Dodge is well-known for producing rugged, American-style automobiles. Dodge’s initial entry into the rapidly growing crossover segment is the Journey. Upon its debut in 2009, the vehicle faced stiff competition from Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Edge, and Honda CR-V.
So, what do you think which model years of the Dodge Journey are considered the best, and which years should be avoided?
Dodge Journey years to avoid include 2009, 2010, 2012-2015, and 2018; they are considered the worst. The best years for Dodge Journey include 2011, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020. This result was concluded from trustworthy sources such as NHTSA, Edmund, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book.
Here Are The Dodge Journey Years To Avoid
There have been some fantastic models of the Dodge Journey, but if you’re looking to save money by purchasing a used car, you should avoid specific model years.
7. Worst Year: 2013 Dodge Journey (3.52 Rating)
The 2013 Dodge Journey has been upgraded, but buyers should still avoid this model year. A few of the complaints did identify engine and brake issues. However, it’s clumsy to maneuver, gets poor gas mileage from the available 3.6-litre V6, has a slow transmission, and has a cramped third row.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 4 recalls and 318 complaints.
- Edmunds: 3.3/5.0 consumer ratings.
- J.D. Power: 75/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.7/5.0 consumer and 3.2 expert ratings.
6. Worst Year: 2018 Dodge Journey (3.48 Rating)
J.D. Power gives a low-reliability score of just two out of five for the 2018 Journey. An automobile can’t get a lower score than a 2.
According to NHTSA data, a common complaint about the 2018 Dodge Journey is a loss of power or an unexpected stall. From 112 complaints, there have been 34 complaints regarding only faulty electrical problems.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 6 recalls and 112 complaints.
- Edmunds: 3.9/5.0 consumer and 5.4/10 expert ratings.
- J.D. Power: 73/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.7/5.0 consumer and 2.9 expert ratings.
5. Worst Year: 2012 Dodge Journey (3.35 Rating)
The 2012 model year maintained the trend of previous years by having engine, brake, and reliability issues. Although Dodge fixed a few problems with the 2012 model year, it’s still not a good idea to buy a 2012 Dodge Journey.
The failure of electrical components and interior accessories, such as instrument clusters, was still an issue for some drivers. The other most prevalent complaints involved premature head failure and frozen engines.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 6 recalls and 344 complaints.
- Edmunds: 3.6/5.0 consumer ratings.
- J.D. Power: 74/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.7/5.0 consumer and 3.0 expert ratings.
4. Worst Year: 2015 Dodge Journey (3.30 Rating)
With over 400 complaints filed on this model, the 2015 Dodge Journey is another worst model. With 116 issues, the vehicle’s engine and engine cooling are the leading causes of breakdowns. Electrical issues are the second most common cause of car failures.
This model also has keyless ignition system failure. The only way to fix this problem is to replace the keyless entry module and battery which can cost you around $930. The other common problems include rotor warping and transmission failure.
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Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 6 recalls and 462 complaints.
- Edmunds: 3.4/5.0 consumer ratings.
- J.D. Power: 76/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.7/5.0 consumer and 3.1 expert ratings.
3. Worst Year: 2014 Dodge Journey (3.25 Rating)
This model has the second-highest number of recalls. The 2014 Dodge Journey has widespread transmission issues, which occur at a range of 15,000 miles. According to some owners, the transmission can get stiff and unpredictable, making weird clunking noises when shifting.
Check engine lights, broken rotors, and the engine dying when turning left are also often reported issues, though most complaints concern the car’s electronics.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 7 recalls and 361 complaints.
- Edmunds: 3.2/5.0 consumer ratings.
- J.D. Power: 77/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.7/5.0 consumer and 3.2 expert ratings.
2. Worst Year: 2010 Dodge Journey (3.16 Rating)
The 2010 Journey suffered from the same problems as the 2009 model, but to a lesser degree. But because they are so common, they are ranked as the second-worst model.
The Dodge Journey’s 2010 model year also has braking and engine problems, the same as the 2009 model year. The 2010 model is another model to stay away from because of issues with the transmission and electronic components of the cabin.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 4 recalls and 1053 complaints.
- Edmunds: 3.5/5.0 consumer ratings.
- J.D. Power: 69/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.7/5.0 consumer ratings.
1. Worst Year: 2009 Dodge Journey (2.60 Rating)
The 2009 Dodge Journey was the first model year available and the one with the most issues. According to CarComplaints.com, the 2009 Dodge Journey is the worst model year ever regarding “total complaints,” “repair cost,” and “average mileage when problems occur.”
Many 2009 Journey owners have reported that their vehicles’ engines refused to start after 60,000 miles of use. At the same time, numerous consumer complaints have pointed to early deterioration of the brakes and rotors beginning at roughly the 30,000-mile mark.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 8 recalls and 1581 complaints.
- Edmunds: 3.5/5.0 consumer ratings.
- J.D. Power: 68/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.7/5.0 consumer ratings.
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Best Dodge Journey Years To Buy As Used
We’ve covered some of the Dodge Journey’s worst model years, but what about its best? Before putting money on a used car, weighing your options is important. We’ve compiled a list of the most reliable Dodge Journey years for you to peruse.
