Problems · NHTSA complaints

2015 Dodge Journey problems

Owners filed 554 complaints about the 2015 Dodge Journey with NHTSA between Dec 2014 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (135).

Complaints
554
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
30
Reported by owners
Fires
9
Reported by owners
Injuries
47
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine135
  2. Electrical system118
  3. Service brakes94
  4. Seats90
  5. Power train77
  6. Air bags69
  7. Electronic stability control (esc)51
  8. Steering39
  9. Vehicle speed control32
  10. Fuel/propulsion system19
  11. Structure10
  12. Service brakes, hydraulic9
  13. Wheels7
  14. Seat belts6

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 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20141
201551
201634
201745
201872
201979
202085
202152
202231
202332
202436
202522
202614

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.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

135 reports3 crashes1 fire
“Car overheared i was checking on regular basis to maybe sure it haf coolant.warning lights didnt come on.temperature gage was normal. Oil hot came o. 2 times with temperature gage just fine .sone who the upper inlet on top radiator hose broke off into the hose . No sign no warning car just kept driving fine . Also a clicking soumd occauisonally from dash sounds like coming from drivers side behind dashboard”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 28, 2026EngineODI 11760506

Electrical system

118 reports4 crashes5 fires1 related recall
“While driving, the electric window and doorlock module started smoking. It was a heavy white smoke. There were no warning lamps or messages. I smelled the smoke and burning of plastic immediately before I even saw the smoke. I pulled over to a safe spot, turned off my vehicle, grabbed my purse and keys and waited for help/assistance. The buttons of module are melted, my window is stuck, and the component is severely melted below the surface of armrest/window doorlock module.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 15, 2026Electrical systemODI 11757194

Service brakes

94 reports9 crashes
“ABS module was recalled and replaced. The replaced piece is now not working and needs replaced. Every place says part is on backorder. Its a safety issue to continue driving my car”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 7, 2026Unknown or other, Service brakesODI 11755419

Seats

90 reports1 crash1 fire
“I came out to my car and the drivers seat head rest had deployed. I have not been in an accident of any kind. It is now unable to go back in. I no longer feel safe driving my car. Seems there was a recall investigation into this issue for years that I am now learning about.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 20, 2026Air bags, SeatsODI 11772527

Power train

77 reports2 crashes
“The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormal whining sound was heard coming from under the vehicle, and the Tachometer would abnormally rise while depressing the accelerator pedal. An unknown warning light illuminated. In addition, a local independent tow mechanic arrived on scene, and while attempting to shift the vehicle in Reverse, the vehicle moved forward. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it remains, and was diagnosed as needing a transmission replacement. The vehicle was not repaired due to the costs. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 16V461000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 29, 2026Power trainODI 11740860

Air bags

69 reports18 crashes1 fire1 related recall
“1.) Air bags failed to deploy going 35mph during a car accident. Yes, this is available for inspection. 2.) Given the lack of air bag deployment, all of the passengers are suffering from injuries that would have been less severe. 3.) The vehicle is in a safe location until I am able to find direction for assessment of the air bags. 4.) This vehicle has not been inspected yet except photos. This has been reported to the police. 5.) No warnings. The air bags did not deploy during a car accident.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 10, 2026Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11710139
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026

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