MYRModel Year Report

2009 Dodge Journey

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2009 Dodge Journey
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
1,433
Recalls
8

Campaigns on file for 2009

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

54% of complaints

Complaints per year

2007: 4 complaints 2007 2008: 8 complaints 2009: 1,433 complaints 2009 1,433 2010: 988 complaints 2011: 169 complaints 2011 2012: 376 complaints 2013: 352 complaints 2013 2014: 415 complaints 2015: 553 complaints 2015 2016: 387 complaints 2017: 199 complaints 2017 2018: 235 complaints 2019: 102 complaints 2019 2020: 65 complaints
2007: 4 complaints 2007 2008: 8 complaints 2008 2009: 1,433 complaints 2009 1,433 2010: 988 complaints 2010 2011: 169 complaints 2011 2012: 376 complaints 2012 2013: 352 complaints 2013 2014: 415 complaints 2014 2015: 553 complaints 2015 2016: 387 complaints 2016 2017: 199 complaints 2017 2018: 235 complaints 2018 2019: 102 complaints 2019 2020: 65 complaints 2020
2007: 4 complaints 2007 2008: 8 complaints 2008 2009: 1,433 complaints 2009 1,433 2010: 988 complaints 2010 2011: 169 complaints 2011 2012: 376 complaints 2012 2013: 352 complaints 2013 2014: 415 complaints 2014 2015: 553 complaints 2015 2016: 387 complaints 2016 2017: 199 complaints 2017 2018: 235 complaints 2018 2019: 102 complaints 2019 2020: 65 complaints 2020

2009: 1,433 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20074
20088
20091,433
2010988
2011169
2012376
2013352
2014415
2015553
2016387
2017199
2018235
2019102
202065

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

54% · 771 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and wiring.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

The Carbondale Fire Department was dispatched to a vehicle fire In the parking lot behind the above-listed address. Fire personnel arrived and found a 2009 Dodge Journey with an engine compartment fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-06-12

Also filed under Engine

No warning. Car caught on fire due to electrical issues in the back lighter port.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-17

Service brakes

23% · 326 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I had a complete brake failure and ran off the road, lost control and spun backwards striking a buried boulder bending my exhaust pipe, this was at 19K miles.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-24

Air bags

19% · 271 reports

Most commonly citing side/window and frontal.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the driver was driving approximately 40 MPH, the front driver side air bag deployed without impact.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-27

On September 6, 2009, my wife and I were headed east on highway 19 outside cherokee, nc. A dui driver crossed the center line and hit our 2009 Dodge Journey headon and caused us to roll over and come to rest upright. Our front air bags deployed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-10-09

Engine

10% · 149 reports
CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle began to overheat. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-12

Power train

7% · 106 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Problem with stearing system as campain fca S08 also on this model 2.0 td dpf also huge problem on automatic transmition getrag

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-17

Also filed under Steering

Tl* the contact owns 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while making a left hand turn the contact heard a loud pop. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle he noticed fluid leaking from underneath it.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-28

Safety timeline

8 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2008-07-07Electrical system08V247000 Chrysler is recalling 6,692 my 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles equipped with a 3.5L engine. The engine wiring harness may contact the left transaxle mount.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine wiring harness for damage. If the harness is damaged, the wiring will be repaired and a tie wrap installed to secure the harness away from the left transaxle mount.…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2008-11-10Power train08V528000 Chrysler is recalling 712 my 2009 sebring, Dodge Caliber, Avenger, Journey, Jeep patriot, and compass vehicles. A new adhesive used in the power train control module (PCM) manufacturing process can…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the PCM free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2008. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. ▮
    2009Complaint volume 1,433 complaints filed for this model year.
  4. R
    2009-03-30Electrical system09V082000 Chrysler is recalling 16,852 my 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles equipped without optional 115 volt auxiliary power outlet. An unused electrical connector for the optional 115 volt auxiliary power…

    Remedy: Dealers will re-route and stow the 115 volt auxiliary power outlet connector and pull the 25 amp fuse to remove power from this unused circuit free of charge. The recall began on March 30, 2009.…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2009-06-01Air bags, electrical system09V118000 Chrysler is recalling 4,314 my 2009 Dodge Journey, Jeep grand cherokee, commander and wrangler vehicles. Wiring may be reversed on the steering column control module driver airbag squib connector.…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver's airbag squib wires and replace the steering column control module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2009. Owners may contact Chrysler at…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2011-02-18Electrical system10V658000 Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufacturer from November 1, 2007, through November 7, 2008. The wires within the front door wire harnesses may fatigue and…

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and replace the left and right door wiring harnesses free of charge. The safety recall began on February 18, 2011. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. I
    2014-06-16Recall queryClosed 2015-03-02 Air Bag Non-Deployment/Engine Stall
  8. I
    2014-09-25Defect petitionClosed 2015-07-24 Totally Integrated Power Module Failure
  9. R
    2015-05-26Air bags, electrical system14V373000 This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R03.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. R
    2016-05-24Steering16V273000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 31, 2007, to November 12, 2016.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler, free of charge. The recall began on May 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  11. R
    2016-12-06Air bags16V047000 FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured December 31, 2007, to August 31, 2008, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured June 18, 2007, to August 31,...

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S07.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  12. I
    2023-05-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 2024-08-15 Vehicle entrapment
  13. I
    2024-08-01Engineering analysisOpen Vehicle entrapment

Buy-smart checklist

2009 Dodge Journey — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 771 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 326 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 271 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 08V247000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 08V528000 · Power train
  • Recall 09V082000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 09V118000 · Air bags, electrical system
  • Recall 10V658000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 14V373000 · Air bags, electrical system
  • Recall 16V273000 · Steering
  • Recall 16V047000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2009 Dodge Journey reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Dodge Journey is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Dodge Journey?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 54% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Dodge Journey have?
8 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.