2016 Dodge Journey
This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 4 |
| 2008 | 8 |
| 2009 | 1433 |
| 2010 | 988 |
| 2011 | 169 |
| 2012 | 376 |
| 2013 | 352 |
| 2014 | 410 |
| 2015 | 553 |
| 2016 | 385 |
| 2017 | 197 |
| 2018 | 230 |
| 2019 | 100 |
| 2020 | 64 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
29% of complaints: engine — 113 distinct reports on file.
FIRE22% of complaints: power train — 86 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive).
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
TAKATA RECALL, RESEARCHING MY CAR VIN 3 RECALLS FLAGGED UP AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE RECALLS MY CAR HAS BREAKING ISSUES THE BREAKS WORK AT TIMES AND NOT OTHER TIMES , THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT CHANGE GEAR RANDOMLY AND WILL LUNG FORWARD...
NHTSA ODI report, 20171207
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES
VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTS HARD IN SLOW TRAFFIC. VEHICLE THEN PROCEEDS TO TURN OFF BUT ENGINE WILL NOT STOP UNTIL YOU PUT FOOT ON BRAKE PUT VEHICLE IN PARK AND PUSH ENGINE BUTTON.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171117
22% of complaints: electrical system — 84 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
FIRE14% of complaints: service brakes — 52 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON NOVEMBER 26, 2015. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE PURCHASE. THE BRAKING WAS NOT ACCURATE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20161209
9% of complaints: seats — 35 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing head restraint.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Passenger headrest activated without warning striking passenger in the head while driving. x84 recall in effect. Dealerships wont return phone calls for the repair. no trouble indicator lamps
NHTSA ODI report, 20231219
The passenger side active head restraint (AHR) burst open injuring the owner who was sitting in the passenger seat while the vehicle was moving. There was no rear end impact and there was no reason for the AHR to malfunction.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230907
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 16V273000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to April 18, 2016, 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2015, to January 29, 2016, and...
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission pump, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S44.
Campaign 16V461000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 16V907000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM...
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018.
Campaign 18V332000 — check if this car was fixed
Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
Stall from Crankshaft\Camshaft Failure
Vehicle entrapment
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Dodge Journey — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (113 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (86 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (84 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V273000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V461000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V907000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V332000 (electrical system, vehicle speed control) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Dodge Journey reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Dodge Journey is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Dodge Journey?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Dodge Journey have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.