Is the 2017 Dodge Journey's structure and body reliable?

NHTSA lists 22 Structure & Body complaints for the 2017 Journey, 11% of its 197 total complaints for the year. The most common pattern is headrests deploying unexpectedly rather than a body structure or frame failure.

Is there a recall for the 2017 Dodge Journey headrest issue?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2017 Journey, despite multiple owner complaints describing headrests popping open on their own.

At what mileage do these problems typically appear?

The median mileage at failure for Structure & Body complaints on the 2017 Journey is 65,375 miles.

How does the 2017 Journey compare to other years for this problem?

The 2017 Journey's 22 Structure & Body complaints (11% share) are lower than the 2013 (66 complaints, 19%) and 2015 (99 complaints, 18%) model years, but higher in share than 2018 (8%) and 2019 (7%).

2017 Dodge Journey Structure & Body Problems

Structure & Body issues account for 22 of 197 complaints (11%) on the 2017 Dodge Journey, with a median failure mileage of 65,375 miles. The dominant pattern is active headrests deploying on their own without a crash; no related recalls are listed.

Structure & Body complaints: 22; 11% of 197
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 65,375 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical body and structure symptoms owners report

Front and rear headrests suddenly "deploy" or pop open on their own while parked or driving, sometimes striking the driver or a passenger in the head.
Some owners report the metal pin or plastic mechanism holding the headrest in place is missing or broken when the headrest releases unexpectedly.
A few complaints describe the vehicle shaking, a loud noise underneath the vehicle, and the rear end swaying to the right at highway speed, along with a driver's seat that failed to lock in position.
One owner reported the horn sounding on its own while the vehicle was parked, doors locked, with no one nearby, draining the battery.
Separate complaints mention a warning light illuminating intermittently, suspected to be tied to loose wiring under the passenger seat.

When 2017 Dodge Journey body and structure complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 11, 2018, latest Jul 7, 2026.

22 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2018 to Jul 2026; peak Jun 2022 (3).

Structure & Body recalls for the 2017 Dodge Journey

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Structure & Body complaints by Journey model year

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

201031 (3%)
20114 (2%)
201218 (5%)
201366 (19%)
201459 (14%)
201599 (18%)
201640 (10%)
201722 (11%)
201819 (8%)
20197 (7%)
20200 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2017 Dodge Journey's structure and body reliable?: NHTSA lists 22 Structure & Body complaints for the 2017 Journey, 11% of its 197 total complaints for the year. The most common pattern is headrests deploying unexpectedly rather than a body structure or frame failure.
Is there a recall for the 2017 Dodge Journey headrest issue?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2017 Journey, despite multiple owner complaints describing headrests popping open on their own.
At what mileage do these problems typically appear?: The median mileage at failure for Structure & Body complaints on the 2017 Journey is 65,375 miles.
How does the 2017 Journey compare to other years for this problem?: The 2017 Journey's 22 Structure & Body complaints (11% share) are lower than the 2013 (66 complaints, 19%) and 2015 (99 complaints, 18%) model years, but higher in share than 2018 (8%) and 2019 (7%).