Problems · by component

2009 Dodge Journey steering problems

79 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2009 Dodge Journey cite steering, 5% of all 1,594 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
79
5% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the steering

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Power steering hose ruptured after a few days of snow and ice. I went to drive to the store but was unable to turn out of the driveway due to no power steering. I done some research to where I found out there was a recall for this same issue but evidently my VIN # isn't included in this recall as while as many others I have read about online. I think this needs to be looked into.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 4, 2026SteeringODI 11715663
“The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while reversing in cold weather, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the power steering hose was leaking fluid and had detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V273000 (Steering). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 2, 2026SteeringODI 11714906
“The steering locked up could not turn or straighten car out. All electrical things lights air conditioning gas light just went haywire and is still not working. The shifting system I guess is what u call it started slipping out of gear like going into natural or first gear and nothing else. Several cars had to serve to keep from getting hit at 70+ miles an hour and I had no control other than to hit the break on the freeway and pray. Accordingly to the Bob site there's so many problems I know the ones I've had I just didn't know I could let any one know that mattered. I've reported it today. The first time it slipped out of gear I thought maybe it was something I may have done as far as the electric it was Little things like AC works as it pleases airbags light up tire pressure ECT the gas light no longer moves stays on E unknown to exact dates”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 20, 2025Steering, Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11694469
“Power steering return hose ruptured when I started the vehicle after setting in sub zero temps for about a week. Found a recall for this same problem but my vehicle was not listed. I feel it should have been. Hope you can adjust the recall for this major issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 20, 2024SteeringODI 11566676
“The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that there was a cracked power steering hose located underneath the vehicle. The contact replaced the power steering hose; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 31, 2022SteeringODI 11449543
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DUE TO THE INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE POWER STEERING HOSE FROZE AND BURST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HEARD A POPPING SOUND BEFORE THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO MAKE RIGHT OR LEFT TURNS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED SHE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HER RESIDENCE WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING FLUID IN THE RESERVOIR. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 194,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 19, 2021SteeringODI 11396900

Showing 6 of 79 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Steering: hose, piping, and connections

Free remedy

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.

SteeringReported May 6, 2016NHTSA 16V273000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.