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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Dodge Journey powertrain problems
severe 28 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
28
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
1fire
What stands out
Owners have filed 28 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) 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. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - Feb 28, 2019 VF. - Only use R8453637
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - 2018 VF. - Only use R8453637A$ for 2
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - 2018 VF. - Only use R8453637A$ for 2
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - 2018 VF. - Only use R8453637A$ for 2
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 powertrain shows a pattern of serious, costly failures that owners encounter repeatedly. Flex plates break around 100k–110k miles, causing sudden loss of power and complete inability to restart—one owner describes the dealership confirming the original part was manufactured too thin, with aftermarket thicker plates needed as a fix.
Transmission problems are widespread. The 62TE transmission paired with the 3.6L V6 exhibits hard shifts, slipping (4–8 seconds between 1st and 2nd gear), sudden loss of shifting ability, and complete failure requiring rebuild. Owners report paying $5,000+ for repairs that fail again within 20,000 miles. Several cite mechanics stating this is a known issue; diagnostic codes P083B and P0944 appear in repair documentation.
Engine misfires plague early and high-mileage examples, with cylinder 2 misfire common, unburned fuel filling the engine bay, and risk of fire. One owner had a valve installed improperly at the factory, causing engine lock and warped head—a $1,000–$3,000 repair.
No-start and electrical gremlins recur throughout ownership: repeated battery replacements, blown fuses, integrated power module failures, doors locking owners out, and the display falsely reporting the vehicle isn't in park. Jerking and stalling occur without warning at highway speeds and in traffic, causing loss of control and near-miss accidents. Dealers often cannot duplicate these issues and refuse repair.
Owners consistently report Dodge invoking the 100,000-mile warranty limit to deny coverage despite acknowledging defects.
Same Dodge Journey powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Flex plate fracture
The flex plate between engine and transmission breaks completely, sometimes described as too thin or manufactured with insufficient durability. Owners report dealers confirming the defect and aftermarket thicker replacements being used as fixes.
When: 100,000–110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power and gas pedal function while driving; Car won't restart after stopping; Vehicle won't go into neutral without bypass switch; Rattling sound from engine compartment that worsens with AC on or steering at low speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosis confirmed broken flex plate; aftermarket thicker flex plate installed as replacement
Transmission shifting problems and failures
Chronic transmission defects including hard shifts, slipping (4–8 seconds between 1st and 2nd gear), delayed response, sudden loss of shifting, and complete transmission failure requiring rebuild or replacement. Multiple owners report the 62TE transmission paired with the 3.6L V6 is known to fail repeatedly.
When: 30,000–152,000 miles; some failures recur within 20,000 miles of repair
Symptoms owners cite: Hard shifting or clunking noise during shifts; Transmission slips between gears; Won't shift past 2nd gear; Delayed acceleration response from stop; Vehicle rolls backward on inclines due to transmission slip; Abnormal whining or grinding sounds; Unexpected downshift causing engine to red-line; Vehicle stalls after downshift
Codes mentioned: P083B (Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor), P0944 (Hydraulic Pressure Unit)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission rebuild or replacement costs cited as $5,000 or more; fluid overfill adjustment, software updates (PPM), and transmission quick-learn resets performed without lasting resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; Dodge customer service refused to cover repair costs; multiple customers report dealers citing warranty expiration at 100,000 miles
Engine misfire and ignition problems
V6 engines experiencing misfires, particularly cylinder 2, with unburned fuel filling exhaust and engine compartment. One owner reports a valve installed improperly at manufacturing causing engine lock, burnt valve, and warped head.
When: Under 21,000 miles; 110,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shaking and wanting to stall, especially at idle or in traffic; Strong fuel odor in and around vehicle; Engine runs rough and lacks pickup; Engine lock with burning valve; Check engine light illumination
Codes mentioned: Cylinder 2 misfire codes (specific codes not stated)
Repairs/costs cited: Tune-up and battery replacement attempted without resolution; misfire requires valve replacement and head resurfacing, costing thousands
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner reports dealer cited vehicle age as cause; affected VINs not included in recalls despite being known defects
No-start and electrical failures
Vehicle repeatedly fails to start with check engine light and multiple electrical system malfunctions. Owners report repeated battery replacements, blown fuses, and integrated power module (IPM) internal failures.
When: 2–5 years of ownership; recurs every 20,000–100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light comes on; vehicle won't start for days or weeks; Battery dies despite recent replacement; Blown fuses; Doors lock and can't be opened; Lights flash uncontrollably; Display shows 'Vehicle not in park' when in park
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple battery replacements, sensor replacements, and IPM replacement attempted; total repair costs over $2,000 with recurrence
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty applies; two recalls mentioned but failed to resolve issue; manufacturer states issue not covered or not recalled
Jerking and stalling while driving
Vehicle jerks violently or stalls intermittently during city and highway driving without warning, sometimes causing loss of control or near-miss accidents.
When: 25–60 MPH; occurs throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Violent jerking at highway speeds; Stalling at traffic lights and slow speeds; Jerking without warning at 40–60 MPH; Loss of steering control reported by one owner (crash into barrier); Instrument panel lights illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers cannot duplicate the issue; vehicle not repaired in most cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; VIN confirmed not under recall
Transmission fluid leaks and internal failures
Oil pooling under vehicle with diagnosis indicating internal transmission failure or unspecified internal defects.
When: 65,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil spot visible under parked vehicle; Oil present in engine compartment
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosis of potential internal transmission failure; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure
Driveshaft bolt failures
Driveshaft bolts repeatedly loosen and fall out, requiring replacement multiple times within short ownership period.
When: Within 4 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Bolts falling out of driveshaft
Repairs/costs cited: Bolts replaced multiple times by dealership at significant cost; no root cause explanation provided
Throttle response lag and uncontrolled acceleration
Accelerator pedal unresponsiveness followed by sudden lunge forward, creating dangerous driving conditions.
When: 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal does not respond to initial depression; RPMs increase with continued pedal depression; Vehicle lunges forward unexpectedly; Recurs at 35 MPH and less
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified
Engine knock and valve train failure
Knocking sounds from engine with need for lifter and rocker arm replacement. One report mentions possible cam shaft failure.
When: 105,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rattling knock from engine
Repairs/costs cited: Lifter and rocker arm replacement; possible cam shaft replacement estimated at $1,000–$3,000
Coolant circulation malfunction
Coolant not propelling properly through engine after oil change, causing engine to underheat on hills.
When: After oil service
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant not circulating properly; Engine underheating on hills
Repairs/costs cited: Issue noted post-oil change; specific repair not stated
Post-recall fire
Vehicle burst into flames while being driven after factory recall repair work was completed.
When: After factory recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Flames and smoke from vehicle while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Driver pulled over and exited vehicle; fire eventually extinguished
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle had undergone factory recall repair immediately prior to failure
Synthesized from 28 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2013 Dodge Journey?
It's a meaningful issue. 28 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 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 50,000 and 87,569 miles, with the median around 69,585. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 87,569. 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/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.