2016 Dodge Journey
Common Problems
Ranked from 141 federal NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
16 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Electrical System Issues Causing Power Loss
33complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe vehicle loses power suddenly, with lights and electrical components failing intermittently.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18V332000
- 2
Engine Stall and Misfire
21complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine frequently stalls and misfires, especially at low speeds or under acceleration, leading to loss of power and difficulty starting.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 16V907000
- 3
Engine misfires and random shutdowns
18complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine misfires and randomly shuts down while driving, especially at low speeds.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 16V907000
- 4
Headrest Deployment While Unoccupied
17complaintsSafety riskOtherThe headrest deploys unexpectedly when the car is not occupied.
- 5
Electrical System Failure Causing Random Malfunctions
14complaintsHigh severityElectricalRandom malfunctions in the electrical system cause various issues such as dashboard lights flickering and windows not working.
Related recall: 18V332000
- 6
Vehicle Speed Control Failure Causing Unintended Deceleration
13complaintsMedium severityOtherThe vehicle speed control system causes the car to decelerate unexpectedly, leading to loss of control and potential accidents.
- 7
Transmission Issues Leading to Loss of Power
11complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission loses power and shifts poorly, causing the vehicle to stall or lose acceleration.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 16V461000
- 8
Brake Malfunction Causing Loss of Control
10complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe brakes fail to stop the vehicle properly, leading to loss of control and potential crashes.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Check Engine Light On Without Warning
10complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe check engine light illuminates without any prior warning or specific conditions, indicating an underlying issue.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18V332000
- 10
Steering Issues Causing Loss of Control
9complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe steering becomes difficult to control, locking up or seizing during turns or at low speeds.
Related recall: 16V273000
- 11
Airbag Deployment Without Collision
7complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe airbags deploy without any collision or impact, posing a safety risk.
Related recall: 18V332000
- 12
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
6complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls at idle, especially when the stop-start system malfunctions.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 16V907000
- 13
Brake Issues Causing Vehicle to Roll Backward
4complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe brakes fail to hold the vehicle on inclines, causing it to roll backward unexpectedly.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 14
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Malfunction
4complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe electronic stability control system malfunctions, leading to loss of vehicle control and safety issues.
Related recall: 18V332000
- 15
Service Brake Issues Causing Vehicle to Stall
4complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe service brakes cause the vehicle to stall when applied, leading to loss of control.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 16
Steering Lock-up During Deceleration or Braking
2complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe steering wheel locks up during deceleration, braking, or while stopped, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 16V273000
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.