“I was driving to work and my ABS and Traction control light came on while driving in the rain and started hydroplaning on the highway now my brakes are not working properly”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 13, 2024
“The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the ABS and brake warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle had experienced a similar failure as mentioned in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control, Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired.”
Owner complaint, filed Sep 9, 2022 at 80,000 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the brakesRecall (red: the brakes)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2013 Journey peaked in 2019, with 57 filed that year. No recall on file covers the brakes, the subject of 16% of the complaints. In 2026 owners filed 7 so far.
Filed Jul 7, 2017363,480 vehiclesChrysler (FCA US LLC)
Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may unexpectedly deploy if the air bag wiring harness gets chafed within the steering wheel and short circuits.
Risk. Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.
Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag wiring within the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary. A protective cover will also be installed. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T47.
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections16V273000
Filed May 6, 20168,569 vehiclesChrysler (FCA US LLC)
Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 31, 2007, to November 12, 2016. After exposure to cold temperatures, the power steering return hose may rupture at engine start-up causing a loss of power steering assist.
Risk. A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler, free of charge. The recall began on May 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S08.
Filed Oct 19, 2015275,187 vehiclesChrysler (FCA US LLC)
Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured April 21, 2012, to April 14, 2015. In the affected vehicles, water may enter the wiring harness for the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module and leak into the module, disabling the ABS and/or the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
Risk. If the ABS or ESC is disabled, a loss of vehicle stability could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will seal the ABS wiring harness to prevent water from entering and will replace the ABS module and repair the headlamp and dash wiring harness, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R61.
Filed Jul 7, 2015145,379 vehiclesChrysler (FCA US LLC)
Defect. 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.
Risk. If the displaced engine cover contacts the exhaust manifold, there would be an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R32.
All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 2 name the 2013 Journey.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-008 on May 1, 2023 to investigate an incident involving a 2009 Dodge Journey alleging occupant entrapment during a vehicle fire that resulted in a fatality. During the investigation, ODI collected information from the manufacturer and involved parties to confirm or refute the defect allegation. ODI has determined that additional reports of vehicle entrapment exist for other model year Dodge Journey vehicles. ODI continues to explore the cause of the thermal event and its potential effect on the actuation of the door locks. ODI also …
Active Head Rest Inadvertent DeploymentPreliminary evaluation PE19014Closed
Opened Sep 9, 2019Closed Feb 25, 2026seats
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments …
Technical service bulletins
248 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2013 Journey. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
electrical system 55equipment 52engine 41body and frame 23transmission 23seats 11suspension 7visibility 6
Active Head Restraint (AHR) Inadvertent Deployment - X84 Warranty Extension This bulletin involves inspecting the sled bracket striker pin and possibly replacing a front seat AHR that has inadvertently deployed. Customers may comment on the following: The AHR is deployed on one or both front seats and will not reset.
Active Head Restraint (AHR) Inadvertent Deployment - X84 Warranty Extension This bulletin involves inspecting the sled bracket striker pin and possibly replacing a front seat AHR that has inadvertently deployed. Customers may comment on the following:The AHR is deployed on one or both front seats and will not reset.
23-027-20Warranty extensionNov 6, 2020equipment
Active Head Restraint (AHR) Inadvertent Deployment - X84 Warranty Extension This bulletin involves inspecting the sled bracket striker pin and possibly replacing a front seat AHR that has inadvertently deployed. Customers may comment on the following:The AHR is deployed on one or both front seats and will not reset.
