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Why was the Dodge Journey discontinued?

The Dodge Journey, a midsize crossover SUV, was discontinued by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) in 2020 after a decade-long run. The decision to discontinue the Journey was driven by a combination of factors, including declining sales, changing consumer preferences, and FCA's strategic shift towards more profitable vehicle segments.

Declining Sales

The Dodge Journey's sales had been steadily declining in recent years, making it a less attractive model for FCA to continue producing. According to industry data, the Journey's sales dropped from over 100,000 units in 2010 to just over 50,000 units in 2019. This decline was attributed to the Journey's aging design, lack of significant updates, and increased competition from newer and more technologically advanced crossover SUVs in the market.

Changing Consumer Preferences

The automotive industry has seen a shift in consumer preferences towards more modern, fuel-efficient, and technologically advanced vehicles. The Dodge Journey, with its dated design and limited feature set, struggled to keep up with the evolving demands of the crossover SUV segment. Consumers were increasingly drawn to newer models that offered more advanced safety features, infotainment systems, and fuel efficiency, which the Journey lacked.

FCA's Strategic Shift

FCA's decision to discontinue the Dodge Journey was also part of a broader strategic shift within the company. FCA has been focusing on more profitable vehicle segments, such as trucks and SUVs, while phasing out slower-selling models like the Journey. This strategic realignment allowed FCA to allocate resources and production capacity towards its more successful and in-demand vehicle lines, such as the Jeep and Ram brands.

Conclusion

The discontinuation of the Dodge Journey was a result of a combination of factors, including declining sales, changing consumer preferences, and FCA's strategic shift towards more profitable vehicle segments. While the Journey had a respectable run, it ultimately could not keep up with the evolving demands of the crossover SUV market, leading to its eventual discontinuation in 2020.

What SUV is comparable to a Dodge Journey?

Dodge Journey vs Kia Sorento: Interior Space & Comfort
Both SUVs offer spacious cabins despite their differences in passenger capacity. The Dodge Journey is equipped to carry seven passengers with three rows of seating.

What is the common problem with the Dodge Journey?

Common Dodge Journey problems include electrical issues like keyless entry failures and malfunctioning lights, engine troubles such as overheating and stalling, and brake concerns, including premature wear and noise. Other frequent complaints involve interior water leaks and transmission problems.

This video explains some common problems of the Dodge Journey: 38sOBD InsightsYouTube · Aug 2, 2024
Electrical problems

Keyless entry: The remote keyless entry system frequently malfunctions or stops working.
General electrical glitches: Malfunctions can include dashboard warning lights, randomly failing lights or wipers, and starting issues.
TIPM failures: The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) can fail, leading to various electrical problems throughout the vehicle.

Engine and cooling system problems

Overheating: The engine can overheat, sometimes due to issues with the cooling system or debris in the cylinder head coolant port.
Stalling: The vehicle may stall while driving.
Head gasket issues: Damage to the head gasket is a known problem.
Rough idle: Some models experience a rough idle after a cold start.

Brakes and steering

Premature brake wear: Brake pads and rotors may wear out faster than expected.
Brake noise/vibration: Drivers have reported noisy operation and vibration when braking.
Steering issues: Problems with the power steering pump, leading to noise or other issues, are common.

What year dodge journeys to avoid?

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.

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.

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.