5. Best Year: 2016 Dodge Journey (3.57 Rating)
The 2016 Journey is an improvement over its predecessor and is priced competitively with other vehicles in its class. It has a user-friendly infotainment system, flexible seating and storage options, and decent reliability scores.
The 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that powers the Journey is coupled to a four-speed automated transmission. On the R/T and all-wheel drive models, a 3.6-liter V-6 producing 283 horsepower is paired with a six-speed automated transmission.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 4 recalls and 300 complaints.
- Edmunds: 3.9/5.0 consumer ratings.
- J.D. Power: 72/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.7/5.0 consumer and 3.0 expert ratings.
4. Best Year: 2011 Dodge Journey (3.60 Rating)
2011 Dodge Journey is one of the best years to buy, with five trim options. Standard features include air conditioning, cruise control, power door locks, windows, mirrors, a power driver’s seat, a power passenger seat, a cooled glove box, a telescopic steering wheel, and an AM/FM/CD player with MP3 compatibility.
The 2011 Dodge Journey gets a number of important updates, including a new, more potent 3.6-liter V6, retuned suspension and steering, and a redesigned interior with better materials and a new touchscreen interface.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 4 recalls and 163 complaints.
- Edmunds: 3.5/5.0 consumer ratings.
- J.D. Power: 77/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.7/5.0 consumer ratings.
3. Best Year: 2017 Dodge Journey (3.77 Rating)
The low average price is ideal if you’re buying a used 2017 Dodge Journey. In addition, it has a sophisticated entertainment system and a plush interior. Some good, but not great, ratings were given for its reliability.
The 2017 Journey remains similar mainly. However, a new GT trim level replaces the R/T as the top-tier option, and the V6 engine is now only available with all-wheel drive if you go for the GT.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 2 recalls and 138 complaints.
- Edmunds: 3.8/5.0 consumer ratings.
- J.D. Power: 70/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.7/5.0 consumer and 3.0 expert ratings.
2. Best Year: 2019 Dodge Journey (4.04 Rating)
The 2019 Journey is a reliable and economical car. Besides that, the quality varies widely, especially in terms of construction.
It has seven airbags, including one for the driver’s knees, active head restraints that move forward in a rear-end accident to protect the driver’s head and neck, and electronic stability control to keep you from skidding out on wet or icy roads.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 0 recalls and 26 complaints.
- Edmunds: 4.1/5.0 consumer and 5.4/10 expert ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.7/5.0 consumer and 2.9 expert ratings.
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1. Best Year: 2020 Dodge Journey (4.05 Rating)
The 2020 Dodge Journey was the last and by far the best model of Journey available today in the used market. It is the most reasonably priced three-row SUV. The design is getting old, and the features are becoming less useful, but the price is thousands less than the competition.
The 2020 Journey may not impress with its driving dynamics, powertrain, or availability of driver-assistance systems. Still, its adaptable cabin and straightforward infotainment system will surely win over budget-conscious shoppers.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 0 recalls and 7 complaints.
- Edmunds: 4.0/5.0 consumer and 5.6/10 expert ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.7/5.0 consumer and 2.9 expert ratings.
Common Dodge Journey Problems
The main reasons why some years are best avoided are mentioned below:
1. Weak Brakes
The Dodge Journey, especially the 2009 model year, was plagued by brake issues. These are just some of the brake issues that may arise if you choose a Dodge Journey from a troublesome year:
- Damage to the rotors and brakes
- Brake noise
- Confining calipers
2. Engine Failure
Dodge Journey years with engine problems are the second most common issue. Depending on the circumstances, fixing an engine malfunction can be very costly.
The following are examples of engine issues:
- Driving with a dying engine
- The engine was making a ticking noise.
- The engine light stays on at all times.
3. Problems with Internal Components
Some Dodge Journey cars may have problems with their interior accessories. Issues might arise with any part of the vehicle, from the door to the windows.
4. Broken Keyless Entry Remote System:
Unfortunately, the remote keyless entry functionality is very bad on Dodge Journeys manufactured between 2009 and 2017. The Dodge Journey’s keyless entry mechanism is a common complaint.
5. Water leakage
Dampness in the cabin is an issue for drivers of the 2009-2018 Dodge Journey. Even with the relatively low distance of 58,000 km, water leaks into the cabin are possible.
FAQs
1. Is Dodge Journey A Good Car?
Used Dodge Journeys is not a good car option. The interior is covered in low-quality plastics, the third row is quite tight, and the cargo area is poor for a vehicle in this class. The Dodge Journey ranks last among midsize SUVs.
2. How Long Will Dodge Journey Last?
A well-maintained Dodge Journey may go between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometers with proper care. Some drivers have traveled over two hundred thousand miles in their Journeys. If you average 15,000 annual miles on your Dodge Journey, you may get 10–15 years out of it.
3. Is Dodge Journey Expensive To Maintain?
Dodge’s reliability is approximately average. Dodges have a significantly higher maintenance cost than other popular car brands.
Conclusion
Knowing which model years of the Dodge Journey to avoid will help you save time and energy. Some models, like 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2018 are the Dodge Journey to avoid because they have a lot of issues, including engine or transmission failure.
Although generally reliable, the Dodge Journey has had some issues, but a few years stand tall regarding reliability. We hope this Dodge Journey review helped assist you in choosing your vehicle.
