YearToAvoid

2016 Dodge Journey Transmission & Powertrain Problems

Transmission & Powertrain complaints account for 86 of 386 total complaints (22%) filed on the 2016 Dodge Journey, with a median failure mileage of 65,000. NHTSA also has recall 16V461000 covering the transmission pump on this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
86
22% of 386
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
65,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Vehicle jerks or lunges forward unexpectedly when accelerating from a stop or turning into a parking spot.
  • Transmission shifts hard or jerky between 30 to 37 mph, sometimes with the engine light coming on.
  • Vehicle randomly shuts off or loses engine power while driving, including while stopped at lights or pulling out of parking spots.
  • Owners report the transmission grinding, banging, or resisting when shifted into or out of park.
  • Some owners describe delayed or unavailable parts for the transmission pump recall repair, leaving the defect unaddressed for extended periods.
  • Steering column or accelerator pedal failures have been reported alongside transmission and powertrain fault codes.

When 2016 Dodge Journey transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 7, 2016, latest May 29, 2026.

2016 Dodge Journey transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per quarter72016 Q32017 Q42019 Q22020 Q42022 Q12023 Q22024 Q42026 Q2
86 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q3 to 2026 Q2; peak 2019 Q3 (7).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2016 Dodge Journey

  1. NHTSA 16V461000Jun 24, 2016Transmission & Powertrain26,298 vehicles

    Power train:automatic transmission

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to April 18, 2016, 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2015, to January 29, 2016, and 2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured August 15, 2016, to April 15, 2016. The transmission pump may seize causing a loss of hydraulic pressure.

    Risk: If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission pump, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S44.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Journey model year

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

  1. 20070 (0%)
  2. 20080 (0%)
  3. 2009104 (7%)
  4. 201048 (5%)
  5. 201120 (12%)
  6. 201236 (10%)
  7. 201329 (8%)
  8. 201436 (9%)
  9. 201577 (14%)
  10. 201686 (22%)
  11. 201732 (16%)
  12. 201818 (8%)
  13. 20196 (6%)
  14. 20203 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2016 Dodge Journey?
NHTSA lists 86 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Dodge Journey, which is 22% of all 386 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2016 Dodge Journey?
Yes. Recall 16V461000, reported June 24, 2016, covers the transmission pump, and Chrysler dealers replace it free of charge.
At what mileage do transmission issues typically show up?
NHTSA's data shows a median mileage of 65,000 at the time transmission failures were reported.
Did the transmission problems cause any crashes or fires?
NHTSA data tied to this problem area on the 2016 Dodge Journey lists 4 crashes and 2 fires, with 0 injuries reported.

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.