2010 Dodge Journey powertrain problems

Transmission shifts produce loud thuds, jerking, grinding, and noise from day one. Owners report Chrysler personnel dismissed these as normal despite clear abnormality. Shifts sometimes fail to engage or hesitate under acceleration.

When: Present from purchase; complaints from 31K to 128K+ miles

Symptoms owners cite: Loud thud or bang during shift engagement; Vehicle jerking when shifting gears; Grinding noise from transmission; Hesitation or delay shifting into gear; Transmission fails to engage after loud noise

Codes mentioned: P0841, P0733, P0944, P1790, P0731, P0732, P0734, P0846, P0838, R1790

Repairs/costs cited: One owner at 33,133 miles: transmission disassembled, found metal in pan, replaced underdrive clutch, reconditioned valve body and flushed cooler. Vehicle still did not feel normal after repair. Another owner at 52K miles required full transmission rebuild.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers repeatedly told owners shifts were 'normal' despite clear abnormality and grinding. One PCM replacement followed by need for TIPM replacement at owner cost.

Transmission fluid boils and leaks from dipstick seal when fluid overheats after highway driving. Also transmission cable becomes difficult to shift and eventual rupture, requiring replacement.

When: After 70 miles of highway driving at 20K miles (dipstick); shift cable issues at various mileages

Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid leaks from dipstick tube after heat-up; Fluid boiling and spilling around engine bay; Fluid leaking onto exhaust manifold; Shift lever becomes progressively harder to move; Shift lever locks in park position

Repairs/costs cited: Dipstick seal leak: dealer repaired other leaks but could not resolve this one. Owner given 3-year extended warranty but told no further repairs after warranty. Cable replacement: $484.70 at independent shop (would have been $600–700 at dealer). Repair shop noted cable location is poorly protected.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 3-year extended warranty offered for leaking transmission fluid but repair limited in duration. No further support promised.

Vehicle loses all power to drivetrain, sometimes while accelerating or shifting. Engine continues running but vehicle will not move. Occurs suddenly with no warning. Can recur immediately or after restart.

When: Various mileages; 31K to 112K+ miles

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses power while pulling out of parking lot or space; Engine continues running but no throttle response; Vehicle rolls backward even though in Drive; Repeated need to restart engine to restore power; Complete loss of power in heavy traffic (near-miss collision)

Codes mentioned: P0841, P0733, P0944, P1790, P0731, P0732, P0734, P0846, P0838, R1790

Repairs/costs cited: One owner at 33,133 miles: vehicle flat-bed towed to dealer unable to move under own power. Transmission disassembled, metal found in pan, bad planetary gear and damaged underdrive clutch replaced, valve body reconditioned, cooler flushed. Transmission still did not operate normally afterward.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to reproduce fault in some cases; reset diagnostic codes without finding cause. No formal manufacturer response documented.

Engine shuts off suddenly while driving at highway or city speeds with no warning. Loss of power steering and brakes when engine dies. No warning lights illuminated in some cases. Requires restart to resume operation.

When: Various mileages up to 112K miles; recurring episodes

Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies without warning while driving; Loss of power steering (hard steering); Loss of brakes (brakes become hard); Loss of lights; No check engine light illuminated; Subsequent hard starting or multiple restart attempts required

Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealers cannot find cause or cannot reproduce fault. One owner had ignition switch replaced after 5+ episodes from June to October; replacement required two additional programmed keys at additional cost.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer ignition switch replacement performed in one case but no formal recall or TSB documented for this VIN.

Vehicle will not start or requires multiple attempts, sometimes only from Neutral. Clicking sound when turning key. Attributed to faulty TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module), neutral safety switch becoming loose, or undetermined electrical fault. Recurring issue even after component replacement.

