Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Dodge Journey powertrain problems
severe 111 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
111
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
4crashes
8fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 111 powertrain complaints filed for the 2009 Dodge Journey, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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 powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 111.
Owners have filed 111 powertrain 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 powertrain 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.
(Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Vehicle Exhibits Vibration From The Transmission During Vehicle Launch (X43 Warranty Extension 5 Years 160,000 KMS) This bulletin involves replacing the clutch and damper assembly. The customer may experience a vibration feeling as they accelerate from a stop or accelerating while rolling at slow speeds. This condition could be caused by the damper and clutch.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Vehicle Exhibits Vibration From The Transmission During Vehicle Launch (X43 Warranty Extension 5 Years 160,000 KMS) This bulletin involves replacing the clutch and damper assembly. The customer may experience a vibration feeling as they accelerate from a stop or accelerating while rolling at slow speeds. This condition could be caused by the damper and clutch.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Vehicle Exhibits Vibration From The Transmission During Vehicle Launch (X43 Warranty Extension 5 Years 160,000 KMS) This bulletin involves replacing the clutch and damper assembly. The customer may experience a vibration feeling as they accelerate from a stop or accelerating while rolling at slow speeds. This condition could be caused by the damper and clutch.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2009 Journey powertrain complaints cluster around three critical failure patterns. Transfer case cracking dominates: owners describe violent shaking, grinding noises, fluid leaks with occasional fires, and complete loss of power—often triggering three to four replacements within a few years at $1,200–$3,000 each. Parts routinely backorder for 6+ weeks; Dodge refuses coverage for used-car buyers, citing "normal wear."
Engine stalling hits frequently across mileage ranges. The engine dies without warning at traffic lights or highway speeds, sometimes won't restart, and dealers struggle to pinpoint the cause—PCM faults, TIPM failures, and throttle body issues all get blamed. Repairs (PCM replacement, rewiring) often fail to stick.
Transmission problems range from internal faults (one vehicle unexpectedly shifted into reverse at 70 mph on the highway) to stuck-in-gear issues and inability to shift into park. Multiple replacements exceed $2,000 with months-long parts delays.
Brakes wear at 5,000-mile intervals; rotors are too thin to machine and must be replaced with pads. A recall issued the same defective parts owners already replaced.
Starting problems plague owners for years: vehicles refuse to start in park, require shifting to neutral as a workaround, or need 30 minutes before turning over. Starter and ignition switch replacements don't fix it permanently.
Electrical glitches—dashboard lights flashing, gauges spinning, power loss—occur throughout vehicle life. The R03 recall allegedly triggered these in some cases, and Chrysler's diagnostic response has been evasive.
Same Dodge Journey powertrain reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Transfer Case Cracking/Leaking
Transfer case develops cracks, leaks transmission fluid, and fails catastrophically. Owners report loud noises (grinding, popping, cracking sounds), loss of power, vehicle shaking, and in some cases small fires from leaking fluid igniting near hot surfaces. Multiple owners on second and third transfer case replacements within short ownership periods.
When: 3,000–80,000 miles; often within first year or two of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding, popping, or cracking noise from underneath; Dark fluid (transmission fluid) leaking; Vehicle shaking or violent shaking while driving; Loss of power during turns or acceleration; Small fire from leaking fluid near exhaust; Vehicle will not move or loses ability to shift
Repairs/costs cited: $1,200–$3,000 per transfer case; multiple owners report 3–4 replacements; some parts (intermediate shaft) reported unavailable in US; repair time 2 weeks to 2+ months due to parts backorder
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge denies coverage for used-car buyers; states normal wear and tear; no recall issued despite repeated complaints since 2013
Engine Stalling/Loss of Power
Engine stalls without warning while driving at various speeds or stops at traffic lights. Occurs intermittently; vehicle may not restart immediately or requires multiple restart attempts. Check engine light may or may not illuminate. Often linked to PCM, TIPM, throttle body, or electrical faults.
When: Throughout vehicle life; 6,000–158,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies while driving at low and highway speeds; Stalling at traffic lights or when slowing down; Vehicle will not restart or requires multiple attempts; Loss of all power or limp-mode operation (max 7–20 mph); Check engine light may or may not be present; Loud, unstable idle or rough running before stall
Codes mentioned: P0562, P0700, P0622
Repairs/costs cited: PCM flash/reprogramming; PCM replacement ($700+ reported); throttle body cleaning; solenoid pigtail wire harness replacement; repairs often temporary or fail to resolve issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: PCM recall for some 2010 and limited 2009 models (not all VINs eligible); TIPM recall for 2010 only; many complainants denied coverage due to VIN exclusion; corporate has authorized rental cars but denied repair costs
Transmission/Shift Failures
Transmission fails to shift properly, gets stuck in gear, or slips unexpectedly. In one case, vehicle shifted into reverse while traveling forward on highway at 70 mph. Internal transmission faults, grinding noises, and inability to shift into or out of park are reported. Some units appear defective from factory.
