2016 Dodge Journey problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 225 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Dodge Journey, most often about engine. There are 4 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
225
Recalls
4
Crashes
8
Fires
3
Injuries
9
Median mileage
81,229 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 70 of 225 complaints (31%).
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (55) and electrical system (51) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 81,229 mi.
  • Owners reported 8 crashes, 3 fires and 9 injuries.
  • The 2016 Dodge Journey has 4 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 3 defect investigations covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 2nd of 13 Dodge Journey model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 17% fewer complaints than the 2015 model year (271).

2016 Dodge Journey problems by category

  • Engine
    70 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    55 complaints
  • Electrical System
    51 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    36 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    34 complaints
  • Brakes · 3 crashes
    23 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    20 complaints
  • Airbags · 4 crashes
    19 complaints
  • Steering · 2 crashes
    12 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 1 crash
    10 complaints
  • Lighting
    4 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    4 complaints
  • Body & Structure · 1 crash
    4 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    3 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Suspension · 1 crash
    2 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine63
Power train55
Electrical system50
Unknown or other34
Seats31
Service brakes20
Air bags19
Vehicle speed control19

When problems happen (mileage)

2Under 10k110k–30k2330k–60k4360k–100k31100k–150k2150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2016 Dodge Journey complaints that list mileage.

2016 Dodge Journey recalls (4)

  • Recall 18V332000May 17, 20184,815,661 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

    Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

  • Recall 16V907000Dec 16, 201642,231 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.

    Risk: If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S89.

  • Recall 16V461000Jun 24, 201626,298 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to April 18, 2016, 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2015, to January 29, 2016, and 2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured August 15, 2016, to April 15, 2016. The transmission pump may seize causing a loss of hydraulic pressure.

    Risk: If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission pump, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S44.

  • Recall 16V273000May 6, 20168,569 vehicles
    STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • EA24003Opened Aug 1, 2024Open

    Vehicle 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 continue…

  • RQ22002Opened Jul 22, 2022Closed Jun 16, 2025

    Stall from Crankshaft\Camshaft Failure

    On December 13, 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received recall 16V-907 from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) that identified a safety defect involving crankshaft or camshaft sensor failures on certain 2016 Model Year Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles. The failure of the crankshaft or camshaft sensor may lead to a loss of motive power (LOMP) in the recalled vehicles.  Following the receipt of recall 16V-907, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received 127 vehicle owner’s questionnaires (VOQ), in which consumers allege experiencing cra…

  • PE19014Opened Sep 9, 2019Closed Feb 25, 2026

    Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments in…

NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2016 Dodge Journey SUV AWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
2016 Dodge Journey SUV FWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆

Recent 2016 Dodge Journey complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 29, 2026128,761 miSCTowedTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact's wife owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The vehicle lost power while depressing the accelerator pedal in the middle of an intersection and narrowly avoided being struck by an 18-wheeler. The check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact and his wife manually pushed the vehicle out of the intersection. Once out of the intersection, the contact attempted to drive the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to engage while…
    NHTSA complaint #11767746 · source
  2. Filed Sep 25, 2026TXBrakesElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise Control
    The ABS light came on and the Brake light came on plus the traction light is on. The car will not activate cruise control or the traction control either. We have no idea when it will completely stop working and causing an accident as a result. The problem has been identified as the ABS Brake Module by Integrity Automotive in Wylie Texas. Both Autozone and Orielly's have printed off the same codes. The lights in the dash have been on for 3 days.
    NHTSA complaint #11767034 · source
  3. Filed Sep 1, 2026145,490 miVASeats & Seat Belts
    The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver’s side headrest exploded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,490.
    NHTSA complaint #11761204 · source
  4. Filed Jul 29, 2026VADriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    An authorized Dodge dealer replaced the original rearview backup camera under warranty in 2021 with Mopar replacement part 56054158AG. The replacement camera later became inoperative, displaying a black or distorted image and eventually no usable rearview image when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. I later received an official FCA US owner notification for Mopar replacement camera part 56054158AG under Safety Recall 60C (NHTSA Recall 25E-052). The owner notification…
    NHTSA complaint #11753604 · source
  5. Filed Jul 23, 2026INVisibility & Wipers
    The rearview camera of my Dodge Journey, without warning, displayed an inverted screen in place of the rearview image. "A rearview image that is blank/black/blue or inverted reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash." I have received two safety recall letters from FCA describing this exact issue, but the recall does not show when searching via my vehicle's VIN. I took the vehicle to a local CJDR dealership, and the rearview…
    NHTSA complaint #11752518 · source
  6. Filed Jul 2, 2026116,000 miPABrakesEngine
    The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-30 MPH, the engine made an abnormally loud sound. The check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had progressively worsened. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the driver's side of the cabin, underneath the…
    NHTSA complaint #11748020 · source
  7. Filed Jun 11, 2026INOther / Unknown
    The vehicle has experienced multiple sudden and complete losses of power without warning, creating a serious safety hazard. On May 22, 2026, while driving toward a parking lot exit, the engine abruptly shut off and all electrical systems powered down. After approximately five minutes, the vehicle restarted and I was able to leave. The failed component is UNKNOWN, and the vehicle is available for inspection. This condition puts me and others at risk because the vehicle can…
    NHTSA complaint #11743411 · source
  8. Filed Jun 10, 2026FLSeats & Seat Belts
    Headrest deployed and won't go bac in. The vehicle was just sitting in the driveway, when we ot in we noticed the headrest out.
    NHTSA complaint #11743309 · source

Compare the 2016 Dodge Journey with another vehicle →

Other 2016 Dodge models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. 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