Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 9 | 14% | 58,000 miles |
| 2019 | 9 | 9% | 47,000 miles |
| 2018 | 33 | 14% | 20,000 miles |
| 2017 | 45 | 22% | 50,000 miles |
| 2016 | 122 | 31% | 65,000 miles |
| 2015 | 138 | 25% | 59,000 miles |
| 2014 | 103 | 25% | 56,000 miles |
| 2013 | 77 | 22% | 82,000 miles |
| 2012 | 105 | 28% | 89,000 miles |
| 2011 | 34 | 20% | 89,000 miles |
| 2010 | 204 | 19% | 74,000 miles |
| 2009 | 196 | 12% | 80,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated after the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, where the contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The contact raised the hood of the vehicle and observed condensation all over the engine. The vehicle was towed to the contact's son's residence. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced due to a faulty radiator hose and cap, which caused the engine to seize. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 57,800.
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and then lost motive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated after the loss of power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was not diagnosed; however, the contact was informed that the engine may have failed due to the vehicle having no antifreeze, which caused the engine to overheat. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 57,800.
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake sensor and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that when she depressed the accelerator pedal, the vehicle seemed to be losing motive power. The contact stated that the speed odometer was inoperable and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was informed that the brake sensor was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer two days later and the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,600.
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS and check engine warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the ABS module was faulty and needed to be replaced; however, the parts needed were no longer available from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the ABS module was no longer available and no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 47,000.
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 that the vehicle would not immediately start, and white exhaust smoke was coming from the vehicle. Also, the message "Coolant Low" was displayed although the coolant reservoir was full. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the head gasket was faulty. The head gasket was replaced but the coolant message continued to display. The contact also indicated that the back over prevention camera was faulty, and condensation was present inside the driver's side front headlight housing. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
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.
Related recalls (3)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 19, 2010, to May 26, 2015 and equipped with 2.4L engines. In the affected vehicles, the engine cover may detach from the engine and contact the exhaust manifold.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install an improved mounting system for the engine cover, free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2015.
Engine and engine cooling
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2012 Chrysler vehicles, including 200 and town and country models, Dodge vehicles, including charger, durango, grand caravan and journey models and Jeep grand cherokee vehicles manufactured from August 31, 2011, through September 13, 2011, that are equipped with 3.6l engines.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and replace the engine free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about November 18, 2011. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA investigations
Stall from Crankshaft\Camshaft Failure
On December 13, 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received recall 16V-907 from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) that identified a safety defect involving crankshaft or camshaft sensor failures on certain 2016 Model Year Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Journey years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2010 (204), 2009 (196), 2015 (138), 2016 (122) and 2012 (105) model years. Engine complaints make up 19% of all complaints for the 2010.
Is there a recall for Dodge Journey engine problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 16V-907 (engine, Dec 16, 2016); 15V-431 (engine, Jul 7, 2015); 11V-487 (engine and engine cooling, Sep 29, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Journey engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles; 31% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (9 mentions), followed by the engine › crank/camshaft position sensor (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.