2009 Dodge Journey electrical system problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

36 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2009 Dodge Journey, 51% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 127,500 mi.

Electrical System complaints
36
Crashes
0
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Related recalls
2
Median mileage
127,500 mi

Specific components reported

Electrical System covers: Battery, wiring, infotainment, instrument cluster, communication and software.

ComponentComplaints
Electrical system34
Electrical system:ignition1
Electrical system:starter assembly1

Electrical System complaints across Dodge Journey years

1200836200976201082011312012202013432014552015512016422017572018222019192020
Electrical System complaints by model year. The 2009 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k10k–30k30k–60k260k–100k7100k–150k6150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 14V373000Jun 26, 2014722,705 vehicles
    AIR BAGS · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  • Recall 10V658000Dec 24, 201064,934 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Apr 14, 2026160,000 miARTowedElectrical 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.
    NHTSA complaint #11731127 · source
  2. Filed Oct 20, 2025NCElectrical SystemOther / UnknownSteering
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11694469 · source
  3. Filed Aug 23, 2025VAElectrical SystemEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11682538 · source
  4. Filed Jun 12, 2025ILFireElectrical SystemEngine
    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,…
    NHTSA complaint #11666519 · source
  5. Filed Aug 14, 2024194,000 miCATowedElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the destination. The contact stated that the following day while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with TIPM failure. The contact was informed that the totally integrated power module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…
    NHTSA complaint #11608504 · source
  6. Filed Sep 1, 2023KYElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control
    I've gone through 6 batteries in 1 year and I still have to keep jumping my vehicle Everytime I start it. I am currently stranded in Walmart parking lot with no jumper cables and I am being forced to walk now. Also there are times when I am driving down the highway and at any given moment it acts as if I stomped on the brakes. The lights go off and on, the windows roll up and down, the door locks are out of control and the gauges on the dashboard go out of control as well. I…
    NHTSA complaint #11542211 · source
  7. Filed May 7, 2023NYElectrical System
    I'm original owner of 2009 dodge journey, and hearing of electrical problems causing fires, I want to inform you. 1) I have been having problems with the horn sounding off intermittently. 2) I have my radio that stop working which has the hands free cell phone speaker and the review camera. 3) most recently the drivers side door window switches to driver's window and front passenger window stopped working. I don't know what would be next but am concerned about the safety of…
    NHTSA complaint #11520837 · source
  8. Filed May 5, 2023TXAirbagsElectrical System
    The vehicle keep locking and unlocking by itself even when I am driving. Also when I was driving the airbags deployed on its own but no accident
    NHTSA complaint #11520683 · source
  9. Filed Mar 6, 2023130,000 miTXAirbagsElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start-up. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V373000 (Electrical System, Air Bags). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11510324 · source
  10. Filed Feb 20, 2023WIFireElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
    Vehicle owner was driving and pulled over when all warning lights began flashing, wipers came on, horn started honking, windows would not go down, doors would not unlock, and vehicle started on fire. Fire appeared to begin in the engine compartment, with fire eventually consuming entire vehicle.
    NHTSA complaint #11508217 · source
  11. Filed Sep 23, 2022NJElectrical System
    Igntion did not turn over on first attempt, however, it did turn over after turning key back to off position and trying again. I was in a parking lot and it was daylight. I have not had vehicle serviced at this point as it did turn over. There was no warning messages or symptoms prior . It is unknown at this time if this will happen again.
    NHTSA complaint #11486043 · source
  12. Filed Aug 14, 2022NCDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemEngine
    09 Dodge Journey 3.5l v6 issues started the day after I bought the vehicle!! will cut off while driving, stall and cut off at stop lights, stop signs. Way too much heat coming from motor, ac compressor making allot of noise. Overheating issues, brake light switch issue. Cruise control malfunction, driver’s window switch and window not working. Rear tv stopped working after a snow storm, rear ac/ heater not blowing at all, cars won’t shift out of park at all. Headlights…
    NHTSA complaint #11479265 · source

Other 2009 Dodge Journey problem areas

  • Engine (18)
  • Airbags (15)
  • Steering (11)
  • Other / Unknown (9)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (7)
  • Brakes (6)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (4)
  • Visibility & Wipers (3)
  • Lighting (3)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (3)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (2)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (1)

Back to all 2009 Dodge Journey problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology