2009 Dodge Journey problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Electrical System (547) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic (161) · Engine (106)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Dodge Journey model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
993 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (4)
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections 2016-05-06 · campaign 16V273000 · 8,569 vehicles
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.
Fix: 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.
Air Bags:frontal 2016-01-29 · campaign 16V047000 · 110,482 vehicles
Defect: FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured December 31, 2007, to August 31, 2008, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured June 18, 2007, to August 31, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.
Risk: If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S07.
Air Bags 2014-06-26 · campaign 14V373000 · 722,705 vehicles
Defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured June 29, 2007, to June 17, 2010, and 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007
Risk: If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R03. Note: This is an expansion of recall 11V-139.
Electrical System:wiring 2010-12-24 · campaign 10V658000 · 64,934 vehicles
Defect: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 DODGE JOURNEY VEHICLES MANUFACTURER FROM NOVEMBER 1, 2007, THROUGH NOVEMBER 7, 2008. THE WIRES WITHIN THE FRONT DOOR WIRE HARNESSES MAY FATIGUE AND BREAK, WHICH CAN INTERRUPT THE CIRCUITS FOR THE SIDE IMPACT SENSOR(S), RESULTING IN AN AIRBAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATION AND LOSS OF SIDE CRASH SENSING CAPABILITY.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SIDE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY, REDUCING THE PROTECTION INTENDED FOR THE OCCUPANT AND INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
Fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT DOOR WIRING HARNESSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Service bulletins (52)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System 2025-07-28 · 106241 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
lamp - dome
Electrical System 2025-06-12 · 104974 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
lamp - dome
Electrical System 2025-05-01 · 103774 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
lamp - dome
Unknown Or Other 2025-04-02 · 103954 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
actuator - a/c and heater
Unknown Or Other 2025-04-02 · 104087 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
actuator - a/c and heater
Electrical System 2023-09-15 · 9100226 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
connector kit before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957a$, check it in the mopar connector repair kit website to confirm part number and applicability. there is an error with the wiring diagrams in service library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. please use
Showing the 6 most recent of 52 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-04-14 · Electrical System · 160,000 mi“the contact owns a 2009 dodge journey. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the totally integrated power module (tipm) had failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failu…”
2026-02-04 · Steering“power steering hose ruptured after a few days of snow and ice. i went to drive to the store but was unable to turn out of the driveway due to no power steering. i done some research to where i found out there was a recall for this same issue but evidently my vin # isn't included in this recall as while as many others i have read about online. i thi…”
2026-02-02 · Steering · 77,000 mi“the contact owns a 2009 dodge journey. the contact stated that while reversing in cold weather, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. upon inspection, the contact became aware that the power steering hose was leaking fluid and had detached. there were no warning lights illuminated. the contact related the failure to nhtsa campaign number: …”
2025-11-15 · Unknown Or Other“car doesnt start all the time when it does it ends up shutting off. it shuts off while driving, also cuts in and out while driving. …”
2025-10-20 · Unknown Or Other“the steering locked up could not turn or straighten car out. all electrical things lights air conditioning gas light just went haywire and is still not working. the shifting system i guess is what u call it started slipping out of gear like going into natural or first gear and nothing else. several cars had to serve to keep from getting hit at 70+ …”
2025-08-23 · Engine“i have issues starting it. new starter, new battery and it just dies. luckily i was parked when it died. i have children, if it dies while driving i could be in a serious car crash with my children in the car. i do not want to die, i love my car but i do not want to be put in danger because of this type of issue. i also do not want to be stranded s…”
2025-06-12 · Engine · 🔥 fire“the carbondale fire department was dispatched to a vehicle fire in the parking lot behind the above-listed address. fire personnel arrived and found a 2009 dodge journey with an engine compartment fire. fire personnel used tank water and a pre-connected 1 3/4 in. hose line to extinguish the fire. there were no exposures or damage to other property.…”
2025-02-06 · Air Bags“on [xxx] around [xxx] i was driving 25mph in alameda ca, and about two minutes into the ride, the airbag warning light came on. my fiance was in the passenger seat and our dog was in the back. about 15 minutes into the drive, my side airbags deployed without any collision or even bump in the road. i carefully and swiftly turned onto a side street a…”
2024-08-14 · Engine · 194,000 mi“the contact owns a 2009 dodge journey. the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. the vehicle was restarted and driven to the destination. the contact stated that the following day while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagn…”
2024-04-17 · Electrical System · 🔥 fire“no warning. car caught on fire due to electrical issues in the back lighter port. …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.