2009 Dodge Journey steering problems
severe 79 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Owners have filed 79 steering 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.
Among the 11 model years of Dodge Journey in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2009 Dodge Journeys consistently describe two interlocked failure patterns: brake/rotor wear that repeats every 6 months regardless of replacement, and power steering hose ruptures in cold weather that cause complete loss of steering control.
Brake problems start early—some within weeks of purchase. Owners report steering wheel shaking when braking, pulsating brakes, grinding noises, and premature wear at 18,000 miles. The dealership replaces rotors and pads, shaving rotors or replacing them entirely, yet the shaking and wear recur 4–6 months later. This cycle repeats across multiple owners with identical complaints online.
Power steering hoses burst during cold-weather startups. Owners describe a popping sound, loss of steering assist, and fluid pooling. Recall S08 (NHTSA 16V273000) addresses this exact failure, but Chrysler excludes many VINs despite identical symptoms. Owners told their VIN "does not fall under the recall" and must pay $300–$600 for repair, only to have the hose fail again weeks later or the next winter.
Electrical system failures are severe: complete shutdown at 70 mph with dead steering, non-responsive brakes, all lights out, and dashboard black. One owner's ignition key mysteriously turned itself to OFF while merging on a freeway, forcing a dangerous crossing of three lanes. Another owner crashed after steering locked up mid-turn. Recall L25 exists but excludes many VINs.
Owners report tire valve stems corrode and break, steering makes grinding or clicking noises, and tie rods wear early. Dealerships blame these on normal wear or "a Dodge thing," while owners find the same complaints repeated thousands of times online. Multiple owners fear driving the vehicle with children aboard.
Same Dodge Journey steering reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Brake and rotor wear/pulsation
Brakes and rotors wear out prematurely, often requiring replacement every 6 months or within 18,000 miles. Owners report pulsating brakes, grinding noises, squeaking, and steering wheel shaking when braking. Dealerships blame worn components but don't address underlying cause.
When: Early in ownership, recurring every 6 months; as early as 18,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel shakes when brakes applied; Brakes pulsate when applied; Grinding noise from brakes; Squeaking brakes; Premature brake fade; Brakes lock up
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report repeated rotor replacement, resurfacing, brake pad replacement, and caliper replacement at costs dealers initially charge. Some dealers do work at no charge initially, then charge for repeat repairs.
Power steering hose rupture in cold weather
Power steering return hoses (and sometimes cooler lines) rupture in cold or freezing conditions, typically at startup. The hoses crack or burst, causing complete loss of power steering fluid and function. Recall S08 (NHTSA 16V273000) exists but many VINs are excluded despite experiencing identical symptoms.
When: Cold weather startup, freezing temperatures (below 30°F, as low as -20°F); recurring multiple times across winters
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering hose rupture at engine startup; Loss of power steering assist; Steering wheel becomes hard to turn; Power steering fluid leak; Popping or loud noise before failure; Vehicle cannot turn left or right; Smoke from engine area as fluid burns
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacement of power steering return hose, cooler lines, reservoir, and in some cases entire fluid routing assemblies. Costs cited around $383–$600+ when not covered by recall. Dealer repairs often temporary; hose fails again within weeks to months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall S08 (NHTSA 16V273000) issued for power steering hose rupture, but many 2009 Journey VINs excluded from recall despite matching exact symptoms. Chrysler told owners their VINs are not covered and no assistance offered.
Loss of electrical power/total electrical system failure
Vehicle suddenly loses all electrical power while driving—engine dies, steering becomes manual/very hard, brakes fail or respond slowly, all lights go out, dashboard goes black. Hazard lights do not respond. Can occur at highway speeds with traffic. Owners report ignition key mysteriously turns to OFF position, or RWI module failure causes complete electrical shutdown.
When: Random occurrences while driving at various speeds (15–70 mph); one case reported at 860 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning while driving; Complete loss of dashboard illumination; All electrical systems fail (lights, wipers, radio, door chimes, hazard lights, air conditioning); Steering becomes manual or extremely difficult; Brakes slow to respond; Gas pedal unresponsive; Ignition key mysteriously in OFF position; Recurring episodes after restart
Codes mentioned: RWI module failure (one case)
Repairs/costs cited: RWI module replacement cost approximately $600, not covered under warranty. Owners report extended repair times (5+ days) at dealers. Complete electrical system failures often undiagnosed at dealerships.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall L25 (air bags/electrical system) exists but many VINs excluded. Chrysler indicated VINs would eventually be included in expanded recall but no timeline given. Dodge corporate offices confirmed same exclusion.
Steering wheel shaking and vibration
Steering wheel shakes or vibrates excessively, especially when braking or at highway speeds. Shaking can be severe enough to make driving uncontrollable. Tire replacement and rotor resurfacing do not resolve the issue. Dealerships cannot identify the root cause.
When: Throughout ownership; some cases as early as a few weeks after purchase; recurring despite repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel shakes violently when braking; Violent vibration at highway speeds; Front-end shaking reported; Shaking worse at speeds over 40 mph; Shaking when turning
Repairs/costs cited: Tire replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, and brake work performed but do not resolve shaking. One owner had rotors resurfaced twice with no improvement. Root cause not identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership claimed steering shaking is 'a Dodge thing, nothing to worry about.' No manufacturer recall or technical bulletin cited.
Steering lock-up and loss of control
Steering suddenly locks up or becomes extremely difficult to turn, causing loss of vehicle control at highway speeds. Can occur in middle of turns or merges, forcing owner to use extreme force or muscle the vehicle to the roadside. One case involved steering stalling during a left turn, causing crash.
When: Random episodes while driving; one case at 2-day intervals
Symptoms owners cite: Steering locks up or becomes extremely difficult to turn; Loss of vehicle control; Unable to turn left or right; Steering becomes manual when power steering fails; Vehicle stalls simultaneously with steering loss
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported steering became 'difficult to steer' and vehicle 'stalled without warning,' leading to crash into another vehicle. Police report filed; owner sustained injuries.
Ignition key turns to OFF position while driving
Ignition key mysteriously turns to the OFF position while vehicle is operating at highway speeds, causing engine to shut off and power steering to fail. Occurs multiple times over short periods. One case cited after starter replacement.
When: Random while driving; one case occurred 1 week after starter replacement; repeated 2 days later and 3+ additional times
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off suddenly; Ignition key in OFF position when driver notices; No warning before shutdown; Recurs after restart
Repairs/costs cited: Owner advised not to use multiple keys on keyring after starter replacement. Event still recurred. One case involved near-miss with pedestrians when steering became difficult during left turn at intersection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler and dealership would not cover repair under warranty. Owner paid over $600 for unrelated repair. Recall L25 mentioned but VIN excluded.
Noisy steering / grinding or whining from steering system
Steering produces loud clicking, grinding, whining, or squealing noises when turning the steering wheel, especially when pulling into or out of parking spaces. May indicate internal steering mechanism wear or power steering pump issues.
When: Early in ownership; recurring throughout vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clicking when turning steering wheel in/out of parking space; Grinding noise when turning; Whining noise from power steering pump; Wear sound like old car when turning wheels
Repairs/costs cited: Owners replaced power steering pumps and rack-and-pinion assemblies. One owner had rack and pinion repaired 1.5 years prior, then began leaking again.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership dismissed clicking as 'nothing to worry about' when owner returned within 3 weeks of purchase.
Tire valve stem corrosion and failure
Tire valve stems corrode and break off, either during air pump use or internally, causing sudden tire deflation. Multiple cases reported; owners found stem material corroded and brittle. Unsafe tire pressure loss while driving.
When: Early to mid-ownership; can occur during routine tire maintenance
Symptoms owners cite: Tire pressure warning light illuminates; Tire valve stem corroded and brittle; Valve stem breaks off inside or during pump attachment; Tire deflates completely and suddenly; Repeated failures on multiple tire valve stems
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report $300 spent to replace multiple valve stems (front passenger and rear passenger side cited). One owner nearly spun out due to sudden pressure loss at highway speed.
Tie rod and ball joint wear
Tie rods and ball joints wear prematurely, requiring replacement early in vehicle life. One used 2018 model (2009 generation body) required replacement soon after purchase.
When: As early as 47,000 miles on used vehicle; early in ownership of newer used units
Symptoms owners cite: Loose steering; Loud noise in front end over bumps
Repairs/costs cited: Tie rod end replacement performed. One owner questioned why replacement needed so soon on vehicle in excellent condition otherwise.
Synthesized from 79 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2009 Dodge Journey?
It's a meaningful issue. 79 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 52 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 68,000 and 138,000 miles, with the median around 98,142. A quarter of owners report trouble before 68,000; a quarter make it past 138,000. 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.