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Dodge Journey misfire problems

39 of the 5,299 owner complaints about the Dodge Journey describe misfire or rough idle, most of them for the 2015 model year.

owner complaints
39
worst model year
2015
typical mileage
90,000
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2019
    1
  • 2018
    4
  • 2017
    1
  • 2016
    1
  • 2015
    11
  • 2014
    4
  • 2013
    4
  • 2012
    3
  • 2011
    2
  • 2010
    6
  • 2009
    2

What owners say

Filed Jul 13, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · AL

Car trys to start, it turns over but doesn't start. When it does start the red lightening bold is illuminated. Motor runs rough and shaky has ZERO POWER to accelerate. On going since 2024

Filed Apr 5, 2025 · Engine · IL

I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding a persistent engine misfire in my 2014 Dodge Journey AWD, which I believe may pose a safety risk to my family, myself, other drivers, and is not explained by regular maintenance and care. Since I first purchased the vehicle, I have performed all necessary maintenance and adhered to the recommended service intervals. However, despite these precautions, the engine has experienced consistent misfires. The misfires are particularly noticeable when I attempt to accelerate, whether when speeding up or turning. This issue has caused a noticeable hesitation in power delivery, which has created dangerous situations while merging onto highways or trying to maintain speed during turns. I have taken the vehicle to multiple certified mechanics and dealerships, but they have been unable to provide a clear cause for the engine misfires. The misfires have not been resolved with routine maintenance or repairs. This issue has persisted for several months and continues to affect the vehicle's performance, causing slow acceleration and hesitation, which increases the risk of accidents or collisions in certain driving situations. Given the nature of this issue and its potential impact on vehicle safety, I am concerned that this problem may be more widespread and may require further investigation by the federal safety agency. I would appreciate it if your agency could look into this matter and assess whether this issue could be a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or an undiscovered safety hazard. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and any guidance or steps that can be taken to address this issue.

Filed Apr 26, 2024 · Engine · IL

I have had my car repaired a couple of time for the same issue, and both mechanics have told me that there is a recall on my cylinder 2 engine and the manufacturer was not saying anything which is causing the check engine light to come on and codes reading the same every single time: misfire, spark plugs and gaskets which have all been replaced twice in the 5 years of owning this car. The dealership won't help, if there is a recall or issue with my vehicles I need to know so I can transport my family and I safely back and forth. I see a lot of people complain about the same exact problem I'm facing currently. I'm probably out of about $5k maybe more.

Filed Nov 6, 2023 · Electrical, Suspension · SC · crash

The electrical is so messed up the battery drains within hours, I have shorts in all aspects of this car(Bluetooth, navigation, clicking relays nonstop, heat goes out intermittently, power switches on doors. I saw my headlights surging in power in the middle of nowhere, they would get bright, then go dim, then a battery icon illuminated on my dashboard before my car downshifted so hard I almost lost control of the car. The dealer replaced my motor mounts and my alternator, after calling to say my battery is bad and then turned around and said it wasn’t. Not to mention my brakes locked up in a little rain and I couldn’t stop crashing through a wall. Replaced my rear light turning bulb and it exploded with fire when I went to change it. The suspension is horrible and I am pretty sure my cv axles are all broken. Everything keeps breaking. Lifter Taps intermittently, rough idling and hard shifting. Key fob doesn’t start car or is recognized with fresh batteries in it. When I jump start it sometimes the horn goes off for a minute. The reverse camera goes out for days and randomly comes on again. Under the hood feels so extremely hot and for some reason it doesn’t register as overheating. Even when I check fluids and for the coolant levels are low for some reason. There is an actuator That constantly is going off under the dash. Airbags didn’t deploy when i hit the wall at all. The limp mode has come on and gone off a few times. Only codes I have is for tps and an outdoor ambient temperature sensor that says it’s either negative 40 degrees or 122 degrees. Which won’t let me clear nor allow me to remote start. Warranty is gone and when you take the fuse box cover off under the hood(just the cover) it goes haywire shaking and lights all over the dash and I have to shut the car off. Yes somebody please inspect this vehicle. The absolute worst vehicle I owe 12k on and I can’t afford to fix all of this that’s shutting down at the same time

Filed Oct 25, 2023 · Engine · IL

Cylinder misfire. Cylinder leak. Engine damage. Dodge issued Service Bulletin TSB-09-002-14 for model years 2011-2013 for vehicles with the same 3.6L engine and same issue. TSB provided warranty extension for covered models up to model year 2013. My 2018 model year has the same defective engine type and Dodge refuses to repair because the TSB, which predates the manufacturers date for my vehicle, doesn't cover my vehicle.

Filed Jun 19, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · AZ

Front cylinder head number two is misfiring. It is a known problem with this engine and older models have an extended warranty. My 2019 is not covered. It’s an expensive repair and seems like a problem.

Filed Jun 14, 2023 · Engine · 85,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the "Service Engine" warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that cylinder #6 had experienced a misfire. Additionally, the engine had experienced low compression and cylinder head damage. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 85,000.

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 Apr 26, 2023 · Engine · OH

Cylinder 2 is misfiring, for coils and spark plugs. Vehicle had tune up and replaced all spark plugs and coils in March. Check engine still coming on reading same code, has been checked multiple times, coils and spark plugs are perfect and brand new.

Filed Feb 2, 2023 · Engine · TN

Multiple cylinder misfires, low mileage. Mechanic doesn't know how it happened.

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 misfire

Which Dodge Journey years have misfire or rough idle problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2015 (11 complaints), 2010 (6 complaints) and 2013 (4 complaints).

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