VehicleVerdict

2013 Dodge Journey problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2013 Dodge Journey carries two red flags at once: 507 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Vehicle entrapment). It is one of the Journey years to avoid. Complainants reported 42 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (117), engine (77), and brakes (73), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

507

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

2

Investigations · 1 open

31

Crash-involved

16

Fires reported

42

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other Journey years?

Journey NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted2,091 complaints2007: 7 complaints2008: 12 complaints2009: 2,091 complaints2010: 1,480 complaints2011: 253 complaints2012: 621 complaints2013: 507 complaints2014: 643 complaints2015: 864 complaints2016: 609 complaints2017: 315 complaints2018: 333 complaints2019: 126 complaints2020: 86 complaints
Journey NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Journey years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Dodge Journey problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System11723%
Engine7715%
Brakes7314%
Seats5811%
Airbags438%
Other316%
Transmission296%
Steering204%
Fuel System102%
Speed Control102%
Body & Structure82%
Suspension71%
Visibility & Wipers61%
Seat Belts51%
Tires & Wheels51%
Lighting51%
Driver Assistance31%

Does the 2013 Dodge Journey have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V432000AirbagsJuly 7, 2017 · 363,480 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may unexpectedly deploy if the air bag wiring harness gets chafed within the steering wheel and short circuits.

Consequence

Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag wiring within the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary. A protective cover will also be installed. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T47.

16V273000SteeringMay 6, 2016 · 8,569 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 31, 2007, to November 12, 2016. After exposure to cold temperatures, the power steering return hose may rupture at engine start-up causing a loss of power steering assist.

Consequence

A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler, free of charge. The recall began on May 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S08.

15V675000Electrical SystemOctober 19, 2015 · 275,187 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured April 21, 2012, to April 14, 2015. In the affected vehicles, water may enter the wiring harness for the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module and leak into the module, disabling the ABS and/or the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.

Consequence

If the ABS or ESC is disabled, a loss of vehicle stability could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will seal the ABS wiring harness to prevent water from entering and will replace the ABS module and repair the headlamp and dash wiring harness, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R61.

15V431000EngineJuly 7, 2015 · 145,379 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

“WITHOUT WARNING ONE DAY THE CAR STARTED SMOKING THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE RIGHT WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HWY. I QUICKLY JUMPED OUT ON THE HWY ALMOST INTO TRAFFIC TRYING TO GET AWAY FROM THE SUV THET WITHIN SECONDS QUICKLY ENGULFED INTO FLAMES. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE DEALERSHIP MADE NO MENTION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 3, 2015 · fire

“WITHOUT WARNING ONE DAY THE CAR STARTED SMOKING THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE RIGHT WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HWY. I QUICKLY JUMPED OUT ON THE HWY ALMOST INTO TRAFFIC TRYING TO GET AWAY FROM THE SUV THET WITHIN SECONDS QUICKLY ENGULFED INTO FLAMES. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE DEALERSHIP MADE NO MENTION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 3, 2015 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AND CHRASHED INTO A TREE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AT A LOCAL DEALER. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 18, 2018 · crash

“ON SEPTEMBER 28 2016 2:30 PM RIDING NORTH ON HWY 59 FROM KINGWOOD WE HAD JUST PASSED THRU SHEPPARD TX. WE HAD BEEN ON CRUISE AT 70 MPH SINCE CLEVELAND TX WHEN WE HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION MY HEAD REST HAD EXPLODED AND PUSHED MY HEAD FORWARD FAST. MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AND HE THOUGHT I HAD BEEN SHOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · September 28, 2016

“2013 DODGE JOURNEY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUES WITH AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT DURING AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THERE WERE RECALL NOTICES SENT TO THE CONSUMER. *JS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 4, 2016 · crash

2013 Dodge Journey — common questions

Is the 2013 Dodge Journey reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 507 complaints put the 2013 model at #7 of 14 Journey years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Journey years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 Journey problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (117 complaints), engine (77 complaints), brakes (73 complaints).

Does the 2013 Dodge Journey have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Dodge Journey. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 Dodge Journey 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 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Journey years to avoid are 2009, 2010, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2016, 2013, 2018, 2017, 2011, 2019, 2020. The cleanest record among Journey years belongs to 2007.

How safe is the 2013 Dodge Journey?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 Dodge Journey earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.