2016 Dodge JOURNEY: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
386 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
56,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2016 model year. Data snapshot: . 240 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 113 of 386 complaints (29.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 81 | 21.0% |
| Engine operation | 64 | 16.6% |
| Transmission and shifting | 63 | 16.3% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 49 | 12.7% |
| Steering behavior | 47 | 12.2% |
| Fuel system concerns | 2 | 0.5% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 113 |
| Power Train | 85 |
| Electrical System | 83 |
| Unknown Or Other | 65 |
| Service Brakes | 49 |
| Seats | 34 |
| Steering | 34 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 31 |
Engine: 113; Power Train: 85; Electrical System: 83; Unknown Or Other: 65; Service Brakes: 49; Seats: 34; Steering: 34; Vehicle Speed Control: 31
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 51 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 58 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 60 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 37 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 32 |
| 150,000 and above | 2 |
Under 25,000: 51; 25,000 to 49,999: 58; 50,000 to 74,999: 60; 75,000 to 99,999: 37; 100,000 to 149,999: 32; 150,000 and above: 2
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (60). 146 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 12 |
| 2017 | 26 |
| 2018 | 43 |
| 2019 | 82 |
| 2020 | 57 |
| 2021 | 39 |
| 2022 | 27 |
| 2023 | 30 |
| 2024 | 25 |
| 2025 | 28 |
| 2026 | 17 |
2016: 12; 2017: 26; 2018: 43; 2019: 82; 2020: 57; 2021: 39; 2022: 27; 2023: 30; 2024: 25; 2025: 28; 2026: 17
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 81 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 64 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 63 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10839324 · 2016-03-01 (March 1, 2016)
WE WERE DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION AND THE BACK HATCH BACK OPENED EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE LOCKS WERE ENGAGED AND LOCKED SHUT. THE DOOR LOCKS WERE ENGAGED. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT, NO AUDIBLE ALARM-NOT A WARNING OF ANY KIND. AT THAT POINT, WE HAD NOT IDEA THE HATCH BACK WAS OPENED, AND BECAUSE WE WERE ON A SLIGHT INCLINE, A GOLF CLUB FELL OUT OF THE GOLF BAG AND LANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ONTERSECTION. WE REALIZED THE HATCH WAS OPENED AFTER WE PASSED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION ( SAQUARO AND SHEA IN FOUNTAIN HILLS , ARIZONA. …
Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10839324 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10865100 · 2016-05-16 (May 16, 2016)
WHILE DRIVING MY 2016 DODGE JOURNEY 12MPH, THE CAR JERKED TO THE LEFT CAUSING ME TO HIT A CEMENT LIGHT POLE. I WAS IN A ROUNDABOUT TURNING TO BRING MY CHILD TO SCHOOL WHEN THIS HAPPENED. NO INJURIES.
Owner-reported narrative. 4,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10865100 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10883578 · 2016-07-08 (July 8, 2016)
I HAD 2016 DODGE JOURNEY BOUGHT FROM SUPERSTITION DODGE IN MESA ARIZONA. THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF BY ITSELF WHILE BRAKING AND ONE TIME WHILE DRIVING. WHEN ENGINE SHUTS OFF THE CAR LOOSES POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. THIS COULD CAUSE FETAL ACCIDENT AND MAY BE DEATH. I CONTACTED DODGE TEMPE ARIZONA. I WENT TO THEM AFTER IT HAPPEN FIRST TIME AND THEY SAID NO ERROR CODE AND IT COULD BE A GLITCH!! THEN WHEN IT HAPPEN FOR SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND I WAS ABOUT TO MAKE AN ACCIDENT, I CONTACTED THEM AGAIN AND CONTACTED DODGE COMPANY. THEY OPEN A CASE # 29588…
Owner-reported narrative. 5,850 miles reported. Look up ODI 10883578 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10886143 · 2016-07-20 (July 20, 2016)
VEHICLE STALLS RANDOMLY WHILE DECELLERATING, BRAKING, STOPPED OR DRIVING. ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS REMAIN OPERATIONAL (A/C. RADIO, GAUGES, ETC.) BUT BRAKING AND STEERING BECOME DIFFICULT. YOU MUST COME TO A STOP, PARK AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES NOW, TWICE TO MYSELF AND ONCE TO MY WIFE. TWO DEALERSHIPS HAVE FOUND NO ISSUE SO NOTHING CAN BE DONE. I AM AT THE END OF MY OPTIONS AND FEAR FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. PLEASE ADVISE ME OF MY OPTIONS BEFORE ONE OF US IS HURT OR WORSE.
