A mid-size crossover SUV manufactured by Dodge from 2009 to 2020, the Journey is a mid-size crossover SUV. There are many excellent used models available for purchase, even though the model is no longer in production. Would you like to know which Dodge Journey years you should avoid if you’re interested in this vehicle?
When you invest in a new vehicle, you have a lot to consider. It’s important to invest in a car that will last if you’re going to spend money on it. We tell you which Dodge Journey years you should avoid and which you should consider as a potential investment for the future.
Dodge Journey History
With the 2009 model year, Dodge introduced the all-new Journey model to its lineup. In a midsize crossover SUV segment dominated by Chevrolet Equinox and Nissan Rogue, it was Dodge’s answer. In a Dodge Journey, five or seven passengers can be accommodated, depending on the model. From 2011 to 2019, models with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine replaced the 2.4-liter World four-cylinder engine with a 2.4-liter ‘World’ four-cylinder engine. The majority of these vehicles had either a four-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive options.
A midlife update for the 2011 Dodge Journey model year was the Journey’s only midlife update during its production run. Additionally, Dodge Journey models were updated once more for the 2020 model year before the model was completely retired.
Despite the fact that Dodge has not yet announced a replacement for the Journey, the Dodge Hornet, a compact crossover SUV from the brand, offers similar and comparable qualities to the Journey, although it has a smaller size and less cargo capacity than the Journey. Stellantis and Chinese automaker GAC Group have also revived the Journey nameplate outside the US. It’s simply a rebadged Trumpchi GS5 SUV rebadged as a Dodge Journey.
Dodge Journeys were also sold in select overseas markets under Stellantis’s Fiat brand, as Fiat Freemonts.
| Dodge Journey (US Market) | |
| Model Years | 2009–2020 |
| Engines | 2.4L I4 |
| 3.5L V6 | |
| 3.6L V6 | |
| Transmissions | Four-speed automatic |
| Six-speed automatic | |
Dodge Journey Years to Avoid
While Dodge Journey has had some great models, if you are considering buying a used Journey, you should avoid some years. You should stay away from these versions for a number of reasons.
Here are some years to stay away from when buying a Dodge Journey:
- 2009
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
For the Dodge Journey, these are some of the worst years ever.
These years of the Dodge Journey have been challenging for average drivers for a variety of reasons. I will explain the reasoning behind choosing these as the Dodge Journey years to avoid next. As part of your next vehicle investment decision, we can assist you.
2009 Dodge Journey
There have been the most complaints about the first Dodge Journey model year, 2009. Due to the fact that these are the first Journeys to be sold new to buyers, and they are also the oldest ones running, 2009 Journeys should be avoided. Nearly 1,600 complaints and eight recalls have been filed against the 2009 Journey as of this writing.
There have been reports of premature brake and brake rotor wear, rough engine idle problems, various electrical issues, and loss of engine power with very early models. In addition to recalling the airbag wiring and power supply unit in the driver’s side, Dodge also recalls the engine wiring harness (poses a fire hazard), and the ignition switch to prevent key safety systems from being deactivated if the key is moved into ‘OFF’ or ‘ACCESSORY’ mode.
2010 Dodge Journey
In terms of long-term reliability and issues reported by owners, the 2010 Dodge Journey does not fare much better. According to NHTSA data, 1,067 complaints have been registered and four recalls have been issued for this model year. A unique Dodge component – the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) fuse – has also been reported to be malfunctioning by owners of early model Journeys. In a defective unit, the horn can suddenly go off by surprise, the side windows can pop up and down without warning, or most alarming, the central locking system can operate without the keyfob’s input.
2012 Dodge Journey
According to current NHTSA data, the Dodge Journey registered 355 complaints in 2012, down from 492 complaints in 2011. Despite being much better than the 2009 version, it’s not trouble-free, with brake issues, premature brake rotor wear, and, most commonly, air conditioning and heating problems. For 2012 Journey models, six recalls were issued – most notably one to prevent the driver’s airbag from being deployed unintentionally, and another to ensure water entering the ABS module would not interfere with the vehicle’s stability control. Power steering return hoses could rupture, causing unexpected power steering loss as a result of additional recalls.
