Own a Dodge Journey in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Dodge Journey for model years 2007 to 2020. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help Journey owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 5,555 owner complaints on file for the Journey and 26 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (2,189), engine (983), service brakes (714).
Most-Reported Dodge Journey Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Journey (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 2,189 | 39% | |
| Engine | 983 | 17% | |
| Service Brakes | 714 | 12% | |
| Air Bags | 662 | 11% | |
| Power Train | 530 | 9% | |
| Steering | 360 | 6% | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 321 | 5% | |
| Seats | 308 | 5% |
Electrical System
2,189 of the 5,555 complaints (39%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Engine
983 of the 5,555 complaints (17%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Service Brakes
714 of the 5,555 complaints (12%) mention brakes. Brake complaints turn up on nearly every vehicle, and Phoenix stop-and-go traffic wears brake parts quickly. We measure pads and rotors, check calipers and fluid, and replace only what is worn. See our brake repair page.
Dodge Journey Complaints by Model Year
The Journey model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2009, 2010, 2015. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 4 | |
| 2008 | 8 | |
| 2009 | 1,594 | |
| 2010 | 1,085 | |
| 2011 | 169 | |
| 2012 | 376 | |
| 2013 | 353 | |
| 2014 | 416 | |
| 2015 | 554 | |
| 2016 | 389 | |
| 2017 | 202 | |
| 2018 | 237 | |
| 2019 | 102 | |
| 2020 | 66 |
Most Common Dodge Journey Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Journey. The most-cited is P0335 (crankshaft position sensor circuit), mentioned in 10 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P0335 | Crankshaft position sensor circuit Failing crank sensor; can cause stalling or no-start. | 10 |
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. | 7 |
| C2200 | Manufacturer-specific chassis code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 7 |
| P0944 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 3 |
| P06DD | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 3 |
| P0733 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
| P0841 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
| P0868 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Dodge Journey Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 26 recall campaigns for the Journey in these model years, most often involving electrical system, steering, engine and engine cooling. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2025 recall, Back Over Prevention (campaign 25V552000): 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.
- 2022 recall, Exterior Lighting (campaign 22V723000): Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Dodge Journey vehicles. The amber side reflex reflector assembled into the headlamp may not reflect brightly enough.
- 2018 recall, Electrical System (campaign 18V332000): 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,...
- 2018 recall, Visibility (campaign 18V396000): Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Journey vehicles. When reverse gear has been selected, the rear camera view may not be fully visible within two seconds.
- 2018 recall, Back Over Prevention (campaign 18V398000): Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Journey and RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The backup camera may experience a loss of image display while backing up.
- 2018 recall, Service Brakes, Hydraulic (campaign 18V523000): Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Journey, 209 involved a crash, 112 involved a fire, 245 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Dodge Journey Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Dodge will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Journey that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Journey owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Dodge Journey, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Dodge Journey Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Dodge Journey repair service, or choose a service below.
Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Brake Repair
Pads, rotors, calipers, fluid and brake lines.
Details →Dodge Journey FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Dodge Journey?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Dodge Journey are electrical system (2,189), engine (983), service brakes (714). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Journey model years have the most complaints?
The Journey model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2009, 2010, 2015. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Dodge Journey?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Dodge Journey, the codes cited most often are P0335 (crankshaft position sensor circuit), P0420 (catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1)), C2200 (manufacturer-specific chassis code). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Dodge Journey have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 26 recall campaigns for the Dodge Journey across model years 2007 to 2020. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Dodge Journey in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Dodge vehicles including the Journey, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Dodge Journey?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Dodge Journey in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Dodge Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.