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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Dodge Journey electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Dodge Journey have filed 65 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 63,000 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
65
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Journey | 99 |
| 2013 Journey | 64 |
| 2014 Journey | 90 |
| 2015 Journey | 88 |
| 2016 Journey (this page) | 65 |
| 2017 Journey | 47 |
| 2018 Journey | 61 |
| 2019 Journey | 20 |
| 2020 Journey | 16 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 65 electrical complaints filed for the 2016 Dodge Journey, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 65 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗LAMP - DOME
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, 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
Owners report a cluster of electrical failures spanning multiple systems: battery drain and no-start conditions, stalling without warning at highway speeds, instrument cluster malfunctions, and loss of power steering and braking during operation. The stalling problem frequently involves crankshaft and camshaft position sensors, with owners citing check engine code P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction). Several owners report this failure occurring already under recall S89/NHTSA 16V-907 (limited to May–July 2016 builds) but claim the issue is far more widespread than the recall covers.
Window and door lock systems fail intermittently—windows won't lower or raise, and doors lock/unlock unintendedly. Climate control malfunction is common: AC blows hot air, defrost won't engage, and blower motors stay on one setting. Dashboard screens go black or flicker; infotainment systems reset repeatedly and change radio channels without user input. Lighting issues range from headlights strobing and flickering to all dashboard lights illuminating simultaneously, sometimes followed by total power loss.
ABS and traction control lights illuminate persistently, often linked to wheel speed sensor failures. Owners report the antilock brakes locking unexpectedly. Backup cameras fail to display or glitch. A few owners describe ground strap wires overheating and burning through insulation, and one reports airbag wiring beneath the front passenger seat exposed to water damage from common spills.
Many owners say dealers couldn't diagnose problems or found nothing on scan tools. Recurring failures after repair are frequent.
Same Dodge Journey electrical reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Stalling at speed / Loss of power while driving
Engine cuts out suddenly without warning at highway speeds (reported at 35–70 MPH) or at stops. Loss of power steering and braking reported. Vehicle enters limp mode or requires restart. Occurs multiple times for some owners.
When: Various mileages: 27,000–120,000 miles; some early (27k), some late (120k)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning while driving; Loss of power and ability to brake; Loss of power steering; Check engine light illuminates; Vehicle requires multiple restart attempts; Multiple warning lights illuminated; Vehicle hesitates on accelerator depression
Codes mentioned: P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction), Camshaft sensor failure, Shift solenoid defect
Repairs/costs cited: Crankshaft position sensor replaced; camshaft sensor replaced; engine harness replaced; one owner reports replacing battery, alternator, starter and other parts without resolving issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall S89/NHTSA 16V-907 issued for engines built May 8–July 12, 2016 only; owners outside this date range denied coverage; software update covered under NHTSA Campaign 18V332000 (Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control) but additional repairs out of pocket
Battery drain / No-start failure
Battery discharges fully with vehicle sitting idle for 3–4 days or overnight. No lights or systems left on. Vehicle will not start or starts only with jump. Recurring for some owners after dealer reset.
When: Early in ownership; some at <16,000 miles; one documented 52,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Battery dead (zero to 5.6 volts) after short idle period; Lights flicker when attempting to start; Clicking from engine compartment; No warning before total discharge; Cannot turn off ignition even when parked
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced; battery charged by dealer; one owner replaced battery multiple times; some owners advised to drive vehicle more frequently or install battery trickler (not a repair)
Window and door lock system malfunction
Power windows fail to operate; clicking or humming when switches engaged. Doors lock and unlock without user input. Interior lights flicker or illuminate unintendedly. Some owner reports wiring harness exposed and fragile.
When: Reported from early ownership through 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Windows will not roll up or down; Clicking or humming noise from window switches; Doors lock and unlock repeatedly on their own; All window switches fail to function; Interior lights flash without user action; Driver-side door won't unlock with key fob (though key works)
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replacement quoted >$500 labor; one water intrusion case noted water bottles breaking airbag wires under passenger seat (repair quoted $300); no permanent fix offered
Dashboard and infotainment screen malfunction
Front touchscreen goes black or will not turn on. Dashboard lights flicker or all illuminate at once. Infotainment system resets repeatedly, losing time and settings. Radio changes channels without user input.
