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Why did Dodge quit making the Journey?

The Dodge Journey was discontinued due to weak sales, an aging design, and a strategic shift by FCA (now Stellantis) toward higher-margin SUVs and crossovers. This combination made ongoing investment in the Journey untenable.

First introduced in 2008 for the 2009 model year, the Journey was Dodge’s attempt to offer a seven‑seat crossover that could appeal to families and value-oriented buyers. Over the years, however, it faced stiff competition from established 3‑row crossovers, a perception of aging technology, and limited updates. As FCA streamlined its lineup to focus on more profitable models, the Journey was phased out. Below, we explore the origins, performance, and strategic factors that led to its retirement, and what that means for Dodge buyers today.

Origins and positioning

The Journey arrived as a practical, family-friendly crossover built in Toluca, Mexico. It offered a flexible seven‑seat interior, multiple seating configurations, and available all‑wheel drive, aiming to capture buyers who wanted a budget-friendly alternative to larger SUVs. At launch, it shared development with other FCA/Mitsubishi collaborations and relied on engines that ranged from a four‑cylinder to a V6, with front- or all‑wheel drive depending on the trim.

Design and engineering notes

To keep costs in check, the Journey used an aging platform and straightforward mechanicals. While it offered the practicality many families wanted, its design lagged behind newer rivals and interior materials often drew critique in reviews. These factors set the stage for future debate about the model’s long-term viability within Dodge’s lineup.

Sales performance and market pressures

Before listing the main factors, it’s important to note that the Journey never achieved the robust sales success of Dodge’s core lineup, especially as consumer preferences shifted toward more contemporary crossovers and SUVs. The factors below collectively contributed to its gradual obsolescence.

Stiff competition from established three-row crossovers and mid-size SUVs (e.g., Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder), which offered stronger resale value, better refinement, and more modern interiors.

Perceived aging of the design and interior quality relative to rising standards in the segment.

Limited updates and a lack of competitive efficiency gains as powertrain technology advanced.

Strategic shift by FCA toward higher-margin models and more profitable segments, reducing investment in aging, lower-volume nameplates.

Corporate restructuring and the eventual transition from FCA to Stellantis, which accelerated the consolidation of the brand’s product lineup around core SUVs and crossovers.

In short, the Journey’s market position dwindled as rivals improved and consumers favored newer designs, pushing Dodge to rethink its product mix.

Timeline and official statements

Key moments illustrate how the Journey faded from the lineup and why a revival was unlikely under Dodge’s evolving strategy.

Late 2000s to early 2010s: The Journey establishes itself as a seven-passenger option in Dodge’s lineup, with modest mid-cycle updates.

Mid to late 2010s: Competition intensifies, and the Journey remains largely unchanged while rivals refresh interiors and powertrains.

2019: FCA confirms that the Journey would not carry into the 2020 model year, effectively ending production after the 2019 lineup.

Post-2019: FCA’s product-planning shift intensifies, with a clearer focus on high-volume SUVs, crossovers, and electrified options, contributing to the Journey’s permanent discontinuation.

The official stance from Dodge and FCA reflected a year-by-year reality: the Journey no longer fit the company’s strategic path or the market demand for a budget, older-architecture seven-passenger crossover.

What Dodge customers can consider now

With the Journey no longer in production, buyers seeking similar versatility have to look at the rest of Dodge’s or Stellantis’ lineup, as well as competing brands. Notable nearby options include Dodge’s own Durango as a larger three-row SUV, while the Chrysler Pacifica (and its hybrid version) offers a more modern minivan alternative with spacious seating. Jeep’s lineup also provides rugged, family-friendly crossovers if off-road capability is a priority, and other brands offer a wide range of modern three-row vehicles with updated interiors and efficiency.

Bottom-line alternatives

For practical, three-row needs within the Stellantis family and nearby brands, consider:

Dodge Durango – a larger, capable three-row SUV with a sportier feel than typical crossovers.

Chrysler Pacifica – a more modern minivan with versatile seating and advanced tech (including a plug-in hybrid option).

Jeep Grand Cherokee L – a midsize, more rugged three-row option with strong off-road credentials.

While no direct replacement for the Journey exists within Dodge itself, the brand’s current lineup, along with sibling brands in the Stellantis family, offers several modern alternatives that aim to balance space, efficiency, and tech in a way the Journey could not keep pace with.

Summary

The Dodge Journey met its demise because sales never lived up to expectations, its aging platform and interior fell behind competing Crossovers, and FCA redirected resources toward more profitable, modern SUVs and crossovers. The decision to discontinue the Journey reflects a broader industry trend: in a market increasingly dominated by newer, more efficient, and better-appointed vehicles, aging models with limited update prospects often give way to streamlined, higher-margin offerings. Today, Dodge directs customers toward its Durango and, more broadly within Stellantis, toward alternatives with updated design, tech, and efficiency.

In the end, the Journey remains a snapshot of a transitional era in automotive design — a vehicle that served a specific purpose for a time, but could not keep pace with a rapidly evolving market.

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.

What vehicle is comparable to a Dodge Journey?

Cars similar to the Dodge Journey include mid-size and compact SUVs like the Kia Sorento, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Volkswagen Tiguan, which also offer three-row seating or have a similar family-oriented crossover body style. Other competitors include the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Nissan Pathfinder.
This video compares the Dodge Durango and Dodge Journey: 48sAutomobiles MediaYouTube · Oct 17, 2016
Mid-size SUVs (similar size and three-row capability)

Kia Sorento: A close competitor in the same segment, though a three-row version may require an upgrade.
Honda Pilot: A popular and well-regarded three-row SUV.
Toyota Highlander: Another popular and reliable three-row option.
Nissan Pathfinder: A direct competitor in the mid-size, three-row SUV category.
Mazda CX-90: A more premium option that also offers three-row seating.
GMC Acadia: Competes with the Journey in the three-row crossover segment.

Compact SUVs (similar body style but smaller)

Mitsubishi Outlander: Often cited as a direct competitor, especially in later model years.
Volkswagen Tiguan: A compact SUV that has been compared to the Journey.
Nissan Rogue: Another compact SUV that is often compared to the Journey.
Chevrolet Equinox: A compact SUV that is also considered a comparable option, with different fuel economy figures.

Other options

Dodge Durango: A larger, more powerful SUV from the same brand, but with a similar family-hauler capability.
Dodge Grand Caravan: A minivan that is a logical alternative if passenger and cargo space are the priority, given that the Journey is a family-focused crossover.

What happened to Dodge Journey?

Dodge Was Turning Into A Performance Brand
Car and Driver called it a "leap of faith" as Dodge transitioned from making affordable yet practical family cars into a high-performance automaker. After discontinuing the Journey and Grand Caravan, Dodge only had the Challenger, Charger, and Durango in its dwindling lineup.

Why did Dodge get rid of the Journey?

As the crossover segment exploded in popularity, lack of investment left the Journey increasingly outdated. Perhaps the final straw was the changing political winds in the United States. When 13 states developed stricter emissions standards for new vehicles, the Journey failed to conform.

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.