporadically. Dodge dealer found nothing wrong. It happened again in June 2025. Dodge dealer had car for 1 week and stated they could not find problem but car was safe to drive. They said to return when problems were more constant. On the morning of 8/14/2025, I dropped someone off at the dr and went to Starbucks. Went inside for order. While driving back to drs windshield wipers went crazy and car started to stutter. I pulled over .4 miles from Starbucks. When I stopped I saw smoke so got out of the car and could see flames. I went to open backdoor for my purse but door would not open. Drivers door was not fully closed so was able to retrieve to call 911. Fire department arrived quickly but front of car was already engulfed in flames. Fire department was able to get Fire out. Car was a total loss.
Related recalls (7)
Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018…
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Electrical system › Software
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab…
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018.
Electrical system › Ignition
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 Dodge journey, grand caravan, and Chrysler town & country vehicles manufacturer from August 3, 2009, through June 17, 2010. Some vehicles May experience inadvertent ignition key displacement from the run to accessory position while driving causing the engine to shut off.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the win modules free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during July 2011. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Electrical system › Wiring
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge journey vehicles manufacturer from November 1, 2007, through November 7, 2008. The wires within the front door wire harnesses May fatigue and break, which can interrupt the circuits for the side impact sensor(s), resulting in an airbag warning lamp illumination and loss of…
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and replace the left and right door wiring harnesses free of charge. The safety recall began on February 18, 2011. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Electrical system › Wiring
Chrysler is recalling 4,314 my 2009 Dodge journey, Jeep grand cherokee, commander and wrangler vehicles. Wiring May be reversed on the steering column control module driver airbag squib connector. The driver's airbag May not deploy as intended.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver's airbag squib wires and replace the steering column control module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2009. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Show 2 more recalls
Electrical system
Chrysler is recalling 16,852 my 2009 Dodge journey vehicles equipped without optional 115 volt auxiliary power outlet. An unused electrical connector for the optional 115 volt auxiliary power outlet option May become corroded and could short circuit.
Remedy: Dealers will re-route and stow the 115 volt auxiliary power outlet connector and pull the 25 amp fuse to remove power from this unused circuit free of charge. The recall began on March 30, 2009.
Electrical system › Wiring
Chrysler is recalling 6,692 my 2009 Dodge journey vehicles equipped with a 3.5l engine. The engine wiring harness May contact the left transaxle mount.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine wiring harness for damage. If the harness is damaged, the wiring will be repaired and a tie wrap installed to secure the harness away from the left transaxle mount.
NHTSA investigations
Totally Integrated Power Module Failure
In a letter dated August 21, 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged failures associated with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) installed in Chrysler SUV?s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Journey years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2009 (814), 2010 (653), 2015 (118), 2012 (116) and 2014 (106) model years. Electrical complaints make up 51% of all complaints for the 2009.
Is there a recall for Dodge Journey electrical problems?
Yes — 7 recalls, including 18V-524 (front underhood, Aug 9, 2018); 18V-332 (software, May 17, 2018); 11V-139 (ignition, Mar 1, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Journey electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles; 29% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the horn (27 mentions), followed by the ignition (16).
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.