2014 Dodge Journey Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 Dodge Journey, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical10518.2%
- Engine10317.9%
- Brakes8815.3%
- Driver assistance6210.8%
- Airbags468.0%
- Interior & seats417.1%
- Powertrain (other)356.1%
- Steering284.9%
- Seat belts132.3%
- Body & structure132.3%
- Fuel system101.7%
- Other / unspecified91.6%
- Visibility61.0%
- Tires & wheels61.0%
- Exterior lighting50.9%
- Suspension50.9%
- Transmission10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Won't start sometimes. This is because the BRAND NEW battery is slowly draining. Yet nothing has been left on, no lights, doors all securely shut. Nothing is left on that's visible anyway. Left me stranded and had to get towed or jumped. The battery is brand new as I mentioned. Afraid it's going to stall out on me and even not start up when I turn it off to run into the store! Even though I have been charging the battery until someone can figure this out, I don't trust it.
Car acceleration literally jumping from 30-50mph this is all something that can be felt happening car accelerating when braking is occurring so when slowing the car down it does a speed up then it will begin slowing down then we have the car not wanting to accelerate at all almost like it is stuttering to go this occurs when I get to a red light and it goes green and I press that gas I acts as if something isn’t registering fast enough. I’ve took my car to be serviced for these problems nobody seems to find an issue with the problems occurring the problem puts others at risk because we could possibly collide if I where to brake and the car continues to keep going instead of coming to a complete stop. No it hasn’t been inspected by any manufacturer or police or insurance companies no there weren’t any warning lamps or messages going on at this time yes my car is available for inspection because that is what I need a proper inspection to determine the problem
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Won't start sometimes. This is because the BRAND NEW battery is slowly draining. Yet nothing has been left on, no lights, doors all securely shut. Nothing is left on that's visible anyway. Left me stranded and had to get towed or jumped. The battery is brand new as I mentioned. Afraid it's going to stall out on me and even not start up when I turn it off to run into the store! Even though I have been charging the battery until someone can figure this out, I don't trust it.
The contact's daughter owned a 2014 Dodge Journey. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign: 15V431000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, parts were not available. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, black smoke was seen coming from under the hood, and the engine caught on fire. The driver was able to successfully exit the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. The local fire department arrived on the scene to extinguish the fire. A police report was not filed. The source of the fire was deemed recall-related. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location and was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. No injuries or medical attention were sought. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The Electronic Brake Control Module: Anti-Lock Brakes. This has caused the cruise control to stop working, the wheel sensors on the front to stop working. The speedometer (digital and gauge) to stop working and the Engine light to stay on. This has been witness by an Independent service center. The dash sensors would go on and off randomly. Many other repairs have been performed throughout the pass 3 years.Unsure when the first sensor started. Today 6/12/2026 replaced the wheel senors but they do not register on the dash, senors lights remain on.
Car acceleration literally jumping from 30-50mph this is all something that can be felt happening car accelerating when braking is occurring so when slowing the car down it does a speed up then it will begin slowing down then we have the car not wanting to accelerate at all almost like it is stuttering to go this occurs when I get to a red light and it goes green and I press that gas I acts as if something isn’t registering fast enough. I’ve took my car to be serviced for these problems nobody seems to find an issue with the problems occurring the problem puts others at risk because we could possibly collide if I where to brake and the car continues to keep going instead of coming to a complete stop. No it hasn’t been inspected by any manufacturer or police or insurance companies no there weren’t any warning lamps or messages going on at this time yes my car is available for inspection because that is what I need a proper inspection to determine the problem
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Rearview camera not working. I received a recall notice and 2 days later my rear view camera stopped working, but for some reason my vehicle is not on the list to be repaired?
The Electronic Brake Control Module: Anti-Lock Brakes. This has caused the cruise control to stop working, the wheel sensors on the front to stop working. The speedometer (digital and gauge) to stop working and the Engine light to stay on. This has been witness by an Independent service center. The dash sensors would go on and off randomly. Many other repairs have been performed throughout the pass 3 years.Unsure when the first sensor started. Today 6/12/2026 replaced the wheel senors but they do not register on the dash, senors lights remain on.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
None of the airbags in the car deployed when I was in a high-impact front-end collision traveling at 45 mph. I was wearing my seatbelt, but the airbags did not deploy. I did not have the added protection of the airbags, so my injuries were much more severe than they would have been if the airbags had deployed. I have 2, possibly 3 fractures in my neck and spine, 2 fractures to the ribs near the sternum, organ damage, necrosis and nerve damage to the right leg, severe whiplash and many more injuries. The insurance company inspected the car after the car accident, Pioneer Insurance Company. There were no warning lights on that would indicate a problem with the airbags. I had been driving that car for years and never had a problem with the airbags. To my knowledge, no one has ever been in an accident in this car that would require the use of the airbags. I expected the airbags to work if I ever needed them and they did not, without warning.
