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What are the pros and cons of a Dodge Journey?

The Dodge Journey offers roomy, seven-passenger practicality at an affordable price, but its aging design and reliability concerns limit its appeal today.

Produced from 2008 to 2019, the Journey was Dodge’s budget-friendly family crossover with flexible seating, two engine options, and available all-wheel drive. This article breaks down the major advantages and drawbacks so readers can decide if a Journey is right for a used-car purchase or family needs.

Overview

The Journey sits on a mid-size crossover platform and emphasizes interior space and versatile seating configurations. It was offered with front-wheel drive as the baseline and an optional all-wheel-drive system, with two engine choices and a range of trim levels designed to appeal to budget-conscious buyers who needed practical family transport.

Pros

These are the strengths most buyers highlight when considering a used Dodge Journey.

Spacious interior with seating for up to seven and flexible second-row configurations for passenger and cargo needs

Affordable purchase price relative to other seven-passenger crossovers in its era

Optional all-wheel drive for improved traction in rain, snow, and rough road conditions

Good cargo versatility thanks to the boxy, practical design

Comfortable ride and seating for longer trips, especially on models with comfortable front seats

Simple, straightforward controls and a user-friendly layout on many model years

Taken together, these factors made the Journey an appealing option for families on a budget who needed space without paying premium for a larger SUV.

Cons

These are the caveats to weigh, particularly for buyers shopping used models for daily reliability and modern conveniences.

Compression in performance: the base engine is relatively weak when the vehicle is fully loaded or carrying seven passengers

Even with the more powerful V6 option, the Journey’s acceleration and overall feel are dated compared with newer crossovers

Interior materials and design feel aged and less refined than contemporary rivals

Fuel economy trails more modern competitors, especially in all-wheel-drive configurations

Reliability concerns have been reported in some model years, with potential Electrical and transmission issues leading to higher ownership costs

Third-row seating is cramped for adults and reduces cargo space when in use, limiting practicality for taller passengers

Resale value tends to be weaker than newer or more highly regarded SUVs, reflecting age, brand perception, and reliability history

In summary, the Journey delivers on space and budget-minded practicality but inherits deeper age-related drawbacks in performance, interior quality, and long-term reliability.

Engine options and performance

The Journey was offered with two engine choices and a straightforward, if unexciting, driving experience. The base engine prioritizes efficiency but struggles under load, while the larger V6 provides better passing power but still trails newer crossovers in refinement and fuel economy. Transmission behavior is typically smooth enough for daily driving but not sporty by any means.

Interior and features

Inside, the Journey prioritizes room over luxury. Most trims provide ample space for families, with a practical layout and accessible controls. However, materials and finishes feel dated compared with modern competitors, and some infotainment systems lag behind current smartphone-connectivity standards.

Cost of ownership and reliability

Long-term ownership can be a concern with the Journey, as certain model years have reported reliability issues and recalls. Maintenance and repair costs can be higher than for some newer competitors, and resale values tend to reflect its age and reputation rather than standout reliability.

What to look for if you’re buying used

When shopping for a Dodge Journey on the used market, consider the following practical checks to gauge condition and ownership costs:

Service history and maintenance records, focusing on transmission work, electrical recalls, and timing components

Test drive for transmission smoothness, gear changes, and any hesitation or shuddering

Condition of the third-row seating and cargo area, including seat belts and latching mechanisms

All-wheel-drive system operability, including any clunks or unusual handling in adverse weather

Inspection for rust, especially in the underbody and wheel wells

Remote key fob, climate control, and infotainment functionality across model years

Due diligence matters: a well-documented, well-maintained Journey may still deliver solid practicality, while poorly maintained examples can incur steep repair costs.

Summary

The Dodge Journey stands out for space, seating flexibility, and budget pricing among used seven-passenger crossovers. It appeals to families who need practical transport without premium costs, but its aging interior, modest performance, and mixed reliability history dampen its appeal for buyers seeking modern efficiency and long-term dependability. Prospective buyers should weigh space and value against potential maintenance and resale considerations, and consider certified pre-owned options with warranties where available.

Bottom line

For buyers prioritizing interior versatility and upfront affordability, the Journey remains a reasonable choice in the used market. For those who want modern efficiency, refined interiors, and high reliability, newer rivals may be a better long-term bet.

What year to avoid a 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.

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.

Is a Dodge Journey a reliable car?

The Dodge Journey has a mixed reliability record, with some model years and specific engines being more problematic than others. While many owners report positive experiences with good value, comfort, and space, others have faced issues with brakes, electrical systems, and the engine, particularly in models from around 2015 and earlier. Overall, its reliability is often considered average, and a pre-purchase inspection is recommended for any used model.

Potential issues

Engine problems: Some models, particularly around 2015, have reports of engine failure or loss of power.
Brake issues: Early models, like those from 2009 and 2010, had common complaints about premature brake and rotor wear.
Electrical problems: Some owners have reported electrical system failures, including issues with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM).
Transmission concerns: Some models have had transmission issues.

Positive aspects

Value: The Journey is often praised for being a good value for the price.
Space and comfort: It is generally seen as a spacious and comfortable vehicle with a versatile interior and seating.
Specific models: Some owners report excellent reliability with certain models and engines, like the 2016 with the 3.6L V6 engine.

How to decide

Research specific model years: Look for reviews of the specific year you are considering, as there is significant variation.
Get a pre-purchase inspection: This is a crucial step for any used car, but especially for a vehicle with a mixed reliability record.
Check for recalls: See if the model year you are interested in has any outstanding recalls.

What are the common complaints about the Journey?

The most complained-about problem to RepairPal is the remote keyless entry not working. Many Journey model years have electrical problems pertaining to the car failing to start, stalling, and buttons/lights failing randomly, but one more issue that's more of a nuisance than a major problem is the keyless entry.

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.