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2009 Dodge Journey Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
1,433
Latest Apr 14, 2026
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
71
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
6
Reports on file since May 21, 2008

What this page shows

Our database holds 1,433 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 Dodge Journey. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 1,433 · page 1 of 58

Electrical
Filed Apr 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ID
11731127
Incident
Dec 14, 2025
Mileage
160,000 mi
Steering
Filed Feb 4, 2026

Power steering hose ruptured after a few days of snow and ice. I went to drive to the store but was unable to turn out of the driveway due to no power steering. I done some research to where I found out there was a recall for this same issue but evidently my VIN # isn't included in this recall as while as many others I have read about online. I think this needs to be looked into.

NHTSA ID
11715663
Incident
Jan 31, 2026
Steering
Filed Feb 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while reversing in cold weather, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the power steering hose was leaking fluid and had detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V273000 (Steering). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.

NHTSA ID
11714906
Incident
Jan 30, 2026
Mileage
77,000 mi
Filed Nov 15, 2025

Car doesnt start all the time when it does it ends up shutting off. it shuts off while driving, also cuts in and out while driving.

NHTSA ID
11699592
Incident
Nov 13, 2025
ElectricalSteering
Filed Oct 20, 2025

The steering locked up could not turn or straighten car out. All electrical things lights air conditioning gas light just went haywire and is still not working. The shifting system I guess is what u call it started slipping out of gear like going into natural or first gear and nothing else. Several cars had to serve to keep from getting hit at 70+ miles an hour and I had no control other than to hit the break on the freeway and pray. Accordingly to the Bob site there's so many problems I know the ones I've had I just didn't know I could let any one know that mattered. I've reported it today. The first time it slipped out of gear I thought maybe it was something I may have done as far as the electric it was Little things like AC works as it pleases airbags light up tire pressure ECT the gas light no longer moves stays on E unknown to exact dates

NHTSA ID
11694469
Incident
Oct 19, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed Aug 23, 2025

I have issues starting it. New starter, new battery and it just dies. Luckily I was parked when it died. I have children, if it dies while driving I could be in a serious car crash with my children in the car. I do not want to die, I love my car but I do not want to be put in danger because of this type of issue. I also do not want to be stranded somewhere. PLEASE HELP.

NHTSA ID
11682538
Incident
Aug 23, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jun 12, 2025
Fire reported

The Carbondale Fire Department was dispatched to a vehicle fire In the parking lot behind the above-listed address. Fire personnel arrived and found a 2009 Dodge Journey with an engine compartment fire. Fire personnel used tank water and a pre-connected 1 3/4 In. hose line to extinguish the fire. There were no exposures or damage to other property. Upon completing the extinguishment, an origin and cause investigation was conducted, which Included, but was not limited to, scene examination, documentation, and interviews. The owner of the vehicle stated the following: He purchased the vehicle new. He has liability Insurance only through Allstate. This Is not his primary vehicle. He does his own service. No known electrical Issues, and there were no warning lights on the vehicle before the fire. The vehicle has approximately 160,000 miles on It The only known issue with the vehicle was a power steering issue. Before the discovery of the fire, the owner had pulled into a gas station across town to add power steering fluid. Upon leaving the gas station, the owner reported that within a few blocks, he began seeing black smoke coming from under the hood, and there was an odd odor to the smoke. (Review of Oty Video cameras confirmed this account) He pulled in the parking lot at the above-listed address and accessed the engine compartment to find fire on the power steering reservoir, the plastic engine cover, and the cooling fan. He attempted to extinguish the fire with a soda he had and then attempted to retrieve water from a nearby building. Upon returning with water, the fire was too large to extinguish. The scene examination revealed an engine compartment fire that had transitioned Into the passenger compartment during the failure of the front windshield. The hood of the vehicle had completely melted away during the fire. Fire patterns in the engine compartment were consistent with the owners account of the fire. The fire was determined to be unintentional, with the

