Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.
Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.
ProblemsByVinFile / 2016-DODGE-JOURNEYNHTSA data synced 4 days ago
Dodge
2016 Dodge Journey problems
The 2016 Dodge Journey has 384 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 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 2016 Dodge Journey has 384 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 82 complaints, typically surfacing around 65,272 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 Journey?
Avoid — the powertrain
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced.
Powertrain: 82 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 40,000–84,000 mi
Steering: 34 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 14,800–61,000 mi
Reliability score 6.8/10 — around the segment average
2 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: 2016 Dodge Journey SUV FWD. 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 2016 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
powertrain — 82 owner reports
· tends to show around 65,272 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
electrical — 65 owner reports
· tends to show around 65,187 mi · ~$850 to fix
engine — 53 owner reports
· tends to show around 73,886 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
steering — 34 owner reports
· tends to show around 43,087 mi · ~$700 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 65,272 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 2 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.8/10 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
2016 Journey· powertrain
i have been having problems with my 2016 dodge journey crossroads loss of propulsion while accelerating and a p0841 with a whine noise. Car was made 6 /2016 door vin says it was made.
Takata recall for a 2016 Dodge journey. My Dodge journey is experiencing multiply issues that may be deemed as electrical issues. The first issue is the cruise control is still malfunctioning from a previous recall under recall number 18u49182. Whether cruise control is off or…
When I first start the vehicle it makes a loud whine noise for about 2 to 5 min. Then seems to go away. If the vehicle sits for 3 to 4 hours it will do the same noise again. Dealer told me that all the six cylinders make that noise and it's normal. Have never owned a vehicle…
I was driving 65 MPH in a middle lane on the freeway when my engine suddenly stalled out. I lost the ability to steer or brake, and my vehicle quickly lost speed. I barely managed to get to the side of the freeway before it completely stopped. I called my husband to come get…
Had a problem with your 2016 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 model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to April 18, 2016, 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2015, to January 29, 2016, and 2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured August 15, 2016, to April 15, 2016
If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission pump, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S44.
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.
Under investigation
1 open at NHTSA
EALatches/Locks/Linkages · opened August 2024
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA24003 on NHTSA →
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.8 out of 10 based on 384 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 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 2016 Dodge Journey?
On the NHTSA data, the 2016 Dodge Journey is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: Powertrain: 82 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 40,000–84,000 mi; Steering: 34 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 14,800–61,000 mi; Reliability score 6.8/10 — around the segment average; 2 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 2016 Dodge Journey?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 82 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 65,272 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 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 2016 Dodge Journey a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 384 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 65,272 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 2016 Dodge Journey?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 82 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 65,272 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 65,272 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 2016 Dodge Journey?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 384 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, 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 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/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.
