This page covers 5 recalls, 377 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 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
The 2016 Dodge Journey draws its heaviest complaint volume from the engine and powertrain, with electrical issues close behind. On the engine side, owners frequently report overheating, check engine lights, and sudden loss of power while driving, in some cases the vehicle simply stops moving while in traffic. Transmission complaints follow a similar pattern: owners describe delayed or failed gear engagement, particularly when pulling away from a stop. Electrical complaints cover a wide range of symptoms, with multiple owners reporting backup cameras that flicker, display upside-down images, or go gray and stop functioning reliably. Steering wheel controls, backup sensors, and climate controls also show up repeatedly as malfunctioning together, suggesting a broader electrical or module-level issue. A smaller number of owners report power steering problems, including a stiff or unresponsive wheel.
377
Total Complaints
19
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
10
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Dodge Journey has 5 recalls, the most serious involving engine stalling and transmission failure that can each cause sudden loss of power while driving, raising the risk of a crash.
Two of the recalls address the same underlying issue: the crankshaft or camshaft sensor can work intermittently, causing the engine to stall or fail to start. A separate powertrain concern involves the automatic transmission pump, which can seize and cut hydraulic pressure, also leaving the vehicle without drive power. On the electrical side, a software defect can cause the cruise control system to maintain or increase speed even when the driver tries to turn it off, making the vehicle difficult to slow down. There is also a steering concern: in cold weather, the power steering return hose can rupture at startup, causing the power steering to stop assisting and requiring noticeably more effort to turn the wheel, particularly at low speeds.
At a glance
What can fail
A wiring short circuit can prevent cruise control from disengaging. When engaged, you may not be able to turn it off by braking or using manual controls, causing the vehicle to maintain speed or accelerate unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine or powertrain control module software at no cost to fix the cruise control disengagement issue.
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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
The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may work intermittently, causing the engine to stall while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may work intermittently, causing the check engine light to come on, the engine to fail to start, or the engine to stall while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the crankshaft and camshaft connector.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission pump may seize, causing loss of hydraulic pressure and transmission function.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the transmission pump at no cost to you.
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.
