If you’re looking to buy a Dodge Journey, it’s good to know which years to avoid. The 2009 to 2012 models are known for engine problems, transmission issues, electrical glitches, and bad brakes. These early models often break down a lot and cost a lot to fix, making them less appealing.
However, the later models, especially from 2015 to 2017, are much better in terms of performance and reliability.
Wondering why the early models are so troublesome and how the later ones are better?
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Key Takeaways
- Steer clear of Dodge Journey models from 2009 to 2012 because they often have problems with the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- The 2009 and 2010 models have serious brake issues and wear out quickly.
- Early models, especially from 2009 and 2010, tend to have major and expensive transmission problems.
- Electrical glitches are common in the 2009 and 2010 models, making them less reliable.
- Safety recalls and lawsuits have affected the trustworthiness of the 2009 and 2010 Dodge Journey models.
Overview of Dodge Journey
The Dodge Journey was introduced in 2009 as an affordable choice in the midsize SUV market. However, the early models, especially from 2009 and 2010, had a lot of issues, mainly with the engine.
These models often overheated, which led to many complaints and repairs. Dodge tried to fix these problems, but many early Journeys still had trouble with the brakes, electrical system, and transmission.
Things got a bit better by 2011, with improvements in engine and transmission reliability. However, the 2012 model still had problems with the brakes, electrical system, and engine, so it’s best to avoid that year.
For a more reliable Dodge Journey, look at the 2015-2017 models, which have significant upgrades and fewer problems.
Common Problems in Early Models
If you’re looking at early Dodge Journey models, be aware that they often have serious engine problems, frequent transmission breakdowns, and ongoing electrical issues.
The 2009-2012 models are especially known for these problems.
Knowing this can help you decide if a used Dodge Journey is right for you.
Engine Reliability Issues
Early models of the Dodge Journey, especially from 2009 and 2010, have big engine reliability problems like overheating and early head failure. These issues usually come from bad head gaskets, coolant leaks, and low compression. Doing a compression test can help find these problems early.
Engine troubles in these models often show up as:
- Head Gaskets: They fail early, causing the engine to overheat.
- Coolant Leaks: Ongoing leaks that stress the engine.
- Compression Test: Low compression showing deeper engine issues.
If you’re looking at a used Dodge Journey, watch out for these common problems. Knowing about these issues can help you make a better decision and avoid expensive repairs.
Transmission Failures
Transmission breakdowns are a big problem for the early Dodge Journey models, especially the 2009 and 2010 versions. These issues can cause the car to slip, jerk, or even completely stop working. This greatly affects how well the car performs and how dependable it is.
If you own or are thinking about buying one of these models, be ready for possibly expensive repairs. The transmission failures in the 2009 and 2010 Dodge Journey often need costly replacements or major fixes. Many owners say they’ve to go to the mechanic a lot, showing just how serious these problems are.
Because of the high number of these transmission issues, it’s a good idea to avoid these model years if you want a more reliable car and to avoid unexpected repair costs.
Electrical System Malfunctions
When looking at early Dodge Journey models, especially those from 2009 and 2010, you’ll find that electrical system problems are pretty common. These issues can mess with the car’s performance and reliability.
Here are some of the main problems:
- Starting the engine: Many drivers have trouble getting the engine to start.
- Interior accessory issues: Things inside the car, like the radio or lights, often stop working.
- General electrical failures: These problems can also cause other things to break, like the brakes or the heater.
These electrical problems make owning one of these cars tough. Because these issues are so widespread, early Dodge Journey models often need expensive repairs, making them less popular as used cars.
Engine Issues in 2009-2012
The 2009-2012 Dodge Journey models have major engine problems, like overheating and bad coolant flow. The head gasket often fails early, which can be expensive to fix.
On top of that, these models also have electrical and transmission issues, making them less reliable.
Overheating and Coolant Flow
In the 2009-2012 Dodge Journey models, engine overheating often happens because the coolant doesn’t flow properly. This can lead to serious engine damage if not fixed quickly.
To keep your vehicle in good shape, here are some tips:
- Check coolant levels regularly: Low coolant can stop it from flowing properly and cause overheating.
- Look at the radiator and hoses: Cracks or leaks can mess up the coolant flow.
- Replace the thermostat when needed: A bad thermostat can stop the coolant from flowing right.
Premature Head Gasket Failure
Apart from the overheating problems, the 2009-2012 Dodge Journey models also have issues with head gaskets failing too soon. This can cause major engine damage. Owners often report big engine problems, like severe damage and coolant leaks because of bad head gaskets. These issues usually happen around 100,000 miles, leading to expensive repairs or even needing a new engine.
Dodge had a hard time fixing this ongoing problem, which really hurt the reliability and performance of these vehicles. Because of the common head gasket failures in the 2009-2012 Dodge Journey models, potential buyers should be careful. The cost and hassle of these engine problems make these model years a less attractive choice for people looking for reliable transportation.
Electrical and Transmission Issues
The 2009-2012 Dodge Journey models have big problems with their electrical and transmission systems, making them unreliable. Here’s what you might face:
- Electrical problems: Issues with starting the car and engine not turning over.
- Transmission troubles: Unpredictable shifting and possible transmission failures that affect how the car drives.
- Brake issues: Brakes wearing out too soon and making noise.
These problems keep happening, affecting how well the car works overall. Even things inside the car, like heaters, often break down, making it less comfortable.
Despite some engine improvements in 2011 and 2012, these models still have a lot of unresolved issues. If you’re thinking about getting a Dodge Journey, be aware of these problematic years and their many mechanical and electrical problems.
Transmission Failures
If you’re thinking about getting a Dodge Journey, be cautious with the 2009, 2010, and 2014 models. These years are known for having transmission problems that can affect how the car drives and your safety. Issues often include stiff and jerky shifting, making it hard to change gears smoothly.
This can lead to unpredictable and dangerous situations on the road. Fixing these transmission problems can be expensive. So, it’s a good idea to do your homework on these specific years to avoid buying a Dodge Journey with these known issues, ensuring a safer and more reliable ride.
Brake System Defects
In the 2009 and 2010 Dodge Journey models, many owners had big problems with the brakes. The brakes wore out too quickly and often made annoying noises.
These issues made driving unsafe and less enjoyable, so these model years aren’t very reliable.
If you’re thinking about buying a used Dodge Journey, it’s important to know about these brake problems.
Premature Brake Wear
Owners of the 2009 and 2010 Dodge Journey often dealt with brakes wearing out too quickly, which hurt the car’s reliability and performance. These specific years had major brake problems, making them ones to avoid. The early brake wear led to frequent and expensive repairs, frustrating many owners.
The main problems were:
- Brake pads and rotors wearing out too fast: This meant they’d to be replaced more often than usual.
- Less effective braking: This made driving less safe and reduced driver confidence.
- Higher maintenance costs: Owners had to spend more money on repairs.
Brake Noise Complaints
The Dodge Journey models from 2009 to 2012 had a lot of problems with noisy brakes. Many owners complained about the noise, which was often due to the brakes wearing out too quickly. This made the cars less safe to drive because the brakes didn’t work as well as they should.
The constant brake problems also made these cars less reliable and harder to enjoy driving. Dodge tried to fix the noise issue but couldn’t find a lasting solution, leading to frequent repairs and unhappy customers.
If you’re thinking about buying a Dodge Journey, it’s best to avoid these years because of the ongoing brake problems.
Brake System Failures
Besides the noise issues, the 2009 and 2010 Dodge Journey models have major problems with their brake systems. These cars are known for having brakes that wear out too quickly, making them less safe and reliable. Even after many attempts to fix the problems, the issues persisted.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Brakes wear out too soon: Owners found they’d to replace the brakes much earlier than they should have.
