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What are Dodge Journeys known for?

They are best known for offering an affordable, spacious family crossover with flexible seating, available all-wheel drive, and a performance-oriented V6 option in higher trims.

Launched in 2009 and produced through the 2019 model year, the Dodge Journey was designed as a budget-friendly seven-seat crossover that aimed to combine the practicality of a minivan with the versatility of an SUV. It offered 5- or 7-passenger seating, with front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive available on several trims; the sportier R/T variant introduced a more powerful V6 and distinct styling cues. Over its life, it became a common choice for families and value-seekers who needed substantial interior space without paying premium prices.

Origins and design

The Journey was developed to fill a gap between compact crossovers and larger minivans, delivering configurable interior space in a relatively compact footprint. Built on a Chrysler platform shared with other models, it emphasized practicality, generous cargo room, and easy ingress and egress for passengers.

Engine options and trims

Across its model years, the Journey offered a range of powertrains and trims to balance price with capability. Early versions leaned on a 4-cylinder engine with automatic transmission, while higher trims introduced a V6 option and, later, more engaging performance-oriented tuning in the R/T variant. All-wheel drive was available on select configurations to improve traction in adverse weather.

Key strengths

These are the design features and capabilities that defined the Journey and helped it stand out in its segment.

Spacious interior with flexible seating for five or seven passengers

Affordable pricing relative to other seven-seat crossovers

Available all-wheel drive for better traction in rain, snow, and rough roads

R/T trim offering a more powerful V6 and sportier styling

Practical cargo space with a user-friendly hatch and folding seats

Together, these attributes made the Journey a practical choice for families and value-focused buyers, particularly during the early to mid-2010s.

Common criticisms

Despite its strengths, the Journey faced criticisms that affected its reception among some buyers and reviewers.

Interior materials and fit-and-finish generally considered less refined than rivals

Ride and noise levels at highway speeds that could feel unsettled

Reliability and long-term durability concerns reported by some owners

Base engine performance described as sluggish, especially with a full load

Fuel economy that lagged behind newer, more efficient crossovers

These factors contributed to a mixed overall reputation, even as the Journey offered compelling value in terms of space and practicality.

Legacy and current status

After more than a decade on the market, Dodge discontinued the Journey after the 2019 model year as the brand refocused its lineup on SUVs and performance models. In today’s market, the Journey is primarily found in the used-car segment, where buyers appreciate the interior space and affordable pricing but weigh them against older design, technology, and potential maintenance costs.

Where the Journey stands today

Today, the Dodge Journey is remembered as a pragmatic, budget-friendly option for families needing seating and cargo capacity without paying premium prices. It represents a transitional era in Dodge’s lineup—one that prioritized value and versatility over luxury or cutting-edge technology.

Summary

The Dodge Journey is known for its roomy, versatile interior, affordable pricing, and available all-wheel drive, with a performance-oriented R/T variant that offered extra power. While it delivered practical value for families, it faced critiques over refinement, reliability, and efficiency. Since its discontinuation in 2019, it remains a common choice in the used-car market for buyers prioritizing space and budget.

What is the most common problem with a Dodge Journey?

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.

Is the Dodge Journey a good car?

Whether the Dodge Journey is a good car depends on your priorities, as it has notable pros like its affordable price point and family-friendly features, but also significant cons like its poor reliability and lackluster performance in many areas. Some owners praise its comfort and cargo space, while others point to frequent issues with its electrical system, engine, and transmission.
Pros

Affordable: The Dodge Journey can be an inexpensive option, especially if you find a good deal on a used model.
Family-friendly features: It offers practical features like optional all-wheel drive, in-floor storage, and available integrated booster seats.
Cargo space: With the rear seats folded down, the Journey provides a generous amount of storage space.
Comfort and styling: Some owners find the styling and comfort to be positive aspects.

Cons

Reliability issues: The Journey is known for a number of common problems, particularly with its electrical system (including TIPMs), engine, transmission, and braking system.
Performance: The base four-cylinder engine offers weak acceleration, and the overall driving experience is often described as unrefined.
Interior quality: Some reviews mention a cheap-feeling interior with hard plastics.
Safety technology: It may lack some of the latest safety technologies available in competing vehicles.
Poor fuel economy: Fuel economy is below average compared to many other SUVs in its class.

Bottom line
The Dodge Journey was a budget-friendly option for families, but it comes with significant trade-offs in performance and reliability. While it has its strengths like interior storage and affordability, its frequent mechanical and electrical issues make it a questionable long-term investment. It might be a good choice if you are on a tight budget and can find one in good condition, but many consumers may find its issues outweigh the benefits.

What is a key feature of the Dodge Journey?

One of the key features of the Dodge Journey is its spacious interior. The vehicle can seat up to seven passengers and has ample cargo space for all their belongings. The second-row seats can easily be folded down to create even more cargo space when needed.

Why did Dodge discontinue the Journey?

Dodge discontinued the Journey to focus on its performance brand image, as the model was outdated compared to newer competitors and did not align with the company's shift toward muscle cars and performance SUVs like the Charger, Challenger, and Durango. The aging platform, lack of modern updates, and declining sales, partly due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rental car market, also contributed to its discontinuation after the 2020 model year.

Shift to performance: Dodge transitioned to a performance-focused brand, and the economical, family-oriented Journey no longer fit the new strategy, which emphasized muscle cars and powerful SUVs.
Outdated platform: The Journey's platform was old, and the vehicle's design and technology lagged significantly behind competitors that received more frequent updates.
Declining sales: While it had been a strong seller at times, sales figures had fallen by the end of its run, exacerbated by the pandemic's effect on the rental car market, which was a major customer for such vehicles.
Resource allocation: Discontinuing the Journey freed up resources to be reallocated to developing and producing the brand's more profitable and performance-oriented vehicles.

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.