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
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine135
- Electrical system118
- Service brakes94
- Seats90
- Power train77
- Air bags69
- Electronic stability control (esc)51
- Steering39
- Vehicle speed control32
- Fuel/propulsion system19
- Structure10
- Service brakes, hydraulic9
- Wheels7
- 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
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
51
34
45
72
79
85
52
31
32
36
22
14
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 51 |
| 2016 | 34 |
| 2017 | 45 |
| 2018 | 72 |
| 2019 | 79 |
| 2020 | 85 |
| 2021 | 52 |
| 2022 | 31 |
| 2023 | 32 |
| 2024 | 36 |
| 2025 | 22 |
| 2026 | 14 |
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
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”
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.”
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”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.