NHTSA ID
11666519
Incident
Jun 9, 2025
Airbags
Filed Feb 6, 2025

On [XXX] around [XXX] I was driving 25mph in Alameda CA, and about two minutes into the ride, the airbag warning light came on. My fiance was in the passenger seat and our dog was in the back. About 15 minutes into the drive, my side airbags deployed without any collision or even bump in the road. I carefully and swiftly turned onto a side street and pulled over. My fiancé and I got out of the car, and as we took our dog out of the back seat, the primary airbags (steering wheel and passenger seat) deployed, and shattered the windshield. The dashboard was cracked as a result of the primary bags deploying. My fiancé's arm was bruised from the side airbag deploying (photo evidence taken). We called the police and they came to document the incident and confirmed that there was no collision (police report included). Vehicle was then towed home and is available for inspection. We've tried calling the dealership that the car was purchased, but it seems to be out of business. 1. Component that malfunctioned: Airbag and Indicator lights; available for inspection 2. Safety: This incident easily could've led us to crash teh vehicle and harm ourselves and others in the process, and much more seriously hurt us if we did not evacuate the car. My fiancé's arm is bruised. 3. No so far, we cannot get a hold of a dealer since ours was closed - but welcome an investigation 4. Yes, by police. The police report #[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11641187
Incident
Jan 21, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed Aug 14, 2024

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the destination. The contact stated that the following day while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with TIPM failure. The contact was informed that the totally integrated power module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 194,000.

NHTSA ID
11608504
Incident
Aug 7, 2024
Mileage
194,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Apr 17, 2024
Fire reported

No warning. Car caught on fire due to electrical issues in the back lighter port.

NHTSA ID
11583593
Incident
Apr 16, 2024
Steering
Filed Jan 20, 2024

Power steering return hose ruptured when I started the vehicle after setting in sub zero temps for about a week. Found a recall for this same problem but my vehicle was not listed. I feel it should have been. Hope you can adjust the recall for this major issue.

NHTSA ID
11566676
Incident
Jan 16, 2024
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed Sep 1, 2023

I've gone through 6 batteries in 1 year and I still have to keep jumping my vehicle Everytime I start it. I am currently stranded in Walmart parking lot with no jumper cables and I am being forced to walk now. Also there are times when I am driving down the highway and at any given moment it acts as if I stomped on the brakes. The lights go off and on, the windows roll up and down, the door locks are out of control and the gauges on the dashboard go out of control as well. I recently bought a new TIPM and ECM because when I replaced the battery it would no longer start. This vehicle is very dangerous and I'm sorry I ever bought it. It seems as if dodge cares more about their money than a human life

NHTSA ID
11542211
Incident
Sep 1, 2021
Transmission
Filed Jul 13, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. Additionally, the transmission failed to properly shift into the intended gear, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and shut off the vehicle and the vehicle failed to operate normally. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the ECM/ECU needed to be rewired. The ECM/ECU wiring harness was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the PCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 165,000.

NHTSA ID
11532123
Incident
Dec 12, 2022
Mileage
165,000 mi
Electrical
Filed May 7, 2023

I'm original owner of 2009 dodge journey, and hearing of electrical problems causing fires, I want to inform you. 1) I have been having problems with the horn sounding off intermittently. 2) I have my radio that stop working which has the hands free cell phone speaker and the review camera. 3) most recently the drivers side door window switches to driver's window and front passenger window stopped working. I don't know what would be next but am concerned about the safety of my family in reference to this reported fire incident. Thank you for reading [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11520837
Incident
Jun 15, 2022
AirbagsElectrical
Filed May 5, 2023

The vehicle keep locking and unlocking by itself even when I am driving. Also when I was driving the airbags deployed on its own but no accident

NHTSA ID
11520683
Incident
May 5, 2023
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 28, 2023

The viscous coupler located at the carrier rear malfunctions and causes the front transfer case to crack open. Do to this causing a catastrophic malfunction and possibly causing a severe accident I feel this should be recalled. These vehicles are well known for the front transfer case issue after many months of scouring the internet I finally found out the cause of this issue.

NHTSA ID
11514118
Incident
Feb 12, 2023
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Mar 6, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start-up. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V373000 (Electrical System, Air Bags). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID
11510324
Incident
Mar 5, 2023
Mileage
130,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Feb 20, 2023
Fire reported1 death reported

Vehicle owner was driving and pulled over when all warning lights began flashing, wipers came on, horn started honking, windows would not go down, doors would not unlock, and vehicle started on fire. Fire appeared to begin in the engine compartment, with fire eventually consuming entire vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11508217
Incident
Dec 9, 2022
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Dec 6, 2022

Hi I bought this Dodge Journey on May 24 2021 since the First day I bought it the car started giving me problems the dealer wouldn't take the car back and in stuck with it the engine from the car is Giving me problems it won't accelerate is very scary I'm very concerned because I got kids and also the car started smoking .

