Electrical, engine and powertrain issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
Many people purchased the 2019 Dodge Journey because of the low cost, but they still expected decent performance. Even the automaker claims this model offers “muscle on the run,” but that’s not what owners found. Instead, drivers are dealing with a defective powertrain, faulty engine and glitchy electrical system.
If the Journey has plenty of muscle, it needs to have a reliable powertrain to transmit that power. However, this system is quite defective.
Just look at this Cars.com review. “I absolutely hate this vehicle! It’s very basic, and boring the interior design sucks. Car has a hard time picking up speed, some electrical issues with the dashboard, car is also very ‘jerky’ seems to be some issues maybe with the transmission feels as if it is pulling and I’m getting rear ended at the same time, no automatic start, it has a manual lift hatch which I hate. I almost feel like I’m riding in a ‘hoopty’ it gets me from point a to point b. I’m literally in and out of the car just because it doesn’t satisfy my interior needs at all. Probably will never buy another Chrysler Vehicle ever again after this experience and I’ve only had this car for less than a month.”
Dodge isn’t hiding transmission issues. Even Service Bulletin #9004182 talks about harsh shifting but claims that the system just has to learn the customer’s driving style. In the meantime, the Journey is creating a bucking bronco feel for drivers across the nation. It might have muscle (which is also questionable), but it can’t possibly take it on the run.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Electrical System | |
| Engine | |
| Power Train | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Air Bags | |
| Exterior Lighting | |
| Seats | |
| Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | |
| Fuel/propulsion System |
Again, the Journey isn’t hailed as a luxury vehicle, but it should contain enough capability to run everyday systems, yet it doesn’t.
Here is an NHTSA comment worth looking at. “You can be driving and what shows up in the dashboard is that your key is not in the vehicle when the key is in the vehicle. Then, the warning signals start the blare. The vehicle was stationary at the time, I had to cut the vehicle off then it wouldn’t start back until some time had passed. Then, the vehicle started again.”
There are other electrical system problems outlined in communications. Service Bulletin #08-083-19 talks about concerns that require software updates, including trouble with the hands-free system. Whether the car is having trouble determining if the key is in the ignition or it’s dropping phone calls, customers aren’t happy with the small price paid to drive the Journey.
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Again, the Journey isn’t going to win any awards for the most powerful engine or quickest acceleration time, but the engine should still be durable enough to work. Yet, that’s not what customers suggest.
Here is one more NHTSA complaint. “The vehicle’s Check Engine, the ESC, and the Electronic Throttle Control warning lights would all come on and the vehicle would bog down and not be able to go above 40 mph. This has happened 5 times now, it is back at [dealership] for the 4th time. No answers have been found and Chrysler is not replacing the vehicle. Every time it happened while driving. The vehicle has been back at the dealership more than I have driven it since purchasing it on June 29th.”
Sadly, it doesn’t seem like this issue, and the many others out there are going to be resolved. To create the low dollar Journey, Dodge took a lot of short cuts, and the company is aware of the problems. Even Service Bulletin #18-089-19 talks about leaks within the engine system that could cause trouble. The old saying – you get what you pay for – rings true in this situation.
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Dodge pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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Bought a 2019 dodge journey new off the lot only 36 miles on it. Also purchased two warranties just in case. In the last 6 months I have had to have the transmission completely replaced and now a pulley for the serpentine belt is also needing to be replaced. This vehicle barely has 50,000 miles on it, and it has had constant powertrain issues and bluetooth issues with connection.
When my transmission went out there was no warning. Not even a check engine light. I was sitting in a parking lot and my reverse went out and I was stranded.
2019 Dodge Journey – They didn’t fix it twice, the engine went out and now it’s saying something about the wiring.
The backup camera is most of the time upside down when I back up. 3 times it worked right. Also why wouldn’t it have GPS and phone service. It’s a used 2019 SE Dodge Journey. Sounds bogged down when taking off.
Hello. I bought a 2019 Dodge Journey used. It came with a 30 day in house warranty on the power train. I had it one week took a two hour trip and ended up stranded with my family. It would not start. We got a jump and made it home but not without it running hot. It had been struggling to start before and seemingly losing power with ac and display. I pulled the Carfax and notice several checks on engine and computer modules ie electrical. I’m now the proud owner of a 600 a month car note buying a 23k car for 42k after all’s said and done but can’t drive it. Please help
I having problem with my 2019 dodge journey and the dealership will not take it back. I only had it for 2 weeks