How common are electrical problems in the 2016 Dodge Journey?

NHTSA has logged 89 electrical system complaints for the 2016 Dodge Journey, which is 23% of the 386 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2016 Dodge Journey?

Yes. Recall 18V332000, reported May 17, 2018, covers a software flash for the engine or powertrain control module on 2014-2018 Dodge Journey and related FCA vehicles.

Did the electrical problems cause any fires or crashes?

NHTSA data shows 2 fire reports linked to electrical system complaints on the 2016 Dodge Journey, with 0 crashes and 0 injuries reported.

At what mileage do electrical failures typically occur?

The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints on the 2016 Dodge Journey is 56,000 miles.

What specific electrical symptoms do owners report most?

Owners commonly describe flickering headlights, sudden loss of engine power or stalling, battery drain requiring repeated replacement, and unresponsive window controls.

2016 Dodge Journey Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 89 electrical system complaints for the 2016 Dodge Journey, 23% of its 386 total complaints that year, with 2 reported fires and no crashes or injuries. A related recall (18V332000) covers software issues that can affect powertrain control.

Electrical System complaints: 89; 23% of 386
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 56,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Headlights flicker unexpectedly at highway speed and sometimes precede a total loss of power while driving.
Vehicle stalls or loses engine power without warning, occasionally on inclines or while turning, sometimes with power steering and brakes affected simultaneously.
Dashboard lights all illuminate at once and the vehicle loses power entirely, with hazard lights unresponsive.
Window controls stop responding even after the main switch was replaced.
Battery drains or fails repeatedly, sometimes needing multiple replacements, and the vehicle shuts down when this happens.
An electrical smell and smoke were reported from the rear hatch area, in one case leading to a fire that damaged the interior.

When 2016 Dodge Journey electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 16, 2017, latest May 29, 2026.

89 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2017 Q1 to 2026 Q2; peak 2019 Q1 (8).

Electrical System recalls for the 2016 Dodge Journey

NHTSA 18V332000May 17, 2018Electrical System4,815,661 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
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, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Electrical System complaints by Journey model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

2010610 (62%)
201146 (27%)
2012117 (31%)
201376 (22%)
2014107 (26%)
2015119 (22%)
201689 (23%)
201759 (30%)
201893 (40%)
201928 (28%)
202022 (34%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical problems in the 2016 Dodge Journey?: NHTSA has logged 89 electrical system complaints for the 2016 Dodge Journey, which is 23% of the 386 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2016 Dodge Journey?: Yes. Recall 18V332000, reported May 17, 2018, covers a software flash for the engine or powertrain control module on 2014-2018 Dodge Journey and related FCA vehicles.
Did the electrical problems cause any fires or crashes?: NHTSA data shows 2 fire reports linked to electrical system complaints on the 2016 Dodge Journey, with 0 crashes and 0 injuries reported.
At what mileage do electrical failures typically occur?: The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints on the 2016 Dodge Journey is 56,000 miles.
What specific electrical symptoms do owners report most?: Owners commonly describe flickering headlights, sudden loss of engine power or stalling, battery drain requiring repeated replacement, and unresponsive window controls.