Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.
Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.
ProblemsByVinFile / 2013-DODGE-JOURNEYNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Dodge
2013 Dodge Journey problems
The 2013 Dodge Journey has 351 NHTSA owner complaints and 4 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2013 Dodge Journey has 351 NHTSA owner complaints and 4 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 64 complaints, typically surfacing around 63,655 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
4
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2013 Journey?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Electrical system: 64 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 40,000–89,730 mi
Engine: 43 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 57,500–122,587 mi
Reliability score 6.4/10 — around the segment average
4 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
4 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★4/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2013 Dodge Journey SUV 4WD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2013 Dodge Journey? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
electrical — 64 owner reports
· tends to show around 63,655 mi · ~$850 to fix
engine — 43 owner reports
· tends to show around 96,145 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
airbags — 38 owner reports
· tends to show around 94,641 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
brakes — 29 owner reports
· tends to show around 66,075 mi · ~$450 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 63,655 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 4 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Embed this reliability snapshot
Free to use on your site, post, or video — just keep the "Source" credit line below the chart. Preview the widget →
When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2013 Journey· engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge journey. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v431000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the part needed to perform the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of…
Tl* the contact owned a 2013 Dodge journey. While driving 45 MPH at night, the contact drove over a large tree branch that was not visible at the time. As a result, the contact crashed into a tree that was lying in the road and then crashed into a brick mail box. The air bags…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge journey. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v431000 (engine); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…
While under warranty the rear passenger automatic door lock stopped working and it was replaced. After the warranty expired the passenger automatic front door lock stopped working and I paid to have a new one installed. Now the drivers side rear automatic door lock has stopped…
Had a problem with your 2013 Dodge Journey?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles
Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag wiring within the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary. A protective cover will also be installed. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T47.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 31, 2007, to November 12, 2016
A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler, free of charge. The recall began on May 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S08.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured April 21, 2012, to April 14, 2015
If the ABS or ESC is disabled, a loss of vehicle stability could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will seal the ABS wiring harness to prevent water from entering and will replace the ABS module and repair the headlamp and dash wiring harness, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R61.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.4 out of 10 based on 351 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Dodge Journey has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2013 Dodge Journey?
The 2013 Dodge Journey is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Electrical system: 64 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 40,000–89,730 mi; Engine: 43 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 57,500–122,587 mi; Reliability score 6.4/10 — around the segment average; 4 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2013 Dodge Journey?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 64 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 63,655 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2013 Dodge Journey a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 351 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 63,655 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2013 Dodge Journey?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 64 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 63,655 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 63,655 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Dodge Journey has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Dodge Journey?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 351 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Dodge/Journey.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
We are not affiliated with Dodge. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we
may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
