2016 Dodge Journey Electrical Problems

The 2012-2015 Dodge Journey was previously subject to an NHTSA recall for an electronic stability control module defect producing similar ABS warning and brake-related symptoms. The 2016 model year was not included in that recall. Other 2016 Dodge Journey owners have reported the same symptoms to consumer complaint databases and noted the gap in recall coverage. The 2018 Dodge Journey was separately recalled for a brake caliper defect affecting braking performance. The defects I experienced on this 2016 vehicle appear consistent with a documented pattern across multiple Dodge Journey model years that may warrant extending recall coverage.

NHTSA ID

11740795

Incident

May 4, 2026

The air conditioner turns on by itself. When I turn it off it immediately turns itself back on. I have turned it off at least ten times repeatedly back to back and it continued to turn back on by itself. It can happen randomly sometimes, but has now become more of a problem.

NHTSA ID

11738916

Incident

May 1, 2025

The traction control light, the service AWD light and the abs light are all on, the horn stopped working, the buttons on the steering wheel stopped working, the backup camera stopped working, the air in the back portion of the vehicle turns on randomly-and the temp to the back randomly adjusts on its own and the heated steering wheel control shuts off and doesn't work. I brought it in to the dealership to have the U49 recall completed but they said they don't have to inspect the wiring that is included into the functioning of the CAN bus system. All of these issues started within a week of each other and nothing fixes them.

NHTSA ID

11732945

Incident

Mar 3, 2026

I bought the car in 2019 . Since purchasing it has had electrical issues. The AC blew hot air, the rear windows did not work, the center console usb plug caught fire, the lights on dash flicker. Dome light comes on by itself. Now the head lights flicker and go out. I have had it checked , and on computers nothing comes up.I cannot even use cruise control because it speeds up on its own to high speeds. I contacted the dealership, I was told I was making it up, I took it in and was told they could not find anything. I have taken video, and even have numerous witnesses to this. This is just one of many issues.Three nights ago on my way home from the store all my lights went out on the highway. It was pitch black. I was lucky no one was around me and I was able to get off the near by exit without crashing. There is no recalls on my car but on the 2016 Dodge journey this is mentioned by numerous customers. I even contacted Dodge Chrysler and was told they have no records of any issues with my year make or model.

NHTSA ID

11700144

Incident

Nov 15, 2025

The EVIC lights will turn off while driving. Doesn’t matter if it’s daylight or evening. During evening hours it poses a risk due to not seeing speed or any other lights on dashboard. The EVIC will stay on after car is shut off and key fob is moved away from vehicle causing the battery to die.

NHTSA ID

11693976

Incident

Oct 12, 2025

As I was driving my 2016 DJ just list power.. I coast my to the side of the road. I try cranking the car up but it wouldn't crank up. So I had it towed to my house which were about 5 mins away. Please help me with my car. Vehicle would not go up small hills

NHTSA ID

11692237

Incident

Jun 13, 2024

Was driving car after cleaning it had a box in trunk that barely took a portion of the trunk up. While drive smelt smoke and electrical smell and my trunk was on fire inside. Pulled over and the back hatch inside got so hot from what I can only guess was electrical that the box caught fire. This caused a whole inside back hatch and melted part of my seat and damaged my storage containers.

NHTSA ID

11664229

Incident

May 27, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle failed to start. Due to the failure, the contact was forced to jumpstart the vehicle. There were several messages displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the messages disappeared while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on several occasions for the same failure. The contact stated that the battery, alternator, starter motor, and various other parts were replaced; however, the failure persisted. Recently, the contact stated that upon attempting to unlock the door with the key fob, the vehicle failed to unlock, and there was no power from the vehicle. The contact used the key to manually unlock the door, and the alarm system sounded off. Due to the key fob failing to operate as needed, the contact was unable to disengage the alarm. The vehicle failed to start while jumpstarting the vehicle. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11659911

Incident

Apr 1, 2023

Mileage

90,000 mi

Dashboard lights and control screen blacks out

NHTSA ID

11651537

Incident

Feb 25, 2025

I believe the 2016 Dodge Journeys should be included in the 15V675000 recall. My passenger side floorboard was wet, mechanic changed filter but water can still be heard sloshing in the car. Since then, emergency brake, and check engine light will randomly turn on while I’m driving. The “service AWD” and “service park assist system” notice will turn on when I start my car. Now, the car is not registering as parked. I can’t turn the car on and it goes into a security mode because I get a “car not in park” notice. I have had the car serviced and checked multiple times and no codes come up. I have the brakes checked when the light ABS light flashes, no issues can be found.

NHTSA ID

11649772

Incident

Apr 9, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the doors continuously locked and unlocked, and the windows continuously rolled up and down unintendedly. Additionally, the interior lights and the exterior lights were turned off and on unintendedly. The contact also stated that a light indicating that the tailgate was opened was displayed while the tailgate was securely closed. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a fee for the diagnostic test would be charged. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID

11643921

Incident

Jan 30, 2025

Mileage

120,000 mi

Unknown and my air bag light keeps coming on even though we have gotten the coolant fixed and a new/used engine put in the car, we replaced and got a new battery and new alternator in it to and the oil has gotten changed in it.

NHTSA ID

11636928

Incident

Feb 22, 2024

I’m having the same issues as other Dodge journeys from earlier models that had the recall on the engine for the Rocker arms, lifters, and camshaft. Almost causing me to have an accident inside the highway due to my car, reducing speed from 65 To 15 mph on the expressway as well my vehicle Starting to shake very badly. Second issue is The same problem with earlier models, using the same engine and transmission recall, I’m having the same issues, and unfortunately, my car states that has no open recalls when my car has the same engine and transmission then the earlier model with the recall As I was reading on the web, they are some 2016 Dodge journeys with the same issues as earlier models that are not recalled as of yet

NHTSA ID

11609289

Incident

Jun 8, 2023

Vehicle started stalling repeatedly for brief moments, cruise control began to "stick" on. Vehicle does not "die" in these instances but all electrical components shut down for a very brief moment then come back on. This happens frequently and for no apparent reason associated with road/driving conditions. Cruise control also wouldn't turn off when problems started. Haven't tried to use cruise control since first instance for fear of safety.

NHTSA ID

11585582

Incident

Jan 1, 2024

My vehicle has been stalling out while driving, to the point of the brakes lock up, once it’s in park you can’t get it out of park, or can’t get the vehicle to turn off while stalled out, literally have to disconnect the battery, and reconnect it to maybe get the car a fresh start to turn over and return power to systems. The check engine light pops on when stalled but not normally and is coding for crankshaft position sensor a circuit. My vehicle apparently doesn’t have an open recall; but have seen this same issue has been a recall on the same year, make, and model, just not mine. The dodge dealership would rather me sell them my car and buy a new one.

NHTSA ID

11560410

Incident

Dec 1, 2023

My car Intermittent just shuts down while driving on the road without warning and has done so 4 times now with my family in it as this is the family car. Thank God no one has been hurt or any accidents at this time. When it shuts down you loose control of the vehicle and the steering wheel locks and unable to move safely off the road you have to stop in the middle of traffic and put it in neutral and get out and push it off the road! I have had it sent to two shops to find the problem and they both come up with the Crank Shaft Sensor the first one replaced and the problem still happens! So the 2nd shop a Dodge dealership has diagnosed the same problem but then they say the Recall S89 is the problem with my vehicle but because My vehicle was made 6 months before the start of the recall they say I have to fix the problem out of pocket and I refuse to do it! If there is a known problem and a fix for it on a recall then the recall date should be changed to include older models with the same issues. Thank you for any and all assistance in this matter.

NHTSA ID

11556349

Incident

Sep 4, 2023

My care has an acceleration issues, I had the transmission fixed twice and still does the same thing, I been having electrical issue's, my dome light comes on when I put car in reverse, my car compartment on drivers side back seat fills up with water, front seat floor gets wet underneath mat in winter, locks on doors lock and unlock at will, heating and ac unit comes on at will the car is dangerous to drive

NHTSA ID

11545917

Incident

Jan 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle hesitated upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. The vehicle entered LIMP Mode with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact initially took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a shift solenoid defect related to the engine control module (ECM). The contact took the vehicle to several other independent mechanics and was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V332000 (Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control) which she linked to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the software update would be covered under recall; however, any additional repairs would be paid out of pocket. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11502476

Incident

May 1, 2022

Mileage

100,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undetermined speed, there was an abnormal ticking noise detected. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they informed the contact the camshaft sensor and crankshaft sensor should be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 ( Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11479317

Incident

Aug 1, 2020

Mileage

80,000 mi

The engine/powertrain occasionally does not accelerate on the freeway causing us to backup traffic. This happens randomly and will eventually cause a major accident. I have contacted dodge but they want me to leave my car for 6 weeks with no loaner I am a single mother that is not possible. The car is under bumper to bumper coverage but they still wont fix the issue! Also my heated seats are stuck on high and often smell like they are going to catch fire! Again dodge wont help!

NHTSA ID

11478120

Incident

Aug 8, 2022

I received notice of a recall for my vehicle, when reviewing the recall list, I noticed I have issues where all icons come on, and the radio turns channel without selection. I can no longer check the vehicle status (oil level, tire pressure, etc.). I recently completed a scheduled oil change, and the next day received notice the vehicle was due for an oil change. In the recalls listed, I am having the same issue, but my VIN is not showing. Please help, as my 2016 Journey should be part of this list.

NHTSA ID

11470411

Incident

May 10, 2022

The problem started back in April, where lights on my dash started coming on. I noticed a different feel when i drive now. I dont know if its electrical steering or what. Its the BRAKE, ABS, A TIRE, and A Car with Swerve Lines... I dont feel safe when me and my kids are in truck. One time i was driving and it said i was going 99 but was actually going 45. Also it says there are 4 RECALLS ON THIS MODEL but when i put my VIN its says i have no unrepaired recalls. THAT IS FALSE! THE RECALLS LOOK LIKE SOME OF THE RPOBLEMS MY VEHICLE IS HAVING. I dont know whats going on but for my kids safety im gone need it handled and fixed!

NHTSA ID

11466579

Incident

Apr 4, 2022

Sometimes when I turn my car on the front screen won’t turn on it will stay black, when I go to back up my rear view camera won’t work, sometimes my two front windows won’t roll down, my defroster won’t turn on in the front, my blowers used to work where I was able to switch them to defrost, just face, or feet but it’s just stuck on one setting and my passenger side blows hot air when the AC is on. In winter it’s hard to see out my front window even when I let the car warm up, it will fog up while I’m driving and it causes me not to see and could potentially cause a major accident, also in the summertime when I need the AC for my children and it’s not working properly can effect them as well, my car definitely should be on the recall list for several things that have been recalled, I feel unsafe to drive it especially with my babies in the car. It’s my only transportation for anything! Along side with my AWD light flickering on and off and causing my car to slow down and not accelerate, it feels like it’s going to stall and would not be good in the middle of traffic.

NHTSA ID

11466012

Incident

May 24, 2022

Unknown: my vehicle driver side carpet gets, my heat comes on by itself constantly my check engine light comes on and off and sometimes my acceleration and braking doesn't match or lineup at times when I brake/ slow down and then get back on the gas it doesn't register or pick up on breaking and slowing down a lot of dodge journey's have these same issues according to online reviews

NHTSA ID

11463087

Incident

May 2, 2021

For several month my brake light would illuminate when I would hit brakes. Then the ABS light and traction control light also came on. Took it to shop and said it was the electric stability control module and dodge journeys are known for this but it only recalls 2012-2015. Mine is a 2016. Pretty sure it should also be included in the recall, nevertheless they tried to charge me almost $600 to fix, I refused.

NHTSA ID

11461708

Incident

Apr 21, 2022