(Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Dodge Journey engine problems
severe 88 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
88
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
9fires
When does it fail?
Of the 88 engine complaints filed for the 2009 Dodge Journey, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 12 model years of Dodge Journey we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 88.
Owners have filed 88 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
THROTTLE BODY For clarification, only use 68414676A$ on 2010 & earlier vehicles as supply is limited.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NAG1 (5A580) Valve Body As per Warranty Bulletin D-13-22, please use R2108213A$ valve body for all Warranty (W), Mopar (M) and Mopar Vehicle Protection (F) claims.~ Assembly also includes Filter (52108325AA) and Gasket (52108332AA).~
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Valve bodies with a gray connector can only be used on 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.~ Solenoid packs with a white connector are used with 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Solenoid packs with a gray connector are used with 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently describe a 2009 Dodge Journey with engine stalling at highway speeds, sometimes during traffic merges, forcing coasts to the roadside. The vehicle may not restart for 10 minutes to hours. A separate cohort reports intermittent no-start where the engine simply clicks or refuses to turn over; shifting to neutral or jiggling the battery temporarily fixes it. Starter replacement fails to resolve this. Dealers perform diagnostics repeatedly but generate no codes and cannot replicate the failure.
Two owners report sudden engine seizure—one hearing knocking and squealing before the engine locked solid at 83,000 miles, another with the same at 61,226 miles. Both required full engine replacement ($4,000 cost); mechanics note silvery oil indicating bearing failure, yet no manufacturing defect recall exists.
Four separate owners describe engine fires: one vehicle fully engulfed and destroyed during driving; another with transfer case cracking and igniting for no apparent reason. A third shows antifreeze tank rupturing with hissing and smoke; dealers report 50 units backordered, suggesting a pattern. Ignition switch failures prevent starting unless owners shift to neutral or manipulate the key, and one owner's alarm locked the vehicle with the key fob unable to open doors. Multiple electrical system failures involve melting wiring harnesses and premature battery drain. A coolant tank rupture recall exists but parts remain unavailable. Owners report replacement starters, batteries, sensors, and fuel pumps without resolving recurrent failures.
Same Dodge Journey engine reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling/shutoff while driving
Vehicle loses power and shuts down at various speeds, sometimes without warning. Owners report engine dying while driving, coasting to the roadside, and inability to restart immediately—requiring waits of 10 minutes to hours before the engine will turn over. Some incidents occurred during traffic merges and highway driving, creating safety hazards.
When: Throughout ownership, starting as early as new; mileage 7,000–89,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies while driving; Check engine light illuminates; Traction assist or electronic stability control lights come on; All dashboard warning lights illuminate; Vehicle coasts to shoulder after stalling; Restart required after 10 minutes to several hours
Codes mentioned: P0015 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Bank One), Generic check engine codes
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports electronic throttle body replacement, which did not resolve recurrence; many owners report dealer inability to replicate failure during diagnostics
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 14V373000 (Electrical System recall) issued; however, parts reportedly unavailable, leaving owners with unrepaired vehicles; some owners mention ignition switch recall with parts unavailable
Starter failure / intermittent no-start condition
Vehicle fails to start or starts only intermittently with clicking sounds from the starter. Owners report having to jiggle the battery, disconnect/reconnect battery cables, shift to neutral, or wait extended periods for the engine to turn over. Multiple starters replaced on the same vehicle without resolving the issue.
When: Throughout ownership; one owner with 31,000 miles; another with 96,000 miles; some occurring near new
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking noise when turning key; Engine will not turn over or cranks slowly; Vehicle starts only after shifting to neutral; No-start condition resolves after 10 minutes to several hours; Lights and radio work; engine will not start; Multiple failed start attempts required
Codes mentioned: No codes generated in many cases
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple starter replacements performed with failures recurring; battery replacement attempted; some owners report manual workarounds (moving battery, shifting to neutral) as temporary fixes
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to diagnose; one owner notes online research pointing to possible faulty range sensor on transmission; no recalls applied for this condition despite commonality reported across owner forums
Engine seizure / rod bearing failure
Engine seizes unexpectedly with no prior warning lights or symptoms. Mechanic reports silvery oil indicating bearing failure. One owner reports loud knocking and squeal before seizure at 83,000 miles; another at 61,226 miles reports board flashing before engine seized. Engine replacement required in both cases; repair costs $4,000–full replacement needed.
When: One at 83,000 miles (87 days of ownership); one at 61,226 miles; oil change performed 1,000 miles prior with no warning signs
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking noise; Squeal sound; Engine immediately shuts down and seizes; No advance warning lights; Silvery oil indicating bearing failure
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required; cost approximately $4,000; one owner speculates manufacturing defect similar to 2012 recall for rod bearing
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or acknowledgment mentioned; owner suspects manufacturing defect but no manufacturer response documented
Ignition switch failure
Vehicle fails to start or starts intermittently due to ignition switch issues. Some owners report needing to shift to neutral or manipulate ignition to start vehicle. Recall issued but parts unavailable in some cases. One owner reports alarm malfunction when ignition switch activated—alarm triggers and key fob cannot open doors or disable alarm.