Unknown: traction control light, air bag light, cruis control, horn, are not functioning properly and i believe it is the clock spring. Not sure if it was part of a recall previously.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
While parked the drivers seat headrest ARS system activated. Hitting the driver in the back of the head.
Head rest deployed without any type of impact
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The powertrain control module went out on my dodge and caused the car to be stuck in limp mode which could cause an accident if driving on the road
viscous unit for AWD dodge journeys has been failing causing a clunking and chunking noise. Causing the car jerk on takeoff or on turns. From what others been having issues with is the same thing. Causing a risk of a crash of the rear differential cracking and breaking free from the car. I had to replace the Rear Axle Bdorc/Viscous Unit on my car already, again from what I read from other owners, they have been having the same issue. and some are worse than others. I fear that it may cause danger to the occupants inside the car and around.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Hi, my dodge Journey 2014 has been experiencing steering issues(stiff and hard to turn) when driving at lower speeds. I know that same Dodge Journey model and year has had a lot of recalls for that. Please verify and let me know what's the process to get this steering issue fixed under recall as this is increased risk of a crash.
The steering wheel locked on me while it was on drive. I could not turn it left or right. It does this at random which is dangerous. It locked as if the car was off but it wasn't.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
On Saturday September 19, 2026, while driving my 2014, Dodge journey without any warning. My driver's seat headset deployed. There was no impact or collision at the time of the incident. Upon deployment of headrest hit my head
On Friday, August 28, 2026, my wife entered our 2014 Dodge Journey and found that the drivers side head rest had burst open. The vehicle was parked in our driveway. Thankfully neither of use were driving the vehicle when this occurred, as this could have caused an accident. There was no warning from the vehicle that this would occur. We found online that there was a warranty extension (which has expired), but that seems inadequate for such a safety hazard. The headrests should have been recalled and replaced. I contacted Dodge customer support and they said that I need to pay for the repair since the extended warranty expired. Their problem, my expense, inadequate solution on their end. Not cool.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Back hatch/door/trunk does not close and latch.This is dangerous because things could fly out. I find it very odd that this vehicle doesn't have a trunk release from the inside and you have to manually open it and get out of the vehicle. No button option on key fob to open the "truck" or hatch either. Never had a vehicle without a release to open it from inside the vehicle. I pick up grocery orders and have to get out every time. Anyway it is malfunctioning now and not closing/latching.
WE WERE HIT ON OUR ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE BY AN OUT OF CONTROL DRIVER, THE SIDE OR FRONT AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, MY WIFES HAND WAS BROKE AND MY SONS HEAD BOUNCED OFF THE BACK PASSENGER WINDOW.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I bought this car used but it only had 26340 on it and now it is almost to 30000. When driving it sounds as though the motor is knocking, but the oil is fine when checked on. It seems to have difficulty changing gears, sometimes way to fast and it whines other times it struggles to shift gears. Rpms are not steady they are bouncing around high love. When it does get to speed it feels as though the brakes are being appflied. At times the motorwhines because, the gear is to low it starts to get loud and become very hesitant when shifting to the higher gears. Sometimes it feels like the motor or something is going to come offf. There is a bunch of rattling going on . When I do park and turn it off, shortly after it sounds as if there is something running around inside the motor area. I was told it runs great and haven't even put 3000 miles on it. I think it's going to blow up or just die
The contact’s son owns a 2014 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact then stated that on numerous occasions after the vehicle stalled, the vehicle needed to be jumpstarted each time after turning off the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that he was unable to turn off the headlamps and the key fob failed to operate as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that water prevented the fuel from entering the fuel pump and the fuel injector and an unknown engine component needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that all the recalls were previously performed, and no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 110,400.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE'S TREAD JUST PEELED UP AND PULLED OFF THE UNDER SKIRT, PULLED PART OF BACK BUMPER LOOSE. PULLED OFF THE PLASTIC UP IN SIDE THE WHEEL CARRIAGE AND ALSO BUSTED MY GAS LINE. I WAS DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT ROAD AND IT JUST HAPPENED. I DIDN'T RUN OVER OR HIT ANYTHING.
