YearToAvoid

2009 Dodge Journey AWD Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

No verdict The 2009 Dodge Journey AWD ranks 1 of 2 model years for reported problems, with a complaint index of 100 and 161 complaints. Brakes account for 37% of complaints, followed by electrical issues at 30%, with no recalls on file.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
100/100
#1 of 2 Journey AWD years
Verdict
No verdict
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
161
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
0
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
1
reported in complaints
Fires
7
Injuries
1
Top issue
Brakes
Best nearby year
—
no alternative with data

Top 2009 Dodge Journey AWD problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Brakes59 (37%)
  2. Electrical System49 (30%)
  3. Transmission & Powertrain28 (17%)
  4. Engine26 (16%)
  5. Suspension, Wheels & Tires26 (16%)
  6. Airbags17 (11%)
  7. Other17 (11%)
  8. Steering7 (4%)
  9. Structure & Body3 (2%)
  10. Fuel System2 (1%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Owners report engine compartment fires with smoke coming through vents, sometimes tied to electrical harness failures near 74,000 miles.
  • Drivers describe front brake rotors and pads wearing out prematurely, with vibration and loud humming felt above 50 mph, at median mileage around 22,340 miles.
  • Some owners heard loud metallic or cracking sounds from underneath the vehicle, followed by shaking, linked to axle or drive shaft failures.
  • Reports describe a melted plastic hose connector near the engine manifold causing coolant loss and a small fire on the manifold.
  • One owner described the front driver-side airbag deploying after hitting a pothole, resulting in a crash into a pole.
  • Owners noted an odd noise when turning hard left, tied to power steering reservoir issues that persisted after dealer repair.
2009 Dodge Journey AWD complaints: complaints filed per quarter132009 Q22010 Q42012 Q12013 Q32015 Q12016 Q22017 Q32019 Q2
161 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2009 Q2 to 2019 Q2; peak 2010 Q3 (13).

2009 Dodge Journey AWD recalls

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

2009 compared with other Journey AWD years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020092010
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2009No verdict1001610—
2010No verdict097118

All Dodge Journey AWD years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Dodge Journey AWD reliable?
NHTSA data shows 161 complaints for the 2009 Journey AWD, the highest of the two model years with data, giving it a complaint index of 100 and rank 1 of 2 for reported problems.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Dodge Journey AWD?
Brakes lead with 37% of complaints, followed by electrical system issues at 30% and transmission/powertrain problems at 17%, according to NHTSA complaint data.
Does the 2009 Dodge Journey AWD have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2009 Dodge Journey AWD.
At what mileage do 2009 Journey AWD brake problems show up?
NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage of 22,340 miles at failure for brake-related complaints.
How does the 2009 Journey AWD compare to the 2010 model?
The 2009 model had 161 complaints versus 97 for 2010, and the 2009 model ranks worse, 1st of 2 years, for reported problems.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.