The 2009 Dodge Journey has 8 safety recalls and 1,433 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (771 complaints).
Recalls8safety recalls
Complaints1,433filed by owners
Crashes · fires41 · 30reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths34 · 1reported in complaints
2009 Dodge Journey in an NHTSA crash test
Safety recalls
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
NHTSA recall 16V273000 · May 6, 2016 · 8,569 vehicles
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 31, 2007, to November 12, 2016. After exposure to cold temperatures, the power steering return hose may rupture at engine start-up causing a loss of power steering assist.
Risk: A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler, free of charge. The recall began on May 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S08.
Air bags › Frontal
NHTSA recall 16V047000 · Jan 29, 2016 · 110,482 vehicles
Problem: FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured December 31, 2007, to August 31, 2008, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured June 18, 2007, to August 31, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.
Risk: If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S07.
Air bags
NHTSA recall 14V373000 · Jun 26, 2014 · 722,705 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured June 29, 2007, to June 17, 2010, and 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, to June 17, 2010. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk: If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R03. Note: This is an expansion of recall 11V-139.
Components: Air bags; Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Electrical system › Wiring
NHTSA recall 10V658000 · Dec 24, 2010 · 64,934 vehicles
Problem: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 DODGE JOURNEY VEHICLES MANUFACTURER FROM NOVEMBER 1, 2007, THROUGH NOVEMBER 7, 2008. THE WIRES WITHIN THE FRONT DOOR WIRE HARNESSES MAY FATIGUE AND BREAK, WHICH CAN INTERRUPT THE CIRCUITS FOR THE SIDE IMPACT SENSOR(S), RESULTING IN AN AIRBAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATION AND LOSS OF SIDE CRASH SENSING CAPABILITY.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SIDE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY, REDUCING THE PROTECTION INTENDED FOR THE OCCUPANT AND INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
Fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT DOOR WIRING HARNESSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Problem: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 4,314 MY 2009 DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, COMMANDER AND WRANGLER VEHICLES. WIRING MAY BE REVERSED ON THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE DRIVER AIRBAG SQUIB CONNECTOR. THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY NOT PROPERLY INFLATE AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG SQUIB WIRES AND REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Components: Air bags › Frontal; Air bags; Electrical system › Wiring
Electrical system
NHTSA recall 09V082000 · Mar 12, 2009 · 16,852 vehicles
Problem: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 16,852 MY 2009 DODGE JOURNEY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITHOUT OPTIONAL 115 VOLT AUXILIARY POWER OUTLET. AN UNUSED ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR THE OPTIONAL 115 VOLT AUXILIARY POWER OUTLET OPTION MAY BECOME CORRODED AND COULD SHORT CIRCUIT.
Risk: IF THE FUSE FOR THIS CIRCUIT DOES NOT BLOW, THE CONNECTOR COULD OVERHEAT AND POTENTIALLY CATCH FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL RE-ROUTE AND STOW THE 115 VOLT AUXILIARY POWER OUTLET CONNECTOR AND PULL THE 25 AMP FUSE TO REMOVE POWER FROM THIS UNUSED CIRCUIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
NHTSA recall 08V528000 · Oct 9, 2008 · 712 vehicles
Problem: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 712 MY 2009 SEBRING, DODGE CALIBER, AVENGER, JOURNEY, JEEP PATRIOT, AND COMPASS VEHICLES. A NEW ADHESIVE USED IN THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) MANUFACTURING PROCESS CAN CAUSE THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD TO BREAK.
Risk: THIS CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PCM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 10, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Electrical system › Wiring
NHTSA recall 08V247000 · Jun 3, 2008 · 6,692 vehicles
Problem: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 6,692 MY 2009 DODGE JOURNEY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.5L ENGINE. THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS MAY CONTACT THE LEFT TRANSAXLE MOUNT.
Risk: DAMAGE TO THE WIRING HARNESS COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS FOR DAMAGE. IF THE HARNESS IS DAMAGED, THE WIRING WILL BE REPAIRED AND A TIE WRAP INSTALLED TO SECURE THE HARNESS AWAY FROM THE LEFT TRANSAXLE MOUNT. IF NO DAMAGE IS FOUND, A TIE WRAP WILL BE INSTALLED TO SECURE THE HARNESS AWAY FROM THE LEFT TRANSAXLE MOUNT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 7, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2009 Dodge Journey 4-DR. w/SAB
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
17.9%
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Journey 2WD
21mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
Journey 2WD
18mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 23 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel
Journey 4WD
17mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 22 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Electrical system Ignition; Wiring
771
12
16
11
80,000 mi
Air bags Side/window; Frontal
271
24
1
24
100,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic Foundation components › Disc › Rotor; Foundation components › Disc › Pads
203
4
1
1
20,000 mi
Engine
149
6
10
4
82,000 mi
Power train Automatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
106
6
6
1
80,000 mi
Service brakes
106
4
3
1
50,736 mi
Unknown or other
84
0
2
0
96,000 mi
Steering Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
72
3
0
2
95,507 mi
Tires Pressure monitoring and regulating systems; Valve
54
1
1
0
31,000 mi
Vehicle speed control Cruise control
34
2
0
1
98,000 mi
Wheels Rim
31
0
0
0
43,018 mi
Engine and engine cooling Engine; Exhaust system
24
0
2
0
48,000 mi
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Dec 14, 2025 · 160,000 milesElectrical system The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Jan 31, 2026Steering Power steering hose ruptured after a few days of snow and ice. I went to drive to the store but was unable to turn out of the driveway due to no power steering. I done some research to where I found out there was a recall for this same issue but evidently my VIN # isn't included in this recall as while as many others I have read about online. I think this needs to be looked into.
