2009 Dodge Journey Awd problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2009 Dodge Journey Awd carries two red flags at once: 247 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Vehicle entrapment). It is one of the Journey Awd years to avoid.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (56), electrical system (54), and tires & wheels (29), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

247

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations · 1 open

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Journey Awd years?

Journey Awd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Journey Awd years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Dodge Journey Awd problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Brakes	56	23%	new
Electrical System	54	22%	new
Tires & Wheels	29	12%	new
Transmission	28	11%	new
Engine	24	10%	new
Airbags	17	7%	new
Other	17	7%	new
Steering	7	3%	new
Lighting	3	1%	new
Visibility & Wipers	2	1%	new
Fuel System	2	1%	new
Speed Control	2	1%	new
Body & Structure	2	1%	new
Suspension	2	1%	new
Seat Belts	1	0%	new
Latches & Locks	1	0%	new

Open NHTSA investigations

EA24003

Vehicle entrapment

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-008 on May 1, 2023 to investigate an incident involving a 2009 Dodge Journey alleging occupant entrapment during a vehicle fire that resulted in a fatality. During the investigation, ODI collected information from the manufacturer and involved parties to confirm or refute the defect allegation. ODI has determined that additional reports of vehicle entrapment exist for other model year Dodge Journey vehicles. ODI continues to explore the cause of the thermal event and its potential effect on the actuation of the door locks. ODI also continues to explore other potential causes for door lock malfunction. ODI has determined that an upgrade to an Engineering Analysis (EA) is necessary to continue the review of the investigative material and to assess the risk to motor vehicle safety . To review the ODI report cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“2009 SXT AWD DODGE JOURNEY IS A REPLACEMENT FOR THE INITIAL JOURNEY WE PURCHASED WHICH WAS A LEMON. WE PICKED UP THIS CAR 5/2009. IT HAD A STRANGE SMELL, MUCH LIKE PROPANE WHEN THE ENGINE WAS WARM. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY AFTER SEVERAL VISITS. WE GAVE UP. THIS PROBLEM CONTINUED FOR THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 28, 2010 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING 2009 DODGE JOURNEY SOMETHING SMELLED LIKE IT WAS BURNING BY THE TIME I COULD SAFELY PULL THE VEHICLE OVER THE FRONT END AND THE ENGINE HAD LOCKED UP THERE WAS SMOKE COMING IN THROUGH VENTS UNDER THE HOOD AND OUT THE EXHAUST. CALLED 911 FOR ELECTRICAL HARNESS AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 11, 2010 · fire

“I JUST PURCHASED A 2009 DODGE JOURNEY AT ROYSTON DODGE IN MORRISTOWN TN. MY FAMILY AND I WERE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR WENT OFF. I NOTICED THAT MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS LOW AND WHEN I STARTED TO INFLATE IT THE VALVE STEM POPPED OFF IN MY HAND. THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 31, 2010

“BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2009. ASSUMED THAT THE UNLIMITED POWERTRAIN WARRANTY APPLIED TO THIS VEHICLE. NOTICED A FOUL, PUNGENT ODOR 2-3 DAYS PRIOR TO FOLLOWING INCIDENT. ON THE DAY OF THE INCIDENT, I MADE A SLOW LEFT HAND TURN WHEN I HEARD A LOUD METALLIC SOUND FROM UNDERNEATH THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 11, 2012 · fire

“A PLASTIC PIECE HOLD TWO MALE HOSES TOGETHER MELTED FROM THE HEAT OF THE ENGINE'S MANIFOLD CAUSING THE ENGINE TO REACH POSSIBLE DAMAGING TEMPERATURE DUE TO THE LOSS OF COOLANT. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY AND STREET BEFORE THE VEHICLE STARTED TO STEAM FROM COOLANT LOSS ONTO THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 26, 2016 · fire

2009 Dodge Journey Awd — common questions

Is the 2009 Dodge Journey Awd reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 247 complaints put the 2009 model at #1 of 2 Journey Awd years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Journey Awd years to avoid.

What are the most common 2009 Journey Awd problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (56 complaints), electrical system (54 complaints), tires & wheels (29 complaints).

Does the 2009 Dodge Journey Awd have recalls?

No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2009 Dodge Journey Awd.

Is the 2009 Dodge Journey Awd under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Vehicle entrapment). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Dodge Journey Awd years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Journey Awd years to avoid are 2009, 2010.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.