Summary
The Dodge Journey has 25 recalls spanning the 2009–2021 production run, with the most serious being an engine wiring harness on 2009 models equipped with the 3.5L engine that can contact the transaxle mount, wear through its insulation, and start an engine compartment fire.
Several other fire-related recalls also affect the 2009 model year: an unused electrical connector for the optional 115-volt power outlet can corrode, short circuit, and overheat if the fuse does not blow. On 2010–2011 models, a power steering pressure hose can separate at its crimped end and spray fluid onto hot engine components, causing a fire. The 2011–2015 model years with the 2.4L engine have an engine cover that can shift from road vibrations and contact the exhaust manifold, also raising fire risk.
On the occupant safety side, 2011–2015 models have a steering wheel wiring harness that can chafe and short circuit, causing the driver's frontal airbag to deploy without warning. The 2016 model year has a crankshaft or camshaft sensor that can operate intermittently, causing the engine to stall without warning. The 2012 model year with the 3.6L engine can suffer a connecting rod failure that seizes the engine. Water can also wick into the anti-lock brake module on 2012–2015 vehicles, disabling anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control.
On 2009–2016 vehicles, the power steering return hose can rupture in cold weather at startup, requiring noticeably more steering effort, particularly at low speeds. The 2009 model year has two additional airbag concerns: front door wiring can fatigue and break, disabling side impact sensing so side airbags may not deploy in a crash, and on a smaller group of 2009 vehicles, the driver airbag squib connector wiring is reversed, meaning the driver airbag may not inflate properly in a crash.
The most recent production years have less severe issues. The 2019–2021 model years have a rearview camera microprocessor that can crack and cause the camera image to display incorrectly. The 2018 model year has a camera that may not display the full rear view within two seconds of selecting reverse. On 2017–2018 vehicles, the amber side reflector in the headlamp assembly may not reflect brightly enough to meet visibility standards. The 2014–2015 model years have tire placards that may show incorrect seating capacity and weight information.