When: Reported at various mileages; one at 64,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Front screen stays black when car is on; Dashboard lights flicker on and off; All dash warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Radio changes channels without user touching controls; Infotainment system resets and forgets settings; Check engine light comes on and off intermittently; System unable to display vehicle status (oil level, tire pressure)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports multiple software updates that do not resolve the issue; no repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software update provided under NHTSA Campaign 18V332000
Climate control system malfunction
AC blows hot air when AC is on; defrost does not engage; blower motor stuck on one setting and cannot be switched. Heat turns on by itself repeatedly.
When: Reported at 40,000 miles and earlier
Symptoms owners cite: AC compressor blows hot air in summer; Defrost will not activate; Blower motor stuck on one setting (cannot select defrost, face, or feet); Passenger side blows hot air while driver side works; Heat turns on by itself and will not stay off; Winter windshield fogs up while driving despite warm-up
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives
ABS and traction control light illumination / Wheel speed sensor failure
ABS and traction control warning lights illuminate and stay on. Often associated with wheel speed sensor malfunction. Cruise control disabled when lights are on. One owner reports brakes do not grip road properly when lights are on.
When: Reported several months after tire replacement in one case; at various mileages from 20,000–103,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminated continuously or intermittently; Traction control light remains on; Service AWD light illuminates; Cruise control will not engage when lights are on; Brakes do not grip road (feel like ice in summer); loud noise when braking; Near accidents from failed braking response
Repairs/costs cited: Right front ABS sensor replaced (one owner paid $97 diagnostic at independent shop, then dealer replacement); brake pads replaced in one case without resolving ABS light
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reports dealership stated 'Journeys have been coming in by the dozen' for this issue 'all over the U.S.'
Backup camera and rear lighting failure
Backup camera image does not display, suddenly goes black, or glitches while in reverse. Rear lights (reverse lights, tail lights, interior hatch lights) fail to illuminate or are very dim.
When: Reported at 64,000 miles and higher
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera image black or will not display; Camera glitches occasionally in reverse; Reverse lights do not illuminate; Tail lights do not come on; Left tailgate light does not illuminate; Interior hatch lights do not come on when hatch opens
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; one owner notes electrical short in tail gate wiring harness suspected
Electrical short / Ground strap overheating
Chassis ground strap wire glows red and burns through insulation coating while vehicle is warming up after remote start. Strong plastic/rubber burning smell emanates from heat vents. Wire attachment point shows poor connection (sheet metal clip to motor mount).
When: Approximately 5 minutes after remote start
Symptoms owners cite: Strong plastic/rubber burning smell from heat vents and under hood; Glowing red ground strap wire visible; Insulation coating burning off wire; Burning smell audible inside vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; owner notes attachment method (sheet metal clip to motor mount) may cause high electrical resistance and heat buildup
Airbag wiring damage and warning system failure
Airbag wires beneath front passenger seat are thin, fragile, and unprotected. Water bottles or spills can break wires, disabling airbags. No warning light alerts driver to airbag failure. Also correlates with ABS light illumination.
When: At 20,000 miles reported; issue noted after water intrusion
Symptoms owners cite: ABS and traction control lights illuminate; Airbags do not function; No warning light for airbag failure
Repairs/costs cited: Wires repaired at dealership for $300; no design change made to protect wires
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Older Dodge vehicles have recalls for similar issue; manufacturer refuses to acknowledge design flaw on 2016 Journey
Crankshaft / Camshaft position sensor failures (recurring)
Multiple reports of crankshaft and camshaft sensor failures causing stalling. Some owners report sensors replaced multiple times without permanent resolution. Outside of limited recall date range, owners denied coverage.
When: 27,000–100,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; Check engine light with P0335 code (Crankshaft Position Sensor); Multiple stalls requiring restart; Hard starting after stall; Difficulty diagnosing—codes not always present
Codes mentioned: P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction)
Repairs/costs cited: Crankshaft position sensor replaced; camshaft sensor replaced; engine harness replaced; one owner had three sensors replaced but failure recurred; one owner disputes diagnostic and notes TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) drain as alternative cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall S89/NHTSA 16V-907 for limited build dates (May 8–July 12, 2016); outside date range, manufacturer denies coverage; owners report this is more widespread than recall covers
Cruise control malfunction (sticking / not canceling)
Cruise control will not turn off once engaged; vehicle maintains speed even when cruise is off; cruise control won't engage when ABS lights are on. One owner reports dangerous acceleration to high speeds on its own.
When: Reported at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control will not disengage; Vehicle maintains speed with cruise off; Cruise control won't engage; Vehicle accelerates to high speeds on its own when cruise engaged; Cruise unavailable when ABS lights are illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: One owner under NHTSA recall 18U49182 for cruise control; software update provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 18U49182 for cruise control malfunction; NHTSA Campaign 18V332000 (Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control)
Liftgate wiring short and rear lighting
Electrical short in tailgate wiring harness causes brake lights, tag lights, and signal lights to be dim or non-functional. Issue occurs after recall work in some cases.
