Dodge Journey years to avoid (and the best years)
3,834 NHTSA owner complaints and 20 recalls across 11 model years, 2010 to 2020. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 3,834complaints
- 20recalls
- 166reported crashes
- 73reported fires
- 210reported injuries
Which Dodge Journey years should you avoid?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the Dodge Journey year to avoid is 2010. The typical Dodge Journey year has 353 complaints on file.
- 2010: 988 complaints, 2.8 times the typical year. Most complaints name the electrical system (61% of complaints) and the engine (19% of complaints).
What are the best Dodge Journey years?
The Dodge Journey years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2020 (64), 2019 (100) and 2011 (169). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 64 | 0.2× | 1 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2019 | 100 | 0.3× | 1 | 6 | 3 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2018 | 234 | 0.7× | 6 | 7 | 7 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2017 | 197 | 0.6× | 2 | 12 | 13 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2016 | 386 | 1.1× | 4 | 19 | 16 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2015 | 553 | 1.6× | 6 | 30 | 47 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2014 | 414 | 1.2× | 7 | 26 | 38 | Some concerns to check | Electrical system |
| 2013 | 353 | 1.0× | 4 | 19 | 32 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2012 | 376 | 1.1× | 6 | 21 | 24 | Some concerns to check | Electrical system |
| 2011 | 169 | 0.5× | 4 | 7 | 10 | Few red flags | Brakes |
| 2010 | 988 | 2.8× | 3 | 18 | 19 | Approach with caution | Electrical system |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 1,234 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Electrical & infotainment639 (52%)
- Engine & powertrain187 (15%)
- Brakes162 (13%)
- Steering, suspension & tires93 (8%)
- Airbags & seat belts81 (7%)
Recalls (20)
Safety · 25V552000 · Aug 2025 · model years 2019, 2020
A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 22V723000 · Sep 2022 · model years 2017, 2018
A dim reflector may reduce the visibility of the vehicle to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 18V523000 · Aug 2018 · model year 2018
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 18V524000 · Aug 2018 · model year 2018
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Body & glass · 18V396000 · Jun 2018 · model year 2018
If the full camera view is delayed and the driver does not check their surroundings before backing up, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Safety · 18V398000 · Jun 2018 · model year 2018
A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 18V332000 · May 2018 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Safety · 17V824000 · Dec 2017 · model year 2014
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Airbags · 17V432000 · Jul 2017 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.
Engine · 16V907000 · Dec 2016 · model year 2016
If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 16V461000 · Jun 2016 · model year 2016
If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Steering · 16V273000 · May 2016 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 15V675000 · Oct 2015 · model years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
If the ABS or ESC is disabled, a loss of vehicle stability could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine · 15V431000 · Jul 2015 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
If the displaced engine cover contacts the exhaust manifold, there would be an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
Safety · 14V711000 · Nov 2014 · model years 2014, 2015
With inaccurate information on the tire placard, the operator may overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 14V373000 · Jun 2014 · model year 2010
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.
Brakes · 11V550000 · Nov 2011 · model year 2012
THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Engine · 11V487000 · Sep 2011 · model year 2012
CONNECTING ROD FAILURE MAY LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZURE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Steering · 11V315000 · Jun 2011 · model year 2011
A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED RIVET COULD COMPROMISE THE ABILITY OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT LOADS IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, DECREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FRONTAL IMPACT SAFETY SYSTEM. AS A RESULT, THE CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.
Steering · 10V475000 · Oct 2010 · model year 2010
LEAKED POWER STEERING FLUID ONTO HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS COULD CAUSE A FIRE.