RoadVitals

2016 Dodge Journey Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints 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.
121
Latest Jul 2, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
31%
of 385 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
2
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2016 Dodge Journey submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 121 reports on file name it.

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

Owner reports naming engine

The 25 most recent of 121, in the owner's own words

BrakesEngine
Filed Jul 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-30 MPH, the engine made an abnormally loud sound. The check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had progressively worsened. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the driver's side of the cabin, underneath the steering wheel, was significantly hot while driving. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

NHTSA ID
11748020
Incident
Jun 18, 2026
Mileage
116,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving 35-40 MPH, the engine started overheating. The message "Temperature High" was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the power windows were intermittently inoperable. While attempting to drive from a complete stop, the transmission failed to shift gears as intended. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal while driving, the engine revved, but the vehicle failed to respond as intended. Additionally, there was a discrepancy between the instrument cluster speedometer reading and the digital speedometer reading. The vehicle was taken to Wilcox & Sons Automotive, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the water pump, the radiator, the cooling system, and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 16V461000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.

NHTSA ID
11713647
Incident
Jan 27, 2026
Mileage
220,000 mi
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 9, 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
Engine
Filed Jul 14, 2025

The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact's daughter received a notification for Emissions Recall: U67 related to the catalytic converter. An appointment was scheduled to have the vehicle serviced; however, the day prior to the appointment, the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and stated that the warning light might be related to the emissions recall. The dealer performed a diagnostic test for the check engine warning light and discovered that the warning light was related to the cam shaft. The dealer replaced the catalytic converter and reset the computer which cleared the check engine warning light. Despite the repair, the vehicle shut off while driving on three separate occasions. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer each time however, the failure returned soon after the vehicle was repaired. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

NHTSA ID
11673338
Incident
Jun 25, 2025
Mileage
99,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped for a traffic signal or stopped for traffic, the vehicle was stalling. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the crankshaft sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact called a local dealer and was advised that the information was correct and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA ID
11671775
Incident
May 26, 2025
Mileage
95,000 mi
Engine
Filed May 27, 2025

Transmission is slipping between 2nd and 3rd gear with low miles 71357 and already having. Transmission issues

NHTSA ID
11663210
Incident
May 1, 2025
Engine
Filed Apr 16, 2025
Fire reported

The contact owned a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated and the security alarm sounded. Shortly afterward, the temperature gauge began to indicate the vehicle was overheating, and moments later vehicle lost automotive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle then burst into flames originating from the engine compartment. The overheating warning light was illuminated. Local emergency services arrived and were able to extinguish the flames. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contacts insurance provider. A fire report was filed and the contact was informed that investigators intended to inspect the vehicle. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.

NHTSA ID
11654989
Incident
Apr 11, 2025
Mileage
132,000 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed, and there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. Additionally, the contact stated he had noticed that there was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine oil cooler and the intake gasket needed to be replaced due to oil leak, and the O2 sensors, the timing cover gasket, both cover gasket seals, and the front crankshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000(Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11654047
Incident
Apr 11, 2022
Engine
Filed Feb 27, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, or while the vehicle was idling while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle made a chugging and choking sound. The vehicle hesitated before accelerating as needed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but had become a constant failure. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an inspection was completed, and the vehicle failed the Emissions test due to DTC: P40; for the catalytic converter and Oxygen sensor. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,000.

NHTSA ID
11645344
Incident
Aug 27, 2024
Mileage
97,000 mi
Engine
Filed Feb 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving on a neighborhood street at 20 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over safely to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact was able to continue driving. The contact drove the vehicle to the local Auto Zone, where the vehicle was diagnosed and DTC: P0018 ( Camshaft/Crankshaft psoition sensor failure) was retrieved. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,365.

NHTSA ID
11640395
Incident
Nov 29, 2024
Mileage
95,365 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 1, 2024

While driving the car, car stalled and began displaying the lightning bolt icon on the cluster. The power steering stopped working and the brake was very stiff and hard to depress. I pulled off the road and waited a few minutes and started the car again. The idle was very rough, icon was still displayed on the cluster, and car began jerking and stalled again. I had the vehicle towed to the house and began looking into the issue. Error codes read on the car was P0365: Camshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit, and the red lightning bolt indicating an issue with the electronic throttle body. The battery was taken out and tested bad so it was replaced. The throttle body was cleaned and tested good. When I tried to start the car after the codes were cleared, the vehicle attempted to start but wasn't able to turn over fully. The P0365 code returned. I then had a mechanic come check out the car to see if he could do anything to help. He determined that the valves in the engine were bent and the cars timing was off. With all of this being said, This issue I am complaining about is the P0365 Camshaft sensor code. There was a recall for the camshaft sensors in some 2016 Dodge Journeys but my VIN did not fall in that range. When I called FCA, I was told there was nothing to be done because my VIN wasn't included in the recall. A bad camshaft sensor would cause all of the issues that I am experiencing with the car. If the sensor is bad or doesn't perform as it should, it could effect the overall timing of the engine's firing sequence, causing stalling, failure to start, and damage to the engine, like in my case with the bent valves. This incident posed a severe safety risk to myself and the other drivers around me due to the loss of power steering and partial loss of braking ability. Luckily this incident did not occur on the interstate or major highway, where there are speeds in excess of 55 mph.

NHTSA ID
11623102
Incident
Oct 24, 2024
Engine
Filed Sep 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

NHTSA ID
11615227
Incident
Sep 18, 2024
Mileage
117,000 mi
BrakesEngineSteering
Filed Sep 5, 2024

While I was driving, my car unexpectedly lost power and the engine shut off while I was making a left hand turn. There was no warning. The steering wheel became very hard to maneuver and the car coasted through the turn. I was almost hit by incoming Traffic. Once the car came to a complete stop, I was able to put it in park and restart it after attempting twice. The first time, it sputtered. It has not been confirmed by a dealer and it has not been inspected by anyone. There were no warning lights prior to it shutting off. The radio never stopped working on either. It happens when the air is running

NHTSA ID
11612902
Incident
Aug 26, 2024
ElectricalEngine
Filed Aug 19, 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
Engine
Filed Aug 5, 2024

The engine stalled and overheated. The vehicle has 81k miles. The dealership said it needs a head gasket. The check engine light came on.

NHTSA ID
11606657
Incident
Jul 28, 2024
Engine
Filed May 12, 2024

I was driving my vehicle and the engine light came on with cruise control one time and abs brake lighta another time. When I got it checked by a mechanic, I was told it was clamshaft and crankshaft and that it was under a recall for my specific make and model and to take it to Dodge dealership. I did so and they ean a diagnostic test that tevealed exactly what I told them the mechanic told me and that it was not under recall and would be $2900 to fix. I argued that there is a recall for my specific make and model for the exact issue and was told to call Chrysler. I called and spoke with them and was told my vin doesn't pop up for thr recall even though my same year, make and model is having the same specific issue and that there was nothing they can do. I drive my vehicle to take my son to school and go to work as a nurse, caring for others. I was told that my vehicle may power off in the middle of driving because of the faulty sensor, potentially causing harm to myself, my loved ones and others on the road for an issue that my same make, model and year vehicle has a recall for that my vin number doesn't come up for.

NHTSA ID
11588338
Incident
May 1, 2024
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed Apr 27, 2024

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
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 14, 2024

Car started shifting erratic

NHTSA ID
11582837
Incident
Apr 6, 2024
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 2, 2024

Cam/crank position sensor intermittent problems and codes. Catalytic converter efficiency codes and problems. Power steering problems. Automatic transmission issues, stutters, acceleration issues.

NHTSA ID
11575055
Incident
Feb 1, 2024
Engine
Filed Feb 27, 2024

CRANKSHAFT SENSOR FAILURE - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT

NHTSA ID
11574253
Incident
Feb 26, 2024
Engine
Filed Dec 19, 2023

Engine oil filter housing made of cheap plastic. Sitting under the intake in the V part of the engine between the cylinder heads. PLASTIC housing with hot oil trapped in the middle of the engine. Dries out the seals and causes housing to crack. Well known issue, all aftermarket housings are made of aluminum because of this. Due to location oil leaks into that V area and pools continuously. After driving around a corner large amounts slosh over and down the back of the trans and onto the exhaust and on the drivers side wheels. Well known fault costing consumers at least $500 to repair a faulty part due to no recall. Please make them do a recall this can start a fire or cause crashes from oil getting on the tires.

NHTSA ID
11560975
Incident
Dec 19, 2023
ElectricalEngineSteering
Filed Nov 21, 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
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed Sep 21, 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
Engine
Filed Sep 5, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made abnormal knocking sounds. Additionally, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated while responding upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while starting the vehicle and driving from a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was low compression in cylinder #2, and the long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID
11542678
Incident
Jun 5, 2023
Mileage
170,000 mi
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 15, 2023

My abs, traction control, and my AWD service light all have been on making my car jump before I can accelerate and it then drives fine but today it would not allow me to go over 15MPH and all I could hear was grinding noises! This was the first time that has happened, I’ve replaced the wheel sensors, bearings, and all new tires it turned off for a couple months but now is back on! This is a huge hazard, I have 3 kids that were with me when the new incident happened and had to put my hazards on to make it into a gas station parking lot, this needs a recall on all senors, abs, cruise control, electrical, transmission. List goes on. What is it going to take for them to see many people have been complaining of the same issues at hand?? Is it going to take a serious or critical accident?? It should not have to get that far, I’ve complained a couple years ago and no one ever contacted about these issues. I just want my car safe for my kids! Please I beg of you to do something about these issues!

NHTSA ID
11517209
Incident
Apr 15, 2023

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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