Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2009 Dodge Journey, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Electrical system767
- Air bags269
- Service brakes, hydraulic195
- Engine149
- Service brakes106
- Power train104
- Unknown or other84
- Steering72
- Tires52
- Vehicle speed control34
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 34 injuries and 1 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 52 2009 Journey vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 35 people died inside them, and 9 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2009 Dodge Journey failed the safety check 3.38% of the time — 34% more often than the average 2009 passenger car (2.52%). Median odometer at inspection: 130,952 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
In the Netherlands
117 first registered in 2009 are on Dutch roads; 2% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €31,416.
Most common APK defects
- Waarschuwingsinrichting airbag- / gordelsysteem geeft defect59
- Stuur- of fuseekogel met slijtage kleiner of gelijk 1,0 mm57
- Kentekenplaatverlichting werkt niet (goed) / ontbreekt48
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde44
- Stadslicht werkt niet (goed)42
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm39
- Fusee(kogel) te veel speling32
- Overmatige vloeistoflekkage overige vloeistoffen29
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
149 cars built in 2009 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 158 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 313 of these cars first registered in 2009 took their annual MOT test. 51% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2009 the figure was 59%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 22.0% | 10.1% |
| Suspension | 21.7% | 16.4% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 21.4% | 18.7% |
| Steering | 10.2% | 2.9% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 7.0% | 5.4% |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 6.7% | 1.4% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
81 of these cars first registered in 2009 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 228,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
39 2009 cars are on the New Zealand register; 13% arrived as used imports, 77% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 2 variants: combined 11.1–12.9 L/100 km (about 18–21 mpg US), CO₂ 255–297 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journey · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 12.5 | 9.4 | 11.1 |
| Journey · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 15.1 | 10.2 | 12.9 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
9 Transport Canada recalls for the 2009 Dodge Journey.
| 2016202 5 May 2016 | Steering On certain vehicles, the power steering return hose could rupture at engine start up if the vehicle is exposed to extended cold weather conditions. A power stee… |
| 2016044 28 Jan 2016 | Airbag On certain vehicles, a defect in the Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) system could result in inadvertent airbag / seatbelt pretensioner deployment, or prevent a… |
| 2015250 4 Jun 2015 | Electrical On certain vehicles, the Wireless Ignition Node (a.k.a ignition switch) may allow the ignition key to inadvertently move from the ON position to the accessory (… |
| 2014261 2 Jul 2014 | Electrical On certain vehicles, the Wireless Ignition Node (a.k.a ignition switch) may allow the ignition key to inadvertently move from the ON position to the accessory (… |
| 2010464 23 Dec 2010 | Airbag On certain vehicles, wires within the front door wire harnesses may fatigue and break, which can interrupt the circuits for the side impact sensor(s). This may… |
| 2009108 14 Apr 2009 | Airbag On certain vehicles, the driver airbag squib wires on the steering column control module (SCCM) may be reversed. As a result, the driver airbag may not deploy … |
| 2009079 11 Mar 2009 | Electrical On certain vehicles, an unused electrical connector could become corroded and cause a short circuit. If the fuse for this circuit does not blow, the connector … |
| 2008371 10 Oct 2008 | Other On certain vehicles, a broken solder joint on the printed circuit board of the Power Control Module (PCM) can affect the fuel pump relay performance and potenti… |
| 2008204 9 Jun 2008 | Electrical On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.5L engine, the engine wiring harness may contact the left transaxle mount. Damage to the wiring harness could result in a… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Dodge told its dealers about the 2009 Dodge Journey: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10248509 | Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved. |
| 10244348 | Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved. |
| 10224699 | Cargo and floor cargo organizer storage bin and latch Please note that for both the cargo area bin/lid and floor cargo organizer; latches are serviceable separately. You do not need to replace the entire bin or lid for this, the following part numbers are for the cover latches: 1CB78DK7AA 1CB78XDVAA Failure to follow this could result in a dealer chargeback |
| 10223599 | Part Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Valve bodies with a gray connector can only be used on 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.~ Solenoid packs with a white connector are used with 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Solenoid packs with a gray connector are used with 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years. |
| 10221831 | (Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns |
| 10221097 | Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repair |
| 10220486 | Expansion of previous safety recall L25. |
| 10220101 | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. |
| 10220099 | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. |
| 10220098 | Authentic Mopar Glass Replacement This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the recommended usage of Authentic Mopar Glass. |
| 10220097 | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. |
| 10216395 | Gasoline Engine Diagnostic Inspection Procedure This bulletin provides a procedure to determine repair versus replacement of a gasoline long block engine assembly. This procedure is to be used prior to conducting any engine related repairs or removal of engine components. |
| 10216329 | Vehicle Exhibits Vibration From The Transmission During Vehicle Launch (X43 Warranty Extension 5 Years\160,000 KMS) This bulletin involves replacing the clutch and damper assembly. The customer may experience a vibration feeling as they accelerate from a stop or accelerating while rolling at slow speeds. This condition could be caused by the damper and clutch. |
| 10191460 | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. |
| 10191457 | Expansion of previous safety recall L25. |
| 10180221 | (Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns |
| 10177457 | THROTTLE BODY For clarification, only use 68414676A$ on 2010 & earlier vehicles as supply is limited. |
| 10176475 | CABLE, Latch Release, Track to Recliner, Left Prior to replacing for any kind of damage or functional concern , please take photos of the condition and/ or issue with seat cable before disassembly, Please email pictures of cable including part number to FCA Redacted Content; please include dealer contact information for follow up. If no response in 15 minutes, proceed with repair. |
| 10175743 | Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19 |
| 10175735 | Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary. |
| 10169249 | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. |
| 10169247 | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. |
| 10169245 | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. |
| 10166537 | RADIO [RES] - New and/or Service Exchange For RES radio concerns. Use the wiTECH 2.0 and inspect the radio part number and serial number under the Radio/ECU Details tab. Please verify that the radio part number and/or serial number is not "FFFF". If either field shows "FFFF", please contact Mike Wielgat at 248-576-6696 or Rohan Negandhi at 248-421-9608 If no response in 15 minutes, proceed with repair. |
| 10141321 | Do Not Apply Corrosion Protection On Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) Plastic Panels This bulletin involves discussing SMC plastic panels and applying corrosion protection. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Vehicle entrapment
Vehicle entrapment
Totally Integrated Power Module Failure
Air Bag Non-Deployment/Engine Stall
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation