Emissions Recall U67 - Catalytic Converter Efficiency - Dealer Notification (Revision 11)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Dodge Journey engine problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Dodge Journey have filed 43 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 110,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
43
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Journey | 88 |
| 2010 Journey | 75 |
| 2011 Journey | 22 |
| 2012 Journey | 46 |
| 2013 Journey (this page) | 43 |
| 2014 Journey | 51 |
| 2015 Journey | 66 |
| 2016 Journey | 53 |
| 2017 Journey | 19 |
3fires
What stands out
Owners have filed 43 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.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 10 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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.
STARTER - ENGINE
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Water Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY review and follow instructions from the latest STAR Online S1809000007 available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet O-ring and gaskets (seals kit in SOL above). 3) Re-install the OFA. For 2023MY and beyond use black O-ring. For 2022MY and prior use red O-ring. Note: When replacing OFA, it may be necessary to transfer the Oil Temp/Pressure Sensor from the old OFA to the new OFA.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Dodge Journey engine failures cluster around three main categories: electrical sensor faults, internal engine damage, and fire risk.
Crankshaft position sensor failures are the most common complaint. Owners describe sudden engine shutdowns with no warning, sometimes multiple times after a single repair attempt. The check engine light comes and goes; diagnostic resets don't hold the fix. At least one vehicle shut down in an intersection at 164,000 miles, forcing a manual push to safety.
Cylinder head cracking is the second major failure mode. Owners report cylinder #2 misfire, power loss, and stalling. One owner was denied warranty coverage under Chrysler's extended program for the 3.6L Pentastar—supposedly covering this exact defect to 150,000 miles—because his VIN wasn't included despite identical symptoms and engine.
Engine fires have occurred in at least two separate incidents, one at 100,000 miles with unknown cause and another where the oxygen sensor wiring shorted, igniting flames at the engine base. Both vehicles were total losses.
Stalling during deceleration is reported as an increasing problem with no warning codes to diagnose. Owners note braking and steering become difficult mid-stall, creating highway hazards.
Finally, many owners hold recall notices for campaign 15V431000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) but cannot complete repairs because manufacturer parts remain unavailable. Owners report waiting months beyond reasonable timeframes with no resolution.
Same Dodge Journey engine reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
Crankshaft position sensor reports intermittent faults; vehicle shuts off without warning during driving or idle, sometimes repeatedly. Check engine light illuminates and clears intermittently. Owners report the failure recurs even after diagnostic reset.
When: 164,000 miles reported in one case; another case at low mileage around 2,000 miles; timing varies widely
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuts off without warning while driving or stopped; Check engine light illuminates intermittently; Vehicle restarts after shutdown but fault returns
Codes mentioned: Crankshaft Position Sensor code
Repairs/costs cited: Crankshaft sensor replacement required; owners cite the failure is recurring and expensive to repair repeatedly
Cylinder Head Failure / Misfire
Cylinder #2 misfire and cracked cylinder head reported; vehicle experiences power loss, stalling while driving and idle, and severe vibration. One owner was told of a Chrysler extended warranty for 3.6L Pentastar engines to 10 years/150,000 miles but their VIN was not included despite having the same motor and symptoms. Another owner reports a cracked cylinder head at 117,000 miles not covered under Service Bulletin 09-002-14.
When: Varies; one case at high mileage; another at 117,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Cylinder #2 misfire; Loss of power while driving; Stalling while in motion and at idle; Vehicle vibration
Codes mentioned: Cylinder #2 misfire code
Repairs/costs cited: Cylinder head replacement needed; noted as very expensive; owners cite labor and parts costs exceed vehicle value in some cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler extended warranty program for 3.6L Pentastar to 10 years/150,000 miles covers this issue, but some VINs excluded despite identical motors and symptoms
Engine Fire
Vehicle fire while in motion or parked; smoke and flames originating from engine bay. One case attributed to oxygen sensor wiring short; another case at 100,000 miles with unknown cause. Two separate incidents resulted in total loss vehicles and safety risk to occupants.
When: 100,000 miles (one case); unknown mileage (second case)
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke under hood while driving; Engine flames visible at base of engine; Vehicle fire; Warning lights and deceleration prior to fire
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles declared total loss by insurance; not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V431000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) noted on one case; Chrysler denied responsibility in oxygen sensor wiring case
Engine Stalling During Deceleration
Engine cuts off when driver decelerates, such as turning or braking; occurs at various speeds and is becoming more frequent. No warning lights present in some cases. Owners report steering becomes difficult and vehicle unstable during stall; safety risk in traffic.
When: Mileage not specified; frequency increasing over time
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts off during deceleration or braking; Steering becomes difficult when stalled; Occurs at various speeds; Frequency increasing
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in reported cases
Check Engine Light / Service Engine Warning Light with Smoke and Fumes
Service engine warning light illuminates frequently; strong smoke and fumes enter cabin. Dealer resets code multiple times but failure recurs. Included in NHTSA Campaign 15V431000 but parts and remedy unavailable.
When: 65,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service engine warning light frequent illumination; Strong smoke and fumes inside cabin
Codes mentioned: Service engine code (reset multiple times)
Repairs/costs cited: Code reset by dealer more than twice without resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V431000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); parts and permanent remedy unavailable at time of report
Engine Cooling System Failures (Radiator and Head Gasket)
Radiator develops holes or failure; coolant leaks while vehicle in motion causing overheating. Head gasket failure reported in another case. One owner found 5 holes in radiator; radiator replaced but engine also needed replacement (not completed).