When: Present from purchase or early ownership; 2009–2010 Journeys known issue

Symptoms owners cite: Clicking when turning ignition key; Engine will not crank; Starting works only when shifter in Neutral; Neutral safety switch requires periodic readjustment (every few months); No-start returns after previous repair; Battery drains overnight with nothing left on; Owner stranded for hours unable to restart

Repairs/costs cited: Repairs include: starter replacement (sometimes twice), battery replacement, WIN module replacement, ignition module/switch replacement, transmission range sensor examination. One owner reported TIPM class action lawsuit. Neutral safety switch requires repeated adjustment every few months per multiple mechanics.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner's no-start case resulted in PCM replacement under warranty, then TIPM replacement demanded at owner cost. TIPM class action lawsuit mentioned by owner; no formal recall documented in narratives.

Transmission shifts into Neutral or other gears involuntarily while driving, causing loss of power. Shifter moves without driver input. Transmission jumps or slips between gears. Can occur at highway speeds with danger of collision.

When: Reported at 500 miles to 3,000 miles; recurring issue

Symptoms owners cite: Shifter moves to Neutral while driving 65 mph; Transmission jumps or slips gears during acceleration; Occurs repeatedly on multiple occasions; No warning light illuminated; Loss of power when in Neutral while driving

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to dealer multiple times; unable to diagnose or reproduce failure. Not repaired.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to diagnose after multiple visits. Case number provided but no resolution or recall mentioned.

Vehicle enters limp mode or restricted acceleration mode, preventing speeds above 15–40 mph. Traction control light illuminates. Engine will not rev beyond certain RPM. Occurs suddenly or intermittently. Can recur even after diagnostics or component replacement.

When: Various mileages; 31K to 112K+ miles

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle limited to 15–30 mph maximum speed; Traction control light illuminated; Engine light illuminated; Throttle warning light flashing; Engine will not rev beyond certain RPM; Shaking or uncontrolled vibration at speed; Hesitation during acceleration; Multiple attempts to restart required

Codes mentioned: P0841, P0733, P0944, P1790, P0731, P0732, P0734, P0846, P0838

Repairs/costs cited: One owner (70K miles) had ECU, suspension, and multiple electrical components replaced by independent mechanic; failure persisted. Another owner (128K miles) had issue for weeks; check engine and check oil lights remained on; certified mechanic unable to repair.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer case number provided in one instance (31647063) but no assistance offered. One owner given case number but no resolution documented.

Engine overheats, coolant reservoir burned/damaged. Dashboard lights flash indicating overheating. Vehicle cannot maintain normal operating temperature. Coolant leaks from reservoir or hoses. Water accumulation in doors after rain.

When: At various mileages; some from purchase

Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard lights flashing / engine warning light illuminated; Vehicle cannot go over 15 mph after overheating; Coolant reservoir damaged or burned; Coolant leaking from reservoir or hoses; Puddles of coolant under vehicle; Persistent water accumulation in door panels

Repairs/costs cited: Water pump and front hose replacement. Reservoir replacement attempted but owner also reported water in doors and persistent water ingress. One owner at 20K miles: PCM replaced under warranty, then told TIPM needed at owner cost after PCM replacement.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: PCM replacement covered under warranty in one case; manufacturer then refused further support. No TSB or recall cited.

Intermittent random electrical failures including horn honking on its own (sometimes continuously), windows rolling down by themselves, door locks not functioning, dashboard lights flashing on and off. Battery drains overnight. Multiple electrical components fail unpredictably.

When: Present since purchase; ongoing since early ownership

Symptoms owners cite: Horn blows randomly or continuously (described as angry honking); Horn won't stop even when disconnected from power; Windows roll down involuntarily when doors closed or on their own; Door locks malfunction (driver-side lock inoperative); Ignition clicking intermittently; Wipers move without being engaged; Battery goes completely dead for no reason, then works for weeks; Dashboard lights flash or illuminate incorrectly

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer found short in main electrical component; cost quoted at $1,100+ for part plus up to $200 labor. One owner disconnected horn fuse to stop it. Electrical component replacement attempted but issues recurred in some cases.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers visited multiple times but unable to find cause in many cases. One owner given quote of $1,100+ for electrical component replacement but not repaired under warranty.