Jan 30, 2026 · 77,000 milesSteering The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while reversing in cold weather, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the power steering hose was leaking fluid and had detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V273000 (Steering). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.
Nov 13, 2025Unknown or other Car doesnt start all the time when it does it ends up shutting off. it shuts off while driving, also cuts in and out while driving.
Oct 19, 2025Steering The steering locked up could not turn or straighten car out. All electrical things lights air conditioning gas light just went haywire and is still not working. The shifting system I guess is what u call it started slipping out of gear like going into natural or first gear and nothing else. Several cars had to serve to keep from getting hit at 70+ miles an hour and I had no control other than to hit the break on the freeway and pray. Accordingly to the Bob site there's so many problems I know the ones I've had I just didn't know I could let any one know that mattered. I've reported it today. The first time it slipped out of gear I thought maybe it was something I may have done as far as the…
Aug 23, 2025Electrical system I have issues starting it. New starter, new battery and it just dies. Luckily I was parked when it died. I have children, if it dies while driving I could be in a serious car crash with my children in the car. I do not want to die, I love my car but I do not want to be put in danger because of this type of issue. I also do not want to be stranded somewhere. PLEASE HELP.
Jun 9, 2025 · fireElectrical system The Carbondale Fire Department was dispatched to a vehicle fire In the parking lot behind the above-listed address. Fire personnel arrived and found a 2009 Dodge Journey with an engine compartment fire. Fire personnel used tank water and a pre-connected 1 3/4 In. hose line to extinguish the fire. There were no exposures or damage to other property. Upon completing the extinguishment, an origin and cause investigation was conducted, which Included, but was not limited to, scene examination, documentation, and interviews. The owner of the vehicle stated the following: He purchased the vehicle new. He has liability Insurance only through Allstate. This Is not his primary vehicle. He does his…
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
EA24003 · opened Aug 1, 2024 · openVehicle entrapment The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-008 on May 1, 2023 to investigate an incident involving a 2009 Dodge Journey alleging occupant entrapment during a vehicle fire that resulted in a fatality. During the investigation, ODI collected information from the manufacturer and involved parties to confirm or refute the defect allegation. ODI has determined that additional reports of vehicle entrapment exist for other model year Dodge Journey vehicles. ODI continues to explore the cause of the thermal event and its potential effect on the actuation of the door locks. ODI also continues to explore other potential causes for door lock malfunction. ODI has determined that an upgrade to an Engineering Analysis (EA) is necessary to continue the review of the investigative material and to assess the risk to motor vehicle safety . To review the ODI report cited in the Opening Resume…
PE23008 · opened May 1, 2023 · closed Aug 15, 2024Vehicle entrapment The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23008 on May 1, 2023 to investigate an incident involving a 2009 Dodge Journey alleging occupant entrapment during a vehicle fire that resulted in a fatality. Â During this investigation, ODI collected information and evidence related to the defect allegation and incident, from the manufacturer and involved parties. The information and evidence collected in this initial phase was insufficient to make a defect determination. ODI has upgraded this investigation to an Engineering Analysis (EA24003) to develop a more comprehensive understanding of whether a potential safety defect exists. To review the ODI report cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
DP14004 · opened Sep 25, 2014 · closed Jul 24, 2015Totally Integrated Power Module Failure In a letter dated August 21, 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged failures associated with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) installed in Chrysler SUV?s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year. The petitioner alleges that TIPM defects may result in engine stall, airbag non-deployment, failure of fuel pump shutoff resulting in unintended acceleration, fire, and other symptoms. On September 25, 2014, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened DP14-004 to evaluate the petition for a grant or deny decision. ODI analyzed complaint data provided by CAS as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers. In total, there were 296 complaints submitted by the petitioner in the original petition and five supplements, including 271 complaints related to…
RQ14002 · opened Jun 16, 2014 · closed Mar 2, 2015 · led to recall 14V373000Air Bag Non-Deployment/Engine Stall In March 2011 Chrysler submitted a defect information report for NHTSA Recall No. 11V139 declaring a defect condition that could cause the ignition key to inadvertently move from the RUN to the ACC position on model year (MY) 2010 Dodge Journey, Grand Caravan, and Chrysler Town and Country.The report identified engine stalling as the defect consequence and cited customer complaints and warranty claims, as well as two rear-end collisions, as leading to the recall action.Chrysler determined that a defective WIN module, which is effectively the equivalent of the ignition switch, was the cause of the inadvertent key rotation, and that a new design WIN module would be installed as a remedy.In Spring 2014 ODI conducted outreach to major light vehicle manufacturers regarding ignition key position and its effect on air bag system availability.The outreach was conducted in connection with NHTSA…
