Dodge Journey Common Faults: Reliability, Solutions And Breakdowns!
The Dodge Journey is a capable vehicle. Whether you use it for your long road trips or your daily driving needs, it is dependable and dependable as long as you take proper care of it. But nothing is perfect and ultimately the Dodge is no exception. We invite you to read about the common faults of the Dodge Journey !
It’s surprisingly affordable to maintain compared to other midsize SUVs. Also, it holds its value well. It only depreciates 40% after 5 years.
How good is the Dodge Journey?
The Dodge Journey received good scores in terms of reliability. Some pages rated it 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking sixth out of 26 vehicles in the same category. The Journey has a basic design with a comfortable interior.
You can easily go over 100,000 miles. If you follow the regular maintenance activities and service schedule, it can last up to 200,000+ miles without a problem.
Common Dodge Journey Faults
Your Dodge Journey may be reliable, but some model years may have their fair share of problems. Here are the common Dodge Journey faults that you may encounter:
1. Water leakage problems
The ride comfort of your 2009-2018 Dodge Journey can be ruined by moisture in the cabin due to water leaks. Some owners have experienced it around 58,000 miles . They have reported that the floor under the driver’s seat can get wet if the vehicle is exposed to rain.
Some have also shared that they found leaks near the rear of their vehicles, which can soak through your floors and carpet. They have reported that leaks can appear near windows, ceilings and vents. Sealing the leaking areas of your Journey can help you resolve this problem and prevent further interior damage.
2. Remote keyless entry system malfunction issues
The 2009-2017 Dodge Journey has many great features, but the remote keyless entry system probably isn’t one of them. It has been known to malfunction quite often. It’s one of the most reported problems, happening around 66,000 miles . It is indicated by a bad key reading or a “key not detected” message.
Some owners have also shared that it can affect the key fob and vehicle doors won’t lock or unlock. In addition to locking issues, the vehicle may not be able to detect the key, causing it to not start. There is no clear cause that might trigger this issue, but a wireless power node (WIN) software update may resolve it.
3. Drawbacks of motor overheating
The 2009-2016 Dodge Journey’s engine has a tendency to overheat once it reaches around 78,000 miles. The most likely cause is coolant flow problems due to debris blocking the coolant port on the primary thermostat head. At first, the vehicle temperature light may come on, but it can get worse over time.
Some owners have shared that their vehicles were losing power, gradually leading to overheating . The vehicle can develop coolant leaks, which can become too much for your overflow reservoir and cause coolant to spill. If you suspect your Journey has this problem, take your vehicle to a mechanic to remove debris or replace the thermostat housing if necessary.
4. Head gasket failure
2014 Dodge Journey head gasket problems are notorious among vehicle owners. It can start with performance issues, progressing over time and causing the engine to misfire or not run at all. It may be due to damaged or cracked head gaskets.
Some owners have shared that they have leaking or blown head gaskets , which can cause serious engine damage. They have recommended a compression test to determine if the head gaskets are faulty. If they are damaged, you can replace them yourself or take your vehicle to a professional. This can occur with Dodge Journey vehicles around 100,000 miles.
5. Stiff and erratic transmission problems
Dodge Journey transmission problems are common with the 2014 model year. It happens around 15,000 miles and there is no clear cause as to why it happens. Some owners have shared that the transmission can become stiff and erratic , making abnormal sounds when shifting.
They have also shared that they have taken their vehicles to dealerships but are unable to figure out the cause. A few transmission related Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) have been published over the years, specifically #10140106 and #10170368. However, there is no guarantee that they will be able to help solve this problem. If you’re experiencing transmission problems with your Dodge Journey, you’re not alone.
6. Failure of worn brakes
One of the most annoying problems with the 2009-2010 Dodge Journey is its brakes which are prone to premature wear. This occurs on relatively new Journey vehicles around 33,000 miles. Some owners have shared that the problem can become serious.
Some shared that they needed to get their brake discs, calipers, rotors, and pads replaced, but they may wear out again not long after their last repair.
Some reports say it can be quite expensive because each replacement can cost up to $400, depending on parts and labor costs. It’s a common problem, but some owners have shared that Dodge didn’t cover any of their repair costs.
7. Drawbacks cause electrical problems
2009 Dodge Journey electrical problems can cause your engine not to start at all. You may experience these problems settling in at around 60,000 miles. Some owners have shared that their vehicles may not start most of the time, forcing them to abandon their vehicles and get them towed.
Some owners have reported that their Journeys may also shut down while driving in the middle of the road. They have commented that replacing the starter or key fob may resolve the issue, but it is not a guaranteed fix. Other model years may also have these issues , so take your vehicle to your mechanic if you suspect electrical issues.
The 2009 Journey is also known for its faulty wiring, which has led to several recalls. It was recalled in 2008 for a faulty wiring harness, which can cause a vehicle fire if not repaired immediately.
The same model was recalled in 2009 for a faulty electrical connector, which can get too hot and potentially catch fire. If you have an affected vehicle, take it to your dealer and you can get all repairs related to the recall free of charge.
To complete
Buying a new or used vehicle always carries some risk. Finding out about the possible problems of the model you are interested in can help you decide. If you know the problems of your Dodge Journey, you will be able to manage them well as soon as they occur. Be sure to research the model year you have in mind and clarify any details with the seller before you seal the deal.
