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critical 743 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Of the 743 electrical complaints filed for the 2009 Dodge Journey, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Of the 12 model years of Dodge Journey we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 743.
Electrical accounts for 47% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
In the event of a crash, the side airbag may not deploy, reducing the protection intended for the occupant and increasing the risk of injuries.
Damage to the wiring harness could result in an engine compartment fire.
If the fuse for this circuit does not blow, the connector could overheat and potentially catch fire.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
LAMP - DOME
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗LAMP - DOME
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗LAMP - DOME
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The 2009 Dodge Journey electrical system generates a clear pattern of failures across three main areas. Starting problems dominate the complaints: cars refuse to crank (only clicking), occasionally start after 10–30 minutes or multiple key turns, and some owners report the issue worsens in cold weather. Owners have replaced batteries, starters, alternators, and (in some cases) WIN modules and park-position sensors without resolving it. A few note starting works after putting the car in neutral or letting the battery sit.
Power distribution failures appear equally serious. The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or related control modules shut down or malfunction, killing wipers, turn signals, headlights, gauges, door locks, and climate controls mid-drive—sometimes leaving the car completely non-responsive on the road. One owner reported a complete engine compartment fire, and several describe uncontrolled wipers, random light flashing, and loss of instruments while driving.
Post-recall issues are widespread. After recall work (key fob, WIN module, airbag recalls), owners report the starting problem persisted or worsened, random door-lock failures, spurious warning lights, and instrument-cluster malfunctions. Dealers have been unable or unwilling to diagnose intermittent electrical faults, parts shortages have delayed fixes, and out-of-warranty owners are told they're responsible for repairs costing $700–$1,600+. Many owners cite heavy overlap between their symptoms and documented electrical issues in the 2010+ Journey (which received a recall the 2009 model did not).
Same Dodge Journey electrical reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Vehicle will not crank; only a single click or rapid clicking audible when ignition is turned. All lights, radio, and electrical accessories work normally. Issue occurs intermittently but becomes more frequent over time; sometimes resolves after 10–30 minutes, sometimes after multiple key attempts, or when transmission placed in neutral.
When: 2009 model year throughout ownership; reported from early post-purchase to 160,000+ miles; worse in cold/winter months for some owners
Symptoms owners cite: Single click or rapid clicking when turning ignition key; No engine cranking; All lights and radio work fine; Issue intermittent but increasingly frequent; Sometimes starts after waiting 10–30 minutes; Sometimes starts after placing transmission in neutral; Sometimes resolves after multiple key-turn attempts
Codes mentioned: No specific codes mentioned; dealership scans 'show no issue' or 'computer says operating as designed'
Repairs/costs cited: Owners have replaced: batteries (often multiple times), starters (1–2 times each), alternators, WIN modules, park-position sensors, ignition switches, fuel injectors, and electrical wiring harnesses. Most repairs do not resolve the problem. One owner noted disconnecting the battery to reset the computer temporarily helps. Estimated costs per repair attempt: $300–$2,000+
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall L25 (WIN module detent ring) issued for some 2009 Journeys but parts unavailable for extended periods; dealers kept owners on waitlists. 2010 Journeys received recall for WIN module; 2009 model not included despite identical symptom reports. Chrysler customer service told owners the vehicle is 'too old' or 'out of warranty'; some dealers suggested trial-and-error repairs or put customers on parts-availability lists with no ETA.
Total Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or integrated electrical control unit malfunctions or goes into defect mode, causing cascading electrical failures: wipers come on uncontrollably and cannot be turned off, turn signals fail, headlights fail or flicker, gauge cluster goes dark or displays incorrect readings, door locks fail to lock/unlock, climate controls fail, radio cuts out. In severe cases, the vehicle loses power and stalls while driving.
When: Reported across full ownership range; some failures occur mid-drive without warning; one owner reported failure at ~160,000 miles after normal startup
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield wipers come on automatically and cannot be turned off; Turn signals non-functional; Headlights fail or flicker on and off; Gauge cluster goes dark or displays erratic readings (fuel gauge, speedometer, temperature gauge all swing wildly); Door locks fail to respond to key fob or button; No heat or air conditioning; Radio cuts off; Engine shuts off without warning while driving; All dash warning lights (brake, ABS, EAP BAS, slippery road) illuminate at once; In one case, complete engine compartment fire starting at power steering reservoir
Codes mentioned: Multiple loss-of-communication codes (unable to pinpoint source), Electrical codes that could not be identified by dealership
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replacement of TIPM costs $860–$1,600+ for part alone; one owner replaced TIPM himself for $330 and found it did not resolve the issue (weather-dependent malfunction persisted). One mechanic confirmed TIPM was defective via scan. One owner had instrument cluster replaced but stalling continued.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers have identified TIPM as the likely cause but cited high cost and no recall coverage. Out-of-warranty vehicles refused coverage. One dealer noted they see these failures 'all the time' on Journeys and Durangos. Chrysler customer service told owners to keep receipts in case a future recall is issued; no proactive recall established for the 2009 model.
Vehicle loses power and shuts off completely while in motion, without warning, at any speed. Engine restarts immediately in most cases but can take multiple attempts. Loss of power steering and brakes occurs during stall, creating crash hazard. Related to WIN module detent ring recall for some cases (key slips from ignition).