- Lots of brake repairs: Ongoing brake problems meant frequent trips to the mechanic, which increased the cost of owning the car.
- Safety worries: Brake failures posed serious safety risks, especially in critical driving situations.
It’s important to understand these brake issues if you’re thinking about buying a Dodge Journey from these years. These unresolved problems make the 2009 and 2010 models less reliable and potentially dangerous choices.
Electrical System Malfunctions
When looking at electrical problems in the 2009 and 2010 Dodge Journey models, you need to know about the common issues with starting the car and engine turnover.
These models often have electrical system problems that not only make it hard to start the car but also affect things inside like the heater. Owners frequently mention heater issues which are tied to faulty electrical parts.
These electrical problems can also make other issues worse, like problems with the brakes, wheels, and transmission. Knowing about these recurring problems can help you avoid unexpected and expensive repairs.
If you’re thinking about getting a Dodge Journey, it’s smart to avoid the 2009 and 2010 models.
Water Leakage Problems
Water leaks in Dodge Journey models from 2009 to 2018 often happen around windows, the roof lining, and air vents. These leaks can cause problems like dampness, mold, and damage to electronic parts. Regular checks are important to find leaks early and avoid major damage.
- Dampness: Ongoing moisture can lead to bad smells and health issues.
- Mold: Mold from leaks can be harmful to your health and ruin interior materials.
- Electronic Damage: Water can short out electronic parts, leading to expensive fixes.
It’s important to fix leaks quickly. If you see any signs of water getting inside your Dodge Journey, get professional help to fix the problem.
Interior Build Quality Concerns
Many Dodge Journey models, especially from 2009 and 2010, are known for having poor interior build quality. Issues include cramped seats and cheap materials, particularly in the dashboard and center console. These problems make the car feel less comfortable and less pleasant to drive.
The seats are tight, making long trips uncomfortable. There are also complaints about the door panels and cabin noise, which can be quite annoying. The 2010 models still have these problems, so it’s best to avoid these years if you’re concerned about interior quality in a Dodge Journey.
Reliability Ranking of Dodge Journey
The Dodge Journey’s reliability isn’t great, ranking 46th out of 54, which means it has a lot of potential problems across different model years. This low ranking comes from a PainRank score of 24.02, showing common issues reported by owners. The first generation, from 2009 to 2020, has been especially troublesome.
Some main problems include:
- 1,884 total complaints
- Few changes in design and features over the years
- Various reliability issues across different model years
These numbers suggest that if you’re thinking about getting a Dodge Journey, you should be aware of these ongoing problems.
The lack of significant updates in design likely contributes to its poor reliability, so it’s important to check out specific model years carefully before making a decision.
Worst Model Years
If you’re thinking about getting a Dodge Journey, it’s best to avoid the 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 models. These years have a lot of problems with brakes, electrical systems, and transmissions.
For example, the brakes wear out quickly and often need to be replaced every 20,000 miles. The electrical systems have issues like faulty wiring and sensors that don’t work right, making the car unreliable. The transmissions can slip or even fail completely, leading to expensive repairs.
The 2009 model year was especially bad, setting the stage for problems in the following years. Knowing these issues can help you avoid costly fixes and have a more dependable car.
Owner Complaints and Reports
Owners of the 2009-2012 Dodge Journey have consistently reported several issues, mainly with brakes, electrical systems, and transmissions. Here are the main problems:
- Brakes: Many owners have noticed that the brakes wear out much sooner than expected, leading to frequent replacements.
- Electrical issues: Common problems include faulty wiring and broken interior accessories.
- Transmission: Many complaints mention rough shifting and transmission failures.
These issues show that Dodge had significant quality problems during these years. Problems with interior accessories, like malfunctioning radios and broken climate controls, add to the frustration.
If you’re thinking about getting a Dodge Journey, it’s best to avoid these years.
Safety Recalls Overview
Between 2009 and 2012, the Dodge Journey had several safety recalls for major problems like engine overheating and brake issues. These recalls focused on serious concerns, including electrical problems that could cause the engine to stall and lose power.
