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Dodge Journey loss of power problems

159 of the 5,299 owner complaints about the Dodge Journey describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2010 model year.

owner complaints
159
worst model year
2010
typical repair cost reported
$800
typical mileage
68,000
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Stalling 31Check engine light 31Power steering loss 29Won't start 11Wipers 6ABS 6Jerking 5Hesitation 5

Trouble codes mentioned

P0335 3P0792 1P0734 1P0733 1P061C 1P0365 1P0339 1P0016 1

What owners say

Filed Oct 16, 2026 · Engine · 100,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine shut off without warning, causing an immediate loss of power steering and power brake functionality. The contact maintained control and guided the vehicle to a stop safely. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Transmission · 128,761 miles · SC

The contact's wife owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The vehicle lost power while depressing the accelerator pedal in the middle of an intersection and narrowly avoided being struck by an 18-wheeler. The check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact and his wife manually pushed the vehicle out of the intersection. Once out of the intersection, the contact attempted to drive the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to engage while shifted in drive(D) or reverse(R). Due to the failure, the contact had a friend tow the vehicle back to the residence. The contact’s wife informed him that a week prior to the failure, the vehicle surged forward upon depression of the accelerator pedal after coming to a complete stop. The contact stated that there was an abnormal, burning odor coming from the vehicle after the failure. The contact and his wife suffered mental anguish due to the failure. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V461000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 128,761.

Filed Aug 27, 2026 · Transmission · FL

On the morning of August 26, 2026, my 2017 Dodge Journey 2.4L was brought to DeLand Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for federal safety Emissions Recall Z98, which required updating the software calibration on the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The vehicle was scanned by the dealer at check-in (116,561 miles) and had zero transmission faults. The technician updated the PCM, and the dealer put 2 miles on the vehicle during service. Within 4 minutes of leaving the property, while accelerating to 50 MPH on a public roadway, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic loss of power and total transmission failure. The vehicle dropped completely out of gear, would roll backward while shifted into Drive, and completely refused to engage Reverse. If the vehicle was key-cycled off and on, it would move only one foot before the computer panicked, dropping it back into an immediate neutral state and free-revving the engine. The failed recall modification rendered the vehicle an immediate highway safety hazard. The dealership is actively refusing to honor the recall warranty or inspect the failed safety component. Stellantis corporate case number is 97915298.

Filed Aug 22, 2026 · Electrical · MO

When starting my car and turning on my air or heat component the front will turn on but the components in the middle won’t! You have to hit the panel to make it turn on and when your driving the middle component shuts off losing power and dims the lights and dash lights with radio screen! I’ve had this issue since I purchased this car 3yrs ago and the business just says oh they have that issue why do I have to pay to rewire my electrical system and paying over $17k for this vehicle it should have been covered by the warranty

Filed Jun 11, 2026 · IN

The vehicle has experienced multiple sudden and complete losses of power without warning, creating a serious safety hazard. On May 22, 2026, while driving toward a parking lot exit, the engine abruptly shut off and all electrical systems powered down. After approximately five minutes, the vehicle restarted and I was able to leave. The failed component is UNKNOWN, and the vehicle is available for inspection. This condition puts me and others at risk because the vehicle can lose all power unexpectedly while in motion, increasing the risk of a crash due to loss of propulsion and reduced control. The issue has occurred three times and taken to the dealership 3 times: May 22, 2026 – complete shutdown while driving May 27, 2026 – shutdown while reversing; vehicle would not restart and required towing June 10, 2026 – shutdown again immediately when leaving dealership There were no warning lights, messages, or prior symptoms before any failure. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by a dealership. Each time, they reported no diagnostic trouble codes and no identified cause. The failures have not been reproduced under dealership testing conditions, despite repeated real-world occurrences, including immediately after release from service. No inspections by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives have occurred. Cause remains UNKNOWN. Due to the repeated, unpredictable loss of power and inability to diagnose or repair the issue, I believe the vehicle is unsafe to operate.

Filed Apr 8, 2026 · Transmission · NV

The car started making a whining noise as I was exiting the highway. Within 2 minutes, the check engine light came on. Shortly after that as I was turning right on the street to enter the parking lot, the car lost power and would not move forward. THe car just lost power in the middle of the street as I was driving. I had someone look at the car and they said the transmission pump or transmission needs to be replaced. I read there was a recall: Recall Number: S44 (the federal safety agency Campaign 16V‑461) Affected Vehicles: The recall affects approximately 26,299 vehicles, specifically 2016 Dodge Journey models manufactured between August 17, 2015, and January 29, 2016. 2. Issue: The transmission pump may seize, resulting in a loss of hydraulic pressure. This can lead to a complete loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash without warning. This is exactly what happened to me but my vin doesn't come up when I enter it on the website. I think my vehicle should have been included under the recall and transmission pump replaced.

Filed Feb 2, 2026 · Steering · 77,000 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while reversing in cold weather, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the power steering hose was leaking fluid and had detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V273000 (Steering). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.

Filed Jan 29, 2026 · Engine · OH

I am filing this complaint to report a repeated safety-related defect involving the engine thermostat in my 2020 Dodge Journey and to formally request an investigation by the federal safety agency Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). The thermostat in this vehicle has failed twice, despite being replaced after the initial failure. The recurrence of the same failure in a critical engine temperature control component indicates a potential design or manufacturing defect, not normal wear or improper maintenance. Each thermostat failure resulted in abnormal engine temperature behavior and warning indicators. Thermostat failure directly compromises the engine cooling system and creates a risk of overheating, sudden engine shutdown, loss of propulsion, and engine damage. These conditions present a clear safety hazard, particularly if failure occurs at highway speeds, in traffic, or during extreme temperatures. A thermostat is a non-consumable, safety-critical component that should not require multiple replacements in a vehicle of this age and mileage. The fact that the failure occurred again after repair suggests that the defect may be systemic and potentially affects other 2020 Dodge Journey vehicles equipped with the same thermostat design or housing. This issue meets the federal safety agency’s criteria for investigation due to: Repeat failure of the same safety-critical component Risk of loss of power or vehicle disablement Potential for engine overheating and sudden breakdown Evidence suggesting a broader defect pattern I am requesting that the federal safety agency: Open a defect investigation into thermostat failures in the 2020 Dodge Journey Require corrective action by the manufacturer if a defect trend is identified, including a recall, safety service campaign, or extended warranty This complaint is submitted in the interest of preventing further incidents and protecting vehicle occupants and other roadway users.

Filed Jan 13, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · IL

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH on two occasions, the vehicle lost power, and the brake pedal and the steering wheel became stiff. There were no warning lights illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and turned off because the contact was nervous to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Nov 24, 2025 · Engine · 57,800 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and then lost motive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated after the loss of power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was not diagnosed; however, the contact was informed that the engine may have failed due to the vehicle having no antifreeze, which caused the engine to overheat. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 57,800.

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported December 16, 2016 · 42,231 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.
Risk
If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
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. Chrysler's number for this recall is S89.

Recall number 16V907000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported July 7, 2015 · 145,379 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 19, 2010, to May 26, 2015 and equipped with 2.4L engines. In the affected vehicles, the engine cover may detach from the engine and contact the exhaust manifold.
Risk
If the displaced engine cover contacts the exhaust manifold, there would be an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install an improved mounting system for the engine cover, free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R32.

Recall number 15V431000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported September 29, 2011 · 667 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2012 chrysler vehicles, including 200 and town and country models, dodge vehicles, including charger, durango, grand caravan and journey models and jeep grand cherokee vehicles manufactured from august 31, 2011, through september 13, 2011, that are equipped with 3.6l engines. These engines may experience connecting rod bearing failure due to debris inside the engine block.
Risk
Connecting rod failure may lead to engine seizure which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners and replace the engine free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about november 18, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 11V487000 · Recall details

Questions about the Dodge Journey loss of power

Which Dodge Journey years have sudden loss of power problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2010 (33 complaints), 2016 (30 complaints) and 2009 (22 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix sudden loss of power on the Dodge Journey?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $800 (median of 9 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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