VehicleVerdict

2016 Dodge Journey problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2016 Dodge Journey carries two red flags at once: 609 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 23 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (122), electrical system (104), and transmission (86), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

609

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

3

Investigations · 1 open

34

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

23

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Journey years?

Journey NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 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, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Journey years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Dodge Journey problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine12220%
Electrical System10417%
Transmission8614%
Other6511%
Brakes518%
Seats356%
Steering346%
Speed Control325%
Airbags264%
Fuel System132%
Lighting91%
Seat Belts71%
Suspension71%
Driver Assistance61%
Visibility & Wipers41%
Tires & Wheels41%
Body & Structure41%

Does the 2016 Dodge Journey have recalls?

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

18V332000Electrical SystemMay 17, 2018 · 4,815,661 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence

If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

16V907000EngineDecember 16, 2016 · 42,231 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

16V461000TransmissionJune 24, 2016 · 26,298 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

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.

“The engine/powertrain occasionally does not accelerate on the freeway causing us to backup traffic. This happens randomly and will eventually cause a major accident. I have contacted dodge but they want me to leave my car for 6 weeks with no loaner I am a single mother that is not possible. The car…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 8, 2022 · fire

“Was driving car after cleaning it had a box in trunk that barely took a portion of the trunk up. While drive smelt smoke and electrical smell and my trunk was on fire inside. Pulled over and the back hatch inside got so hot from what I can only guess was electrical that the box caught fire. This…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 27, 2025 · fire

“TAKATA RECALL, RESEARCHING MY CAR VIN 3 RECALLS FLAGGED UP AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE RECALLS MY CAR HAS BREAKING ISSUES THE BREAKS WORK AT TIMES AND NOT OTHER TIMES , THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT CHANGE GEAR RANDOMLY AND WILL LUNG FORWARD WHEN STOPPING LASTLY IT PULLS TO THE RIGHT SO HARD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 7, 2017 · crash

“TAKATA RECALL, RESEARCHING MY CAR VIN 3 RECALLS FLAGGED UP AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE RECALLS MY CAR HAS BREAKING ISSUES THE BREAKS WORK AT TIMES AND NOT OTHER TIMES , THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT CHANGE GEAR RANDOMLY AND WILL LUNG FORWARD WHEN STOPPING LASTLY IT PULLS TO THE RIGHT SO HARD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 7, 2017 · crash

“TAKATA RECALL, RESEARCHING MY CAR VIN 3 RECALLS FLAGGED UP AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE RECALLS MY CAR HAS BREAKING ISSUES THE BREAKS WORK AT TIMES AND NOT OTHER TIMES , THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT CHANGE GEAR RANDOMLY AND WILL LUNG FORWARD WHEN STOPPING LASTLY IT PULLS TO THE RIGHT SO HARD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 7, 2017 · crash

2016 Dodge Journey — common questions

Is the 2016 Dodge Journey reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 609 complaints put the 2016 model at #6 of 14 Journey years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Journey years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 Journey problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (122 complaints), electrical system (104 complaints), transmission (86 complaints).

Does the 2016 Dodge Journey have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Dodge Journey. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 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 2016 Dodge Journey?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 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.