Antilock Brake System Control Module Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) control module on about 275,600 of the above vehicles may have a ground wire eyelet on the right front shock tower that allows water to wick through the ground wire case and into the ABS module. Moisture in the ABS module could disable the ABS and/or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) …
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version tested
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk
2013 Dodge Journey SUV 4WD
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
17.9%
2013 Dodge Journey SUV FWD
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
18.5%
New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Aug 27, 2026153,000 milesMD
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving, the ABS, brake, and traction control warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ABS module had failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed by the mechanic that the replacement ABS module was no longer available from the manufacturer. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control(ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the same failure as described in the recall. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,000.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 12, 2026TN
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the air bag and ABS warning lights illuminated, and the cruise control feature became inoperable. The contact received notifications for Manufacturer Recalls: R61 and T47; and the vehicle was taken to a dealer where the air bag wiring harness and the ABS module water ingress were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred approximately five years later. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical System1 injured
Filed Jun 29, 2026CA
Incident occurred onJune 29, 2026 approximately around 6 pm. The system in question is the electrical. I was pulling out of the parking space at the Safeway parking lot, my arm was rested on the driver side door, window was down, and I heard the automatic door locks engaged. At that exact moment I felt a heavy shock go through my arm. I screamed, and at first I did not know what happened. As I was driving home, I knew the shock had come from my arm resting on the door lock. My left arm had a visible red mark. The incident had just now occurred so it has not been confirmed by anyone. No warning lights, messages, or symptoms.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 26, 2026FL
ABS Module failure. Replaced ABS module with brand new Mopar replacement. ABS module still will not communicate with system. No traction control, cruise control, multiple lights in dash.
EngineFire1 injured
Filed Mar 2, 2026267,000 milesNC
The contact owned a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V432000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that previously, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle would hesitate to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine oil pressure warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact managed to pull over at a local gas station and noticed black smoke leaking from under the hood. The contact stated that after she depressed the release hood latch button, the engine fire increased and rose in size. The contact was able to safely exit the vehicle. The contact managed to obtain a nearby fire extinguisher and extinguished the fire with the help of nearby pedestrians. The local fire deparment arrive on scene and filed a report. A police report was not filed. The contact sought medical attention for severe mental distress. The fire department deems the source of the fire was possibly due to engine oil. Upon further investigation, a local independent mechanic diagnosed the source of the fire as an engine main wireharness failure. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard, where it was diagnosed as a total loss by the insurance provider and later transported to the contact's residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 267,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 5, 2026FL
I received TWO safety recalls that my dealer has never fixed. One for the ABS System R61/NHTSA 15V-675 and one for the beauty cover R32/NHTSA 15V-431. I was supposed to be contacted when the parts were available and never was. My beauty cover has come off and my ABS system randomly turns off. I am not sure who reported that these repairs for the recalls were completed but they were not. I would like them to be completed before my car either catches fire OR my ABS gives out and I get in an accident.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 30, 2026NY
We were driving our vehicle and suddenly the car shut down. It basically stopped running. Dash lights on, heater blower going etc but speed was dropping to 0 quickly. We were in a small town so we could pull over but had it been a highway it could have caused major issue pending what lane you were in. There was no warning, no sign like a check engine light nothing. I got out and checked the engine area everything looked fine, continued moving and tapping things and finally shut the hood ready to call road side assistance because it had been about 30 min when we decided to try one more time to start it. We were getting cranking but no start and then after 30 min and poking around tapping it started right up. We already replaced alternator, battery, belt etc. But it just randomly shuts down. One day it started to shut down and then kicked back on again. But there is no warning, no check engine, no pending codes, no sign anything is wrong it just shuts down. Scary when you have a family you use the car for and it is winter with below freezing temps.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 20, 2025GA
Cusumer choice automotive 1706 lower Roswell rd. Sold me a vehicle with a branded title with /knowledge it was a total loss vehicle now the ABS and traction lights or on the seatbelt deployed light is on air sensor light on and brakes or grinding I purchased on 10-4- 2025 this is November-20-2025 I asked for refund and to cancel they say as is not sure this is a wreck or flooded vehicle
Engine
Filed Nov 9, 2025AR
Oil filter housing cap broke during Oil filter change.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 7, 2025FL
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of a fluid leak underneath the front end of the vehicle. The “Low Oil” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken for an oil change, and the contact was informed that the oil level was adequate, and the oil was clean. The contact was informed that the warning light might be faulty. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer found 5 holes in the radiator. The radiator was replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the engine also needed to be replaced. The engine was not replaced. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
Seats
Filed Sep 17, 2025CA
On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at approximately 1:30 PM, the driver’s side headrest, part of my 2013 Dodge Journey’s AHR (Active Head Restraint) system suddenly exploded for no apparent reason. I was alone in the vehicle, waiting to make a left turn. The sudden loud, sharp sound and impact to the back of my head startled and stunned me; I felt as if I had been rear ended. I looked back but there was no one behind me. Not knowing what had happened, I felt scared and light headed. I was still able to complete my turn but I pulled over to compose myself and ensure that I was okay. I didn’t become aware of the failure of the headrest until I returned home and my husband inspected the vehicle. As I write this incident report 24 hours after it occurred, I am experiencing soreness and discomfort in my neck and plan to seek a medical assessment. The vehicle is available for inspection until repairs are made. The manufacturer acknowledges that the sudden failure of this component is a defect for this vehicle but as yet it has not been the subject of a recall. No inspection of the head rest component by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.