When: Throughout ownership; documented from early ownership through higher mileage; 82,000 miles one documented case
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start when key turned; Starts only after shifting to neutral; Car goes dead when key fob placed in starter switch; Alarm locks vehicle and key fob cannot control it; Multiple attempts needed to start
Codes mentioned: Ignition WIN (wireless integrated network) module replacement recommended
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch/WIN module replacement needed; parts unavailable under recall Campaign 14V373000
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 14V373000 recall issued; parts on backorder or unavailable, leaving vehicles unrepairedfor extended periods
Engine fire / under-hood fire
Vehicle catches fire under the hood while driving or shortly after parking. One case involved popping noise, black smoke, and complete vehicle destruction by flames; fire department called. Another incident shows transfer case/PUA unit cracking spontaneously and igniting. Heat shields melted, hoses burned, connections damaged. Insurance did not cover spontaneous fire damage.
When: One at 170,000 miles during driving; another with smoke observed intermittently before fire; one at low mileage with hissing/smoking antifreeze tank
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from under hood; Flames visible in engine compartment; Popping noise before fire; Black smoke from engine area; Hissing and smoking from antifreeze tank; Melted heat shields and hoses
Repairs/costs cited: Complete vehicle loss in one case; antifreeze overflow tank replacement needed in another (50 units on backorder suggesting systemic issue)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated no recalls related to fire; transfer case failure noted as 'bad' crack with unknown cause per Chrysler collision shop
Loss of power while driving / sluggish acceleration
Vehicle loses horsepower and drives sluggishly, especially at highway speeds. Engine light comes on. Maximum speed reduced to 25 mph in one case. Vehicle capable of only low-speed operation until throttle body or electronic components replaced.
When: At 61,000–77,000 miles; one case at 39,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Loss of horsepower; Vehicle drives sluggishly; Unable to maintain highway speeds; Maximum speed severely limited (25 mph); Thunder bolt warning symbol on instrument panel
Codes mentioned: Check engine code related to throttle body
Repairs/costs cited: Electronic throttle body replaced; failure recurred more than ten times in one case; one owner notes common 'fluke' in Chrysler vehicles with manifold sticking
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but refused assistance in one case; no recall issued
Coolant system failures / antifreeze tank rupture
Antifreeze reserve tank ruptures or explodes while vehicle is running or shortly after parking. Hissing and smoking observed. Dealer backorder of 50 replacement tanks suggests systemic issue. One case shows radiator cracking due to tight AC bracket connection during manufacturing.
When: One at 60,000 miles; another documented with smoking hose and heating system failure
Symptoms owners cite: Hissing sound from engine area; Small amount of smoke from hood; Antifreeze tank appears to have exploded; Vehicle overheating; Check engine light illumination; Radiator cracking
Repairs/costs cited: Antifreeze tank replacement required; 50 units on backorder indicating widespread issue; radiator replacement needed in some cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No formal recall issued despite backorder of 50 tanks; dealers unaware of systematic problem
Electrical system failure / wiring harness melting
Wiring harness melts or fails, causing battery drain and vehicle shutdown. Multiple electrical failures reported including blown fuses and sparks from engine area. Related to fires and charging system failure.
When: Documented at 60,000 miles and throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Wiring harness melting; Sparks from engine area; Battery dies prematurely; Vehicle electrical shutdown; Heat shield metal melted from internal engine heat
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replacement needed; multiple electrical repairs costing over $2,000 reported
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Electrical recalls issued but owners state most common failure not covered by recall; no acknowledgment of wiring harness melting issue
Crank shaft sensor corrosion
Crank shaft sensor develops corrosion, causing ticking in the engine and starting problems. One owner reports corrosion found on sensor at 40,000 miles on a used 2009 vehicle, noting that sensor should last minimum 5 years.
When: At 40,000 miles (owner purchased used but vehicle is 2009)
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking sound in engine; Multiple shop visits for same ticking issue; Starting problems
Repairs/costs cited: Crank shaft sensor replacement required; one owner notes corrosion unlikely at this age/mileage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not mentioned
Synthesized from 88 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge journey. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a independent mechanic for diagnosis but no failure was determined. The failure continued to recur intermittently. The dealer was notified and gave the contact several possible causes for the failure. The manufacturer was also notified and advised that they would look into the…
Had engine trouble with your 2009 Dodge Journey?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2009 Dodge Journey?
It's a meaningful issue. 88 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 77 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 50,000 and 94,500 miles, with the median around 68,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 94,500. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Dodge/Journey.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.