When: 6,000–165,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stuck in one gear or will not shift; Unexpected shift to reverse while in drive on highway; Grinding or clicking noises from transmission; Vehicle will not shift into park or reverse; Sudden loss of forward motion or reverse engagement; Transmission slips or loses power
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement; some owners cite $2,000+ cost; internal faults grinding metal into trans cooler (cooler also requires replacement); one owner reports part backorder with car immobilized for months
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty denial; no recall for transmission defects; dealerships unable or unwilling to authorize repairs; no manufacturer assistance offered
Brake System Failures (Pads, Rotors, Calipers)
Brakes wear excessively fast (at 5,000 miles reported); rotors too thin and must be replaced when pads are changed. Brake pedal not engaging properly, noise from brakes, steering wheel shakes when braking. Some units recalled but same defective parts reinstalled, requiring second replacement within months.
When: 23,000–107,000 miles; excessive wear at 5,000-mile intervals
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal soft or not engaging; Grinding or knocking noise when braking; Steering wheel shaking when applying brakes; Brakes fail or do not respond (at 45 mph, pulled to shoulder); Excessive brake wear
Repairs/costs cited: $200–$500+ per brake service; rotors must be replaced with pads (thin design); valve stems not replaced with new tires despite $250 per tire cost; recall issued but defective parts reinstalled
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall R03 issued for some brake/rotor sets but same defective parts installed; warranty repair at dealership
Starting/Ignition Failures
Vehicle will not start in park; starting works only after shifting to neutral or waiting 30 minutes; requires jiggling battery cables or tapping starter. Key does not register, shows 'mismatch key' message. Starter replaced but problem recurs. May be related to ignition switch sensor, TIPM, or transmission range sensor.
When: 30,000–158,000 miles; often recurring issue over years
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start in park; only starts in neutral; Starting requires waiting 30 minutes or multiple attempts; Just clicking sound when turning key; Jiggling battery cables temporarily fixes issue; Key not recognized; 'mismatch key' message appears; Vehicle starts then immediately dies
Repairs/costs cited: Starter replacement ($227+ parts and labor); ignition switch/key sensor replacement; TIPM replacement ($1,700); transmission range sensor replacement; repairs often fail to permanently resolve
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No permanent fix identified by dealers; some owners given workaround (shift to neutral); no recall for starting failures
Electrical System Glitches (Dash Lights, Sensors, Power Loss)
Multiple dashboard warning lights flash on and off; gauges spin erratically or stop altogether; electrical sensors malfunction (door ajar, gas cap, check engine, security, temperature). Vehicle loses all power or limp-mode operation. Occurs particularly after R03 recall repair in some cases.
When: Throughout vehicle life; some triggered post-recall
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard lights illuminate except or including engine light; Gauges spin and stop erratically; Multiple warning lights flash on and off randomly; Loss of power or sudden drop to very low RPM; Vehicle won't shift gears after power loss; Accelerator unresponsive or goes to floor with no effect
Codes mentioned: P0562, P0700, P0622
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator and battery tested but issues persist; poor electrical connections suspected; TIPM malfunction strongly suspected but dealer unwilling to diagnose; rewiring ECM/ECU harness attempted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 14V373000 (electrical system, air bags) issued but parts unavailable; dealer says no code present; diagnosis inconclusive; no fix offered
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Cracking/Failure
Power transfer unit (found in AWD models) cracks and fails, producing grinding sounds and loss of steering control. Fluid leaks reported. Multiple replacements needed within short timeframes; parts frequently on backorder.
When: 16,000–80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding or squealing noise from powertrain; Vehicle shakes or vibrates from floorboard; Loss of steering control; Fluid leaking underneath vehicle; Vehicle unable to move
Repairs/costs cited: $2,000–$2,400; parts on backorder up to 2 months; clutch, seals, and differential also fractured in one case; dealer repair time 4+ weeks
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer states normal wear and tear; warranty denial for used buyers; no recall; one claim filed but denied
Engine Overheating / Temperature Control Sensor Failure
Vehicle overheats and strands owner; temperature control sensor failure diagnosed. Owner left stranded on highway.
