2013 Dodge Journey Engine Problems

The contact owned a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V432000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that previously, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle would hesitate to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine oil pressure warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact managed to pull over at a local gas station and noticed black smoke leaking from under the hood. The contact stated that after she depressed the release hood latch button, the engine fire increased and rose in size. The contact was able to safely exit the vehicle. The contact managed to obtain a nearby fire extinguisher and extinguished the fire with the help of nearby pedestrians. The local fire deparment arrive on scene and filed a report. A police report was not filed. The contact sought medical attention for severe mental distress. The fire department deems the source of the fire was possibly due to engine oil. Upon further investigation, a local independent mechanic diagnosed the source of the fire as an engine main wireharness failure. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard, where it was diagnosed as a total loss by the insurance provider and later transported to the contact's residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 267,000.

NHTSA ID

11721423

Incident

Dec 21, 2025

Mileage

267,000 mi

Oil filter housing cap broke during Oil filter change.

NHTSA ID

11698412

Incident

Nov 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of a fluid leak underneath the front end of the vehicle. The “Low Oil” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken for an oil change, and the contact was informed that the oil level was adequate, and the oil was clean. The contact was informed that the warning light might be faulty. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer found 5 holes in the radiator. The radiator was replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the engine also needed to be replaced. The engine was not replaced. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11698080

Incident

Jul 7, 2022

The Catalytic Converter is the issue per our mechanic. We have had several issues out of the the vehicle, resulting in more money than the car is worth. The car no longer reaches over 55-60 mph, which is unsafe on the highway. Many times the car wont start. We thought it was the battery which have been changed several times, but the last mechanic stated it in fact the recall part that is needed.

NHTSA ID

11634792

Incident

Dec 10, 2024

Recently I have been having issues with the rear back up camera in the vehicle not working turning off beeping when nothing is around, also glitching and showing the camera upside down. I am also experiencing battery drainage in the vehicle I have just had the battery replaced and the alternator replaced as well, while I am searching online for common issues this seems to be happening to a large amount of people and the issues just keep equaling out to more then one problem. Motors staying on, electrical problems, constant power draws, many more issues I have many links to articles with dodge journey owners having numerous issues and dodge not wanting to fix anything or recall things to fix their mistakes. I can add links to this page. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11629475

Incident

Nov 20, 2024

The contact owned a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in a parking lot, she had observed a small amount of smoke but was not aware of where the smoke was being emitted. The contact stated that she was alerted that her vehicle had burst into flames. The contact stated that when she was able to get to her vehicle the flames had been extinguished by the fire department and it was being towed away. The contact stated that the police were on the scene and issued a report. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an impound lot and her insurance provider declared the vehicle a total loss. The contact was advised by her insurance provider that her vehicle had an open recall, NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V431000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which had not been completed. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11590335

Incident

Apr 30, 2024

Battery, car started turning off. Turned off on us when we made a stop right after getting off of freeway, luckily no car were coming. Changed Battery but still had problems. Then check engine light turned on, car stared pulling, had a mechanic check it and said it was the engine. We would have to replace it and that's those kind of cars we're having a lot of problems.

NHTSA ID

11555316

Incident

Nov 8, 2019

Transmission mount and engine mount and drive shaft mount breaking all the time. Transmission going out on vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11516953

Incident

Apr 13, 2023

many things had to be fixed like the camshift senor, tps, new battery after 2 months. the car will only crack and crack it will not fire. have took it everywhere and never get the answer as to what is wrong with it. the key fob will work hit and miss will show no key

NHTSA ID

11511285

Incident

Mar 10, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact then stated that her husband was able to tow the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where they disconnected the Bluetooth module. The contact stated that the vehicle was operable however, a few days later, while driving, the check engine and throttle body warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled again. The contact stated that she allowed the vehicle to rest for fifteen minutes to before being able to restart the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to an inspection station to be inspected but failed due to the mass air flow sensor. The contact stated that she took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the mass air flow sensor needed to be replaced. The mass air flow sensor was replaced however, the vehicle failed inspection again. The contact then stated that on another occasion while driving, the vehicle failed to respond while the accelerator pedal was depressed and stalled without warning. The traction control, check engine, and the electronic throttle control warning lights remained illuminated. The contact was concerned for her safety while operating the vehicle. The contact then stated that she took the vehicle to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle body and crankshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired multiple times for the throttle body, crankshaft, and mass air flow sensor; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

NHTSA ID

11484010

Incident

Sep 10, 2022

Mileage

82,000 mi

The contact owned a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the vehicle began to deaccelerate its speed and multiple warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated she saw smoke exiting under the hood and parked on the side of the road. The contact was able to exit the vehicle with her 3 children before the vehicle exploited into flames. The contact stated no one was injured or sought medical attention. The contact stated the fire department extinguished the fire and a fire report was filed. A police report was also filed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The vehicle was towed to towing lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed. A dealer was not contacted. The contact called the used dealer where she bought the vehicle and made them aware of the failure. The VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V431000 ( Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11465087

