Problems · NHTSA complaints

2017 Dodge Journey problems

Owners filed 202 complaints about the 2017 Dodge Journey with NHTSA between Jan 2017 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (59).

Complaints
202
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
12
Reported by owners
Fires
7
Reported by owners
Injuries
13
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system59
  2. Engine44
  3. Power train32
  4. Air bags30
  5. Seats21
  6. Vehicle speed control19
  7. Fuel/propulsion system15
  8. Service brakes15
  9. Steering15
  10. Seat belts8
  11. Exterior lighting5
  12. Visibility/wiper5
  13. Structure4
  14. Wheels4

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
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
20175
201826
201945
202020
202115
202220
202322
202417
202520
202612

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

Electrical system

59 reports2 crashes3 fires1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 13, 2026Steering, Service brakes, hydraulic, Electrical systemODI 11710694

Engine

44 reports2 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 22, 2026Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11773110

Power train

32 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 27, 2026Power trainODI 11759928

Air bags

30 reports8 crashes1 fire
“Purchased vehicle from Wildcat Used Cars in Somerset, KY on [XXX]. Took home and notified dealership of not having seatbelts in middle row. After having an inspection completed, found the SRS system was disabled, airbags removed, knee airbag just stuffed back in. All cables and components unplugged, fuses missing to cause the system to not load up and show the defect. had resistance from dealership in undoing the sale, until i made note of their mechanics checking off and noting in the carfax that it was "all good" and had be completely inspected. Dealership admitted that they don't check fuse boxes and cables if the lights on the dash aren't illuminated. This is a huge failure of safety. All is on a recorded line from their phonelines from the date range of 4/27/26-5/2/26. All is notated in documentation and photographic evidence. Finally settled and they bought the vehicle back on [XXX] and assured me it would be sent back with the correct salvage title, and it is currently out for resale on their lot as of today 5/24/26. They are fully aware of all the issues. The SRS,ABS, HVAC 40 Relays, and the Traction control system have all been disengaged/compromised…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 24, 2026Power train, Air bags, Seat beltsODI 11739789

Seats

21 reports
“Headrest popped open on passenger side and car hasn't been in accident since I have had it. Also my backup camera isn't working, it started going blank, and upside down til it doesn't do anything anymore.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 4, 2026SeatsODI 11768880

Vehicle speed control

19 reports2 crashes
“The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60–70 MPH, the traction control warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was released, the vehicle was shaking erratically. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway, and the vehicle was turned off. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started. The contact stated that the traction control switch was inoperable. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken back to CarMax, where the vehicle was purchased. The contact was informed that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to operate. The contact stated that the vehicle was used to transport children. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 16, 2026Vehicle speed control, Traction control systemODI 11744457
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.