Dodge Journey engine failure problems

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Electrical · OH

The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that after the vehicle was not driven and remained parked in the driveway for two weeks, the police department notified the contact at approximately 1:00 AM that the horn was sounding continuously. The contact attempted to deactivate the horn using the security alarm key fob, but the attempt failed. The contact opened a vehicle door and attempted to start the vehicle with the door open. At that time, the doors locked automatically, and there was a burning plastic odor coming from the vehicle, and the horn continued sounding. The contact immediately exited the vehicle and removed fuses from the fuse box; however, the fuses were extremely hot and caused burn injuries to the contact's hands. After removing the fuses, the horn continued sounding, and the engine failed to turn off. The contact retrieved tools to disconnect the battery located underneath the fuse box, after which the horn stopped and the engine shut off. Medical treatment for the burns was administered at home by the contact's spouse, a certified nurse. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where a 2-hour initial inspection yielded no diagnosis. Upon further inspection, the dealer determined that the wiring harness underneath the fuse box had melted; however, the dealer remained unable to diagnose the root cause or perform repairs. The contact later researched the issue and learned of a separate fatal incident involving an identical failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jun 7, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · ID

Had over 1300 miles until next oil change. Car has no leaking issues. Car ran out of oil completely and seized engine during camping trip. I use synthetic and both mileage/time were both way under than what was on my next oil change sticker... warranty says they won't cover it. So now I just have a shell of a car I cannot drive nor afford a new engine for. It was not neglect.

Filed Jun 12, 2025 · Steering · 36,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-45 MPH and turning the steering wheel to the left or to the right, the steering wheel was resistant. The contact stated that the failure progressively increased, and the steering wheel completely seized. The vehicle was towed to a certified independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with power steering failure. The mechanic performed unknown repairs on the vehicle; however, the failure recurred while driving approximately 40 MPH. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V273000(Steering). A case was filed, and the manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

Filed Jan 10, 2025 · Brakes · PA

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Journey. The contact sated while driving 15 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact made a left turn and the brakes seized. The contact stated that the ECS, engine check, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics where it was determined that the brake hose was leaking, and an unknown hose had detached. The vehicle was repaired for the most recent failure. The remained at the residence and had not been driven since. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Dec 1, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · IN

Heater hose malfunction. No issues spotted but within 24 hours the car began to smoke and the hose obtained a leak and leak anti freeze while driving the entire hose blew up while car was in motion and came to a complete overheated stall in the middle of a busy intersection. I had to throw hazards on and could not exit the vehicle due to heavy traffic and unsafe conditions. No warning lights for a leak or empty reservoir where coolant goes. At blow up the antifreeze flushed to the engine and all oil flushed to the radiator cause an immediate engine block. No recalls for this hose but plenty of research on the hose needing to be removed and replaced with the previous version shaped as a letter Y. Purchased this vehicle brand new 3 years ago only 12 miles kept up with oil changes and new tires only issue I've ever had kept up with annual flushes and maintenance as well. This part could have cost me my life in that intersection and central dispatch had to be called to stop traffic vehicle towed for $230 and repairs over $10,000 for a new engine. Now being charged $22,000 the remaining balance on the vehicle for damages beyond my control that should have been a recall.

Filed Sep 18, 2024 · Engine · 117,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

Filed Aug 14, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · 194,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the destination. The contact stated that the following day while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with TIPM failure. The contact was informed that the totally integrated power module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 194,000.

Filed Aug 1, 2024 · Engine, Suspension · AZ

We've owned this vehiclenot even 4 years. It had an engine recall that it was part of. It says it was repaired, however it never recieved a new engine. Now I just spent $9,000+ to replace the entire engine because of the exact issue of the recall: metal fragments in the engine. Why did I pay for this recall problem? Did dodge replace the engine during the recall? Paperwork says no, but shows it was "repaired". If it was replaced, why did I replace it again for the exact same issue? Dodge has financially ruined our family. Besides this $9k we've spent $6k on engine work before the new engine, $4,500 on transmission work (with more to come as we're currently experiencing transmission issues) and $6k + on all kinds of issues that has never occurred on any vehicles I have owned in the last 30 years. And we've spent all this in under 4 years. This is unacceptable! For an american auto maker to produce and sell vehicles like this. This is why we people buy foreign. This dodge IS NOT a well built, trustworthy and dependable car. You won't believe how many times we've had to miss school and work because the car was broken down or being repaired. Our Honda civic was 20 years old, ran better and was 100% dependable. I never had to replace the engine, do ANY transmission work or have had half the problems with my civic than I have had and currently have with this "american" car that is only 11 years old. As a 1 income family with 2 kids in college and one still in high school, this is completely devastating to us. Trying to save money and get ahead and ALL OF IT has been spent fixing this vehicle. Dodge has completely devastated our family. How can an American auto maker be allowed to get away with producing vehicles like this? Why should I have to go bankrupt owning a dodge? Why won't they accept responsibility for their defective product? I've spent $25,000 fixing this dodge in 4 years. I can't afford to fix it or buy a new car. We're ruined

Filed Nov 16, 2023 · Engine · MD

Car shuddered while driving, started making metal clanging noises’ and stalled in the middle of an intersection. I just had it worked on and had to fully replace the transmission (approximately $4000) due to the torque converter shredded metal in the transmission and seized up. Car after stalling would not go into reverse or drive. Would start up, but once in gear would make loud metal clanging sounds and shut down. No warning lights shown on dashboard.

Filed Jan 10, 2023 · Engine · WI

This vehicle has a known design defect with the oil filter housing and cooler assembly. This plastic assembly will crack and leak oil into a valley in the engine compartment and eventually will leak oil over the rest of the engine and onto the floor. Other times it will fail completely and leak a large amount of oil and/or coolant causing engine failure. Repair if this occurs out of the warranty period is over $800US. There are many web sites with this same information and they are all the same cause. Chrysler will not affect repair for this issue unless it is in the warranty period. Problem is the failure can happen during the warranty period or after but it WILL happen. This should be a recall due to potential safety issue. If this happens while traveling at highway speeds, the engine can sieze and suddenly stop possibly causing a crash and injuries to the occupants or other nearby vehicles. Attached is the diagnosis from my mechanic.