Electrical System
Filed Aug 19, 2025NY
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed and the Push to START button was pressed; however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the brake pedal felt firm and added force was needed to depress the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) system failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that most recently, the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Seats
Filed Apr 1, 2025FL
My headrest randomly deployed/opened. I have contacted the dealership, and spoke directly, with Dodge; still no success. I have been trying to get this issue fixed for over a year; I still have a broken headrest that hurts my neck and makes it uncomfortable to drive. Please RECALL the headrest for 2013 Dodge Journey! This is my second form and NOTHING has been done yet!!
Seats
Filed Mar 28, 2025FL
The driver side seat headrest cushion deployed automatically. There was no car collision. I noticed the seat headrest deployed after returning to the car hours later. I liked into the interior back side of the cushion part and I saw broken pieces inside.
Seats1 injured
Filed Jan 23, 2025WI
We were going thru the park we did not hit anything nor where we going fast we were only going 14/15 mph . I was sitting in the pasenger seat and all of a sudden we heard what sounded like a loud pop and my head was hit by the head rest for no reason . We were not in an accident or anthing to cause it to just all of a sudden deploy.
Engine
Filed Jan 8, 2025AR
The Catalytic Converter is the issue per our mechanic. We have had several issues out of the the vehicle, resulting in more money than the car is worth. The car no longer reaches over 55-60 mph, which is unsafe on the highway. Many times the car wont start. We thought it was the battery which have been changed several times, but the last mechanic stated it in fact the recall part that is needed.
Engine
Filed Dec 8, 2024AL
Recently I have been having issues with the rear back up camera in the vehicle not working turning off beeping when nothing is around, also glitching and showing the camera upside down. I am also experiencing battery drainage in the vehicle I have just had the battery replaced and the alternator replaced as well, while I am searching online for common issues this seems to be happening to a large amount of people and the issues just keep equaling out to more then one problem. Motors staying on, electrical problems, constant power draws, many more issues I have many links to articles with dodge journey owners having numerous issues and dodge not wanting to fix anything or recall things to fix their mistakes. I can add links to this page. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 13, 2024OH
I was driving to work and my ABS and Traction control light came on while driving in the rain and started hydroplaning on the highway now my brakes are not working properly
Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 29, 2024CA
The drive seat headrest popped open for no apparent reason. My son had placed a hand on the back of the seat when entering the back seat and it just popped right open. From what I understand this is a safety feature when in an accident. That feature is no longer working so that places myself at risk when driving. It obviously malfunctioned, and needs to be replaced. I have not yet taken it to get serviced. There were no warning lights regarding this issue and this happened about six months ago.
