2013 Dodge Journey Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
60/100
#5 most-complained of 11 Journey years
The 2013 Dodge Journey has 353 complaints, a Complaint Index of 60, and ranks 5th worst out of 11 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Top problem areas are Engine (24%), Brakes (23%), and Electrical System (22%), with 4 recalls on file.
- Complaints
- 353
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 19 / 9
- Injuries / deaths
- 32 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 20.5
- 18 city / 25.5 hwy
Top 2013 Dodge Journey problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine84 (24%)
- Brakes81 (23%)
- Electrical System76 (22%)
- Structure & Body66 (19%)
- Airbags44 (12%)
- Other31 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain29 (8%)
- Steering20 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires12 (3%)
- Fuel System10 (3%)
What owners report
- Airbags fail to deploy in low-speed and moderate-speed crashes, sometimes leaving occupants with injuries.
- Brakes and stability control reportedly stop responding suddenly, leading to crashes into walls or barriers.
- Electrical system failures cause smoke or burning smells near the driver's door and window controls.
- Some owners describe the vehicle shutting down while driving, with a loss of steering control.
- Engine compartment fires have occurred while driving, in some cases fully engulfing the vehicle.
- Steering wheel control is reported lost after sudden jerking or violent movement while underway.
2013 Dodge Journey recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 17V432000Jul 7, 2017Airbags363,480 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may unexpectedly deploy if the air bag wiring harness gets chafed within the steering wheel and short circuits.
Risk: Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag wiring within the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary. A protective cover will also be installed. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T47.
- 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 15V675000Oct 19, 2015Brakes275,187 vehicles
Electronic stability control (esc)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured April 21, 2012, to April 14, 2015. In the affected vehicles, water may enter the wiring harness for the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module and leak into the module, disabling the ABS and/or the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
Risk: If the ABS or ESC is disabled, a loss of vehicle stability could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will seal the ABS wiring harness to prevent water from entering and will replace the ABS module and repair the headlamp and dash wiring harness, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R61.
2013 Dodge Journey fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 25.5 MPG
- Combined
- 20.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,175
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Gasoline or E85
- 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.
2013 compared with other Journey years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Dodge Journey reliable?
- Compared to other Journey model years, 2013 falls in the middle, with a Complaint Index of 60 and a Caution verdict. It ranks 5th worst out of 11 years tracked.
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Dodge Journey?
- NHTSA data shows Engine complaints lead at 24% of all reports, followed by Brakes at 23% and Electrical System issues at 22%. Median mileage at failure for engine complaints is 77,000 miles.
- Does the 2013 Dodge Journey have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2013 Dodge Journey, covering Airbags, Steering, Brakes, and Engine. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- Which Dodge Journey year should I avoid instead of 2013?
- Based on NHTSA data, 2010, 2014, and 2015 carry Avoid verdicts with higher Complaint Index values of 100, 80, and 90 respectively, all worse than the 2013 model's 60.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2013 Dodge Journey?
- EPA rates it at 20.5 mpg combined (18 city / 25.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,175.