VehicleVerdict

2019 Dodge Journey problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2019 Dodge Journey carries two red flags at once: 126 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Vehicle entrapment). It is one of the Journey years to avoid.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (25), electrical system (21), and driver assistance (19), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

126

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations · 1 open

11

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Journey years?

Journey NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 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, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Journey years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Dodge Journey problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other2520%
Electrical System2117%
Driver Assistance1915%
Engine97%
Airbags86%
Lighting86%
Transmission65%
Brakes65%
Seat Belts54%
Seats43%
Visibility & Wipers43%
Body & Structure32%
Fuel System32%
Steering22%
Child Seat11%
Speed Control11%
Tires & Wheels11%

Does the 2019 Dodge Journey have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V552000Driver AssistanceAugust 26, 2025 · 219,577 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster and 2019-2020 Dodge Journey vehicles. Cracks in the microprocessor may cause the vehicle's rearview camera image not to display properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility.

Consequence

A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed beginning September 30, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated July 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 59C.

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.

“As I was driving, I began to park. I put my foot on the brake and proceeded to put car in reverse. The back up camera began to flash. Once it stopped flashing, the image on the screen was upside down. It’s is available for inspection. This is a safety hazard. The purpose of the camera is so that…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 3, 2023 · crash

“As I was driving, I began to park. I put my foot on the brake and proceeded to put car in reverse. The back up camera began to flash. Once it stopped flashing, the image on the screen was upside down. It’s is available for inspection. This is a safety hazard. The purpose of the camera is so that…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 3, 2023 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, THE VEHICLE'S BACK UP CAMERA FAILED TO ALERT THE CONTACT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE REAR. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT STRUCK THE PARKED VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · December 10, 2019 · crash

“I had purchased the vehicle in early April of 2024 from Drive Time in Langhorne PA. I've had mechanical / engine issues since then. On [XXX], my daughter called me and informed me that the vehicle shut down while she was driving with my infant grand daughter, on the highway. INFORMATION REDACTED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 21, 2024

“I had purchased the vehicle in early April of 2024 from Drive Time in Langhorne PA. I've had mechanical / engine issues since then. On [XXX], my daughter called me and informed me that the vehicle shut down while she was driving with my infant grand daughter, on the highway. INFORMATION REDACTED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · July 21, 2024

2019 Dodge Journey — common questions

Is the 2019 Dodge Journey reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 126 complaints put the 2019 model at #11 of 14 Journey years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Journey years to avoid.

What are the most common 2019 Journey problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (25 complaints), electrical system (21 complaints), driver assistance (19 complaints).

Does the 2019 Dodge Journey have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2019 Dodge Journey. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2019 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 2019 Dodge Journey?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 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.