The 2009 Dodge Journey has 10 recalls, the most serious involving two separate fire risks: a wiring harness on 3.5L-equipped vehicles that can contact the transaxle mount and ignite, and a corroded unused electrical connector that can short circuit and overheat on vehicles without the optional 115-volt power outlet.
Three recalls affect airbag reliability. The airbag control unit can corrode and fail, preventing frontal airbags from deploying in a crash. Separately, wiring reversed on the steering column connector can cause the driver's airbag to inflate incorrectly or not at all. Front door wiring harnesses can also fatigue and break, cutting power to the side impact sensors so that side airbags may not fire when needed. On the steering side, the power steering return hose can rupture in cold weather at startup, causing a sudden loss of power assist that makes the vehicle harder to steer, particularly at low speeds.