Brake issues were also common, creating serious safety risks because the car wouldn’t stop as well as it should. Engine overheating couldn’t only break the car but also start a fire.
Recalls also covered problems with the steering column airbags and ignition switches, which could prevent airbags from deploying or cause the engine to shut off unexpectedly. These ongoing safety recalls highlighted reliability problems for these model years.
If you own a 2009-2012 Dodge Journey, make sure all recall-related repairs have been done.
Legal Actions and Lawsuits
You should know that Dodge Journey models from 2009 and 2010 have been involved in many legal actions and class-action lawsuits.
These lawsuits often deal with serious issues like headrest defects, problems with the TPMS valve stem corroding, and failures in the TIPM system.
These legal issues highlight why it’s important to avoid these model years because of ongoing safety and reliability problems.
Notable Class-Action Lawsuits
Recent class-action lawsuits against Dodge Journey have highlighted serious safety and reliability issues. These include headrest defects, TPMS valve stem corrosion, and problems with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). These lawsuits emphasize the urgent need to fix these problems to ensure driver safety and vehicle reliability.
Key safety and reliability issues mentioned in the lawsuits include:
- Headrest defects: The headrest can suddenly deploy, which might cause injuries.
- Electrical malfunctions: Problems with the TIPM can lead to engine shutdowns and airbag failures.
- TPMS valve stem corrosion: This can result in tire pressure monitoring system failures and potential tire blowouts.
These lawsuits stress how important it’s to address these defects to maintain the safety and reliability of Dodge Journey vehicles.
Key Recall Campaigns
Dodge Journey models have often been recalled for major safety and reliability problems, showing how crucial these recalls and lawsuits are.
Fiat-Chrysler had to recall 112,000 vehicles because of faulty airbags from Continental, which affected many Dodge Journey models. On top of that, 275,000 SUVs were recalled due to ABS problems, raising big safety concerns.
There have been class-action lawsuits pointing out ongoing safety and reliability issues. Some specific legal actions include lawsuits about headrest defects, TPMS valve stem corrosion, and problems with the TIPM system. The Nuwer v. FCA US LLC case, which tried to get a dismissal, shows that legal scrutiny is ongoing.
These recalls and legal actions are key to making sure Dodge Journey vehicles are safe and reliable.
Comparison With Other SUVS
When you compare the Dodge Journey to other SUVs like the Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Nissan Xterra, and Mitsubishi Outlander, it’s clear that the Journey doesn’t measure up in terms of safety features and interior quality. Plus, some model years of the Journey have reliability issues, making other options more appealing if you want a hassle-free ride.
Here’s what to think about:
- Safety Features: Other SUVs come with better safety tech.
- Interior Quality: Competitors use nicer materials and better build quality.
- Reliability Issues: The Journey has had some mechanical problems.
Even though the Dodge Journey performs well, especially the 2015-2019 models, its weak points might make you want to look at other SUVs. These alternatives could offer a better overall experience with better safety, interior quality, and reliability.
Tips for Potential Buyers
If you’re thinking about buying a Dodge Journey, aim for models made after 2012 for better reliability and fewer mechanical issues. Stay away from the 2009-2012 models, which often have problems with brakes, electrical systems, and interior accessories. Instead, consider the 2015, 2016, and 2017 models, which have better engine performance and more reliable transmissions. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Model Year | Common Issues |
|---|---|
| 2009-2012 | Frequent brake wear, electrical issues, interior accessory faults, transmission problems |
| 2015-2017 | More reliable brakes, upgraded electrical systems, better interior accessories, stable transmissions |
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about getting a Dodge Journey, it’s best to avoid the 2009-2012 models. These early versions are known for having serious engine, transmission, and brake problems.
Instead, go for models made after 2012, especially the ones from 2015-2017, which are much more reliable and perform better.
Doing a little research can save you a lot of trouble and money when it comes to choosing an SUV.
