Problems · by component

2017 Dodge Journey electrical system problems

59 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2017 Dodge Journey cite electrical system, 29% of all 202 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
59
29% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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
“CATALYTIC CONVERTERS ON THESE MODELS ARE FAILING TOO. THERE ARE RECALLS ON THE OTHER 2017 DODGE JOURNEYS, PLEASE ADD THIS MODEL TOO THEM ASAP ITS DANGEROUS AND WE USE THIS TO TRANSPORT KIDS. THANK YOU PHOTOS OF FAILING CODES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2025Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11693349
“Initially, the component that was failing was the rear wiper blade. The wiper blade would not perform a proper rotation. It wouldn’t move at all when I would turn the switch, but anytime the car was unlocked or locked. The door was open or closed the blade would move. A few days later, one reverse light was out. The rear wiper doesn’t really pose any risks but with my reverse lights, failing and any other lights in the rear could be a safety issue. My partner being an elevator mechanic knows electrical like the back of his hand., so he did the process of elimination, realized that it was the wiring at the back hatch. The wiring is shot brittle breaking burning.. which could possibly start a car fire which would put me my child. My boyfriend in danger.. the problem has not been confirmed by a dealer have not taken it to an independent service center. My partner does all of the repair maintenance on my car. I did not get any warning, signs or messages prior to the failure. My partner has fixed the wiring issue at the back hatch, but if it still needs to be inspected, I’m sure if wiring is checked anywhere else in the car it’s gonna be the same issue. The wires…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 12, 2025Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiperODI 11692894
“The electrical system keeps failing. The front windows the radio ac and power lock and doors glitch on and off. This is daily to put where the radio and ac will not stay on for more than 30 seconds.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 22, 2025Electrical systemODI 11682525
“In April 2025 I was driving and the abs light came on and windshield wipers went off sporadically. Dodge dealer found nothing wrong. It happened again in June 2025. Dodge dealer had car for 1 week and stated they could not find problem but car was safe to drive. They said to return when problems were more constant. On the morning of 8/14/2025, I dropped someone off at the dr and went to Starbucks. Went inside for order. While driving back to drs windshield wipers went crazy and car started to stutter. I pulled over .4 miles from Starbucks. When I stopped I saw smoke so got out of the car and could see flames. I went to open backdoor for my purse but door would not open. Drivers door was not fully closed so was able to retrieve to call 911. Fire department arrived quickly but front of car was already engulfed in flames. Fire department was able to get Fire out. Car was a total loss.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 19, 2025Electrical systemFire reportedODI 11681675
“Didn’t get into accident but a couple months ago my car wouldn’t start , wouldn’t try to the lights wouldn’t come on nothing. Someone cleaned battery terminal it started . Now randomly sometimes it won’t start it will try but won’t so I put it neutral and barley push it toward put it back in park then it will start .”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 18, 2025Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11636735

Showing 6 of 59 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Electrical system: wiring

Free remedy

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.

Electrical systemReported May 17, 2018NHTSA 18V332000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026

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

Other 2017 Journey problem areas