Engine will not accelerate smoothly; gas pedal lags or unresponsive. Unintended acceleration on cruise control (accelerated to redline without driver input). Burning wire smell. RPM surges without corresponding speed increase.

When: Various mileages; 30 mph to highway speeds

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle hesitates during acceleration; Gas pedal does not respond immediately (lag); Cruise control accelerates to redline (6000 rpm) without driver input; RPM reaches 5000 at only 40 mph, won't shift; Burning wire or electrical smell from vehicle; Unintended acceleration requiring hard braking

Repairs/costs cited: One owner (purchased last week) had sticking cable suspected; brake pedal and accelerator pedal manipulation returned engine to normal. Dealer to review vehicle next week.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer contacted to review; no repair documented yet.

Ignition switch fails to cut engine off when key is turned or removed. Engine and lights continue to run. Vehicle can be driven even with key removed from ignition. Ignition module or switch replacement required with reprogramming.

When: Present with older mileage; recurs after replacement

Symptoms owners cite: Key can be turned and removed but engine remains running; Lights remain on after key is out; Vehicle can be driven with key removed from ignition; Ignition does not respond normally to key input

Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch module replacement and reprogramming required. Owner reported seeing recall for this problem but their car was not on recall list despite experiencing the failure.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer advised ignition switch module replacement and reprogramming is only fix. Told customer their VIN is not on recall list despite issue matching known recall problem.

Transmission slips in reverse or low gears. Vehicle rolls backward on hills or inclines even with foot on brake. Transmission won't stay in high gear at highway speeds; requires pulling over and restarting to regain proper gear engagement.

When: Various mileages; from purchase to later ownership

Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips in Reverse gear; Vehicle rolls backward on hills at traffic lights; Cannot hold position on incline without continuous brake pressure; Won't maintain high gear at highway speeds; Has to pull over and restart engine to re-engage proper gear

Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported issue described by dealer as 'normal,' but independent assessment contradicts this. Owners report ongoing slippage and poor gear holding.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers told owners this behavior is normal; no repair offered.

Bolts holding driveshaft to powertrain detach or loosen, creating abnormal noise underneath vehicle. Represents potential loss of drivetrain connection.

When: At 85,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal noise from underneath vehicle; Loose or detached bolts on driveshaft

Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic diagnosed detached driveshaft bolts. Vehicle was not repaired at time of complaint.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was not made aware of this failure.

Transfer case completely fails and cannot be repaired. When case breaks, transmission fluid leaks onto exhaust manifold and catches fire. Repeated failure even after initial repair attempt.

When: At 85K+ miles; recurring failure after repair

Symptoms owners cite: Complete transfer case failure; Transmission fluid leak onto hot exhaust; Fire starting from fluid on exhaust; Vehicle unable to move / complete power loss

Repairs/costs cited: Transfer case could not be repaired; case completely shot. After repair, failure recurred at 400 miles with fire starting again.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership refused to repair under warranty. Owner reports dealerships confirm this is a recurring issue in the model. Needs recall per owner.

TIPM fails, preventing vehicle from starting or running. Originally diagnosed as PCM problem; after PCM replacement, dealer tested with Caravan TIPM and found TIPM fault. Owner charged for TIPM repair despite it working when vehicle was brought in. Class action lawsuit exists for this component.

When: Not specified in narrative but repair took 30 days

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle won't start; Stalling and non-starting history; Dashboard lights flashing; Engine overheating; Speed limited to 15 mph

Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement cost not specified. Vehicle in service 30 days; parts on backorder multiple times. After PCM replaced, TIPM tested and found faulty; owner charged for replacement. Class action lawsuit mentioned.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class action lawsuit filed for TIPM issues (per owner complaint #2). PCM covered under warranty but TIPM charged to owner.