This page covers 4 recalls, 349 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Dodge Journey.
19–21 mpg combined
11.2–12.4 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2013 Dodge Journey, the most-reported complaints center on the seats, engine, and electrical system. The seat complaints are the highest-volume category, with owners frequently describing seat components that fail, move unexpectedly, or don't hold position as intended. On the engine side, owners report hesitation during acceleration, sudden stalling with no warning lights beforehand, and oil pressure warning lights coming on, a few reports also mention the oil filter housing failing. Electrical complaints cover a range of symptoms including warning lights illuminating unexpectedly, the ABS cutting out intermittently, and in some cases multiple dashboard lights activating at once. The sudden stall pattern is worth noting, owners describe the engine cutting out while moving, with the vehicle losing speed but accessory systems like the blower and dash lights remaining on.
349
Total Complaints
19
Crash-Related
9
Fire-Related
26
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Dodge Journey has 4 recalls, the most serious being tied between a fire risk from a detaching engine cover and an airbag that can deploy without warning, raising the risk of a crash or injury.
The engine cover on vehicles with the 2.4L engine can come loose and contact the exhaust manifold, which can start a fire. Separately, a wiring harness inside the steering wheel can chafe and short circuit, causing the driver's frontal airbag to go off unexpectedly while driving. On the electronics side, water can work its way into the anti-lock brake system module and disable both the ABS and electronic stability control, making the vehicle harder to control in a panic stop or slippery conditions. There is also a steering concern: in cold weather, the power steering return hose can rupture when the engine starts, causing a sudden loss of power steering assist that makes the wheel significantly harder to turn, particularly at low speeds.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag wiring inside the steering wheel can fray and short circuit, causing the air bag to deploy unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the air bag wiring, replace it if damaged, and install a protective cover to prevent future chafing.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can seep into the Anti-lock Brake System wiring harness and module, which may disable the ABS and Electronic Stability Control systems.
What the fix does
Dealers will seal the ABS wiring harness, replace the ABS module, and repair headlamp and dash wiring harnesses as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine cover may come loose and fall onto the hot exhaust manifold, potentially causing damage or a fire hazard.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an improved mounting system to securely fasten the engine cover in place.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