When: 75,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle overheats; Loss of cooling function
Repairs/costs cited: Temperature control sensor replacement
Carbon Buildup in Cylinders / Engine Running Issues
Engine builds up carbon deposits, causing rough running, shaking, and incorrect shifting. Owners report vehicle shakes violently at highway speeds. Multiple attempted fixes (spark plugs, fuel additives, carbon cleaning) prove temporary or ineffective. Some repairs may require engine disassembly.
When: 40,000–80,000 miles; recurring issue
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shakes while driving; Improper transmission shifting; Rough idle and running; Check engine light or stalling
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug replacement (incorrect diagnosis); fuel system cleaning (temporary); carbon cleaning (temporary); engine disassembly and rebuild suspected necessary but not pursued by all owners
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers offer misdiagnosis and temporary fixes; no systemic fix acknowledged
Window and Door Component Failures
Power windows malfunction; driver-side window opens and closes on its own; door locks fail; wiring harness in driver door defective; door controls do not work properly.
When: Throughout vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Power windows open/close independently; Windows only work manually; Door locks fail; Driver-side door controls inoperative; Window stuck down
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replacement in driver door (part of recall); window motor replacement; electrical repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall for wiring harness in driver door; repairs covered under recall
Axle and Driveshaft Failures
Axle and driveshaft fail early in vehicle life; driveshaft replaced but transfer case fails shortly after. Clicking and cracking noises before failure.
When: Within first 2 years of ownership (used purchase); 6,000–80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking noise from drivetrain; Loud cracking noise under vehicle; Vehicle shakes violently; Smoking from engine area
Repairs/costs cited: Axle replacement; driveshaft replacement ($1,500); transfer case replacement follows shortly after
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Used buyer recall exclusion; no warranty coverage
Air Bag Non-Deployment
Air bags fail to deploy in crash. Vehicle struck at 20 mph driver-side front; occupant sustained knee and lower back injuries.
When: 52,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Air bags do not deploy in frontal collision
Repairs/costs cited: Recall 14V373000 notification received but repair not completed due to parts unavailability and extended timeline
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 14V373000 (air bags, electrical system) issued; parts unavailable; exceeded reasonable repair time
Oil Consumption / Burning
Engine burns excessive oil; consumption test shows 4 quarts burned in 1,700 miles. No warning light illuminates. Purchased new with 12 miles.
When: 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive oil consumption; No warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Oil consumption test performed; warranty repair authorized by dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer authorized repair; no buyback or replacement offered; Chrysler points to powertrain warranty as compensation
Gear Shift and Transmission Range Sensor Issues
Vehicle stuck in park; gear shifter cannot move; transmission range sensor malfunction; transmission won't shift into intended gear.
When: 94,000–138,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stuck in park; Cannot shift out of park; Transmission won't shift into gear; Shifter locked
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission range sensor replacement; brake sensor installation; new starter installation; PCM module replacement; repairs often fail to resolve
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple repair attempts by dealer; manufacturer did not assist
Throttle Body and PCM/ECM Control Issues
Throttle body stuck open; PCM malfunctions causing RPM revving to 40+ mph without acceleration. Reprogramming and replacement attempted but failures recur.
When: 107,000 miles (throttle); 90,000+ miles (PCM)
Symptoms owners cite: Throttle stuck open; RPMs rev up without corresponding acceleration; Vehicle cannot accelerate over 35 mph; Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: PCM replacement; ECM/ECU wiring harness replacement; throttle body cleaning; repairs often fail or recur within days/weeks
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: PCM recall for limited models; some VINs excluded; manufacturer states vehicle not included in recalls
Synthesized from 111 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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 92000 miles on it and they say its in warranty 4 lifetime but only by original owner, so I guess im the 3rd owner since I…
I was driving home my wife, daughter and my pregnant wife, when about 1/2 from home a dark black smoke came out of the engine compartment, I pulled over and pulled the hood latch, and after I was able to get my family out of the car, I looked underneath the car,a dark fluid was pouring on top of the exhaust. The car had to be towed to the mechanic. After an inspection, he found that the power…
While making a left hand turn, I felt the car jerk several times as though I was using anti-lock brakes. This was confusing since I did not even have my foot on the brake. Seconds later I heard an almost grinding or dragging noise. I pulled over into the first empty lot I found and checked the tires, got down and checked under the car for anything hanging that could have been dragging on the…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2009 Dodge Journey?
It's a meaningful issue. 111 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 97 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 50,000 and 130,000 miles, with the median around 83,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 130,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.