Problems · NHTSA complaints
2016 Dodge Journey problems
Owners filed 389 complaints about the 2016 Dodge Journey with NHTSA between Mar 2016 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (114).
Complaints
389
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
19
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
16
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine114
- Power train87
- Electrical system85
- Service brakes51
- Seats36
- Steering34
- Vehicle speed control33
- Air bags26
- Electronic stability control (esc)18
- Fuel/propulsion system13
- Engine and engine cooling10
- Exterior lighting9
- Seat belts7
- Suspension7
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
12
26
43
82
57
39
27
30
25
28
20
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 12 |
| 2017 | 26 |
| 2018 | 43 |
| 2019 | 82 |
| 2020 | 57 |
| 2021 | 39 |
| 2022 | 27 |
| 2023 | 30 |
| 2024 | 25 |
| 2025 | 28 |
| 2026 | 20 |
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
114 reports1 fire
“My catalytic converter code keeps popping. There is a recall for the year of my car, but the 2.4L. I truly believe the 3.6L for 2016 dodge journeys should be added to this recall as I see all over online its a huge issue for that year make and model as well. Abs module- the lights in my dash and code reader indicate a failing abs module. This is such a problem that the part is on back order. I believe this should also be a recall as it affects the safety of everyone on the car when the brakes aren't functioning properly and it can also affect other components of the car.”
Power train
87 reports4 crashes2 fires1 related recall
“The contact's wife owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The vehicle lost power while depressing the accelerator pedal in the middle of an intersection and narrowly avoided being struck by an 18-wheeler. The check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact and his wife manually pushed the vehicle out of the intersection. Once out of the intersection, the contact attempted to drive the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to engage while shifted in drive(D) or reverse(R). Due to the failure, the contact had a friend tow the vehicle back to the residence. The contact’s wife informed him that a week prior to the failure, the vehicle surged forward upon depression of the accelerator pedal after coming to a complete stop. The contact stated that there was an abnormal, burning odor coming from the vehicle after the failure. The contact and his wife suffered mental anguish due to the failure. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V461000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 128,761.”
Electrical system
85 reports2 fires1 related recall
“The ABS light came on and the Brake light came on plus the traction light is on. The car will not activate cruise control or the traction control either. We have no idea when it will completely stop working and causing an accident as a result. The problem has been identified as the ABS Brake Module by Integrity Automotive in Wylie Texas. Both Autozone and Orielly's have printed off the same codes. The lights in the dash have been on for 3 days.”
Service brakes
51 reports6 crashes
“The 2012-2015 Dodge Journey was previously subject to an NHTSA recall for an electronic stability control module defect producing similar ABS warning and brake-related symptoms. The 2016 model year was not included in that recall. Other 2016 Dodge Journey owners have reported the same symptoms to consumer complaint databases and noted the gap in recall coverage. The 2018 Dodge Journey was separately recalled for a brake caliper defect affecting braking performance. The defects I experienced on this 2016 vehicle appear consistent with a documented pattern across multiple Dodge Journey model years that may warrant extending recall coverage.”
Seats
36 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver’s side headrest exploded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,490.”
Steering
34 reports4 crashes1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH and turning left, the steering wheel was extremely stiff. The contact stopped, exited the vehicle, opened the hood, and became aware that the power steering hoses were disconnected. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the failure was associated with NHTSA ID Number: 16V273000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 147,000.”
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.