LAMP - DOME
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Dodge Journey electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Dodge Journey have filed 90 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 59,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
90
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Journey | 604 |
| 2011 Journey | 33 |
| 2012 Journey | 99 |
| 2013 Journey | 64 |
| 2014 Journey (this page) | 90 |
| 2015 Journey | 88 |
| 2016 Journey | 65 |
| 2017 Journey | 47 |
| 2018 Journey | 61 |
3crashes
5fires
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 90 electrical complaints filed for the 2014 Dodge Journey, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 90 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Electrical accounts for 22% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
LAMP - DOME
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗LAMP - DOME
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Dodge Journey electrical cluster shows a vehicle prone to cascading failures. Battery drain is chronic—owners cite five or more dead batteries despite new replacements and tested alternators, leaving them stranded repeatedly. Complete power loss while driving ranks high in severity; the engine cuts out without warning at various speeds, sometimes only restarting after a 20-minute wait. One owner reports the vehicle going into limp mode at different speeds on different days, with warning lights turning on and off randomly.
Moisture getting into the ABS module is a documented issue. Recall R61 was issued to seal ground wiring, but owners report the module failing again years later, especially after rain, with mechanics finding moisture on electrical connectors even post-recall. Dealers refuse to service the recall a second time.
Check engine lights cycle on and off without clear codes. Throttle position sensors fail repeatedly—one owner had the same sensor reset three times in a year. Cruise control either won't turn off or fails entirely. Door locks and key fobs malfunction, with one child falling out of a locked vehicle while it was in motion.
Dashboard displays black out randomly during driving; radio and HVAC controls reset themselves. Two vehicles caught fire—one while parked, another after startup. A dome light melted and smoked. Dealers consistently cannot replicate these issues in their bays, or apply software updates without addressing the underlying problem. Owners report dealerships unwilling to diagnose or repair, citing that they "don't know how to fix" the electrical system.
Same Dodge Journey electrical reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Unexpected power loss and stalling
Engine cuts power without warning while driving at various speeds, in traffic, or at stops. Vehicle stalls and requires restart; some owners report waiting 20 minutes before vehicle will restart. Limp mode engages at different speeds. Loss of power steering accompanies some incidents.
When: Throughout ownership, some reports after recall work performed
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning lights; Vehicle loses power mid-drive and won't restart immediately; Limp mode activation at variable speeds; Power steering loss during stall events; Vehicle eventually restarts after delay; No check engine light precedes some incidents
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (intermittent, sometimes no code present), Throttle control light, Traction control light, Red lightning bolt indicator
Repairs/costs cited: Some owners report engine replacement; dealers unable to replicate; computer updates applied without success
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 15V431000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) issued; parts unavailable for extended periods; dealers unable to recreate issue for diagnosis
Battery drain
Battery drains completely while vehicle parked, preventing starts. Occurs repeatedly despite new battery or alternator replacement. Some vehicles drained 5+ batteries. Issue may involve key fob detection system or door lock logic tied to electrical system.
When: While parked (driveway, parking lots, overnight); some vehicles stranded 10+ times in months
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start after sitting parked; Battery drained without apparent cause; All electrical systems dead (no lights, power steering); Battery tests good but drains again after charge; Requires jump-start to operate; Door lock and key fob system may not recognize vehicle when battery depleted
Codes mentioned: Battery saver light, No diagnostic codes if electrical system too depleted
Repairs/costs cited: New batteries installed; alternator replaced/tested good; faulty connector replaced; trickle charger needed as workaround; no root cause found by dealers
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued for battery drain; manufacturers unaware of issue per some owner reports; warranty applied for battery replacement in some cases
ABS and traction control module failure
ABS module fails when moisture/water intrudes into wiring harness, particularly in rainy conditions. Recall R61 (NHTSA 15V-675) issued to seal ground wire, but water continues to enter; module failure recurs. Owners report moisture visible on electrical connectors post-recall.
