2010 Dodge Journey: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed May 5, 2023 · MI

Follow-up with the article in regards to a possible electrical problems in older Dodge Journey after a woman was trapped and died when her SUV caught fire in December. Issues reported warning lights started flashing, windshield wipers came on, the horn started honking, windows wouldn't go down and the doors wouldn't unlock. Those are of the TIPM that have been reported for years and nothing has been done. I have personal experienced everything that others witnessed with 2009 except for I have not had a fire yet, I have been stuck in my vehicle for times due to window won't go down and doors will not unlock. Horn , lights, wipers, continue to go off I have to pull fuses out all the time just so not to disturb the neighbors as it happens at all hours not just when driving it. It caused a brand new battery to swell up that was caught by a mechanic, the TIPM has been changed 2 times now and still have issues along with the battery was replaced 3 times so far and maybe this is why I have not had a fire because I continue to get a new one. This has been happening for

Filed May 1, 2023 · Engine · MI · fire

While driving my engine caught on fire. My safety was put at risk because I had to pull over and get out the car. Flames started coming from the hood of the car. I just dropped my newborn baby off 10 minutes prior and was around the corner from picking up my other child. I had to call 911 and wait for the fire department to come. I tried to put it out myself but the fire was too great and I was afraid it would explode. My check engine light was on but I was told it was for an old misfire. I haven’t not had any issues with my vehicle, I drive it to work everyday. Vehicle has not been inspected by insurance as I do not currently have active insurance on vehicle. Chrysler customer service states because vehicle is 13 years old they are not liable. No dodge dealership will look at vehicle because it will be difficult to find issue alas the vehicle is totaled. There is a recall R32 starting in 2011 for this model. My engine although made in 2010 is the same engine in the recall. 2.4 liter 4 cylinder.

Filed May 17, 2017 · Engine, Transmission · 128,400 miles · VA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 dodge journey. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle pulled and caused hesitation while attempting to accelerate. The contact stated that the gears hesitated to shift. The contact smelled burning wires emitting from the vehicle. The check engine warning indicator illuminated for approximately three weeks and then dimmed. Recently, the check oil and check engine warning indicators remained illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who was unable to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer provided case number: 31647063. The approximate failure mileage was 128,400.

Filed Apr 8, 2017 · Electrical · 40,103 miles · WA · fire

On april 1st 2017 while driving home after an oil change and tire rotation job by a dodge dealership, I noticed smoke coming under the driver's dashboard side and burning smell, after exiting the freeway. The dashboard went "dark or blank" but came right back on, and my wipers turned on by itself. I don't have control of the wipers while they are "on" and it will turn itself off as soon as the dashboard lights are back. The smoke and burning smell didn't last long. It happened fast without warning and gone quickly. It stopped by the time I found a safe parking spot. While parked, I found out that I lost my lights (headlights, tail lights and signal lights) but the horn, power windows/doors/locks and radio are still working. My dashboard indicator showed something about "fuse" warning. I called the dodge dealer (who just performed the oil change) and told a service advisor what just happened. I told the advisor that the "engine light" came on but it is steady and not flashing. Back at the dealership, I told the service advisor that my dashboard went "dark" & wipers combo again at least 3x on the way back to the dealership. The service advisor checked the journey and came back with the bad news of melted dashboard harness / instrument cluster damaged due to an "electrical short" and cost of about $5k repair. The dealer don't know what caused the "electrical short". Filed auto insurance claim and they are not covering it (not comprehensive) because there's no fire (contained) and they are calling it a mechanical breakdown!

Filed May 25, 2016 · Electrical · 81,759 miles · IN

Bought 2010 dodge journey (used) from tom wood ford dealership. I have made 3 payments. The vehicle would not start leaving me stranded in a parking lot. I tried to jump it without success. When I turned the key to jump it, white smoke came from the engine compartment and there was a strong odor of melting plastic. I grabbed my kid and belongings and fled the vehicle. I had it towed to shop. They replaced the battery and sent me on my way. The next day it started rough. I drove it approximately 2 miles to a gas station. It would not restart. Had it towed back to shop for further evaluation. All lights, radio, power windows, etc. Are functioning, starter makes clicking sound, alternator checked out ok, new battery installed, but it will not start. Mileage is 81,759.