As shown in the following table, Dodge Journey model years with the most complaints are listed.
| Dodge Journey Problems By Model Year | ||
| Model Year | Number of Complaints | Most Prevalent Issues |
| 2009 | 1,585 | Premature Brake and Rotor Wear |
| Loss of Engine Power When Driving | ||
| Multiple Electrical Failures | ||
| Brake Calipers Locking Up | ||
| 2010 | 1,067 | Premature Brake and Rotor Wear |
| Engine Not Turning Over | ||
| Defective Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) | ||
| 2012 | 355 | Premature Brake Wear |
| Air Conditioning/Heater Issues | ||
What Makes These Years Worth Avoiding?
These Dodge Journey years are worth avoiding for several reasons. The issues with these years go beyond three, but we’ll highlight three of the more prominent ones so you know what to expect. Here are some reasons why carcomplaints.com recommends avoiding these years:
- A problem with the brakes
- Issues with the engine
- Trouble with interior accessories
- Leaks in the interior
- Keyless entry remote malfunctioning
The Dodge Journey years listed above did not only have these problems, but they were the most prevalent.
Learn more about each of these issues below. A better decision about your next car can be made if you are aware of the potential problems you can face with the faulty models. Preparing for such a large investment requires careful consideration.
Brake Problems
With the Dodge Journey, particularly the 2009 model, brake problems were the most prevalent. For those who drive at high speeds, this is incredibly dangerous. If your vehicle’s brakes aren’t performing properly, you shouldn’t drive it.
There are several brake problems, including:
- The premature wear of brakes and rotors
- Brakes that are noisy
- Locked calipers
A Dodge Journey with one of these problematic years can suffer from a variety of brake problems.
Any vehicle must have good brakes. You could face danger and wild expenses in the future if you choose one of the above models without maintaining your brakes. Dodge Journey’s faulty years were marked by this issue.
Engine Issues
The second issue in the faulty Dodge Journey years is engine problems. Depending on where they occur, engine problems can be costly and even dangerous. Being a driver means dealing with engine problems on a daily basis.
The following are some of the engine problems:
- Driving with a dying engine
- The engine is ticking
- Light always on for check engine
ItAlways on check engine lightthese engine issues appeal to drivers, no matter how small they seem.
Buying a used Dodge Journey isn’t cheap, so why choose one that has severe engine problems? Make sure you stay safe on the road and save money by choosing a more reliable model.
Interior Accessory Troubles
Last but not least, some Dodge Journey models have interior accessory problems. There are a variety of problems that can occur with car doors, windows, and everything in between.
The typical car owner has to deal with both of these issues, which are a nuisance and an unnecessary expense. Repairing things will cost more the more they break. To avoid the pain of replacing broken interior accessories on a regular basis, you should invest in a Dodge Journey with a stable interior.
Interior Water Leaks
The 2009-2018 Dodge Journeys suffer from cabin dampness that compromises their comfort. At 58,000 miles, the cabin may leak water due to its vulnerability to water leaks.
Whenever you drive in the rain, the driver seat floor of the Dodge Journey may become moist. There have also been complaints of leaks near the rear side of the Journey, which can wet your carpet and floor. The headlining, vents, and windows were also reported to have leaks. Sealing the leaky areas and solving this problem may require professional assistance.
Defective Remote Keyless Entry System
The 2009-2017 Dodge Journey has plenty of neat features – but remote keyless entry isn’t one of them. One of the most reported issues with the Dodge Journey is its remote keyless entry system.
The system doesn’t work properly according to frustrated owners as they receive incorrect key readings or the dreaded “key not detected” message. Some drivers were unable to lock or unlock their doors due to the system interfering with their key fobs. It is necessary to update the software in order to resolve the issue.
Dodge Journey Reliability by Year
The Dodge Journey is a reliable vehicle in some model years, but not in others. This article uses J.D. Power, KBB, and Repairpal reliability information. Let’s take a look at Dodge Journey’s reliability rating:
- KBB Reliability Rating: 3.8 out of 5.0
- Repairpal Reliability Rating: 3.5 out of 5.0
Based on reliability ratings for Dodge Journey models by year, here is a table:
| Dodge Journey model year | J.D. Power reliability rating (out of 100) |
| 2009 | 68 |
| 2010 | 69 |
| 2011 | 77 |
| 2012 | 74 |
| 2013 | 75 |
| 2014 | 77 |
| 2015 | 77 |
| 2016 | 73 |
| 2017 | 72 |
| 2018 | 73 |
| 2019 | N/A |
| 2020 | N/A |
Based on reliability ratings, 2009 and 2010 are the least reliable model years. There are a few years that are worst than these. Other model years have above-average reliability ratings. However, the worst model years still have problems and should be avoided, even if they have good reliability ratings.
Dodge Journey Recall History by Year
A total of 50 recalls had been issued for the Dodge Journey. Several recalls were issued for the SUV between 2009 and 2018. Having fewer recalls means fewer problems. Here are the details of the recall:
| Dodge Journey recall year | Reasons for recall |
| 2009 | Transmission, powertrain, control module, pipe, and hose connection issues, electrical wiring, hydraulic power assist, airbags, steering and electrical system wiring. |
| 2010 | There are problems with the electrical system, steering, hydraulic power assist, ignition system, electric power assist system, and piping connections. |
| 2011 | Problems with airbags, steering, pipe connections, hydraulic power assist, engine, and cooling system. |
| 2012 | Problems with steering, airbags, hydraulic power assist, service brakes, antilock control, engine cooling, and service brakes. |
| 2013 | Engine and engine control issues, hydraulic power assist, airbags, service brakes, traction control, and service brakes. |
| 2014 | It includes electrical issues, equipment, airbags, steering, hose and pipe connections, antilock brakes, cooling systems, and engine problems. |
| 2015 | The airbag system, electrical wiring, steering, hydraulic power assist, service brakes, traction control, the engine, cooling, and other equipment issues. |
| 2016 | Wiring issues, powertrain, automatic transmission, cooling issues, steering problems, etc. |
| 2017 | Wiring problems with exterior lighting and electrical systems. |
| 2018 | The exterior lighting system, electrical wiring, hydraulics, rearview mirror issues, etc. |
Dodge Journey Safety Ratings by Year
When purchasing a vehicle, safety should be your primary concern. An accident can be avoided with a vehicle that has a high safety rating. In order to compare Dodge Journey safety ratings across model years, let’s look at the following:
| Dodge Journey model year | Safety ratings by NHTSA (out of 5.0) |
| 2009 | 4.5 |
| 2010 | 4.0 |
| 2011 | 4.0 |
| 2012 | 4.3 |
| 2013 | 4.3 |
| 2014 | 4.3 |
| 2015 | 4.0 |
| 2016 | 4.3 |
| 2017 | 4.3 |
| 2018 | 4.3 |
| 2019 | 4.3 |
| 2020 | 4.3 |
According to NHTSA, all model years receive 4.0 and higher ratings out of 5.0. The Dodge Journey is therefore safe to drive across all model years.
Are Dodge Journey Reliable?
There are few SUVs on the market that are as reliable as the Dodge Journey. The production of older vehicles has ended, but a little care can make them perform well. There are, however, some best and worst years for the SUV, and not every model year performed equally.
In the article, we’ve already discussed these model years. Statistically, the 2020 Dodge Journey has the lowest complaints, is highly reliable, safe, and has great consumer ratings. Additionally, there is no recall for the year.
As per the data, the Dodge Journey 2020 is the best SUV model year. You may have a different opinion depending on your budget and needs. To determine what model year is most suitable, you should consider all the data. Our recommendation is to choose the best years with high ratings and fewer problems. Furthermore, you should avoid the problematic years, because they are plagued by problems and have lower user ratings and reliability.
