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Dodge Journey transmission failure problems

44 of the 5,299 owner complaints about the Dodge Journey describe complete transmission failure, most of them for the 2009 model year.

owner complaints
44
worst model year
2009
typical repair cost reported
$4,263
typical mileage
77,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Transmission · 78,598 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was restarted and then towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 78,598.

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 Jul 30, 2026 · PA

This car is a 2019. The transmission was replaced when it was just one year old. The transmission is now needing to be replaced again. The transmission issue has also caused the drive shaft to need replacing as well. The flag shaft in the engine had to be replaced twice in one year costing over $1,000 each time. I believe these vehicles should have more active recalls. In doing research this is an issue that many owners of this car face. I have had this vehicle for only 3 years and I am now faced with not being able to afford the repairs needed (over 6k). They are selling this car and it is a lemon.

Filed May 29, 2026 · Transmission · 83,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormal whining sound was heard coming from under the vehicle, and the Tachometer would abnormally rise while depressing the accelerator pedal. An unknown warning light illuminated. In addition, a local independent tow mechanic arrived on scene, and while attempting to shift the vehicle in Reverse, the vehicle moved forward. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it remains, and was diagnosed as needing a transmission replacement. The vehicle was not repaired due to the costs. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign: 16V461000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

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 Jan 27, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 220,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving 35-40 MPH, the engine started overheating. The message "Temperature High" was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the power windows were intermittently inoperable. While attempting to drive from a complete stop, the transmission failed to shift gears as intended. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal while driving, the engine revved, but the vehicle failed to respond as intended. Additionally, there was a discrepancy between the instrument cluster speedometer reading and the digital speedometer reading. The vehicle was taken to Wilcox & Sons Automotive, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the water pump, the radiator, the cooling system, and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 16V461000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.

Filed Jan 21, 2026 · Transmission · KY

I had to have my engine replaced Dan Cummins didn’t put the bolts back into my transfer case which caused me to need a new transfer case and sylnoids , now I am being told I need a new transmission.

Filed May 19, 2025 · Transmission · WI

Transmission failure at 43,226 miles, costing me $7,471.96. Replacement required. These are known to be a faulty transmission having recalls at this time up through 2016. Mine is not yet included but should be as they are the same unit. A failure like this is uncalled for.

Filed Mar 13, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · CO

Component/System That Failed or Malfunctioned & Availability for Inspection I have experienced multiple safety-critical failures in my 2012 Dodge Journey, including transmission failure, catalytic converter defects, engine repairs, electrical malfunctions, and brake system issues. Pattern of Recalls Across Dodge Journey Models & Lack of Recall for My Vehicle There have been numerous recalls across multiple model years (2009-2020) for the exact same failures my vehicle is experiencing, including: Transmission failures and defects Engine problems requiring major repairs Catalytic converter and exhaust failures Brake system failures and premature caliper wear Electrical malfunctions affecting windows, wiring, and power systems Despite this clear pattern of defects in Dodge Journey models, my specific vehicle has not been recalled for these issues. Dodge/Stellantis needs to explain why these defects are not being covered under existing recalls when the same problems have been recognized in other model years. How My Safety & Others’ Safety Was Put at Risk 1. Transmission Failure & Unsafe Driving Conditions My transmission failed completely, causing high RPM revving, and loss of acceleration. My vehicle essentially stalled out on the highway. Now, the transmission requires a full rebuild costing over $5,238.64. Dodge has issued recalls for transmission defects in other Journey model years, but mine is excluded despite experiencing identical failures. 2. Engine Repairs & Performance Failures My vehicle has required major engine repairs, including: Camshaft and rocker arm replacements Ignition coil replacements Thermostat and cooling system repairs Dodge has issued engine-related recalls for other Journey models, including crankshaft/camshaft sensor failures, engine stalling, and overheating risks. My vehicle suffers from the same defects but has not been recalled. These engine issues pose a major safety hazard by increasing the risk of engine stalling, loss of power, and

Filed Jan 9, 2025 · Transmission · IL

Transmission is going out car has been taken care of it started over heating and you can feel it switching gears! Taken to shop was told Transmission needs to be replaced

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported June 24, 2016 · 26,298 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to April 18, 2016, 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2015, to January 29, 2016, and 2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured August 15, 2016, to April 15, 2016. The transmission pump may seize causing a loss of hydraulic pressure.
Risk
If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission pump, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S44.

Recall number 16V461000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)Reported October 9, 2008 · 712 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler is recalling 712 my 2009 sebring, dodge caliber, avenger, journey, jeep patriot, and compass vehicles. A new adhesive used in the power train control module (PCM) manufacturing process can cause the printed circuit board to break.
Risk
This can cause the engine to stall and cause a crash without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the PCM free of charge. The recall began on november 10, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 08V528000 · Recall details

Questions about the Dodge Journey transmission failure

Which Dodge Journey years have complete transmission failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2009 (9 complaints), 2016 (8 complaints) and 2015 (7 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix complete transmission failure on the Dodge Journey?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $4,263 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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