When: Symptoms appear during and after rain; some occur years after recall performed
Symptoms owners cite: ABS light illuminates during/after rain; ESC (electronic stability control) light comes on; Brake function degraded or fails; Symptoms clear when weather dries out (24-48 hours); Lights cycle on/off with weather patterns
Codes mentioned: ABS module failure code, ESC light, Brake warning light
Repairs/costs cited: ABS module replacement cost cited as nearly $2,000; parts on backorder; dealers initially claim recall already completed so refuse re-service; one owner had ASE mechanic document moisture on electrical connector
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall R61 issued; however, recall noted as tiered (does not include ABS module replacement in all cases); dealers refuse to perform additional work claiming recall complete; no documented fix for recurring moisture intrusion
Check engine light and sensor issues
Check engine light illuminates intermittently or stays on without clear cause. Dealers clear codes and turn light off but it reappears. Throttle position sensor failures cause stalling and limp mode. Owners report recurring issues even after sensor replacement.
When: Intermittent throughout ownership; throttle sensor issue repeated 3 times within first year of ownership for one owner
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on (solid or flashing); Engine running rough; Lack of acceleration power; Vehicle stalls at stops or during turns; Light returns after being cleared; No diagnostic codes retrievable when light off
Codes mentioned: P0420 (catalyst system efficiency), Throttle control fault, Engine misfire codes (intermittent)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle sensor replaced multiple times without permanent fix; codes cleared by dealership; independent mechanics suspect wiring harness failure; owners report $180 diagnostic fees without resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Computer updates performed; Dodge customer service claims unaware of issues; no recalls issued for sensor problems despite owner reports of same failures across multiple Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep vehicles
Cruise control malfunction
Cruise control fails to turn off or holds speed erratically. One owner reports cruise control accelerating from 55 to 75 mph without input and inability to disengage. Cruise control also reports as simply non-functional.
When: During highway driving; issue persists years after 2018 recall performed
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control won't turn off; Vehicle accelerates without driver input; Cruise control does not engage/disengage properly; Throttle unresponsive to control
Repairs/costs cited: Recall performed in 2018 but did not resolve issue; 2-year warranty on recall work expired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Cruise control recall issued in 2018; warranty on recall work limited to 2 years; Dodge stated nothing more could be done when owner contacted after expiration
Instrument cluster and dashboard display failures
Radio/touchscreen blacks out or resets during driving. Dashboard display goes dark momentarily; vehicle appears to lose power but recovers. Air/heat controls and radio shut off together. Screen displays blank menus or missing text. Wipers activate on their own.
When: Since purchase or early ownership; occurs at various speeds including stopped at lights
Symptoms owners cite: Radio screen goes black randomly; Entire dash shuts down briefly then powers back on; Radio resets to default station and time; Air conditioning controls go dark; Touchscreen display blank or pixelated; Wipers turn on without user input; Horn does not work
Repairs/costs cited: Radio replaced (touchscreen replaced in one case); issue recurs; multiple dealership visits with software updates; no permanent resolution found
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Corporate involvement; instructions to replace radio/touchscreen; updates performed; no root cause identified or addressed
Electrical fires and overheating components
Dome light melts and smokes if left on. Vehicle erupts in flames while parked in driveway. Backup camera shorts out during operation. Burnt wiring smell reported.
When: Dome light incident on stationary vehicle; vehicle fire while parked approximately 12 hours after last use; backup camera shorts during reversing
Symptoms owners cite: Dome light becomes extremely hot and melts plastic; Smoke and dripping melted plastic from dome light; Burnt wiring smell; Fire visible under hood and from undercarriage; Backup camera electrical failure; Harness wiring melted
Repairs/costs cited: Dome light and harness damaged/melted; fire destroyed vehicle; service records available for backup camera/radio shorting issues pre-fire
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge inspector visited and stated any dome light will get hot if left on; manufacturer did not consider melting/smoking a design defect; no recall issued for electrical fire hazard despite multiple similar complaints
Door lock failures and key fob malfunction
Doors lock and unlock by themselves. Key fob does not always unlock/lock or start vehicle. Vehicle fails to detect key inside cabin. Child safety locks engage but rear doors unlock during motion; one child fell out while driving. Key detection system fails intermittently with push-button start.
