Dodge Journey: best & worst years

Based on CarVitals reliability verdicts, the Dodge Journey years to approach with the most caution are 2009, 2010, and 2012. Below is every model year we cover (2009–2020), ranked, with the owner-reported problems behind each call.

Every Dodge Journey year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2020 Caution 6 The base 2.4L four-cylinder draws complaints of power loss, stalling and overheating, and is underpowered and thirsty for the vehicle's size.; Electrical and wiring problems (no-start, warning lights, accessory and lighting failures) persist across the production run, the recurring Journey complaint. Full report ↗
2019 Caution 6 The base 2.4L four-cylinder draws complaints of power loss, stalling and overheating, and is underpowered and thirsty for the vehicle's size.; Electrical and wiring problems (no-start, warning lights, accessory and lighting failures) persist across the production run, the recurring Journey complaint. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 6 Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk on many model years; confirm the recall was completed before purchase.; The base 2.4L four-cylinder draws complaints of power loss, stalling and overheating, and is underpowered and thirsty for the vehicle's size.; Electrical and wiring problems (no-start, warning lights, accessory and lighting failures) persist across the production run, the recurring Journey complaint. Full report ↗
2017 Caution 6 Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk on many model years; confirm the recall was completed before purchase.; The base 2.4L four-cylinder draws complaints of power loss, stalling and overheating, and is underpowered and thirsty for the vehicle's size.; Electrical and wiring problems (no-start, warning lights, accessory and lighting failures) persist across the production run, the recurring Journey complaint. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 5 Active head restraints can deploy spontaneously without a crash, striking occupants in the head and neck; subject to a Chrysler safety recall to reprogram the power module or replace the occupant-restraint control module.; Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk on many model years; confirm the recall was completed before purchase.; The base 2.4L four-cylinder draws complaints of power loss, stalling and overheating, and is underpowered and thirsty for the vehicle's size. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 5 Active head restraints can deploy spontaneously without a crash, striking occupants in the head and neck; subject to a Chrysler safety recall to reprogram the power module or replace the occupant-restraint control module.; ABS / electronic-stability-control module faults trigger warning lights and, in some cases, unexpected brake behavior; covered by recall on the 2012-2015 models.; Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk on many model years; confirm the recall was completed before purchase. Full report ↗
2014 Caution 5 Active head restraints can deploy spontaneously without a crash, striking occupants in the head and neck; subject to a Chrysler safety recall to reprogram the power module or replace the occupant-restraint control module.; ABS / electronic-stability-control module faults trigger warning lights and, in some cases, unexpected brake behavior; covered by recall on the 2012-2015 models.; Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk on many model years; confirm the recall was completed before purchase. Full report ↗
2013 Caution 5 Active head restraints can deploy spontaneously without a crash, striking occupants in the head and neck; subject to a Chrysler safety recall to reprogram the power module or replace the occupant-restraint control module.; ABS / electronic-stability-control module faults trigger warning lights and, in some cases, unexpected brake behavior; covered by recall on the 2012-2015 models.; Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk on many model years; confirm the recall was completed before purchase. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 5 Active head restraints can deploy spontaneously without a crash, striking occupants in the head and neck; subject to a Chrysler safety recall to reprogram the power module or replace the occupant-restraint control module.; Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk on many model years; confirm the recall was completed before purchase.; The base 2.4L four-cylinder draws complaints of power loss, stalling and overheating, and is underpowered and thirsty for the vehicle's size. Full report ↗
2012 Avoid 4 Active head restraints can deploy spontaneously without a crash, striking occupants in the head and neck; subject to a Chrysler safety recall to reprogram the power module or replace the occupant-restraint control module.; ABS / electronic-stability-control module faults trigger warning lights and, in some cases, unexpected brake behavior; covered by recall on the 2012-2015 models.; Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk on many model years; confirm the recall was completed before purchase. Full report ↗
2010 Avoid 4 Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failures cause no-start, intermittent stalling, erratic electrical behavior (lights, gauges, door locks) and in rare cases underhood fires; the single most-reported defect on early Journeys.; Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk; owners also report airbag and occupant-classification warning lights.; Premature brake wear and ABS/brake-warning faults are commonly reported, including hydraulic-brake complaints. Full report ↗
2009 Avoid 3 Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failures cause no-start, intermittent stalling, erratic electrical behavior (lights, gauges, door locks) and in rare cases underhood fires; the single most-reported defect on early Journeys.; Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk; owners also report airbag and occupant-classification warning lights.; Premature brake wear and ABS/brake-warning faults are commonly reported, including hydraulic-brake complaints. Full report ↗

Dodge Journey problems by year

2020 Dodge Journey Caution

The final and most trouble-free model year, with the lowest complaint volume of the run. Still a dated design with poor resale and a slow base 2.4L, but a cheap, roomy three-row that is the safest used-Journey pick.

  • The base 2.4L four-cylinder draws complaints of power loss, stalling and overheating, and is underpowered and thirsty for the vehicle's size.
  • Electrical and wiring problems (no-start, warning lights, accessory and lighting failures) persist across the production run, the recurring Journey complaint.

2019 Dodge Journey Caution

Low complaint volume and a settled design make this one of the better used Journeys, though it stays dated with mediocre resale and a weak base engine. Affordable, practical three-row; the V6 is worth seeking.

  • The base 2.4L four-cylinder draws complaints of power loss, stalling and overheating, and is underpowered and thirsty for the vehicle's size.
  • Electrical and wiring problems (no-start, warning lights, accessory and lighting failures) persist across the production run, the recurring Journey complaint.

2018 Dodge Journey Caution

Among the more trouble-free Journeys, with scattered electrical, lighting and seat complaints. A value three-row family hauler: cheap to buy and roomy, but thirsty base engine and poor resale. Verify recall completion.

  • Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk on many model years; confirm the recall was completed before purchase.
  • The base 2.4L four-cylinder draws complaints of power loss, stalling and overheating, and is underpowered and thirsty for the vehicle's size.
  • Electrical and wiring problems (no-start, warning lights, accessory and lighting failures) persist across the production run, the recurring Journey complaint.

2017 Dodge Journey Caution

Complaint volume drops notably; mostly electrical and Takata-airbag items remain. A dated but improving three-row with affordable pricing, average-to-higher repair costs and weak resale. Confirm airbag recall completion.

  • Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk on many model years; confirm the recall was completed before purchase.
  • The base 2.4L four-cylinder draws complaints of power loss, stalling and overheating, and is underpowered and thirsty for the vehicle's size.
  • Electrical and wiring problems (no-start, warning lights, accessory and lighting failures) persist across the production run, the recurring Journey complaint.

2016 Dodge Journey Caution

Powertrain and engine-overheating complaints stand out, with electrical faults still present. One of the steadier later Journeys, but the aging design, slow base 2.4L and poor resale temper it; seek the 3.6L V6.

  • Active head restraints can deploy spontaneously without a crash, striking occupants in the head and neck; subject to a Chrysler safety recall to reprogram the power module or replace the occupant-restraint control module.
  • Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk on many model years; confirm the recall was completed before purchase.
  • The base 2.4L four-cylinder draws complaints of power loss, stalling and overheating, and is underpowered and thirsty for the vehicle's size.

2015 Dodge Journey Caution

Active head-restraint deployment and Takata airbag recalls drive a high complaint count, with engine issues also reported. One of the more livable later years once recalls are confirmed done; cheap three-row, weak resale.

  • Active head restraints can deploy spontaneously without a crash, striking occupants in the head and neck; subject to a Chrysler safety recall to reprogram the power module or replace the occupant-restraint control module.
  • ABS / electronic-stability-control module faults trigger warning lights and, in some cases, unexpected brake behavior; covered by recall on the 2012-2015 models.
  • Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk on many model years; confirm the recall was completed before purchase.

2014 Dodge Journey Caution

Engine, electrical and head-restraint-deployment complaints persist, with Takata airbags recalled. The V6 is dependable; avoid the sluggish 2.4L. Affordable and roomy but holds value poorly and repair costs run higher than average.

  • Active head restraints can deploy spontaneously without a crash, striking occupants in the head and neck; subject to a Chrysler safety recall to reprogram the power module or replace the occupant-restraint control module.
  • ABS / electronic-stability-control module faults trigger warning lights and, in some cases, unexpected brake behavior; covered by recall on the 2012-2015 models.
  • Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk on many model years; confirm the recall was completed before purchase.

2013 Dodge Journey Caution

Spontaneous active-head-restraint deployment (recalled) and Takata airbags headline the safety record, alongside electrical and engine complaints. Cheap three-row practicality but unremarkable reliability and weak resale.

  • Active head restraints can deploy spontaneously without a crash, striking occupants in the head and neck; subject to a Chrysler safety recall to reprogram the power module or replace the occupant-restraint control module.
  • ABS / electronic-stability-control module faults trigger warning lights and, in some cases, unexpected brake behavior; covered by recall on the 2012-2015 models.
  • Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk on many model years; confirm the recall was completed before purchase.

2012 Dodge Journey Avoid

A weaker post-refresh year: ABS/ESC brake-module faults (recalled) plus electrical and engine complaints. The Pentastar V6 is solid; the base 2.4L four-cylinder is slow and thirsty. Often cited as a year to avoid.

  • Active head restraints can deploy spontaneously without a crash, striking occupants in the head and neck; subject to a Chrysler safety recall to reprogram the power module or replace the occupant-restraint control module.
  • ABS / electronic-stability-control module faults trigger warning lights and, in some cases, unexpected brake behavior; covered by recall on the 2012-2015 models.
  • Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk on many model years; confirm the recall was completed before purchase.

2011 Dodge Journey Caution

Mid-cycle refresh brought the much better 3.6L Pentastar V6 and a nicer interior, and complaint volume fell sharply, but brake/ABS faults and lingering electrical gremlins remain. An affordable but dated three-row.

  • Active head restraints can deploy spontaneously without a crash, striking occupants in the head and neck; subject to a Chrysler safety recall to reprogram the power module or replace the occupant-restraint control module.
  • Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk on many model years; confirm the recall was completed before purchase.
  • The base 2.4L four-cylinder draws complaints of power loss, stalling and overheating, and is underpowered and thirsty for the vehicle's size.

2010 Dodge Journey Avoid

Still dominated by Totally Integrated Power Module electrical failures (no-start, stalling) with Takata airbag and ABS recalls. Better than 2009 but among the least reliable Journeys; budget for electrical repairs.

  • Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failures cause no-start, intermittent stalling, erratic electrical behavior (lights, gauges, door locks) and in rare cases underhood fires; the single most-reported defect on early Journeys.
  • Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk; owners also report airbag and occupant-classification warning lights.
  • Premature brake wear and ABS/brake-warning faults are commonly reported, including hydraulic-brake complaints.

2009 Dodge Journey Avoid

Launch year and the worst Journey to buy: a flood of TIPM power-module failures causing no-starts, stalling, erratic electrical behavior and rare underhood fires, plus Takata airbags and brake faults. Highest complaint volume of the run.

  • Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failures cause no-start, intermittent stalling, erratic electrical behavior (lights, gauges, door locks) and in rare cases underhood fires; the single most-reported defect on early Journeys.
  • Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk; owners also report airbag and occupant-classification warning lights.
  • Premature brake wear and ABS/brake-warning faults are commonly reported, including hydraulic-brake complaints.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Dodge models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.