Incident

Apr 7, 2022

Mileage

100,000 mi

Our 2013 Dodge Journey (only owners) has had a few recalls and had multiple challenges with overheating within the engine. Although, We have had all the recalls we are aware of completed it continues to shut off and not start. Ours, our children, and other passengers safety has been at risk as we have been strained with no running vehicle and the unknown if the vehicle will just shut off while in operation. While we can not guarantee the sources of the general internet it is a common search and alignment to say an abundance of 2013 Dodge Journey owners have experienced this and have been searching for answers yet have not received an adequate response. Our vehicle has been inspected by a Dodge facility, and two other independent mechanics to no avail we are in this situation with no answers nor solutions. Our check engine light has been present since we can remember and we were told on multiple attempts even after the engine beauty cover recall that it was ok, obviously it’s not and is sad the quality of the engine lasted barely 128,000 miles. Our Journey has been un-drivable as it is stated to need a new engine from the overheating.

NHTSA ID

11455584

Incident

Aug 31, 2021

Vehicle will not start. Took to dealership and they charged battery. After repairing some recommendations I got the car back and it wouldn’t start. Same issue as before, I took it back and they said it was dead battery. I paid for a new battery and drove it home. Next day it would not start. I’ve been reading some reader boards and I’m told it has to do with wiring to the transmission. It gets cold in Alaska and my daughter and granddaughter can’t be stranded in inclement weather. Tested the starter and the alternator and both are good. New battery and new key fob battery and still a no go. Dodge needs to figure this out, as their certified mechanics can’t seem to diagnose the issue.

NHTSA ID

11453022

Incident

Jan 5, 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated initially noticed that power steering fluid was leaking onto his driveway. The contact also stated that while driving at slower speeds, extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V273000 (Steering) however, the Vin was not included. Additionally, he also stated that while his wife was at stop light, the vehicle shut-off while accelerating. The contact stated that his wife was unaware if any warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. She was able to immediately restart the vehicle and resume normal driving. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11426766

Incident

Jun 1, 2021

MY CAR STALLED ON ME WHILE DRIVING. THE FIRST TIME (2014) IT HAPPENED I WAS MAKING A TURN ON A CITY STREET. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. IT JUST STALLED WHILE DRIVING LAST WEEK FOR A SECOND TIME. I WAS WAITING ON A LIGHT ON A CITY STREET. MY CAR WAS COMPLETELY DEAD I COULDN'T PUT THE HAZARD LIGHTS ON. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A SCHOOL ZONE. I TRIED STARTING IT AND NOTHING. TWO GENTLEMEN HAD TO PUSH MY CAR OUT OF TRAFFIC. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE, IMAGINE HAD I BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY SOMEONE WOULD OF HIT FROM ME BEHIND AS I HAD NO POWER AT ALL. THERE WAS NO WAY OF WARNING THE CARS BEHIND ME AS I HAD NO POWER. I REPLACED THE BATTERY IN 1/2021 AND ALTERNATOR IN 3/2021. I HAVE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE DODGE FORUM WEBSITE I BELIEVE SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE FOR SAFETY ISSUES. ALSO MY BLUETOOTH SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING THAT IS ALSO A SAFETY ISSUE. I DID COMPLAIN TO DODGE AND THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I HAVE SEEN A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ON THE DODGE FORUM WEBSITE. MY DODGE JOURNEY IS CURRENTLY AT A SHOP UNDER DIAGNOSTICS. IT MAKES IT UNSAFE FOR ME TO WANT TO DRIVE IT AT THIS POINT.

NHTSA ID

11407541

Incident

Apr 8, 2021

Mileage

54,000 mi

MY VEHICLE HAS A PENTASTAR 3.6L V6 AND 117000APPX. MILES. IT WAS RECENTLY DIAGNOSED WITH A CRACKED CYLINDER HEAD. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE WITH THESE ENGINES BUT, FOR SOME REASON, I'M BEING TOLD IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER SERVICE BULLETIN 09-002-14.

NHTSA ID

11405427

Incident

Mar 23, 2021

Mileage

117,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL PRESSURE SWITCH FAILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER (CHERRY HILL DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM 1708 NJ-70, CHERRY HILL, NJ 08002; (856) 471-1058) WHO STATED THAT THE LEAKING OIL COOLER HOUSING ADAPTER ENGINE AND GASKET INTAKE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,600.*LN CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER COVERAGE HAS EXPIRED.*JB

NHTSA ID

11389173

Incident

Dec 1, 2020

Mileage

1,600 mi

DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND ENGINE DIED. DASH LIGHTS AND GAUGES FLASHED OFF AND ON. SPEEDOMETER WENT BACK AND FORTH. THEN IT STARTED RUNNING AGAIN. A COUPLE DAYS LATER IT DIED WHILE TURNING A CORNER. I HAD TO RESTART VEHICLE. A COUPLE DAYS AFTER THAT I WENT TO START THE CAR AND NO LIGHTS, GAUGES OR NOTHING WORKED. THE BATTERY AND REMOTE KEY WERE FINE. CHECKED TO SEE IF HORN WOULD BLOW, IT WORKED. TRIED TO START AGAIN AND EVERYTHING WORKED FINE. IT IS VERY UNSAFE FOR IT TO JUST DIE WHITE ON THE HIGHWAY GOIN AROUND A CURVE.