When: Intermittently throughout ownership; child fall incident occurred during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Doors lock/unlock spontaneously while parked or driving; Key fob commands delayed or fail; Vehicle displays 'key not detected' while key present; Child lock engaged but door unlocked during motion; Rear door opened while driving without detection by driver; Remote start fails; tail lights flash as if trying to short out
Codes mentioned: Key detection error
Repairs/costs cited: Key fob battery replaced; issue persists; one owner shattered window to rescue infant locked in vehicle; no repair attempted by dealerships for lock failures
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued for door lock or key fob failures; dealer unable to address issue after seven service visits per one owner
Body control module (BCM) failure
BCM fails causing complete loss of power including lights, power steering, and all electrical systems. Vehicle essentially becomes non-functional. Affects multiple vehicle systems controlled by this computer.
When: Early in ownership (one vehicle at 18,000 miles, 4 months after purchase)
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of all electrical power; No lights or power steering; Vehicle will not start; Affects door locks, windows, and other powered systems
Repairs/costs cited: BCM identified as cause; part on backorder with no ETA; dealership repair extended process
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty case manager assigned; attempted to provide rental car (in wrong location); expedited backorder part request; no permanent resolution provided
Seat belt warning light and driver seat electrical failure
Seat belt alarm sounds continuously even with belt fastened. Driver seat does not move (power seat failure). Rear seat stuck in forward position. Raises concern about airbag deployment if seat belt sensor not functioning.
When: Upon starting vehicle in morning; rear seat failure occurred while vehicle in motion
Symptoms owners cite: Continuous seat belt warning alarm regardless of belt status; Power seat motor inoperable in all directions; Rear seat stuck in forward position after shifting during motion; Inaccessible seating positions for rear passengers
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs attempted; concern raised about airbag safety if seat sensors malfunctioning
Alternator and charging system issues
Battery light illuminates and stays on; wipers and windows operate slowly during episodes. Alternator tested and replaced but issue continues. Battery drains despite new alternator.
When: Intermittently; occurs during driving and when parked
Symptoms owners cite: Battery warning light illuminates; Radio stops working; Slow operation of power windows and wipers; Battery dies despite alternator replacement; Car dies while jump-started and connected to charger
Codes mentioned: Battery saver light
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced under 30,000-mile warranty; alternator tested good by independent mechanic; replacement did not resolve drain
Static shock/electrical discharge from vehicle
Passengers receive painful electrical shocks when exiting vehicle. Shocks are significant, not minor static.
When: Regular occurrence post-electrical repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Painful electrical jolt when touching car exterior or exiting; Multiple passengers affected
Repairs/costs cited: Occurred after corporate-ordered radio/touchscreen replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Corporate aware but no corrective action taken; vehicle placed in rental rotation
Brake system and power steering failures
Brake pedal becomes extremely hard to press or stuck. Vehicle jerks when brake pedal depressed. Power steering loss during stall events. ABS brake function degraded.
When: Intermittently; one owner notes brake pedal 'usually' stuck at start
Symptoms owners cite: Hard or stuck brake pedal; Vehicle jerks when brakes applied; Power steering loss; Brake warning lights illuminated; ABS system failures
Codes mentioned: ABS failure codes, Brake system warning
Repairs/costs cited: Recall R61 issued for ABS ground wiring; recall performed but did not resolve brake issues
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall R61 performed; parts unavailable for extended periods; dealers state issue out of warranty after recall completion
Vehicle shutdown while braking
Engine shuts off completely when brake pedal pressed while slowing down or coming to stop. Steering wheel locks. Other systems (radio, air, ignition) remain powered. Driver must shift to park and restart.
When: While braking during turns or stop approaches
Symptoms owners cite: Engine completely shuts down while braking; Steering wheel locks; Radio/air/ignition remain on; Requires manual restart
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed
Trailer light control module failure
Trailer lights fail to operate. Diagnosis reveals trailer light control module failure.