COMPLAINTS INVOLVING IDLER PULLEY AND BRAKE SYSTEM. ON JUNE 4, 2017, WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEN THE CAR STARTED MALFUNCTIONING. IT COMPLETELY DIED AND WOULD NOT START. I FOUND OUT FROM THE DEALERSHIP ON JUNE 5, 2017 THAT THE ISSUE WAS RELATED TO THE IDLER PULLEY CRUMBLING WHICH IN-TURN CAUSED THE SERPENTINE BELT TO BREAK. ON JULY 9, 2017, I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT ON THE I-10 FRONTAGE ROAD. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I COULD NOT GO BECAUSE THE BRAKES LOCKED UP. I HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK, TURN IT OFF AND THEN TURN IT BACK ON IN ORDER FOR THE BRAKES TO LOOSEN UP. TO SAY I'M FRUSTRATED WITH DODGE IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT. DURING BOTH INSTANCES, MY 8-YR OLD DAUGHTER WAS IN THE CAR WITH ME. I'VE ONLY HAD THIS CAR FOR THREE YEARS, IT ISN'T PAID OFF AND I'M HAVING THESE PROBLEMS THAT COULD POTENTIALLY BE LIFE THREATENING. A RECALL NEEDS TO HAPPEN WITH THIS VEHICLE!!!
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Due to opening and closing the rear hatch, the wiring harness wires running from the car through the hatch break and fray causing many issues. One being the potential for exposed wires to spark and cause a fire. Others being faulty rear windshield wiper and faulty rear lighting. Brake lights, turn signals, running lights and rear interior lights causing a road hazard.
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that both the front windshield wipers and rear windshield wipers were inoperable. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,707. The VIN was not available.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
GOODYEAR ASSURANCE ALL-SEASON TIRE INCURRED A BLOWOUT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE TIRE WAS NEW WITH APPROXIMATELY 100 MILES OF USE. THERE WAS NO OBSERVATION OF MATERIAL IN THE ROADWAY AND NO OBJECT FOUND IN THE TIRE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TPMS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER REFILLED THE AIR, BUT DID NOT INSPECT THE FACTORY TIRES TO DETERMINE IF THEY HAD A LEAK. THE CONTACT CONSTANTLY HAD TO REFILL THE TIRES WITH AIR. THE DEALER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 12/23/16*LJ THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP, WHEN MAKING TURNS. UPDATED 01/04/17.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Due to opening and closing the rear hatch, the wiring harness wires running from the car through the hatch break and fray causing many issues. One being the potential for exposed wires to spark and cause a fire. Others being faulty rear windshield wiper and faulty rear lighting. Brake lights, turn signals, running lights and rear interior lights causing a road hazard.
PURCHASED MY 2014 DODGE JOURNEY IN FEBURARY 2019. BEFORE HAVING COUPLE RECALLS DONE ON MY I HAD NO LIGHTS ON MY DASH BOARD EVER SINCE PURCHASED MY CAR. THEN I HAD RECALL T47 DONE ON MY CAR IN APRIL 2019 THERE BEGINS TO START RANDOMLY FLASHING THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD. COULD BE IN PARK OR IN GEAR THE LIGHT WILL APPEAR AND STAY ALL AT RANDOM. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP TO SCHEDULE AN ADDITIONAL RECALL AND INFORMED THEM OF THIS AIRBAG LIGHTING ISSUE. WAS TOLD THAT IT CAUSED FROM MY SEATBELT WIRING. IF THAT WAS THE CASE THEN THE LIGHT WOULD HAVE CAME ON BEFORE EVER HAVING ANY RECALLS DONE MORE SPECIFICALLY THE T47 RECALL FOR EXACTLY THAT ISSUE WITH THE AIRBAG WIRING. THEN THE GUY ATTEMPTS TO PROVIDE ME WITH A QUOTE ON HOW MUCH THEY WERE GOING TO TRY AND CHARGE ME TO HAVE IT FIXED !! I DONT KNOW WHAT YOU WOULD CALL THIS BUT I KNOW IT CAN NOT BE LEGAL !! PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND HELP STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING TO ANYONE ELSE WHO USES THIS DEALERSHIP !!!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
3C4PDCBG1ET[XXX] REQUIRED FCA IS MAKING [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM
2014 DODGE JOURNEY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WATER STAINS ON BACK CARGO LINER CAUSED BY WATER LEAKS FROM ANTENNA BASE/ BACK WASHER HOSE/REAR HARNESS GROMMET AND OTHER LOCATIONS. CONSUMER HAS CONCERNS OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING A CLUNK WAS HEARD AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. WHEN THE GAS PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED THE ENGINE JUST REVVED AND WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS. A FEW DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE WOULD NO LONGER MOVE, LEAVING THE DRIVER STRANDED. A SPRING POPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING THE TORQUE CONVERTER TO FAIL. A WEEK LATER THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN LEAKING FLUID. A BUSHING AND SEAL CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE BOUGHT BACK IN FULL. UPDATED 06/14/2017*JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED THE SECOND TIME THE VEHICLE STALLED. THERE WERE NO OTHER WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .