2016 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 2016 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
- Engine12122.2%
- Powertrain (other)8515.6%
- Electrical8515.6%
- Driver assistance5610.3%
- Brakes529.5%
- Steering346.2%
- Interior & seats346.2%
- Airbags264.8%
- Fuel system132.4%
- Exterior lighting91.7%
- Seat belts81.5%
- Suspension71.3%
- Other / unspecified50.9%
- Visibility50.9%
- Body & structure40.7%
- Tires & wheels10.2%
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The car started making a whining noise as I was exiting the highway. Within 2 minutes, the check engine light came on. Shortly after that as I was turning right on the street to enter the parking lot, the car lost power and would not move forward. THe car just lost power in the middle of the street as I was driving. I had someone look at the car and they said the transmission pump or transmission needs to be replaced. I read there was a recall: Recall Number: S44 (NHTSA Campaign 16V-461) Affected Vehicles: The recall affects approximately 26,299 vehicles, specifically 2016 Dodge Journey models manufactured between August 17, 2015, and January 29, 2016. 2. Issue: The transmission pump may seize, resulting in a loss of hydraulic pressure. This can lead to a complete loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash without warning. This is exactly what happened to me but my vin doesn't come up when I enter it on the website. I think my vehicle should have been included under the recall and transmission pump replaced.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
An authorized Dodge dealer replaced the original rearview backup camera under warranty in 2021 with Mopar replacement part 56054158AG. The replacement camera later became inoperative, displaying a black or distorted image and eventually no usable rearview image when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. I later received an official FCA US owner notification for Mopar replacement camera part 56054158AG under Safety Recall 60C (NHTSA Recall 25E-052). The owner notification states that the remedy is available. Attached are the dealer's 2021 warranty repair invoice documenting installation of part 56054158AG, the FCA recall notices, and the dealer's July 2026 service record documenting that there were no active recalls associated with the vehicle. When I presented the vehicle, the owner notification, and the repair documentation to the authorized dealer, I was told there is no active recall associated with the vehicle, and the dealer documented that there were no active recalls for the vehicle at that time. As a result, the dealer did not perform the recall repair. I am concerned that owners of vehicles with recalled replacement cameras may have no clear path to obtaining the recall remedy when the replacement part is documented but no active recall is associated with the vehicle. The backup camera remains inoperative, reducing rearward visibility while backing and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH and turning left, the steering wheel was extremely stiff. The contact stopped, exited the vehicle, opened the hood, and became aware that the power steering hoses were disconnected. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the failure was associated with NHTSA ID Number: 16V273000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 147,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started and running, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed a puddle of fluid on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the fluid was possibly power steering fluid. The contact was on the way to work, and while the vehicle was in reverse(R), there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the steering wheel. The contact stopped at an auto specialty store, and when the contact checked the power steering fluid reservoir, the reservoir was empty. The contact refilled the power steering fluid reservoir. The contact stated that later in the day the contact checked the power steering fluid reservoir was checked and was empty. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. There was abnormal sound coming from the steering wheel, and extra effort was needed to turn the steering wheel. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V273000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Headrest deployed and won't go bac in. The vehicle was just sitting in the driveway, when we ot in we noticed the headrest out.
I opened my car door to get in and found that that head rest was completely popped out. It was not in that condition the previous day.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Air bags did not deploy during an mvc
While returning from a shopping trip with my mom the passenger headrest broke/exploded? It caused several small plastic fragments to fly from I guess inside and the headrest hit my mom in the back of the head. There were no lights to indicate a problem, no other vehicles around and we were only traveling 25 mph. No police or anyone else involved Ed. Wasn't sure what to do. I saw a recall for this on similar vehicles but mine is not included.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Since I bought this car it would pull when I drive. Asked dodge once and told nothing wrong. Now years later an engine light always shows up. Car was checked and O2 sensor issue. I found recall on exact issue and my VIN not showing up. I want this fixed so my vin shows up as recall. This is not ok. I have enclosed the recall.
Car struggles to gain power when accelerating. Will do small kicks when accelerating and struggle then will automatically kick off and speed up
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Headlights keep flickering while driving and park on high beams and low beams
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact's son owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 40 MPH, the headrest was deployed. The driver pulled over safely but could not reattach the headrest. The driver was not aware of any warning lights were being illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
The drivers side seatbelt is coming unlatched while operating the vehicle. This happens sometimes with very little tension and almost always when a more sudden stop is needed. I have researched online and this appears to be a recurring problem with this vehicle specifically. I attempted to have it repaired but the cost was over $700 which I am completely unable to afford. In my opinion, an item as essential as this should not so easily malfunction and should be required to be repaired by the manufacturer immediately since it is clearly a problem had by many others.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
BALLBARING AND STIRING PROBLOME..
WE WERE DRIVING THE CAR WHEN STEERING SUDDENLY BECAME ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. IT WAS FRIGHTENING AND DANGEROUS. WE WERE FINALLY ABLE TO MUSCLE THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, DODGING TRAFFIC ALL THE WAY, AND STOP. WE TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND WERE INFORMED THE RACK AND PINION STEERING HAD GONE OUT. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE SHOP AND THE MECHANIC TOLD US WHAT HAD HAPPENED. THE REPAIR WORK WAS VERY EXPENSIVE BUT WHAT WAS SHOCKING WAS TO FIND OUT THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE JOURNEY WHICH DODGE HAS ELECTED TO IGNORE. BELOW IS A LINK TO ONE SITE WHICH REPORTS THIS. THIS IS IRRESPONSIBLE. HTTPS://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/DODGE/JOURNEY/STEERING-RACK-AND-PINION-PROBLEMS.PHP *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
BALLBARING AND STIRING PROBLOME..
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE REAR ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR FAILED. MY VEHICLE HAS 26,651 MILES ON IT. THIS CAUSED ME TO HAVE TO PULL OVER ON AN INTERSTATE IN ORDER TO CHECK TO SEE WHAT WAS HAPPENING. THIS WAS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME AND I ASKED THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE BUT NO RECALLS ON IT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The rearview camera of my Dodge Journey, without warning, displayed an inverted screen in place of the rearview image. "A rearview image that is blank/black/blue or inverted reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash." I have received two safety recall letters from FCA describing this exact issue, but the recall does not show when searching via my vehicle's VIN. I took the vehicle to a local CJDR dealership, and the rearview camera needed to be replaced.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Windows are not working
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD ABNORMAL NOISES UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
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 .