Which Years Are Safe to Buy Used?
The Dodge Journey has had some of its worst years, but what about its best? Before you put your money down on a used car, you need to understand your options. In the following paragraphs, we’ll go over some of the best years for Dodge Journey.
The Dodge Journey has had some of its best years, according to carcomplaints.com:
- 2015 Dodge Journey – The 2015 Dodge Journey is a great option if you’re looking for a used SUV with seating for seven. Don’t let that fool you, though. The 2015 Journey is simply a good SUV, and you’re probably better off buying one of its competitors. Nevertheless, it is reliable and reasonably priced over the long term.
- 2016 Dodge Journey – Better and more affordable than last year’s model, the 2016 Journey is a strong performer in its segment. With its intuitive information tainment system, versatile seating, and cargo features, and fair reliability ratings, it has a lot to offer.
- 2017 Dodge Journey – Used Dodge Journeys are inexpensive, which is great if you want to save money. There is also a sleek infotainment system that provides a comfortable ride. For reliability, some fair scores were given, but nothing spectacular.
- 2018 Dodge Journey – Despite its higher predicted reliability scores, the Journey isn’t as reliable as the models you should avoid. Affordability and low ownership costs are the main selling points.
- 2019 Dodge Journey – Fuel efficiency and dependability are good features of the 2019 Journey. Other than that, the build quality is hit or miss. If you can find a good price for it, then go for it. Other than that, I would recommend skipping this model.
Since the Dodge Journey was introduced, these have been some of the most successful years.
There are a number of excellent Dodge Journey years to choose from to make for an excellent choice for your future. See if each of them is a good fit for you by researching them a little more. No matter which year you choose, it’s sure to be better than those listed above.
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Conclusion
In the long run, you can save a lot of money if you know which Dodge Journey years to avoid. Certain models have many problems, including engine failures and transmission failures. You should purchase the car as your next vehicle if you can find one that won’t require expensive repairs.
It is an excellent car, but some years have problems. Hopefully this information was helpful to you in selecting your next vehicle. When investing in a used car, there is a lot to consider, and we hope to make it easier for you. Considerations are numerous.
Frequently Asked Questions: Dodge Journey Years To Avoid
Which Dodge Journeys should potential buyers be wary of when considering a used vehicle?
Avoid the 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 model years if you’re looking for a used Dodge Journey. It has been identified that these are the most problematic years.
What are some of the most common issues reported by owners of the Dodge Journey model years to avoid?
It has been reported that owners of Dodge Journeys from 2009-2012 experienced brake problems, noisy operation, locking calipers, and engine problems, such as dying while driving, ticking sounds, and persistent check engine lights, as well as interior accessory issues.
What engine problems have been reported for the problematic years of the Dodge Journey?
Other significant concerns with the Dodge Journey 2009-2012 include engine issues. Many owners have reported problems with the engine dying while driving, ticking sounds coming from the engine, and the check engine light staying on.
Which model years are considered safer options?
Consider the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 Dodge Journey models if you’re looking for a used vehicle. As compared to the earlier model years, these years tend to get better reviews and report fewer problems.
Are Dodge Journeys typically reliable?
With a mixed reliability record, the Dodge Journey was first introduced for the 2009 model year, and it will no longer be manufactured after 2020. To ensure a more reliable ownership experience, buyers should stay away from the first model years.
How much does a used Dodge Journey typically cost?
Due to high demand for affordable family vehicles and tight supplies, used Dodge Journeys are becoming more expensive. In normal market conditions, a 2013 Journey would cost $10,020, which is 37% more than its typical asking price. ($20,601 plus 29% market premium) is the price of a 2019 Journey.
Is the Dodge Journey a good car to purchase?
There are some Dodge Journey model years that are more reliable than others. Taking that into account before purchasing is a good idea. Be sure to research the most reliable years of the Dodge Journey before making a purchase.
