Problems · NHTSA complaints
2013 Dodge Journey problems
Owners filed 353 complaints about the 2013 Dodge Journey with NHTSA between May 2013 and Aug 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (73).
Complaints
353
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
19
Reported by owners
Fires
9
Reported by owners
Injuries
32
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Electrical system73
- Engine72
- Service brakes61
- Seats58
- Electronic stability control (esc)44
- Air bags44
- Power train29
- Steering20
- Service brakes, hydraulic11
- Vehicle speed control10
- Fuel/propulsion system10
- Structure8
- Suspension7
- Engine and engine cooling5
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
3
17
47
44
25
34
57
51
21
14
12
12
9
7
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2014 | 17 |
| 2015 | 47 |
| 2016 | 44 |
| 2017 | 25 |
| 2018 | 34 |
| 2019 | 57 |
| 2020 | 51 |
| 2021 | 21 |
| 2022 | 14 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Electrical system
73 reports3 crashes4 fires
“Incident occurred onJune 29, 2026 approximately around 6 pm. The system in question is the electrical. I was pulling out of the parking space at the Safeway parking lot, my arm was rested on the driver side door, window was down, and I heard the automatic door locks engaged. At that exact moment I felt a heavy shock go through my arm. I screamed, and at first I did not know what happened. As I was driving home, I knew the shock had come from my arm resting on the door lock. My left arm had a visible red mark. The incident had just now occurred so it has not been confirmed by anyone. No warning lights, messages, or symptoms.”
Engine
72 reports5 fires
“The contact owned a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V432000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that previously, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle would hesitate to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine oil pressure warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact managed to pull over at a local gas station and noticed black smoke leaking from under the hood. The contact stated that after she depressed the release hood latch button, the engine fire increased and rose in size. The contact was able to safely exit the vehicle. The contact managed to obtain a nearby fire extinguisher and extinguished the fire with the help of nearby pedestrians. The local fire deparment arrive on scene and filed a report. A police report was not filed. The contact sought medical attention for severe mental distress. The fire department deems the source of the fire was possibly due to engine oil. Upon further investigation, a local independent mechanic diagnosed the source of the fire as an engine main wireharness failure. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard, where…”
Service brakes
61 reports7 crashes
“ABS Module failure. Replaced ABS module with brand new Mopar replacement. ABS module still will not communicate with system. No traction control, cruise control, multiple lights in dash.”
Seats
58 reports
“On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at approximately 1:30 PM, the driver’s side headrest, part of my 2013 Dodge Journey’s AHR (Active Head Restraint) system suddenly exploded for no apparent reason. I was alone in the vehicle, waiting to make a left turn. The sudden loud, sharp sound and impact to the back of my head startled and stunned me; I felt as if I had been rear ended. I looked back but there was no one behind me. Not knowing what had happened, I felt scared and light headed. I was still able to complete my turn but I pulled over to compose myself and ensure that I was okay. I didn’t become aware of the failure of the headrest until I returned home and my husband inspected the vehicle. As I write this incident report 24 hours after it occurred, I am experiencing soreness and discomfort in my neck and plan to seek a medical assessment. The vehicle is available for inspection until repairs are made. The manufacturer acknowledges that the sudden failure of this component is a defect for this vehicle but as yet it has not been the subject of a recall. No inspection of the head rest component by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others.…”
Electronic stability control (esc)
44 reports2 crashes1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving, the ABS, brake, and traction control warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ABS module had failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed by the mechanic that the replacement ABS module was no longer available from the manufacturer. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control(ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the same failure as described in the recall. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,000.”
Air bags
44 reports12 crashes1 fire1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the air bag and ABS warning lights illuminated, and the cruise control feature became inoperable. The contact received notifications for Manufacturer Recalls: R61 and T47; and the vehicle was taken to a dealer where the air bag wiring harness and the ABS module water ingress were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred approximately five years later. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.