Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3 | 5% | — |
| 2019 | 7 | 7% | 79,000 miles |
| 2018 | 18 | 8% | 30,000 miles |
| 2017 | 32 | 16% | 30,000 miles |
| 2016 | 87 | 22% | 65,000 miles |
| 2015 | 77 | 14% | 78,000 miles |
| 2014 | 36 | 9% | 30,000 miles |
| 2013 | 29 | 8% | 70,000 miles |
| 2012 | 36 | 10% | 60,000 miles |
| 2011 | 20 | 12% | 85,000 miles |
| 2010 | 53 | 5% | 70,000 miles |
| 2009 | 132 | 8% | 78,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Heater hose malfunction. No issues spotted but within 24 hours the car began to smoke and the hose obtained a leak and leak anti freeze while driving the entire hose blew up while car was in motion and came to a complete overheated stall in the middle of a busy intersection. I had to throw hazards on and could not exit the vehicle due to heavy traffic and unsafe conditions. No warning lights for a leak or empty reservoir where coolant goes. At blow up the antifreeze flushed to the engine and all oil flushed to the radiator cause an immediate engine block. No recalls for this hose but plenty of research on the hose needing to be removed and replaced with the previous version shaped as a letter Y. Purchased this vehicle brand new 3 years ago only 12 miles kept up with oil changes and new tires only issue I've ever had kept up with annual flushes and maintenance as well. …
The car has 40k miles on it with the extended power train warranty. On [redacted], I drove into Phoenix, AZ 35 minute drive from my home in Buckeye, AZ. As I turned down a road, I heard a "klink" and the engine only reved in both drive and reverse. I turned off the car and pushed it to a nearby parking lot. I was able to call my insurance company and have it towed to Larry H. Miller Avondale Dodge. I awaited for the service advisor to call me and when Mark did call, it was to inform me the computer could not read my car due to the ABS module possibly malfunctioned and this is causing the computer to not read my transmission sensors. I was then told the ABS module is discontinued and cannot be found. Due to this, I was told labor and programming would be roughly $696, however the price for the module is uncertain. It has now been 2 weeks without a vehicle that has a discontinued part.
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was restarted and then towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 78,598.
Transmission failure at 43,226 miles, costing me $7,471.96. Replacement required. These are known to be a faulty transmission having recalls at this time up through 2016. Mine is not yet included but should be as they are the same unit. A failure like this is uncalled for.
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 driving at night, the contact noticed that the headlights were significantly dim. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact had been driving with the high-beam headlights at night. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 35-45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal to merge into another lane, the vehicle failed to respond. The traction control warning light and an unknown warming light were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving 35-45 MPH, which required the contact to pull to the side of the road on each occasion. …
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the service AWD, ABS, and cruise control warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the same independent mechanic for the failure; however, the cause of the failure was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired because a permanent remedy had not been determined, and several unknown parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owned a 2017 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving, the gear shifter moved without warning. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000. The VIN was not available.
Related recalls (2)
Power train › Automatic transmission
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to April 18, 2016, 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2015, to January 29, 2016, and 2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured August 15, 2016, to April 15, 2016.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission pump, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Chrysler is recalling 712 my 2009 sebring, Dodge caliber, avenger, journey, Jeep patriot, and compass vehicles. A new adhesive used in the power train control module (PCM) manufacturing process can cause the printed circuit board to break.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the PCM free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2008. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Journey years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2009 (132), 2016 (87), 2015 (77), 2010 (53) and 2012 (36) model years. Transmission complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 2009.
Is there a recall for Dodge Journey transmission problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 16V-461 (automatic transmission, Jun 24, 2016); 08V-528 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Oct 9, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Journey transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles; 41% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (22 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (8).
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.