KnownCarProblems2009 Dodge Journey Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 1,433 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Dodge Journey, most often about the electrical (54% of complaints, typically around 80,000 miles). It is the most complained-about Journey model year since 2000 and has 8 recalls.
Most common 2009 Dodge Journey problems
Electrical
767 complaints · 54%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, wiring, starter assembly, 12v/24v/48v battery.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. While the contact was driving approximately 20 MPH the vehicle stalled without warning. Upon restarting the vehicle the contact was able to continue driving normally. The failure occurred ten different times and on one of the occurrences the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle…
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that after inserting the key in the ignition, the vehicle would not start. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they advised her that they would replace the computer chip in the key. The vehicle was repaired. The failure…
Brakes
307 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 22,500 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components.
I purchased a 2009 Dodge Journey, in may of 2009. By march 22, 2010, the brakes were completely gone. The pads were metal to metal and the rotors were completely shot. The vehicle had 22,200 miles on it. I have a 3 year and 36,000 mile warranty which don jackson is trying not to honor.
Tl contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. While the vehicle was parked, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer performed a diagnostic test and stated that there were pieces of metal in the transmission fluid pan. The dealer reset the check engine light accordingly. The contact also…
Air bags
269 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 100,500 miles. Parts named most often: side/window, frontal.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning causing the contact to crash into a ditch. The air bags failed to deploy. The police report was filed. The contact sustained a concussion which required medical attention. The failure…
The contact owned a 2009 Dodge Journey. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle, swerved into the next lane, and crashed into a tractor trailer. The air bags failed to deploy. It was unknown if a police report was filed and if any…
Engine
172 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 77,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the vehicle would stall while driving at various speeds. The vehicle would also not start, intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where it was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified and referred the contact…
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the vehicle would loose horsepower, drive sluggishly and would stall at anytime. In addition, a warning symbol in the shape of a thunder bolt would illuminate on the instrument panel sporadically. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the…
Transmission
104 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 80,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline, transfer case (4-wheel drive).
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. While the contact was driving approximately 20 MPH the vehicle stalled without warning. Upon restarting the vehicle the contact was able to continue driving normally. The failure occurred ten different times and on one of the occurrences the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle…
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, she lost control of the steering wheel and crashed into a curb and there was an explosion noise at the vehicle front end. The vehicle was taken to the mechanic where it was found that the transfer case had a hole which caused it to…
Other or unspecified
84 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 96,000 miles.
My vehicle has continued to switch to off on numerous occasions. I was told it was something that is being worked on. Then I was told my vehicle was not on the recall list of vehicles. Then I receive paperwork stating it was on the recall list. I contacted my local dealership who informed me the part/parts needed for…
Was driving down the highway (straight) my car made a loud noise and started smoking. We pulled over right way on the side of the road called a tow truck and waited two hours for the car to be picked up. When we got it to the shop by a tow truck the shop stated that the transfer case blew up. We were in oregon at the…
Steering
72 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 95,500 miles. Parts named most often: hydraulic power assist.
My power steering line breaks in the cold. It has done it several times and I've had to replace it. Done it while parked and off and while driving down the highway.
Power steering gets leak in hose with extreme cold weather, causing hard steering and turning, wheel will not turn. Straight driving is ok but can hardly turn wheel if turning corner, if u fill fluid level, fluid leaks out after filled.
Wheels and tires
70 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 35,000 miles. Parts named most often: pressure monitoring and regulating systems, valve, rim.
On the first incident, the right driver side tire suddenly went flat. Valve rotted, that tire was fixable. We questioned the cold weather. We figured it was a fluke. On july 15, 2012 rear driver side tire suddenly went flat while driving 55 MPH - warm weather - brought it to a tire company and they stated the valve…
My wife tried to take the cap off one of her tires to put air in her tire. As she was trying to twist the cap off, it blew off of the tire and hit her in the face. I took the tire to a shop and they said that it was the wheel sensor that the tip corroded off. They replaced the sensor on that tire and then went to…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2009 Dodge Journey recalls
Steering: hose, piping, and connections
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: frontal
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: wiring
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: frontal
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: electrical system
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: wiring
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Vehicle entrapment
Summary
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
Vehicle entrapment
Summary
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
Totally integrated power module failure
Summary
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
Air bag non-deployment/engine stall
Summary
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 spr
Questions about the 2009 Dodge Journey
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Dodge Journey?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (767 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles); brakes (307 complaints, typically around 22,500 miles); air bags (269 complaints, typically around 100,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2009 Dodge Journey have?
- 8 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 6, 2016 (steering). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2009 a bad year for the Dodge Journey?
- It is the most complained-about Journey model year since 2000, with 1,433 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.