NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 202 owner complaints for the 2017 Dodge Journey. Most complaints involve electrical system (59) and engine (44). The EPA rates it 19–21 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Dodge Journey vehicles. The amber side reflex reflector assembled into the headlamp may not reflect brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH on two occasions, the vehicle lost power, and the brake pedal and the steering wheel became stiff. There were no warning lights illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and turned off because the contact was nervous to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
“The vehicle experienced a premature catalytic converter failure directly related to the defect covered under manufacturer Recall Z98 (Federal Emissions: 2016-2017 JC 2.4L NOX FAIL). Prior to the recall being announced, the owner had the failed component replaced out-of-pocket using a legally compliant, EPA-certified aftermarket part. FCA/Stellantis has improperly denied the pre-notice reimbursement claim, asserting that warranty and recall guidelines strictly require an OEM part. This practice violates federal recall reimbursement guidelines and anti-tying regulations by refusing fair remedy for a known manufacturer defect simply because a compliant aftermarket part was used for a post-warranty repair.”
“On the morning of August 26, 2026, my 2017 Dodge Journey 2.4L was brought to DeLand Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for federal safety Emissions Recall Z98, which required updating the software calibration on the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The vehicle was scanned by the dealer at check-in (116,561 miles) and had zero transmission faults. The technician updated the PCM, and the dealer put 2 miles on the vehicle during service. Within 4 minutes of leaving the property, while accelerating to 50 MPH on a public roadway, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic loss of power and total transmission failure. The vehicle dropped completely out of gear, would roll backward while shifted into Drive, and completely refused to engage Reverse. If the vehicle was key-cycled off and on, it would move only one foot before the computer panicked, dropping it back into an immediate neutral state and free-revving the engine. The failed recall modification rendered the vehicle an immediate highway safety hazard. The dealership is actively refusing to honor the recall warranty or inspect the failed safety component. Stellantis corporate case number is 97915298.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journey Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $2,950 | 420 |
| Journey Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 19 | $3,300 | 456 |
| Journey AWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,300 | 470 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 202 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (59), engine (44), power train (32). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2017 Dodge Journey at 19–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Dodge Journey 4 out of 5 stars overall.