When: At 103,000 miles; one owner reports issue after speed control computer flash recall
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights do not illuminate or are very dim; Tag lights do not illuminate; Signal lights do not illuminate; Reverse lights do not come on; Rear wiper operates only in reverse or when unlocking car; Rear wiper will not turn off unless switch left in on position
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; electrical short in tailgate wiring harness suspected
Door wiring harness brittleness and failure
Driver-side door wiring harness is thin, cheap, and brittle. Wires break easily with normal door operation. Causes door lock failure and interior light flashing.
When: Reported at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Driver-side door will not lock; Interior lights flash; Vehicle beeps repeatedly; Door lock control failure
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replacement labor quoted >$500
Electrical fire (center console USB and trunk area)
Center console USB plug caught fire. One owner reports trunk area caught fire after cleaning, causing interior hatch to overheat and melt seat and storage containers. Strong electrical smell precedes fire.
When: Reported at lower mileages; one at ~2 months ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Center console USB plug overheats and ignites; Strong electrical and smoke smell; Trunk fire after electrical short; Interior hatch overheats from electrical fire; Seat and storage containers melted
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; one owner notes online mentions electrical fires linked to window switch problems
Intermittent electrical system resets and component failures
Dashboard lights, wipers, AC, heat, and radio fail or malfunction intermittently. Requires turning vehicle off and back on to restore function. Multiple resets per drive reported.
When: Reported at <40,000 miles and higher
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard lights turn off and on while driving; Radio turns up by itself; Heat/AC won't come on without vehicle reset; Wipers stop working while driving (especially in rain); Vehicle jerks during electrical reset events; Multiple resets required during single trip
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; multiple resets required by driver to maintain function
Tire pressure monitoring system malfunction
Tire pressure readings are inaccurate and fluctuate dramatically within minutes. All tire PSI values differ substantially (e.g., 39 PSI becomes 34 PSI in 5 minutes). Vehicle imbalance and rocking results.
When: Reported for 1 month duration; no mileage specified
Symptoms owners cite: Tire pressure PSI readings fluctuate by 5+ PSI in minutes; All four tires show different PSI despite being filled identically; Vehicle rocks and feels imbalanced
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented
Vehicle veering off road / steering control loss
Vehicle constantly veers off road without driver input. Nearly caused crash on expressway. Associated with electrical system malfunction.
When: Reported; no specific mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle veers off road without warning; Loss of steering control; Near-crash incidents
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented
Engine limp mode and transmission shift issues
Vehicle enters limp mode with check engine light. Transmission hesitates, fails to shift gears properly, or jumps out of gear. Vehicle stalls while in gear. One owner reports cannot shift out of park or turn off vehicle when stalled.
When: Reported at 66,000–100,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle enters limp mode; Transmission hesitates on acceleration; Transmission fails to shift or jumps out of gear; Transmission pump fails; Vehicle stalls in gear; Cannot shift out of park; Cannot turn off vehicle when stalled; Requires battery disconnect and reconnect to reset
Codes mentioned: P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor in some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple independent mechanics recommended transmission replacement; one owner reports dealership suggests trading vehicle and buying new one instead of repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software update under NHTSA Campaign 18V332000; additional repairs out of pocket
Synthesized from 65 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
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 on the vehicle still maintains it's same speed. The second issue with my vehicle is also the vehicle constantly veers…
Vehicle was stationary and remote started for about 5 minutes. We loaded up our children in the car and started smelling a strong plastic/rubber burning smell that stings in the throat. The smell was coming out of the heat vents, could be smelled outside the car and under the hood. We shut off the vehicle and I looked for the source of the burning, but didn't immediately find it. After some time…
I loose control of the windows most of the time. I had the main window control switch replaced, and the problem still did not go away, please help.
My vehicle has been stalling out while driving, to the point of the brakes lock up, once it’s in park you can’t get it out of park, or can’t get the vehicle to turn off while stalled out, literally have to disconnect the battery, and reconnect it to maybe get the car a fresh start to turn over and return power to systems. The check engine light pops on when stalled but not normally and is coding…
The door locks continue to lock even if the key fob is in the vehicle. This happens especially in the mornings when it is cold. *bf*jb
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2016 Dodge Journey?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 65 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 38 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 38,500 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 63,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 38,500; a quarter make it past 90,000. 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/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.