When: While driving; approximately 56,700 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Trailer lights inoperable
Repairs/costs cited: Trailer light control module replaced by independent mechanic
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but provided no assistance
HVAC system failures
Air conditioning blows only heat instead of cold air. HVAC system turns on and off by itself. Rear window defrost control blinks continuously with no user control over HVAC output (stuck on low). Crunching sound from dash during HVAC operation.
When: Throughout ownership; critical in winter conditions
Symptoms owners cite: AC produces only hot air; HVAC system operates independently; No manual control of temperature or fan speed; Rear defrost control blinks uncontrollably; Crunching/grinding noise from dashboard HVAC area
Repairs/costs cited: No permanent fixes documented
Throttle/acceleration loss and limp mode
Vehicle loses acceleration capability and enters limp mode, limiting speed to 12 mph or less. Red lightning bolt indicator appears. Occurs during normal driving, including in traffic at speed limits requiring higher acceleration.
When: While driving at various speeds; repeated failures even after throttle replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of acceleration; Vehicle speed limited to 12 mph maximum; Red lightning bolt indicator illuminates; Traction control light comes on; Engine may not respond to throttle input; Multiple occurrences post-repair
Codes mentioned: Throttle control fault, Red lightning bolt (throttle/powertrain fault)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle replaced; issue recurred; one mechanic noted same failure pattern across 6+ Dodge vehicles in shop, suggesting systemic electrical problem rather than mechanical
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued despite mechanic recommendation; Dodge claims no awareness of pattern
Warning lights cycling and multiple simultaneous illuminations
Multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously (ABS, airbag, transmission, ESC, TPMS, engine, service AWD). Lights cycle on and off randomly. Lights turn on, flash, then off. Some remain on while others clear.
When: Randomly throughout ownership; can persist for days or months then clear temporarily
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple warning lights illuminate at once; Lights cycle on/off without pattern; Lights turn on and off randomly; Stability control light comes on and off; Throttle light flash followed by limp mode; Transmission light stays on while others cycle
Codes mentioned: Red lightning bolt, Airbag light, Transmission light, ABS light, ESC light, TPMS light, Engine light, Service AWD light
Repairs/costs cited: Computer updates and code clearing applied without success; one owner reports dealership told them vehicle has malfunctioning computer since 2013 purchase
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Computer updates performed; codes cleared; manufacturer unaware per some owner reports; one owner reports dealership refused to perform safety recalls after engine replacement
Blinker and turn signal failures
Hazard lights and turn signal blinkers do not work when needed. Wipers turn on without user input. Hazard lights may flash at improper rates.
When: Intermittent; occurs during warning light cycling episodes
Symptoms owners cite: Hazard lights non-functional; Turn signal blinkers do not respond; Inability to warn other drivers of vehicle condition; Wipers activate without input
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented
Synthesized from 90 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
My reverse lights, rear wiper and plate light have all Stopped working due to severed wires in the liftgate wiring harness at the hinge area. This is a faulty design by Dodge, a safety concern and an issue that is widespread and reported on the internet.
While cleaning my vehicle in my drive way I noticed a compartment under my steering wheel showing. I then took it too a Dodge dealership for a recall that I received in the mail and I also asked about the cloth like material showing under my steering wheel. The young man notified me that it was the airbag coming out from under the steering wheel as well as a sensor/electrical problem. I am a new…
I had the Cruise Control recall done on my vehicle in 2018, but it never really fixed the issue. I wasn't aware there was only a 2 year warranty on the work done, and that would have put it in 202 when everything was pretty much closed down. I contacted Dodge and they said there was nothing they could do about it. I know another recall was R61 / NHTSA 15V-675 ABS Ground Wiring issue which got…
When I placed car in park few minutes later a warning light came on and then went off but keeps popping back looks like a person wearing seat belt and ball in front them
I was driving home from shopping, and the trac control, and a lighting bolt light came on, and I had no acceleration power, I was nearly home, so I drove on to my house and parked it.
Had electrical trouble with your 2014 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 electrical problem on the 2014 Dodge Journey?
It's a meaningful issue. 90 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 52 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 26,000 and 98,000 miles, with the median around 59,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 26,000; a quarter make it past 98,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2014/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.