2016 Dodge Journey

Above average

Owners filed 386 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
56,000 milesMedian miles at failure

240 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine71
000
Electrical System63
010
Power Train56
210
Service Brakes41
402
Unknown or Other36
111
Seats26
104
Air Bags22
508
Electronic Stability Control (esc)13
001
Steering12
200
Vehicle Speed Control7
100

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Software18V332000
Filed May 17, 20184,815,661 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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 Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Risk. If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine16V907000
Filed Dec 16, 201642,231 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.

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. Chrysler's number for this recall is S89.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission16V461000
Filed Jun 24, 201626,298 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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. The transmission pump may seize causing a loss of hydraulic pressure.

Risk. If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Chrysler's number for this recall is S44.

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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint
Filed Sep 1, 2026145,490 milesVA

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver’s side headrest exploded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,490.

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera
Filed Jul 29, 2026VA

An authorized Dodge dealer replaced the original rearview backup camera under warranty in 2021 with Mopar replacement part 56054158AG. The replacement camera later became inoperative, displaying a black or distorted image and eventually no usable rearview image when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. I later received an official FCA US owner notification for Mopar replacement camera part 56054158AG under Safety Recall 60C (NHTSA Recall 25E-052). The owner notification states that the remedy is available. Attached are the dealer's 2021 warranty repair invoice documenting installation of part 56054158AG, the FCA recall notices, and the dealer's July 2026 service record documenting that there were no active recalls associated with the vehicle. When I presented the vehicle, the owner notification, and the repair documentation to the authorized dealer, I was told there is no active recall associated with the vehicle, and the dealer documented that there were no active recalls for the vehicle at that time. As a result, the dealer did not perform the recall repair. I am concerned that owners of vehicles with recalled replacement cameras may have no clear path to obtaining the recall remedy when the replacement part is documented but no active recall is associated with the vehicle. The backup camera remains inoperative, reducing rearward visibility while backing and increasing the risk of a crash.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 23, 2026IN

The rearview camera of my Dodge Journey, without warning, displayed an inverted screen in place of the rearview image. "A rearview image that is blank/black/blue or inverted reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash." I have received two safety recall letters from FCA describing this exact issue, but the recall does not show when searching via my vehicle's VIN. I took the vehicle to a local CJDR dealership, and the rearview camera needed to be replaced.

Engine
Filed Jul 2, 2026116,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-30 MPH, the engine made an abnormally loud sound. The check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had progressively worsened. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the driver's side of the cabin, underneath the steering wheel, was significantly hot while driving. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 11, 2026IN

The vehicle has experienced multiple sudden and complete losses of power without warning, creating a serious safety hazard. On May 22, 2026, while driving toward a parking lot exit, the engine abruptly shut off and all electrical systems powered down. After approximately five minutes, the vehicle restarted and I was able to leave. The failed component is UNKNOWN, and the vehicle is available for inspection. This condition puts me and others at risk because the vehicle can lose all power unexpectedly while in motion, increasing the risk of a crash due to loss of propulsion and reduced control. The issue has occurred three times and taken to the dealership 3 times: May 22, 2026 – complete shutdown while driving May 27, 2026 – shutdown while reversing; vehicle would not restart and required towing June 10, 2026 – shutdown again immediately when leaving dealership There were no warning lights, messages, or prior symptoms before any failure. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by a dealership. Each time, they reported no diagnostic trouble codes and no identified cause. The failures have not been reproduced under dealership testing conditions, despite repeated real-world occurrences, including immediately after release from service. No inspections by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives have occurred. Cause remains UNKNOWN. Due to the repeated, unpredictable loss of power and inability to diagnose or repair the issue, I believe the vehicle is unsafe to

Seats
Filed Jun 10, 2026FL

Headrest deployed and won't go bac in. The vehicle was just sitting in the driveway, when we ot in we noticed the headrest out.

Service Brakes
Filed May 29, 2026FL

The 2012-2015 Dodge Journey was previously subject to an NHTSA recall for an electronic stability control module defect producing similar ABS warning and brake-related symptoms. The 2016 model year was not included in that recall. Other 2016 Dodge Journey owners have reported the same symptoms to consumer complaint databases and noted the gap in recall coverage. The 2018 Dodge Journey was separately recalled for a brake caliper defect affecting braking performance. The defects I experienced on this 2016 vehicle appear consistent with a documented pattern across multiple Dodge Journey model years that may warrant extending recall coverage.

Service Brakes
Filed May 21, 2026WA

My abs, brake and traction light came on. I ran a code reader which indicated my abs module has failed. I called my local dodge garage and they said this is a known common issue with my year make and model, and while there is a recall for dodge trucks for this, there isn't for the journey. The part is also on backorder. I have looked on many forums and many dodge journey owners also have this issue. I use this car to get my children around and to school each day. When the weather turns, my car will no longer be safe. I am urging for this abs module to be on recall so it can get fixed, as even the dodge garage i called today confirmed the part isn't readily available due to how many dodge journeys have this issue.