NHTSA ID

11354611

Incident

Sep 11, 2020

Mileage

110,350 mi

105,000 MILES ALREADY HAVE TO REPLACE LIFTERS, ROCKER ARM, POSSIBLE A CAM SHAFT.PRICING RANGES FROM $1,000-$3,000 IF YOU GET LUCKY

NHTSA ID

11353916

Incident

Sep 5, 2020

RADIATOR BLEW THE TOP OFF AND HEAD GASKET BLEW. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION.

NHTSA ID

11352154

Incident

Aug 18, 2020

Mileage

111,341 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ALL THE SUDDEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON IN MY STEERING LOCKED UP. I PULLED TO A MIDDLE LANE SINCE IT WAS IN A VERY BUSY ROAD AND SHUT MY CAR OFF AND TRIED TO TURN IT BACK ON AND IT STARTED SHAKING. AGAIN TURN THE CAR OFF LET IT SIT FOR A LITTLE BIT TRY TO TURN IT ON AND IT STARTED SHAKING AGAIN. TRY TO THIRD TIME I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT HOME THE STEERING WHEEL UNLOCKED AND DROVE IT HOME FINE BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON THE WHOLE TIME.

NHTSA ID

11351942

Incident

Aug 28, 2020

Mileage

57,500 mi

IM PAYING FOR SECOND OWBERSHIP PUT 1300.00 CASH DOWN PAYING MONTHLY CAR NOTE OF 313.00 SINGLE PARENT OF 4 CHILDREN

NHTSA ID

11344277

Incident

Aug 10, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE CONTACT LEFT THE VEHICLE RUNNING AS SHE WENT INTO A RESTAURANT; UPON RETURNING TO THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE STARTED VIBRATING. THE CONTACT PROCEEDED TO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE STALLED UPON DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE VEHICLE SHUTOFF AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE VEHICLE SHUTOFF IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT AND ANOTHER DRIVER PUSHED THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CHRIS NIKEL CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM FIAT (2920 N ASPEN AVE, BROKEN ARROW, OK 74012) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE TWO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE WHICH WERE HOWEVER, NOT RELATED TO THE FAILURE EXPERIENCED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 164,000.

NHTSA ID

11342972

Incident

Aug 1, 2020

Mileage

164,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF AN INCORRECT PURGE FLOW AND LOSS VEHICLE SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000. *LN*JB

NHTSA ID

11320022

Incident

Mar 17, 2020

Mileage

117,000 mi

ABOUT OCTOBER 2019, WHILE PULLING INTO A GAS STATION, MY 2013 DODGE JOURNEY JUST SHUT OFF. NO WARNINGS, NO LIGHTS WENT OFF TO INDICATE WHAT HAPPENED. I PUT IT IN PARK, PUSHED THE IGNITION BUTTON SO THAT THE CAR WAS ACTUALLY OFF, AND THEN RE-STARTED IT. IT STARTED WITH NO ISSUES, AND WAS FINE. THEN IN NOVEMBER OF 2019 MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL AUTO PARTS STORE AND HAD THEM RUN A DIAGNOSTIC ON IT, WHICH CAME BACK THAT THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR NEED SOME ATTENTION. HOWEVER, THE NEXT DAY WHEN I STARTED MY CAR, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WASN'T ON, AND IT STAYED OFF. THAT IS UNTIL TODAY, 2.20.2020. WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO THE AUTO STORE, HAD THEM RUN A TEST, WHICH CAME BACK AS THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR AGAIN. MY CAR HASN'T STOPPED ON ME YET, AND I HOPE IT DOESN'T, AND I AM LOOKING TO GET THIS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, EVERY ONE I HAVE SEEN HAVING THE SAME ISSUE, STATES IT HAPPENS REPEATEDLY. I REALLY HOPE TO HAVE A RECALL ON THIS, AS IT APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE ITSELF AND NOT SOMETHING THE CONSUMERS SHOULD HAVE TO KEEP PAYING FOR! WE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO DRIVE IN FEAR EVERY TIME WE GET BEHIND THE WHEEL, ESPECIALLY WHEN WE HAVE CHILDREN RIDING IN OUR VEHICLES! PLEASE FIX THIS!

NHTSA ID

11310453

Incident

Feb 20, 2020

Mileage

155,000 mi