Seats
Filed Jul 25, 2024NC
As I was driving to pick my son up from work at 10pm, I started to drive my 2013 dodge journey sxt and noticed my head position didn't feel right. I got to my sons job and as we were making our way to the gas station to get gas before we headed home my headrest hit me in the back of the head randomly. The active headrest sprung forward hitting me in the back of the head. Luckily I was not driving at that moment or it could have caused me to crash, being that it was night time and raining. I got home where I could get my flash light out and give it a good looking over and realized that it the clips on the inside of the active headrest broke. I tried to reset the headrest to dee if there was some other mechanism that would let it re-clip back in place and it just keeps springing forward. I have not taken it to get it looked at yet as I am writing you on the same night of the incident. I tool a picture of the headrest in it sprung forward state. I have also read alot of reviews on cargurus website about other dodge journey owners having the same issues. Over 20 complaints regarding this same issue. There were jo warning signs other than me noticing my head position felt strange before the headrest completely sprung forward.
Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint
Filed Jul 19, 202478,000 milesNY
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact heard a loud explosion and was struck in the back of the head. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road, and the contact observed that the driver's side headrest had unintendedly deployed. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the headrest needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the headrest needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Seats
Filed Jul 7, 2024IN
We were pulling out of a parking lot on to the road and the riverside head headrest “exploded” open. We have looked and seen that some weee recalled but ours was not apart of the recall.
Air Bags
Filed Jun 30, 2024FL
There was no damage to my headrest when I parked my car on the evening of: June 29, 2024. On Sunday morning; June 30, 2024. When I entered my vehicle. I learned that the driver seat headrest; airbag deployed/busted open for no apparent reason. My children travel with me in this vehicle. This is very, very dangerous!
Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint
Filed Jun 4, 2024180,000 milesWA
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while her husband was driving out of the driveway, the passenger's side headrest abruptly exploded. No injuries were reported. The contact related to the failure with the Extended Warranty Program: Active Head Restraint (AHR) Inadvertent Deployment- X88 Warranty Extension. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, it was confirmed that the vehicle was no longer covered under the warranty extension. The contact received notification of the communication. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed May 23, 2024PA
The contact owned a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in a parking lot, she had observed a small amount of smoke but was not aware of where the smoke was being emitted. The contact stated that she was alerted that her vehicle had burst into flames. The contact stated that when she was able to get to her vehicle the flames had been extinguished by the fire department and it was being towed away. The contact stated that the police were on the scene and issued a report. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an impound lot and her insurance provider declared the vehicle a total loss. The contact was advised by her insurance provider that her vehicle had an open recall, NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V431000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which had not been completed. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Air Bags
Filed May 6, 2024132,000 milesCA
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the front passenger’s side headrest air bag independently deployed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 132,300.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jan 22, 202489,000 milesNY
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and driving through slush or snow on the ground, the traction control failed to operate as designed. The message to check all-wheel drive was displayed. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 11, 2024NC
I got in my car to go to work and noticed that the front headrests were busted open. I didn't not know that there were airbags in them, but apparently there are? The car has not been in an accident and was just sitting in my driveway. I have read up on this a little and it has happened to many other people as well. There is no reason for the cause, just a defect.
Engine
Filed Nov 15, 2023CA
Battery, car started turning off. Turned off on us when we made a stop right after getting off of freeway, luckily no car were coming. Changed Battery but still had problems. Then check engine light turned on, car stared pulling, had a mechanic check it and said it was the engine. We would have to replace it and that's those kind of cars we're having a lot of problems.
Electrical System
Filed Oct 24, 2023CT
Electrical system keeps failing. Ecm emitts erroneous commands and changing it doesn’t solve the problem. Dealer won’t work on it and Chrysler doesn’t know. Research says that this is happening by the thousands.
Power Train
Filed Sep 24, 2023MI
My 2013 Dodge Journey is just one of thousands of Dodge/Chrysler/GM vehicles to have transmission failures with this type of engine (3.6L V6) and transmission (62TE). These transmission units are exorbitantly expensive and fail time and again paired with these engines on vehicles such as CARAVAN, TOWN & COUNTRY, 200, AVENGER, JOURNEY. This was a serious misstep and miscalculation by these companies, and they are costing their customers thousands upon thousands of dollars. Dodge and Chrysler (now Stellantis) should be held accountable, especially since they are now a conglomerate of the most consistently unreliable vehicles (Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, Ram, Fiat).
Seats
Filed Aug 23, 2023CA
My headrest on my passenger seat employed during the night. My wife noticed it in the morning when she went to turn the car on for work. My safety or whoever would be sitting in the passenger could be compromised if the headrest would’ve went off while driving. We are worried now that our driver seat might activate for no apparent reason. That would put myself or anyone else on the road in danger.
Electrical System
Filed Aug 20, 2023OR
The car inside electrical would turn on, radio on, lighting on, fan on, but the engine light would be on and the car would not start. Not even a tow truck can jump it. I've fixed it once and they said it was the alternator, but that was 6 mths ago.
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 9, 2023WI
Was told of a catalytic converter recall
Air Bags
Filed Jul 22, 2023TX
I was just pulling out of my driveway and it broke open air bag hasn't deployed but driver side head rest air bag compartment sounded like a small explosion but it broke open. There was no accident, I didn't hit anything just did it on it's own.
Power Train
Filed Jun 19, 2023MI
Our 2013 dodge journey has been fixed three times off for the driveshaft. The mechanic shop keeps stating that the bolts are falling out and they have no reason to give us. We have to purchase the boats from that dealership in the cost a good amount of money, and we’ve only had the car for about four years
Engine
Filed Apr 13, 2023TN
Transmission mount and engine mount and drive shaft mount breaking all the time. Transmission going out on vehicle.
Engine
Filed Mar 11, 2023KY
Many things had to be fixed like the camshift senor, tps, new battery after 2 months. the car will only crack and crack it will not fire. have took it everywhere and never get the answer as to what is wrong with it. the key fob will work hit and miss will show no key
Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint
Filed Mar 1, 202374,000 milesFL
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the front passenger’s side headrest air bag deployed without warning or impact. There were no reported injuries. The contact called the local dealer who informed her that the repair was not covered under warranty. The dealer referred her to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Power Train
Filed Jan 19, 2023WY
My spark plugs were causing issue I had them replaced 6 months later my car starts throwing the same code they just keep resetting it saying nothing is wrong. Lately after my last oil change my coolant isn’t propelling through the engine properly and my car will under heat when traveling hills
Power Train
Filed Nov 16, 2022CA
In the past 3 years I have had my transmission go out on my vehicle 3 times. All 3 times I was driving when it happened and my car just stopped shifting or would not shift past 2nd gear. I have spoken to numerous mechanics about this issue, and every single one has told me that is a know issue with my specific type of dodge. It is an extreme safety issue to be getting on the freeway and have your transmission suddenly stop working. It is also ridiculous that consumers should have to come out of pocket 5K every 20,000 miles or so to fix or replace a defective transmission that dodge refuses to deal with. I contacted Dodge customer service to try and get my transmission fixed and was told that since they have not recalled it, they will not help me cover the cost. What I don't understand is why they have not issued a recall. If dodge service centers know about the issue, then dodge corporation should, and they should have dealt with this year's ago. I have documentation of the first 2 repairs, and an estimate for this latest one but can not include them from the device I am on.
Seats
Filed Nov 4, 2022UT
On November 2nd, 2022, while driving home with my teenage son in the passenger seat with his head leaning back on the headrest, the headrest spontaneously sprang/deployed and thrust his head forward toward the front of the car. When we got home, I looked into the headrest and found the latching pin broke away from the housing and deployed the headrest. This is available for inspection as I cannot put the broken headrest back into my vehicle. Fortunately, my son was not injured as far as we know. We will be having the local dealership look at the headrest tomorrow 11/5/22
Seats
Filed Oct 16, 2022AZ
The driver side headrest has snapped from its plastic hinges inside that keep the front cushion part attached the the back plastic cover. It happened while I was driving with my children in the vehicle and could have caused an accident!
Steering
Filed Sep 20, 202274,000 milesMA
The contact's wife owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The stated while driving 65 MPH, the power steering assist failed without warning. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle off to the side of the roadway. The contact got a ride home and trailered the vehicle back to his residence. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V273000 (Steering). The dealer was notified of the issue and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 19, 2022IN
The front passenger head rest deployed while parked due to the plastic piece inside the head rest broke that holds the pin that locks the head rest in place.