Owner-reported narrative. 4,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10886143 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10892020 · 2016-08-01 (August 1, 2016)
WHILE DRIVING MY BRAND NEW DODGE JOURNEY JUST PURCHASED ALMOST 2 MONTHS AGO, THE ENGINE STALLS OUT SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES NOW, WITH THE LAST TIME BEING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY ALMOST CAUSING A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF, STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKES LOCK AND CAR JUST COASTS TO A STOP. AFTER A MINUTE THE CAR CAN BE RESTARTED. NO LIGHTS COME ON TO SIGNIFY A PROBLEM DURING THIS TIME, IT JUST STALLS OUT COMPLETELY CAUSING A MAJOR POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT. BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO SAYS THEY CAN FIND NOTHING WR…
Owner-reported narrative. 2,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10892020 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10894937 · 2016-08-10 (August 10, 2016)
I BOUGHT THIS CAR WITH 11 MILES ON IT . A COUPLE WEEKS AGO I WAS GOING ABOUT 30 MPH AND I STOPPED AT A 4 WAY STOP . I DID A COMPLETE STOP THE ENGINE TURNED OFF THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I WAS STUCK IN THE INTERSECTION LUCKILY I DIDN'T GET HIT . I HAD TO PUT IT BACK IN PARK AND IT TURNED ON . SCARY SITUATION . TODAY I ATTENPTED TO TURN ON THE IGNITION AND IT JUST TURNED AND TURNED FOR 30 SECONDS AND CAR DIDN'T START. I TURNED IT OFF AND TRIED AGAIN THE CAR STARTED BUT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WILL TAKE TO DEALE…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10894937 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10897030 · 2016-08-18 (August 18, 2016)
THE CAR STALLED OUT WITH NO WARNING ON THE HIGHWAY. LUCKILY I WAS GOING SLOW BECAUSE I WAS GOING ON AN OFF RAMP TO GET ONTO THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR SIEZED UP COMPLETELY I HAD NO CONTROL I BARELY WAS ABLE TO LIMP IT INTO A PARKING LOT. I WAS LUCKY. THE CAR RESTARTED WITH NO PROBLEMS AFTER THAT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SPENT 3 FULL DAYS DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM. THEY FOUND NOTHING. I LOOKED ONLINE AND THERE ARE SIMILIAR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VEHICLE. AND THE SAME THING IS SAID OVER AND OVER AGAIN.........NOTHING IS KNOWN ABOUT THE PROBLEM THU…
Owner-reported narrative. 19,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 10897030 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10904358 · 2016-09-07 (September 7, 2016)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT ,THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF TO RESET THE COMPUTER. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER CLEARED A CODE CONCERNING THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE AND PROVIDED NO REPAIR SOLUTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 6,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10904358 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
16V273000 · Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections
Reported: 2016-05-06 (May 6, 2016)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 31, 2007, to November 12, 2016. After exposure to cold temperatures, the power steering return hose may rupture at engine start-up causing a loss of power steering assist.
Consequence: A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler, free of charge. The recall began on May 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S08.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V461000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission
Reported: 2016-06-24 (June 24, 2016)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to April 18, 2016, 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2015, to January 29, 2016, and 2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured August 15, 2016, to April 15, 2016. The transmission pump may seize causing a loss of hydraulic pressure.
Consequence: If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission pump, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S44.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V907000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
Reported: 2016-12-16 (December 16, 2016)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.
Consequence: If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S89.
NHTSA campaign record ↗18V332000 · Electrical System:Software | Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control | Electrical System:Wiring
Reported: 2018-05-17 (May 17, 2018)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
NHTSA campaign record ↗