2009 Dodge Journey Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 14 Journey years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2009 Dodge Journey has 1,433 owner complaints and 8 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 100 out of 100 — the highest of 14 Journey model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is electrical system (767 complaints, 54% of the total). Complaints report 41 crashes, 30 fires, 34 injuries, and 1 death.
- Complaints
- 1,433
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes / fires
- 41 / 30
- Injuries / deaths
- 34 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 16 city / 23 hwy
Top 2009 Dodge Journey problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System767 (54%)
- Brakes335 (23%)
- Airbags269 (19%)
- Engine200 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain104 (7%)
- Other98 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires85 (6%)
- Steering72 (5%)
- Structure & Body33 (2%)
- Visibility & Wipers30 (2%)
2009 Dodge Journey recalls
8 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V273000May 6, 2016Steering8,569 vehicles
Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 31, 2007, to November 12, 2016. After exposure to cold temperatures, the power steering return hose may rupture at engine start-up causing a loss of power steering assist.
Risk: A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler, free of charge. The recall began on May 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S08.
- NHTSA 16V047000Jan 29, 2016Airbags110,482 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured December 31, 2007, to August 31, 2008, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured June 18, 2007, to August 31, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.
Risk: If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S07.
- NHTSA 14V373000Jun 26, 2014Airbags722,705 vehicles
Air bags
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured June 29, 2007, to June 17, 2010, and 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, to June 17, 2010. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk: If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R03. Note: This is an expansion of recall 11V-139.
2009 Dodge Journey fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 23 MPG
- Combined
- 18 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2009 compared with other Journey years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Dodge Journey a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2009 Dodge Journey ranks worst among Journey model years (Complaint Index 100/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 1,433 complaints and 8 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Dodge Journey?
- The most reported problem areas are electrical system (767 complaints), brakes (335 complaints), and airbags (269 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 63,000 miles.
- Does the 2009 Dodge Journey have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2009 Dodge Journey, most recently reported 2016, covering steering, airbags, electrical system, and transmission & powertrain.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2009 Dodge Journey?
- EPA rates the 2009 Dodge Journey at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 23 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,600. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.