2013 Dodge Journey engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

28 owners have reported engine problems with the 2013 Dodge Journey, 22% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 111,341 mi.

Engine complaints
28
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
1
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
111,341 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine25
Engine and engine cooling3

Engine complaints across Dodge Journey years

182009232010420112920122820132620145920157020162820172320188201992020
Engine complaints by model year. The 2013 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k10k–30k230k–60k160k–100k8100k–150k3150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 15V431000Jul 7, 2015145,379 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 19, 2010, to May 26, 2015 and equipped with 2.4L engines. In the affected vehicles, the engine cover may detach from the engine and contact the exhaust manifold.

    Risk: If the displaced engine cover contacts the exhaust manifold, there would be an increased risk of a vehicle fire.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install an improved mounting system for the engine cover, free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R32.

What owners say

  1. Filed Mar 2, 2026267,000 miNCFire1 injuredTowedAirbagsEngine
    The contact owned a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V432000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that previously, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle would hesitate to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine oil pressure warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact managed to pull over at a local gas station and noticed black smoke leaking from under the hood. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11721423 · source
  2. Filed Nov 7, 2025FLEngine
    The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of a fluid leak underneath the front end of the vehicle. The “Low Oil” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken for an oil change, and the contact was informed that the oil level was adequate, and the oil was clean. The contact was informed that the warning light might be faulty. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer found 5 holes in…
    NHTSA complaint #11698080 · source
  3. Filed Jan 8, 2025AREngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The Catalytic Converter is the issue per our mechanic. We have had several issues out of the the vehicle, resulting in more money than the car is worth. The car no longer reaches over 55-60 mph, which is unsafe on the highway. Many times the car wont start. We thought it was the battery which have been changed several times, but the last mechanic stated it in fact the recall part that is needed.
    NHTSA complaint #11634792 · source
  4. Filed Dec 8, 2024ALDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemEngine
    Recently I have been having issues with the rear back up camera in the vehicle not working turning off beeping when nothing is around, also glitching and showing the camera upside down. I am also experiencing battery drainage in the vehicle I have just had the battery replaced and the alternator replaced as well, while I am searching online for common issues this seems to be happening to a large amount of people and the issues just keep equaling out to more then one problem.…
    NHTSA complaint #11629475 · source
  5. Filed May 23, 2024PAFireTowedEngine
    The contact owned a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in a parking lot, she had observed a small amount of smoke but was not aware of where the smoke was being emitted. The contact stated that she was alerted that her vehicle had burst into flames. The contact stated that when she was able to get to her vehicle the flames had been extinguished by the fire department and it was being towed away. The contact stated that the police were on…
    NHTSA complaint #11590335 · source
  6. Filed Nov 15, 2023CAElectrical SystemEngine
    Battery, car started turning off. Turned off on us when we made a stop right after getting off of freeway, luckily no car were coming. Changed Battery but still had problems. Then check engine light turned on, car stared pulling, had a mechanic check it and said it was the engine. We would have to replace it and that's those kind of cars we're having a lot of problems.
    NHTSA complaint #11555316 · source
  7. Filed Mar 11, 2023KYEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    many things had to be fixed like the camshift senor, tps, new battery after 2 months. the car will only crack and crack it will not fire. have took it everywhere and never get the answer as to what is wrong with it. the key fob will work hit and miss will show no key
    NHTSA complaint #11511285 · source
  8. Filed Sep 12, 202282,000 miPATowedBrakesEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control
    The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact then stated that her husband was able to tow the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where they disconnected the Bluetooth module. The contact stated that the vehicle was operable however, a few days later, while driving, the check engine and throttle body warning lights…
    NHTSA complaint #11484010 · source
  9. Filed May 18, 2022100,000 miOKFireTowedEngine
    The contact owned a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the vehicle began to deaccelerate its speed and multiple warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated she saw smoke exiting under the hood and parked on the side of the road. The contact was able to exit the vehicle with her 3 children before the vehicle exploited into flames. The contact stated no one was injured or sought medical attention. The contact stated the fire department…
    NHTSA complaint #11465087 · source
  10. Filed Mar 7, 2022LAElectrical SystemEngine
    Our 2013 Dodge Journey (only owners) has had a few recalls and had multiple challenges with overheating within the engine. Although, We have had all the recalls we are aware of completed it continues to shut off and not start. Ours, our children, and other passengers safety has been at risk as we have been strained with no running vehicle and the unknown if the vehicle will just shut off while in operation. While we can not guarantee the sources of the general internet it is…
    NHTSA complaint #11455584 · source
  11. Filed Feb 19, 2022AKElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
    Vehicle will not start. Took to dealership and they charged battery. After repairing some recommendations I got the car back and it wouldn’t start. Same issue as before, I took it back and they said it was dead battery. I paid for a new battery and drove it home. Next day it would not start. I’ve been reading some reader boards and I’m told it has to do with wiring to the transmission. It gets cold in Alaska and my daughter and granddaughter can’t be stranded in inclement…
    NHTSA complaint #11453022 · source
  12. Filed Jul 28, 2021NJEngineSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated initially noticed that power steering fluid was leaking onto his driveway. The contact also stated that while driving at slower speeds, extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V273000 (Steering) however, the Vin was not included. Additionally, he also stated that while his wife was at stop…
    NHTSA complaint #11426766 · source

Other 2013 Dodge Journey problem areas

  • Seats & Seat Belts (41)
  • Electrical System (20)
  • Brakes (19)
  • Airbags (19)
  • Other / Unknown (15)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (11)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (8)
  • Steering (4)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (3)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (3)
  • Body & Structure (2)
  • Visibility & Wipers (2)
  • Suspension (1)

Back to all 2013 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