Electrical System
Filed May 19, 2026TX

The air conditioner turns on by itself. When I turn it off it immediately turns itself back on. I have turned it off at least ten times repeatedly back to back and it continued to turn back on by itself. It can happen randomly sometimes, but has now become more of a problem.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 22, 2026SD

The traction control light, the service AWD light and the abs light are all on, the horn stopped working, the buttons on the steering wheel stopped working, the backup camera stopped working, the air in the back portion of the vehicle turns on randomly-and the temp to the back randomly adjusts on its own and the heated steering wheel control shuts off and doesn't work. I brought it in to the dealership to have the U49 recall completed but they said they don't have to inspect the wiring that is included into the functioning of the CAN bus system. All of these issues started within a week of each other and nothing fixes them.

Power Train
Filed Apr 8, 2026NV

The car started making a whining noise as I was exiting the highway. Within 2 minutes, the check engine light came on. Shortly after that as I was turning right on the street to enter the parking lot, the car lost power and would not move forward. THe car just lost power in the middle of the street as I was driving. I had someone look at the car and they said the transmission pump or transmission needs to be replaced. I read there was a recall: Recall Number: S44 (NHTSA Campaign 16V-461) Affected Vehicles: The recall affects approximately 26,299 vehicles, specifically 2016 Dodge Journey models manufactured between August 17, 2015, and January 29, 2016. 2. Issue: The transmission pump may seize, resulting in a loss of hydraulic pressure. This can lead to a complete loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash without warning. This is exactly what happened to me but my vin doesn't come up when I enter it on the website. I think my vehicle should have been included under the recall and transmission pump replaced.

Steering
Filed Feb 24, 2026147,000 milesWI

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH and turning left, the steering wheel was extremely stiff. The contact stopped, exited the vehicle, opened the hood, and became aware that the power steering hoses were disconnected. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the failure was associated with NHTSA ID Number: 16V273000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 147,000.

Back Over Prevention › Rearview System BrakingCrash
Filed Feb 12, 2026NY

The rear view camera has become unreliable. It sometimes flickers. It sometimes is upside down. It is sometimes gray. It works properly about 10% of the time. I believe it was a significant contributor to my backing into and damaging another vehicle in a parking lot. I understand that there is a recall notification (NHTSA 25V552; Chrysler 59C) for the Dodge Journey beginning with model year 2019. This vehicle is a 2016. I am not overly concerned about the specific accident noted above but do consider this a serious risk that should be reported.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Feb 10, 2026TX

Air bags did not deploy during an mvc

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 27, 2026220,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving 35-40 MPH, the engine started overheating. The message "Temperature High" was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the power windows were intermittently inoperable. While attempting to drive from a complete stop, the transmission failed to shift gears as intended. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal while driving, the engine revved, but the vehicle failed to respond as intended. Additionally, there was a discrepancy between the instrument cluster speedometer reading and the digital speedometer reading. The vehicle was taken to Wilcox & Sons Automotive, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the water pump, the radiator, the cooling system, and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 16V461000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.

Power Train
Filed Jan 21, 2026KY

I had to have my engine replaced Dan Cummins didn’t put the bolts back into my transfer case which caused me to need a new transfer case and sylnoids , now I am being told I need a new transmission.

Power Train
Filed Jan 7, 2026AZ

Started off with check engine light reaching the end of November 2025 then about a week later started to experience whining noises when accelerating, jerking and fluid started leaking. My safety and of others was put at risk because as the jerking happened out of nowhere when driving other vehicles could of hit me from behind. I looked up to see if there was any recalls and some did show up but when i reached out to the dealer they did not respond back. Then a independent service center looked into it and on their end they also saw the recall without me mentioning it and they reached out to the dealer and they were told there was no recall.

Power Train
Filed Dec 30, 2025MO

I have been having problems with my 2016 dodge journey crossroads loss of propulsion while accelerating and a p0841 with a whine noise. Car was made 6 /2016 door vin says it was made.

Steering
Filed Dec 9, 2025100,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started and running, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed a puddle of fluid on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the fluid was possibly power steering fluid. The contact was on the way to work, and while the vehicle was in reverse(R), there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the steering wheel. The contact stopped at an auto specialty store, and when the contact checked the power steering fluid reservoir, the reservoir was empty. The contact refilled the power steering fluid reservoir. The contact stated that later in the day the contact checked the power steering fluid reservoir was checked and was empty. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. There was abnormal sound coming from the steering wheel, and extra effort was needed to turn the steering wheel. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V273000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 18, 2025NY

I bought the car in 2019 . Since purchasing it has had electrical issues. The AC blew hot air, the rear windows did not work, the center console usb plug caught fire, the lights on dash flicker. Dome light comes on by itself. Now the head lights flicker and go out. I have had it checked , and on computers nothing comes up.I cannot even use cruise control because it speeds up on its own to high speeds. I contacted the dealership, I was told I was making it up, I took it in and was told they could not find anything. I have taken video, and even have numerous witnesses to this. This is just one of many issues.Three nights ago on my way home from the store all my lights went out on the highway. It was pitch black. I was lucky no one was around me and I was able to get off the near by exit without crashing. There is no recalls on my car but on the 2016 Dodge journey this is mentioned by numerous customers. I even contacted Dodge Chrysler and was told they have no records of any issues with my year make or model.

20 of 386 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2009
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202064110Routine
2019100100Routine
2018233620Above average
2017197270Routine
2016 — this page386440Above average
2015553690Above average
2014414780Above average
2013353490Above average
20123766130Above average
2011169440Routine
20109883160Above average
20091,4338301Fatalities reported
20088000Routine
20074000Routine

Compare every Journey year →

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: May 17, 2018. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.