Problems · by component

2010 Dodge Journey electrical system problems

653 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2010 Dodge Journey cite electrical system, 60% of all 1,085 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
653
60% of all complaints
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
8
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“On two separate occasions my doors have locked on there own while I was inside the car and I was not able to open the doors or manually unlock the door. My front lock levers are long enough that you can get a decent grip to pull them up and in normal cases they unlock pretty easy. But when they lock on your own I don't think you get pul) them up with a pair of vice grips. Both levers on the back doors drop almost all the way into the door panel. Most people probably can't open them even without them being glitched.. The only way I was able to unlock them was by the key fob. The unlock switches are useless as well. The changes of it happening are slim but if it happened during a flood or fire and I didn't know to use the key fob. There was no threat to me either time it happened and I still somewhat panicked. Lucky or I guess unlucky for me I knew it was probably a electrical problem since I also have some electric problems that happen as long as the main battery is connected. Key fob and key could be in another universe and my wipers will move, my horn will randomly go off. I've not had a horn since my mother bought me the vehicle. There is more and these seem…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 18, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Unknown or otherODI 11757835
“Car since bought either won't start or fails to come out of gear then stalls out in reverse or randomly in intersections I have small children and it's dangerous and several mechanic cant figure it out. Replaced batteries starters and issue continues”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 18, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11744916
“This situation is occurring more and more often with this vehicle. The vehicle will be in drive, moving, and in the middle of a road or highway just shutdown completely. It happened 4 times 2 weeks ago. Brought to a auto mechanic and nothing could be discovered to be malfunctioning.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 20, 2026Electrical system, Air bagsODI 11732518
“My horn started to honk on its own the front windshield wipers will not stop and the turn signals does not work anymore I was told the clock spring needs replaced there is a recall on google but now showing with my vehicle”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 26, 2026Steering, Electrical systemODI 11727297
“The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the horn engaged unintendedly while driving. The contact stated that the failure persisted even while the vehicle was parked and turned off. The vehicle was taken to AAA several times, and the battery and the battery terminals were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 21, 2026Electrical systemODI 11712439
“vehicle repeatedly fails to start because of ignition system defect I have to wiggle or finesse the key fob in the ignition slot to get the car to start. The problem has happened many times. The first time I crashed into my shed I was so scared. and now the vehicle will not start at all leaving me in my family straight on the roadside I am aware of existing recall RO3 for the ignition switch wind module on this model year my vehicle either was not repaired or still exhibiting the same defect after prior service. This is a safety issue because it leaves driver stranded unexpectedly and may also cause the ignition to shut off while driving I request an HSTSA investigate further or ensure the manufacturer repair repairs this issue under recall.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 22, 2025Electrical systemCrash reportedODI 11695022

Showing 6 of 653 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Electrical system: switch

Free remedy

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured June 29, 2007, to June 17, 2010, and 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, to June 17, 2010. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Electrical systemReported Jun 26, 2014NHTSA 14V373000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026

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