Speed Control Operates Intermittently
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Dodge Journey cruise control problems
moderate 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control 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.
Speed Control Operates Intermittently
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Accelerator Pedal Before replacing accelerator pedal, be sure to follow fault code diagnostic procedures in service manual. Make sure to check wiring and connectors. P2122 and P2127 will set if accelerator pedal connector is disconnected during diagnosis. Make sure codes are active before replacing pedal. DTC P2299 is usually caused by a two footed driver and accelerator pedal should not be replaced for this fault.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Accelerator Pedal Before replacing accelerator pedal, be sure to follow fault code diagnostic procedures in service manual. Make sure to check wiring and connectors. P2122 and P2127 will set if accelerator pedal connector is disconnected during diagnosis. Make sure codes are active before replacing pedal. DTC P2299 is usually caused by a two footed driver and accelerator pedal should not be replaced for this fault.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Adaptive Cruise Control Sensor 1) If you are replacing this part due to the cluster displaying Clean Radar Sensor in Front of Vehicle or DTC C1266 ACC Sensor Blinded, please verify that there is no blockage in front of the sensor. Blockage can occur from mud, ice, snow, front end damage, bracket damage, the sensor not attached to the bracket properly or an aftermarket fascia installed. This fault can occur intermittently in muddy or icy/snowy conditions and is considered normal operation. Under some circumstances, a misaligned sensor can also cause the C1266 DTC, please complete an alignment procedure. No replacement is required.~ 2) If you are replacing this part due to the cluster displayi
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2016 Dodge Journeys describe two major failure patterns affecting cruise control and related systems. The first involves a discontinued ABS control module (Mopar part #68194693AF) that fails and simultaneously disables anti-lock brakes, traction control, and cruise control. Multiple owners report the part is unavailable everywhere—dealerships, aftermarket suppliers, scrapyards—leaving vehicles undrivable or unsafe. The second pattern involves the electronic throttle control system malfunctioning unpredictably: vehicles lose all power mid-highway, decelerate without input, accelerate on their own, or have cruise control seize. Some owners report ETC warning lights, traction control lights, and check engine lights illuminating together before loss of power. Owners must restart the vehicle to regain function, but the problem recurs. One owner experienced seven power-loss events in one evening during evening commutes, nearly causing a rear-end collision. Dealerships consistently cannot diagnose these issues or provide repairs; when they try, they cite unavailable parts or state the remedy is not yet available. Chrysler has made no recall despite complaints spanning 38,000 to 108,000 miles. Owners express serious safety concerns about highway driving—particularly with semi-trucks nearby—and frustration that vehicles with low mileage and high purchase prices have become undrivable or unsafe.
Same Dodge Journey cruise control reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Loss of power and acceleration due to ETC/traction control failure
Vehicle loses all power to accelerate, often accompanied by ETC and traction control warning lights. Occurs suddenly without warning while driving. Owner must stop and restart vehicle to regain function, but issue recurs.
When: 7/18/2021 and 7/22/2021 at 11:30 PM and 10:45 PM respectively; occurred 7 times in one evening; reported across multiple mileage ranges (38k to 90k+ miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power and inability to accelerate; ETC (electronic throttle control) light illuminates; Traction control light comes on; Red lightning bolt warning on instrument panel (electronic throttle system failure indicator); Vehicle loses all power and braking capability; Check engine light and traction control light appear together; Issue recurs after restart
Codes mentioned: ETC fault, Traction control fault
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships unable to diagnose or repair; one complaint references throttle body replacement needed but not performed; no parts availability reported
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership confirmed VIN not under recall; manufacturer did not assist in multiple complaints; no recall issued despite widespread reports
ABS control module malfunction affecting braking, traction, and cruise control
ABS control module fails, disabling anti-lock brakes, traction control, and cruise control simultaneously. Part is discontinued (Mopar #68194693AF) and unavailable from dealerships and all aftermarket sources. Some owners report locked brakes making vehicle undrivable.
When: Reported at mileage under 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Anti-lock brakes stop functioning; Traction control disabled; Cruise control stops working; Locked brakes (reported in some cases); Vehicle unsafe to drive
Codes mentioned: ABS module fault
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement ABS control module (Mopar part #68194693AF) is discontinued; no parts available from dealerships or any source; repair impossible without replacement module
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA/Chrysler states unable to maintain complete inventory; no recall issued; no assistance provided; company refused to acknowledge safety concern when contacted
Unintended acceleration
Vehicle accelerates on its own without driver input. Occurs while driving at moderate speeds with or without cruise control engaged.
When: 38,123 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without pedal depression; Occurs at 30 MPH; No warning lights illuminated in this instance
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership could not diagnose or repair; stated remedy unavailable
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but did not assist
Cruise control malfunction and seizure
Cruise control engages but seizes and fails to deactivate properly. Cannot be manually disengaged by normal methods.
When: 38,123 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control seizes when engaged; Fails to deactivate when commanded
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership stated remedy would not be available until following month; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but did not assist
Deceleration without driver input
Vehicle decelerates independently during driving, creating dangerous situations. Occurs at various speeds and mileages. Persistent once started.
When: 56,237 miles; 90,000 miles; 108,000 miles; unreported mileage in other complaints
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle decelerates for no reason while driving; Occurs at 20 MPH, 35 MPH, and undisclosed speeds; Electronic throttle control warning light illuminated; Persistent behavior once started; Vehicle stalls during deceleration in some cases
Codes mentioned: Electronic throttle system fault, Throttle body fault
Repairs/costs cited: One complaint cites throttle body replacement needed; vehicle not repaired; dealerships unable to diagnose in other cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer confirmed VIN not under recall; vehicle not repaired at any dealership
Check engine light with catalytic converter code
Check engine light illuminates with diagnostic trouble code related to catalytic converter malfunction. Appears concurrently with acceleration and stopping issues.
When: Unreported mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light comes on repeatedly; Catalytic converter code present; Light resets temporarily after restart but returns
Codes mentioned: Catalytic converter malfunction code
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership refused to address because vehicle not on recall list
Hard braking and rough stopping
Vehicle does not stop smoothly or responds stiffly to brake input. Comes to a bumpy stop before finally stopping completely.
When: Unreported mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle resists stopping; Bumpy or jerky stopping action; Requires extended braking distance
Codes mentioned:
Poor acceleration response
Vehicle does not accelerate promptly when pedal is depressed. Acceleration is sluggish and insufficient to safely merge or move in traffic. Insufficient power to avoid being rear-ended.
When: Unreported mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Slow acceleration response; Inadequate power for traffic situations; Vehicle stalls during acceleration; Requires excessive space to pull into traffic
Codes mentioned:
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had cruise control trouble with your 2016 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 cruise control problem on the 2016 Dodge Journey?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $600 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, cruise control issues most often appear around 63,893 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control 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 cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control 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/2016/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.