NHTSA ID
11496231
Incident
May 11, 2022
Engine
Filed Nov 3, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to start the vehicle. The ABS, Traction Control System, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning lights were illuminated. The contact replaced the battery twice; however, the failure reoccurred. Additionally, the contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as designed and hesitant to respond. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or local dealer for diagnosis or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.

NHTSA ID
11492189
Incident
Aug 1, 2021
Mileage
137,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Sep 23, 2022

Igntion did not turn over on first attempt, however, it did turn over after turning key back to off position and trying again. I was in a parking lot and it was daylight. I have not had vehicle serviced at this point as it did turn over. There was no warning messages or symptoms prior . It is unknown at this time if this will happen again.

NHTSA ID
11486043
Incident
Sep 22, 2022
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed Aug 14, 2022

09 Dodge Journey 3.5l v6 issues started the day after I bought the vehicle!! will cut off while driving, stall and cut off at stop lights, stop signs. Way too much heat coming from motor, ac compressor making allot of noise. Overheating issues, brake light switch issue. Cruise control malfunction, driver’s window switch and window not working. Rear tv stopped working after a snow storm, rear ac/ heater not blowing at all, cars won’t shift out of park at all. Headlights stopped working. All lights flashed on and off while driving down the freeway at 80mph, now it’s saying gas cap on dash, while driving to a job the timing belt broke after being replaced 2 months earlier, water pump is leaking after being replaced 2 months ago. Water soaking the passenger and backseat floorboards and I can’t figure out why. This is honestly the worst vehicle I’ve ever bought and I regret buying it at all every day. This vehicle should be outlawed and against the law to sell to anyone.

NHTSA ID
11479265
Incident
Aug 14, 2022
ElectricalExterior lightingVisibility
Filed Aug 13, 2022

SYMPTOMS – Dangerous Malfunction Critical Component Failure – Wipers constantly on slow speed, even in driving rain. No Rear Wiper. No TURN SIGNALS Engine rough and limited to ~2,500 RPM. No HORN. Left signal initiated by Driver in Vehicle#1 when turning left in front of other driver Vehicle#2, no left signal light resulted; Driver in Veh#2 presumed Veh#1 was proceeding straight and pulled out; Result was Near Miss frontal collision. Right Steering column stalk - Front Windshield Wipers constantly on, can not shut off. No WW washer activation. No wiper speed control – almost like default: lowest continuous operation (not intermittent and not high speed). No rear WW wiper and wash operation either. Left steering column stalk - No turn signals, no bright lights, no dash light control. Most dash gauges do work except Navigation compass. No horn, Engine limited to about 2,500 RPM – rough acceleration Even with ALL the RR WIPER FF Wiper and washer fuses removed, front wipers and lights still continuously ‘ON’. All fuses, relays, electrical grounds, and both multifunction switches checked and good. Malfunctions were sudden, abrupt, and first time experience after normal starting of this vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11479132
Incident
Jul 27, 2022
Electrical
Filed Jul 21, 2022

The TIPM (Total Integrated Power Module) is causing electrical system failures (e.g., wipers, power locks, cruise control, etc.). Many of the affected systems are convenience issues, but the wipers and cruise control can negatively impact safe driving. Additionally the car will randomly start shaking and lose velocity while driving due to missed cylinder firings my mechanic attributes to the failing TIPM.

NHTSA ID
11475188
Incident
Apr 15, 2022
AirbagsFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 21, 2022

The rear end is going out fuel system is causing a misfire number six and the airbag light is on we have had more problems with it with the power steering starting it when it's cold and it rupturing the hose plus the wiring and the door front door there's wires broke supposedly fixed in 2011 but are broke again every recall if you type in 09 Dodge journey is what's going wrong with mine right now but there's supposedly no recall on it

NHTSA ID
11461710
Incident
Jan 1, 2021

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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