When: Throughout ownership; one owner reported stalling three times in one day at ~40 mph; reported from early ownership to 100,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off completely without warning while driving; Vehicle loses power steering; Vehicle loses power brakes; Engine restarts in neutral (in many cases) or after multiple attempts; No warning lights precede stall; Stall can occur at any speed (25 mph to 60+ mph)
Codes mentioned: WIN module detent ring (recall L25, NHTSA 11V-139), Electrical codes not further specified
Repairs/costs cited: Some owners awaiting WIN module replacement under recall; parts unavailable for extended periods. Dealer offered temporary fix (~$700) using newer-model parts with no guarantee of success. One owner had instrument cluster replaced post-stall but problem recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall L25 (WIN module detent ring) created but parts not available for 2009 model for years after recall issued. Dealers told customers to wait or pay out-of-pocket for temporary fix using non-original parts. Chrysler stated no permanent fix or parts available for the 2009 model year.
Random electrical behavior: warning lights come on and off with no actual fault, door locks lock/unlock by themselves, windows stop working intermittently, instrument panel flickers, horn sounds off by itself while parked or driving, remote key fob intermittently fails to unlock doors (displays 'BAD KEY' message), panic alarm activates on key fob without reason.
When: Throughout ownership; some triggered by temperature changes (below 45°F reported); some occur in thunderstorms; others completely random
Symptoms owners cite: Warning lights (brake, ABS, check engine, low tire) illuminate without actual fault present; computer shows no codes; Door locks engage/disengage on their own while driving or parked; Window switches fail intermittently; Gauge readings fluctuate wildly (temperature, fuel gauge) while driving; Radio shuts off and comes back on randomly; Horn sounds off by itself, unprompted by driver input; Key fob displays 'BAD KEY' message and refuses to unlock car; Key fob panic button activates without user pressing it; once activated, entire key fob becomes useless until car is turned on and cycled off
Codes mentioned: Electrical codes, Loss-of-communication codes, No codes found in many cases despite obvious faults
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced fuses, ignition fuses, batteries, key fobs, and instrument clusters without resolving intermittent faults. One owner replaced TIPM for $330 out-of-pocket; issue persisted. Multiple owners report dealership unable to diagnose when car is running normally (intermittent issues cannot be reproduced in shop).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Post-recall electrical issues often blamed on owner or external factors; out-of-warranty vehicles denied coverage. Dealers suggested trial-and-error repairs. Chrysler told owners to keep receipts for potential future reimbursement if a recall is issued; no proactive recall for these intermittent issues.
After completing recall work (key fob reprogramming, WIN module replacement, airbag module repair), vehicle develops or has worsened electrical problems: no-start issues persist or increase, door locks fail randomly, warning lights stay on, instrument cluster malfunctions, and engine may stall while driving.
When: Issues begin or worsen within weeks to months after recall completion; one owner noted problems started immediately after key fob recall in August 2015
Symptoms owners cite: No-start condition worsens after recall; Door locks fail to lock or unlock via key fob; Warning lights remain on or flicker after recall; Instrument cluster shows false readings or resets itself; Engine stalls after recall completion; Electrical issues continue despite multiple replacement parts installed during recall service
Codes mentioned: Various electrical codes that cannot be clearly identified
Repairs/costs cited: After key fob recalls and WIN module recalls, dealerships performed multiple follow-up repairs: fuel injector, new battery, new starter, leaking overflow container, TIPM replacement, and electrical wires. Estimated total: $1,200–$2,000+ in parts and labor. One owner's car had episodes almost daily after recall completion.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler told customer: 'Your vehicle is too old and has too much mileage for them to do anything for me.' Dealers unable or unwilling to identify root cause of post-recall failures; suggested trial-and-error part replacement. One dealership recommended starting car in neutral as a workaround, with no commitment to fix underlying issue.
Remote key fob cannot unlock doors; door lock buttons inside car do not unlock all doors; trunk cannot be opened via remote, interior button, or key—Dodge did not include manual trunk release. Some doors can only be opened by physically pulling interior handle or manually pulling door lock knob.
When: Reported from early post-purchase through vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Remote key fob does not unlock doors; Interior door unlock buttons inoperative on all doors except driver door; Trunk cannot be opened (no remote, no interior button, no manual key access); Rear door locks must be pulled manually from inside car; Front passenger door cannot be opened from outside; must be opened from inside car
Repairs/costs cited: Changing fuse allowed driver door remote unlock only; rear doors still require manual unlock. Trunk access for spare tire impossible without manual trunk release, which does not exist. No repair has resolved all door and trunk lock issues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer customer service recommended bringing vehicle to dealership for diagnosis; no clear solution offered. Owner skeptical due to prior poor service experience and high unknown repair costs.
Synthesized from 743 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
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.
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 able to put the car in neutral and restart within ~10 seconds. This issue repeated itself at least twice while en route…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge journey. The contact stated that intermittently, the vehicle would fail to start. The dealer made three attempts to duplicate the failure but to no avail. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. No repairs were performed. The current mileage was 41,112 and the failure mileage was 30,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Safety recall on Chrysler. Upon starting your vehicle the frequency operated button ignition key (fobik), may not fully seat in the "on" position. *mw the consumer was informed the part was not available. *jb
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge journey. The contact stated that the key was difficult to be removed from the ignition. In addition, the engine stalled. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic, who replaced the battery and the main key but the failure recurred. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 11v139000 (electrical system) but the…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge journey. While parked, the vehicle could not be started. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the wireless ignition node receiver needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v373000 (electrical system). The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge journey. The contact stated while driving various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled and failed to restart. The failure was not diagnosed nor was the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge journey. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact maneuvered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was repaired however, the diagnosis was unknown. The vehicle failure recurred. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that an…
It's a serious issue. 743 complaints have been filed, including 9 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
Across the 422 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 54,000 and 104,000 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 54,000; a quarter make it past 104,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Yes — 3 active recall(s) cover electrical issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.