Filed Feb 8, 2016 · Electrical · 60,000 miles · TX · fire

I parked my 2010 dodge journey in the parking lot at work and before I turned it off, smoke started coming out from behind the instrument panel, specifically behind the speedometer. I shut off my journey, grabbed my bag and called 911. While I was giving my address, flames burst through the dash. The fire department arrived within minutes but the vehicle's front was engulfed at that time. They put the fire out. I contacted chrysler and they sent an independent investigation team to inspect it. The electrical cluster behind the instrument panel was determined to be the cause. The wire cluster had caused electrical shorts when I first received the journey, which a dealership repaired nearly six years ago their stated cause: "wires cut by sharp edge." they insulated the wire, relocated, and secured it at the time. Chrysler has claimed it was not a manufacturing issue.

Filed Jul 30, 2015 · Brakes, Wheels · 73,876 miles · WV · fire

Brakes have been a major issue on this vehicle. We have had to replace brakes, rotors and calipers multiple times since the vehicle was purchased not to mention the tires also. The first time they were replaced, the car had less than 36,000 miles. Since that time they have been replaced multiple times, with the last time being in the last 30 days. It is like there is some type of design flaw in the braking system, that causes the brakes and tires to both wear out quickly. Last night the braking system caught fire on this vehicle, lucky I had just pulled in my parking spot when they started burning and didn't have my children with me. Fire department was notified and the fire was put out by them. I have noticed that I am not the only person with the journey that has had brake and tire issues. Now I am stuck without any means of transportation thanks to the brakes catching fire (warping rims and melted tires from it). Thankfully no one was injured.

Filed Jun 4, 2015 · Transmission · 20,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 dodge journey. The contact stated that the dip stick for the transmission leaked after the engine was running for more than 70 miles and fully heated up. The transmission fluid boiled and came up the top of the dip stick and leaked down around the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact stated that the other leaks were repaired, but this one remained an issue. The manufacturer gave them a three year extended warranty because of the leaks, but told the contact they would do no more repairs to the vehicle after that. The vehicle had not caught fire, but the transmission fluid leaked onto the manifold. The failure mileage was 20,000.

Filed Oct 8, 2014 · Engine · 70,906 miles · OK

Driving at about 55 the temp out side was about 75-80 and all the sudden the alarm for the engine temp started going off and it went from 1/2 to over heated instantly with steam rolling out from the hood. I'm a firefighter so instantly pulled over jumped out looking for flames and getting my kids and wife out of the car, noticed it was only over heating and let it cool down and drove it to the in-laws let it sit for 3 hours and tried driving it again and less than a mile down the road same thing happened. Had the thermostat changed it fixed it for about 3 hours. I called dodge they said they have had complaints of that but not enough to recall them. Just build it right the first time. If the 2009 had the same problem don't use the same engine or parts for the next years vehicles. That's only common sense. I would like to take it back and have the ceo of dodge take his/her family for a ride in it and feel safe probably not gonna happen.

Filed May 7, 2014 · Electrical · 60,000 miles · ME · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 dodge journey. The contact stated that while the vehicle parked, the windshield wipers and door locks activated independently. The contact stated that there was a leak by the front driver's side tire and suddenly, the vehicle burst into flames. A police report was filed and there were no injures reported. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The approximate failure and current mileage was 60,000. The VIN was not available. Updated 7/16/14

Filed Sep 11, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · MO · fire

2010 dodge journey. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle burst into flames while driving and consumer seeks financial compensation. *smd the consumer stated no one has been able to determine, the cause of the fire.

Filed Jun 15, 2012 · Brakes · 1,389 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 dodge journey. The contact stated that there were multiple failures with the vehicle. While traveling 3 MPH in reverse, a grinding noise emitted from the brakes. The second failure occurred as the contact was traveling 25-30 MPH and the brakes were depressed but the vehicle started to shake violently. On a separate occasion as the contact was traveling 25 MPH, the anti-lock braking warning light illuminated and the vehicle again began to shake violently. The fourth failure occurred as the contact was traveling 25 MPH and a burning smell emitted from the rear of the vehicle as the steering wheel began to shake abnormally. The most recent failure occurred when the contact was traveling 55 MPH and the steering wheel began to shake after the brakes were depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer eight times. The dealer confirmed that the front brakes and both rotors needed to be replaced. The dealer also confirmed that the anti-lock braking sensor, as well as the passenger side hub and bearings needed to be replaced. In addition, the rear brakes and rear calipers would need replacing. The manufacturer was contacted but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 1,389 and the current mileage was 39,550.