When: Mileage unknown in most cases
Symptoms owners cite: Fluid leak under front end; Low oil warning light illumination (false positive); Radiator holes; Coolant leakage while in motion; Vehicle overheating
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator replacement completed in one case; engine replacement needed but not performed; estimated cost significant
Oil Pressure Switch / Oil Cooler Housing Failure
Oil pressure switch fails; engine warning light illuminates. Mechanic and dealer identify leaking oil cooler housing adapter and gasket intake; vehicle repaired but failure persists.
When: 1,600 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine warning light illumination; Oil cooler housing gasket leak
Repairs/costs cited: Oil cooler housing adapter and gasket intake repaired; failure persisted after repair; dealer stated warranty coverage expired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated warranty coverage expired
Abnormal Engine Ticking Noise
Abnormal ticking noise from engine at various speeds with no warning lights. Some cases involve recall notification 15V431000 but parts unavailable. In one case, dealer did not perform diagnostic. Owners report ongoing failure to diagnose or repair.
When: 135,000 miles (one case); another case mileage unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal ticking sound from engine; Noise occurs at various speeds; No warning lights present
Repairs/costs cited: One case pending diagnostic testing; no diagnostic tests performed in another case; recall parts unavailable
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 10139771 mentioned as possible solution in one case; NHTSA Campaign 15V431000 involved in another
Abnormal Engine Odor and Noise While Off
Strong abnormal odor inside vehicle; abnormal noise heard when ignition in off position. Owner received recall notification 15V431000 but parts unavailable.
When: Mileage not available
Symptoms owners cite: Strong abnormal odor inside vehicle; Abnormal noise with ignition off
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; parts unavailable
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V431000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) recall parts unavailable
Catalytic Converter Issues
Catalytic converter failure reported; vehicle unable to exceed 55-60 mph creating highway safety hazard. Owner states mechanic indicated recall part needed. Another case reports catalytic converter sensor failure at 80,000 miles.
When: 80,000 miles (sensor case); mileage unknown (converter case)
Symptoms owners cite: Catalytic converter failure; Vehicle speed limited to 55-60 mph; Vehicle will not start multiple times; Catalytic converter sensor failure
Codes mentioned: Catalytic converter sensor code
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite multiple failed repairs and battery replacements before diagnosis; estimated total repair cost exceeds vehicle value
Engine Beauty Cover Detachment and Fire Risk
Engine beauty cover may detach and fall onto catalytic converter, creating fire hazard. Dodge issued recall but parts never supplied to dealers for correction.
When: Issue has not yet occurred but risk exists
Symptoms owners cite: Engine beauty cover detachment risk; Potential fire hazard from cover contact with catalytic converter
Repairs/costs cited: Recall issued (R32) but parts not supplied; repair not performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall R32 issued; parts unavailable
Misfire and Hard Start Condition
Vehicle will only crank but not fire; multiple repairs attempted including camshaft sensor and throttle position sensor replacement, battery replacement, but no resolution. Key fob works intermittently. Owners report cycling through multiple shops without diagnosis.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle cranks but will not fire; Multiple failed starts; Key fob works intermittently
Codes mentioned: Camshaft sensor codes, Throttle position sensor codes
Repairs/costs cited: Camshaft sensor, TPS, and battery replaced without resolution; final diagnosis unclear
Unexplained Stalling with No Diagnostic Codes
Vehicle stalls for no reason while driving four times in two weeks; no check engine light and no diagnostic codes available. Stalling impairs braking and steering, creating serious safety hazard. Condition cannot be diagnosed.
When: Recent; four incidents in two weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Unexplained stalling while driving; No check engine light; No diagnostic codes present; Difficult braking and steering during stall
Repairs/costs cited: No diagnosis possible; not repaired
Engine Mount and Transmission Mount Failures
Transmission mount, engine mount, and drive shaft mount break repeatedly; transmission showing signs of failure. Pattern of recurring mount failures.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission mount breaking; Engine mount breaking; Drive shaft mount breaking; Transmission failure symptoms
Repairs/costs cited: Mounts break repeatedly; transmission going out
Repeated Misfire and Ignition System Issues
Vehicle misfires repeatedly; owner replaced spark plugs and coil packs several times without resolving issue.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Repeated misfiring; Intermittent ignition issues
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs and coil packs replaced multiple times without resolution
Oil Leak (Location Unknown)
Oil leaking from vehicle but source component unknown; vehicle not diagnosed or repaired.
When: 41,200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leak from unknown location
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired
Steering Lock with Check Engine Light
While driving, check engine light illuminated and steering locked up; vehicle began shaking when restarted. Issue resolved after sitting but check engine light remained on.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Steering lock during operation; Vehicle vibration on restart
Codes mentioned: Check engine code
Repairs/costs cited: Not formally repaired; issue resolved temporarily
Synthesized from 43 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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 time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.…
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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge journey. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 15v431000 (engine and engine cooling ) however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.…
Had engine trouble with your 2013 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 2013 Dodge Journey?
It's a meaningful issue. 43 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 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 57,500 and 122,587 miles, with the median around 110,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 57,500; a quarter make it past 122,587. 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/2013/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.