Check a VIN

Dodge Journey airbag light comes on

165 of the 5,299 owner complaints about the Dodge Journey describe airbag warning light, most of them for the 2009 model year.

owner complaints
165
worst model year
2009
typical repair cost reported
$800
typical mileage
91,500
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Check engine light 11ABS 8Won't shift 4Stalling 4Adaptive cruise 4Won't start 3Wipers 3Misfire 2

Trouble codes mentioned

P0420 2U0172 1P06DD 1B1C4E 1B1C29 1B16A5 1

What owners say

Filed May 24, 2026 · Airbags, Seat belts · KY

Purchased vehicle from Wildcat Used Cars in Somerset, KY on [XXX]. Took home and notified dealership of not having seatbelts in middle row. After having an inspection completed, found the SRS system was disabled, airbags removed, knee airbag just stuffed back in. All cables and components unplugged, fuses missing to cause the system to not load up and show the defect. had resistance from dealership in undoing the sale, until i made note of their mechanics checking off and noting in the carfax that it was "all good" and had be completely inspected. Dealership admitted that they don't check fuse boxes and cables if the lights on the dash aren't illuminated. This is a huge failure of safety. All is on a recorded line from their phonelines from the date range of 4/27/26-5/2/26. All is notated in documentation and photographic evidence. Finally settled and they bought the vehicle back on [XXX] and assured me it would be sent back with the correct salvage title, and it is currently out for resale on their lot as of today 5/24/26. They are fully aware of all the issues. The SRS,ABS, HVAC 40 Relays, and the Traction control system have all been disengaged/compromised to bypass the system of any issues ongoing. The middle row seat isn't secured down, and the airbags have been entirely removed. [XXX] Above is the website listing for this vehicle. The carfax is not updated to the correct report. This vehicle was involved in an accident where the SRS system has been compromised & I was driving this with my [XXX] in this vehicle for approximately 2 months like this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 16, 2025 · Airbags, Seat belts · MI

The airbag and seatbelt restraint systems are non-functional. The airbag warning light and seatbelt warning light are illuminated. The vehicle was sold to me by a licensed dealership, and after purchase I discovered evidence of prior crash damage that was not disclosed. Due to the disabled airbag and seatbelt systems, occupants would not be properly restrained or protected in the event of a collision, creating a serious risk of injury or death. The vehicle was purchased used, and I was not involved in the prior crash nor told about it. The exact details of the prior crash are unknown. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The issue has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives.

Filed Sep 4, 2025 · Airbags · 138,718 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light unexpectedly illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,718.

Filed Apr 16, 2025 · Engine · 132,000 miles · AZ · fire

The contact owned a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated and the security alarm sounded. Shortly afterward, the temperature gauge began to indicate the vehicle was overheating, and moments later vehicle lost automotive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle then burst into flames originating from the engine compartment. The overheating warning light was illuminated. Local emergency services arrived and were able to extinguish the flames. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contacts insurance provider. A fire report was filed and the contact was informed that investigators intended to inspect the vehicle. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.

Filed Feb 6, 2025 · Airbags · CA

On [XXX] around [XXX] I was driving 25mph in Alameda CA, and about two minutes into the ride, the airbag warning light came on. My fiance was in the passenger seat and our dog was in the back. About 15 minutes into the drive, my side airbags deployed without any collision or even bump in the road. I carefully and swiftly turned onto a side street and pulled over. My fiancé and I got out of the car, and as we took our dog out of the back seat, the primary airbags (steering wheel and passenger seat) deployed, and shattered the windshield. The dashboard was cracked as a result of the primary bags deploying. My fiancé's arm was bruised from the side airbag deploying (photo evidence taken). We called the police and they came to document the incident and confirmed that there was no collision (police report included). Vehicle was then towed home and is available for inspection. We've tried calling the dealership that the car was purchased, but it seems to be out of business. 1. Component that malfunctioned: Airbag and Indicator lights; available for inspection 2. Safety: This incident easily could've led us to crash teh vehicle and harm ourselves and others in the process, and much more seriously hurt us if we did not evacuate the car. My fiancé's arm is bruised. 3. No so far, we cannot get a hold of a dealer since ours was closed - but welcome an investigation 4. Yes, by police. The police report #[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 19, 2025 · Electrical · GA

Unknown and my air bag light keeps coming on even though we have gotten the coolant fixed and a new/used engine put in the car, we replaced and got a new battery and new alternator in it to and the oil has gotten changed in it.

Filed Jan 12, 2025 · Acceleration, Airbags · TX

Unknown: traction control light, air bag light, cruis control, horn, are not functioning properly and i believe it is the clock spring. Not sure if it was part of a recall previously.

Filed Dec 13, 2024 · Airbags, Electrical · NJ

I am driving a 2015 Dodge Journey. Randomly, the airbag light came on, followed by loss of all electronics on the steering wheel. The horn will not work, nor any of the switches on the steering wheel. I did find that this is a common issue with Dodge Vehicles under recall 18V332000 AND 17V432000. I was told at the dealership that my specific dodge journey did not group into that recall however is experiencing those same issues. I am unsure if the airbag will even deploy in this state, coupled with the failure of the horn, this vehicle is not safe to drive.

Filed Sep 9, 2024 · Airbags · MI

Air bag light comes on and stays on sometimes for days. Air bag light may come on going down a gravel road with a lot of ruts and if I make a sharp left or right turn it will come on.

Filed Apr 12, 2024 · Airbags · VA

Airbag light comes on and won't go off. There’s not a reason to or it to be on such as impact.

Related recalls

Air bags: frontalReported July 7, 2017 · 363,480 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may unexpectedly deploy if the air bag wiring harness gets chafed within the steering wheel and short circuits.
Risk
Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag wiring within the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary. A protective cover will also be installed. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T47.

Recall number 17V432000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontalReported January 29, 2016 · 110,482 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.
Risk
If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

Recall number 16V047000 · Recall details

Air bagsReported June 26, 2014 · 722,705 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured June 29, 2007, to June 17, 2010, and 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, to June 17, 2010. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk
If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
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. Note: This is an expansion of recall 11V‑139.

Recall number 14V373000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontalReported April 9, 2009 · 4,314 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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. The driver's airbag may not deploy as intended.
Risk
In the event of a crash, the driver's airbag may not properly inflate and may not be able to properly protect an occupant, increasing the risk of injuries.
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 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 09V118000 · Recall details

Questions about the Dodge Journey airbag light

Why does the airbag light come on in the Dodge Journey?

Owners who report it most often also describe check engine light, abs light or abs activating and stuck in gear or won't shift, and the codes they mention most are P0420, U0172 and P06DD.

Which Dodge Journey years have airbag warning light problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2009 (50 complaints), 2015 (25 complaints) and 2010 (18 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix airbag warning light on the Dodge Journey?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $800 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Dodge Journey?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history