The 2009 Dodge Journey has 10 recalls, the most serious being two separate fire risks: an unused electrical connector that can corrode, short, and overheat, and on 3.5L engine models, a wiring harness that can rub against the transaxle mount and ignite in the engine compartment.
Three recalls affect airbag reliability. The airbag control unit can corrode and fail, leaving the front airbags unable to deploy in a crash. Separately, wiring inside the front door harnesses can fatigue and break, cutting power to the side impact sensors so that the side airbags may not fire when the vehicle is hit from the side. There is also a recall where wiring on the steering column control module driver airbag connector may be reversed, meaning the driver's airbag can fail to inflate properly in a crash, reducing protection for the person behind the wheel.
On the steering side, the power steering return hose can rupture at startup after the vehicle has sat in prolonged cold temperatures, causing a sudden loss of power assist. When that happens, steering becomes noticeably heavier, particularly at low speeds and in parking situations, raising the chance of losing control. This defect was filed in two jurisdictions and affects a wide span of model years, but the underlying failure is the same.
It is worth noting that some of the fire and airbag recalls only apply to vehicles built within specific production windows or equipped with particular configurations, such as the 3.5L engine or the absence of the optional 115-volt outlet, so not every affected vehicle carries every one of these
At a glance
What can fail
After cold weather exposure, the power steering return hose may rupture when the engine starts, causing loss of power steering assist.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The power steering return hose may rupture when the engine starts in very cold weather, causing power steering fluid to leak and making steering harder to control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the power steering return lines with new hoses designed to withstand extreme cold.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control unit may corrode and stop working, preventing the air bags from deploying in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the air bag control unit at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Wires in the front door harnesses can fatigue and break, interrupting side impact sensor circuits. This causes the airbag warning light to turn on and prevents side crash sensing from working.
What the fix does
Chrysler will replace both the left and right door wiring harnesses at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Wires in the front door harnesses can fatigue and break, interrupting the side impact sensor circuits. This causes the airbag warning light to turn on and disables side crash sensing, potentially preventing side airbags from deploying in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the wiring harnesses in both front doors to restore the side impact sensor circuits.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring on the steering column control module's driver airbag connector may be reversed, preventing the driver's airbag from deploying properly in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the driver airbag wires and replace the steering column control module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An unused electrical connector for the optional 115-volt auxiliary power outlet can corrode and short circuit.
What the fix does
The dealer will reroute and secure the connector and remove the 25-amp fuse to disable the unused circuit.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An unused electrical connector can corrode and short circuit. If the fuse doesn't blow, the connector may overheat and catch fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will re-route and stow the unused connector and remove the fuse to disable the circuit.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine wiring harness may rub against the left transaxle mount, potentially damaging the harness and causing an engine compartment fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the wiring harness for damage and repair it if needed, or secure it away from the transaxle mount.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine wiring harness may rub against the left transaxle mount, potentially causing damage to the wiring.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the harness for damage, repair it if needed, and secure it away from the mount with a tie wrap.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
