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ProblemsByVinFile / 2009-DODGE-JOURNEYNHTSA data synced minutes ago
2009 · Dodge
Dodge Journey problems
1,594 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 4 active recall campaigns on file.
Reliability score
5.6 / 10
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
4
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2009 Journey?
Avoid — the electrical system
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.
1 fatality report and 17 fire-related complaints on the electrical system
Powertrain: 111 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 50,000–130,000 mi
Reliability score 5.6/10 — around the segment average
4 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2009 Dodge Journey? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
electrical — 743 owner reports
· tends to show around 82,181 mi · ~$850 to fix
brakes — 290 owner reports
· tends to show around 29,450 mi · ~$450 to fix
powertrain — 111 owner reports
· tends to show around 88,672 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
airbags — 90 owner reports
· tends to show around 100,737 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged
critical on this model
, showing up around 82,181 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 4 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 5.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2009 Journey· electrical
Re ignition recall. Unable to have the ignition repaired by hernnstein motors in waverly ohio, due to the company saying they cannot get the repair parts needed. The recall notice was may 16 2015. They cannot honor repeated requests.
Car started making whinning noise then gears wouldnt shift, then they would, n when they did they shifted hard making car jump, almost hit a car when I was driving home, as well as a parked car when I tried to park and car jumped real hard again.. Definitely not safe car has…
At 2000 miles on my 2009 Dodge journey I started having problems with my front passenger window sticking, and brakes squeaking. Also car not shifting when taking off and when you slow down and try to speed back up. I took it in. They told me maybe sap in window and brakes…
Vehicle will stall without warning for no apparent reason at any speed. On oct 3, 2014 I was taking my child to school when the car stalled in an intersection. After the light turned green I proceeded to the intersection and stalled upon entering the intersection. I was…
Had a problem with your 2009 Dodge Journey?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured December 31, 2007, to August 31, 2008, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured June 18, 2007, to August 31, 2008
If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S07.
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge journey vehicles manufacturer from november 1, 2007, through november 7, 2008
In the event of a crash, the side airbag may not deploy, reducing the protection intended for the occupant and increasing the risk of injuries.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners and replace the left and right door wiring harnesses free of charge. The safety recall began on february 18, 2011. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Chrysler is recalling 16,852 my 2009 Dodge journey vehicles equipped without optional 115 volt auxiliary power outlet
If the fuse for this circuit does not blow, the connector could overheat and potentially catch fire.
Fix: Dealers will re-route and stow the 115 volt auxiliary power outlet connector and pull the 25 amp fuse to remove power from this unused circuit free of charge. The recall began on march 30, 2009. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.6 out of 10 based on 1,594 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Dodge Journey has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2009 Dodge Journey?
On the NHTSA data, the 2009 Dodge Journey is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 1 fatality report and 17 fire-related complaints on the electrical system; Powertrain: 111 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 50,000–130,000 mi; Reliability score 5.6/10 — around the segment average; 4 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2009 Dodge Journey?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 743 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 82,181 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2009 Dodge Journey a good used car to buy?
It scores 5.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 1,594 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 82,181 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2009 Dodge Journey?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 743 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 82,181 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 82,181 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Dodge Journey has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 Dodge Journey?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,594 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced minutes ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Dodge/Journey.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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