YearToAvoid

2016 Dodge Journey Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 34 steering complaints for the 2016 Dodge Journey, 9% of its 386 total complaints, tied to 4 crashes and 2 injuries at a median 34,000 miles. A related recall (16V273000) covers power steering return hoses that could rupture in cold weather.

Steering complaints
34
9% of 386
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
34,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Some owners report sudden loss of directional control, with the vehicle jerking to one side at low speed and hitting a fixed object.
  • Several report the steering wheel and brakes becoming difficult to use at the same time, often after the engine stalls unexpectedly while decelerating or stopping.
  • Some describe the steering column or wheel locking up completely at a stop or during a turn, sometimes forcing the vehicle to be shut off and restarted before control returns.
  • Others report a whining noise from the steering system when turning the wheel fully left or right, such as while parking.
  • A few report power steering assist cutting out along with braking power while driving, with electrical accessories staying on but the engine losing power.

When 2016 Dodge Journey steering complaints were filed

First complaint May 16, 2016, latest Feb 24, 2026.

2016 Dodge Journey steering complaints: complaints filed per month2May 2016Dec 2016Dec 2017Aug 2018Jun 2019Jul 2020Nov 2023Dec 2025
34 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2016 to Feb 2026; peak Jul 2016 (2).

Steering recalls for the 2016 Dodge Journey

  1. 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.

Steering complaints by Journey model year

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

  1. 201069 (7%)
  2. 201123 (14%)
  3. 201223 (6%)
  4. 201320 (6%)
  5. 201428 (7%)
  6. 201539 (7%)
  7. 201634 (9%)
  8. 201715 (8%)
  9. 201811 (5%)
  10. 20192 (2%)
  11. 20203 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does the 2016 Dodge Journey have?
NHTSA lists 34 steering-related complaints for the 2016 Dodge Journey, which is 9% of all 386 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2016 Dodge Journey?
Yes. Recall 16V273000 covers 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles built through November 12, 2016, for power steering return hoses that may rupture after exposure to cold temperatures; dealers replace the hoses, steel tubes, and o-rings.
At what mileage do steering problems occur on the 2016 Journey?
The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2016 Dodge Journey is 34,000 miles.
Did the steering issue cause any crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data links the 2016 Dodge Journey steering complaints to 4 crashes and 2 injuries, with no fires reported.
How does the 2016 Journey compare to other years for steering complaints?
The 2016 model's 9% share of complaints tied to steering is higher than most other years, which range from 2% to 14%, with 2011 having the highest share at 14%.

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.