Vehicle Speed Control › Throttle
Filed Sep 12, 202282,000 milesPA
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact then stated that her husband was able to tow the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where they disconnected the Bluetooth module. The contact stated that the vehicle was operable however, a few days later, while driving, the check engine and throttle body warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled again. The contact stated that she allowed the vehicle to rest for fifteen minutes to before being able to restart the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to an inspection station to be inspected but failed due to the mass air flow sensor. The contact stated that she took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the mass air flow sensor needed to be replaced. The mass air flow sensor was replaced however, the vehicle failed inspection again. The contact then stated that on another occasion while driving, the vehicle failed to respond while the accelerator pedal was depressed and stalled without warning. The traction control, check engine, and the electronic throttle control warning lights remained illuminated. The contact was concerned for her safety while operating the vehicle. The contact then stated that she took the vehicle to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle body and cranksh
Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Abs Warning Light
Filed Sep 9, 202280,000 milesFL
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the ABS and brake warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle had experienced a similar failure as mentioned in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control, Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Jul 21, 2022FL
I was getting into leave my car and three lights came up. The traction light, ABS, and my Brake light. It rained really hard yesterday and now I have all three lights on my dash. Supposedly the recall is no more and I have to pay out of pocket. I just bought this car back in May of 2022. I should not be held responsible for paying out of pocket for this recall. I need help getting this fixed.
Suspension
Filed Jun 11, 2022MN
I purchased a 2013 dodge journey approximately 8 months ago. Before I bought it I asked the salesperson if the front end was out of alignment, as it pulled to the right. He told me everything was checked, and it was in excellent condition. He told me the reason it pulled to the right is that the roads were made with a slight slant for water to run off. It continued to pull, although it was drivable. When the snow fell, Oct. 2021, and the roads were packed with snow and ice I could barely keep the vehicle on the road. It kept wanting to swerve off the road to the right. I had to drive 20 miles an hour to and from work on bad roads. There were times I had to stop as I felt little to no control. I had never had anything like this happen to me. I called Iron Trail Motors in Virginia, MN (where I purchased it) and explained what was happening. The person I spoke to said their car was slipping back and forth, also. She said she had an SUV and they aren't easy to control in the winter. I've had to replace 3 different wheel bearings in that time. I was just in the shop last week. They told me the reason the wheel bearings were going is the LR and RR upper and lower control arms were bad. Lateral links. They must have been bad when I bought the vehicle, along with many other repairs. The work they need to do is $1200 -$1700. I was informed driving with a bad control arm is dangerous. To start, a control arm is a hinged suspension link situated between the chassis and the suspension up
Seats
Filed Jun 5, 2022SC
My car was parked in the driveway and when I went to leave in my car I noticed the headrest felt odd. I got out of the car to inspect it and found that the active head rest had deployed. The vehicle has not been in an accident and was parked at time of incident.
Complaints 1-50 of 353, newest first, reproduced as filed.
It is not among the Journey years to avoid. Owners filed 353 complaints, against about 365 for a typical Journey year. The most common complaint is about the brakes (16%). In NHTSA crash tests it scored 4 stars overall.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Dodge Journey?
The brakes: 58 of the 353 complaints (16%) are about it. Owners most often say it sets off warning lights on the dash (21%), knocks, grinds or clunks (7%) and loses its brakes or the pedal sinks (7%). The typical report comes at 65,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2013 Dodge Journey have?
4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jul 7, 2017. The largest, 17V432000, covered 363,480 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2013 Dodge Journey problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 72,000 miles. For the brakes the midpoint is 65,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2013 Dodge Journey?
Yes, 2 times. The latest, EA24003 ("Vehicle entrapment"), was opened Aug 1, 2024 and is still open.
Are there service bulletins for the 2013 Dodge Journey?
The manufacturer filed 248 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (55), the engine (41) and the body and frame (23). They include a warranty extension, U67 Combo Rev11, filed Jun 18, 2026. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Jul 7, 2017. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.