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Do Dodge Journeys have electrical problems?

Yes. Dodge Journeys have been known to encounter electrical issues in certain model years, particularly related to central power management and aging electrical components. Reliability varies by year, maintenance history, and how the vehicle was cared for.

Overview of Common Electrical Problems

Below are recurring electrical problems reported by owners and service technicians. The list highlights issues most frequently associated with the Dodge Journey’s electrical system, along with their typical causes.

TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failures: The vehicle’s central power control unit can trigger no-start conditions, stalling, blown fuses, and loss of various accessories or ignition.

Battery and charging system issues: Parasitic drain, weak or failing alternator, damaged cables or grounds, and poor battery connections can cause intermittent electrical faults or hard starts.

Instrument cluster and gauge problems: Faulty wiring, loose connectors, or BCM-related faults may lead to dim or erratic gauges, warning lights, or incorrect readings.

Power window, door lock, and mirror malfunctions: Faulty motors, regulators, or wiring harness connections can cause windows or locks to stop working or operate intermittently.

Wiring harness and connector corrosion: Aging wiring, moisture intrusion, or road salt can corrode connections, leading to intermittent faults or shorts.

Safety-system warnings and sensor wiring issues: Electrical faults in airbags or other safety sensors can trigger warning lights or affect related systems.

Overall, the most impactful problems tend to involve the TIPM and charging/grounding, while other issues are often sporadic or year-specific. Maintenance history and how the vehicle was driven can influence how—and how often—these problems appear.

Notable Recalls and Service History

There have been recalls and service campaigns across FCA products that touch the Journey’s electrical system. Owners should verify their exact VIN against official recall databases, as campaigns can vary by year and market.

TIPM-related recalls and service campaigns: Some Journeys were included in broader campaigns addressing power management modules, with remedies ranging from inspections to module replacement or reprogramming.

Battery cables and grounding issues: Campaigns or service notices have addressed corrosion, loose grounds, or damaged cabling that can cause parasitic drain or intermittent faults.

Electrical harnesses and connectors: Service updates have targeted routing, shielding, or connector integrity in aging models to reduce shorts and poor connections.

To confirm current active recalls and recommended service for your exact vehicle, perform a VIN-based lookup at official sources such as NHTSA's recall site and the manufacturer's recall portal, and consult a licensed dealer or shop for a diagnostic scan.

How to Diagnose and Address Electrical Problems

If you own or are considering a Dodge Journey and want to understand electrical trouble, here are practical steps for diagnosis and remediation. The following guidance is informational and does not replace a professional diagnostic.

Run a full system diagnostic: Have a dealer or independent shop scan the vehicle with a factory-grade diagnostic tool to read trouble codes from the PCM, BCM, TIPM, and other controllers.

Test battery and alternator health: With the engine off, battery voltage should be around 12.6V. With the engine running, voltage should typically be between 13.5V and 14.8V at the alternator, indicating proper charging.

Inspect fuses, relays, and grounds: Check for blown fuses, faulty relays, and clean, solid grounding points from the battery to the chassis and engine block.

Examine the TIPM and related wiring: Look for signs of water intrusion, corrosion on connectors, or loose pins. A dealership may reflash or replace the TIPM if indicated by a service bulletin or diagnostic codes.

Review open recalls and service campaigns: If a recall applies, have the appropriate campaign completed, as it can address root causes of electrical faults.

Consider software updates: Some electrical anomalies are mitigated by PCM/BCM software updates or calibrations performed by a dealer.

Proactive maintenance, timely recalls, and professional diagnostics are the best defenses against persistent electrical problems in Journeys. If you notice sudden electrical failures, dimming lights, dashboard warning lights, or starting issues, seek prompt diagnosis to prevent further damage.

Summary

Electrical problems on Dodge Journeys are not universal across all years, but they are well documented in certain model years, especially related to the TIPM, charging system, and various electrical connectors. Verification of recalls, a thorough diagnostic, and attentive maintenance are key. Prospective buyers should research the exact year and VIN, obtain a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection, and budget for potential electrical service if keeping a Journey long-term. For current owners, staying on top of recalls and performing routine electrical system health checks can mitigate surprises on the road.

What is the most common problem with Dodge Journeys?

The most common problems with the Dodge Journey include electrical system failures (especially with the keyless entry and remote start), engine overheating due to coolant issues, and premature brake wear. Other frequent complaints involve water leaks, particularly in the interior, and transmission problems like slipping or hard shifting, particularly in certain model years.

This video discusses common Dodge Journey problems, including electrical, engine, and transmission issues: 52sOBD InsightsYouTube · Aug 2, 2024
Electrical problems

Remote keyless entry: Intermittent or complete failure of the keyless entry system is a frequently reported nuisance.
General electrical issues: Owners report problems with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), dead batteries, and malfunctioning power accessories.
Airbag malfunctions: This can include spontaneous deployment or failures, often indicated by a flashing airbag light.

Engine and cooling system issues

Overheating: Particularly in models from 2009-2016, the engine can overheat due to a clogged coolant port in the thermostat housing.
Oil consumption: The 2.4-liter engine can consume a significant amount of oil.
Other engine complaints: Some models have experienced stalling, and the 3.6L engine can have issues with the oil cooler or radiator neck.

Brake problems

Premature wear: Owners report that brake pads and rotors wear out faster than expected.
Other issues: Problems include noisy brakes, sticking brake pedals, and ABS or ESC warning lights.

Does Dodge Journey have electrical problems?

Your Dodge Journey may face several common electrical issues. These problems can range from minor annoyances to significant disruptions. Recognizing the symptoms early can save time, money, and frustration.

Is Dodge known for electrical problems?

A faulty Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) in some Dodge models has been known to cause starting failures or malfunctioning electrical components, such as power windows, door locks, fuel pumps, lighting, and windshield wipers.

What year to stay away from Dodge Journey?

The Dodge Journey years to avoid are primarily 2009, 2010, and 2015 due to numerous complaints about reliability issues. Other problematic years include 2011 and 2012, which also had significant reports of brake, engine, and electrical system failures.
You can watch this video to learn about common Dodge Journey problems: 56scar PROblemsYouTube · Jun 28, 2022
Years to avoid

2009-2010: These are frequently cited as the worst years, with high numbers of complaints about premature brake wear, electrical failures (including the TIPM), engine problems, and locking brake calipers. The 2009 model also had eight different recalls.
2015: This year is specifically mentioned as one of the worst for reliability.
2011-2012: These years are also flagged for problems, including widespread brake issues, engine trouble, and various electrical system glitches.

Common problems across problematic years

Brake system: Premature wear of brake pads and rotors is a very common issue.
Electrical system: Multiple electrical failures, including issues with the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module), sensors, gauges, and keyless entry.
Engine: Problems ranging from engine power loss to overheating, often linked to coolant system blockages.
Transmission: Hesitation, shifting delays, and other issues, particularly in specific models like the 2012 RT AWD.
Other issues: Water leaks and problems with the air conditioning and heater system are also frequently reported.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.