STARTER - ENGINE
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Dodge Journey engine problems
severe 19 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 19 engine complaints filed for the 2017 Dodge Journey, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
Suspected engine coolant leak.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Water Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY review and follow instructions from the latest STAR Online S1809000007 available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet O-ring and gaskets (seals kit in SOL above). 3) Re-install the OFA. For 2023MY and beyond use black O-ring. For 2022MY and prior use red O-ring. Note: When replacing OFA, it may be necessary to transfer the Oil Temp/Pressure Sensor from the old OFA to the new OFA.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report the 2017 Dodge Journey experiencing unexpected engine stalling at speeds ranging from 25 to 80 MPH, sometimes repeatedly on the same vehicle (up to 6–7 times in one case). The engine shuts down without warning, causing loss of motive power and power steering. Some cases involved clicking sounds or smoke before failure. Multiple independent mechanics and dealers diagnosed engine replacement as necessary, but several vehicles were never repaired due to cost or dealer inability to read diagnostic codes. Dealers have told owners the fault codes are unreadable or no codes exist despite clear failure.
Two serious engine fires were reported—one vehicle burst into flames and burned to the ground at 60,000 miles; another experienced a fire in the engine bay at 44,000 miles that required manual extinguishing. The manufacturers in these cases provided no diagnosis or assistance.
Oil cooler and filter housing failures appear around 74,000–93,000 miles, causing oil to pool under the engine and leak onto the transmission. One dealer had the oil filter adapter on backorder with no ETA for replacement parts.
Catalytic converter codes light up the Check Engine Light and cause hesitation during acceleration. Owners point out that 2011–2016 Dodge Journey models have been recalled for identical catalytic converter faults, but the 2017 model year is excluded despite identical complaints. Some households report the same code appearing on multiple 2017 Journeys simultaneously.
Same Dodge Journey engine reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling / loss of power while driving
Engine shuts down unexpectedly during operation, sometimes repeatedly. Contact loses motive power and propulsion but may retain electrical function (lights, brakes). Some cases involved clicking sounds before failure or smoke from engine compartment.
When: Various speeds (25–80 MPH); mileage 10,000–122,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuts off without warning; Loss of engine power mid-drive; Smoke from engine compartment; Clicking sound from engine before stall; Engine loss of power on highway at speed; Repeated stalling (6–7 times reported on one vehicle); Vehicle may restart after short delay
Codes mentioned: P0456 (mentioned in narrative #5; EVAP system), Unknown codes reported but not readable in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple shops diagnosed engine replacement as needed; some vehicles not repaired due to cost or dealer inability to read codes; one starter replacement performed (narrative #4)
Engine oil cooler failure / oil leak
Oil leaks from engine oil cooler or filter housing, requiring frequent top-offs. Oil accumulates on top of transmission. Filters and adapter components fail or remain on backorder.
When: Mileage 74,000–93,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pooling under engine; Oil level dropping within days of service; Oil leaking onto transmission; Warning lights (generic) illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Oil cooler replacement needed (narratives #3, #6); oil filter housing failure diagnosed (narrative #6). Adapter for oil filter on backorder with unknown ETA.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in narrative #3 but offered no assistance; no response in narrative #6
Engine fire
Engine compartment fire or complete vehicle fire. One vehicle burst into flames and burned to the ground; another had visible fire in the engine bay requiring manual extinguishing.
When: Mileage 44,000 and 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from under hood or front end; Instrument cluster flickering before fire; Abnormal noise from engine compartment; Fire in engine bay or total vehicle fire; Flame and smoke visible
Codes mentioned: Two unknown warning lights reported in one case
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles not repaired or diagnosed; one burned completely and was destroyed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted in narrative #7 but provided no assistance; no contact in narrative #10
Catalytic converter malfunction / emissions codes
Check Engine Light illuminates for catalytic converter issues; vehicle hesitates and loses power during acceleration. Owners report same codes appearing on multiple vehicles and note prior-year Journey models have been recalled for identical issues but 2017 model year is excluded.
When: Low mileage (under 17,000 miles in one case); multiple cases across mileage range
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine Light illumination; Hesitation during acceleration; Loss of power when accelerating; Gas cap light followed by Check Engine Light; Codes repeatedly clear at dealership but reappear
Codes mentioned: P0456 (EVAP small leak; narrative #5), Catalytic converter codes (narratives #11, #13, #15, #16, #19)
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replacement quoted at $800+ (narrative #11). Multiple owners report identical codes on multiple 2017 Journeys in same household.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Prior model years (2011–2016) have recalls for catalytic converter; 2017 model year not included in recall despite owner complaints
Starter defect
Push-button start feature hesitates or does not respond reliably. Vehicle stalls and smoke appears from engine compartment during starting issues.
When: Mileage 70,000
Symptoms owners cite: Push button start hesitates when pressed; Vehicle shuts off unexpectedly after restart attempts; Smoke from engine during start problems
Repairs/costs cited: Defective starter replaced (narrative #4)
EVAP system malfunction
Evaporative emissions system produces fault codes and warning lights; owner reports issue is common across Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler models and should be treated as a recall.
When: Low mileage (under 17,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Gas cap light and Check Engine Light appearing together; P0456 code (small EVAP leak) repeating 4 times in 2 months; Code clears at dealership but recurs; Engine acts sluggish when code is active
Codes mentioned: P0456
Repairs/costs cited: Code repeatedly clears at dealership; no lasting repair documented
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
My engine light came on my vehicle and the dealership says it’s a catalytic converter problem and I need a new one. That part apparently is recalled on other vehicles but not on mine for the year 2017. But other vehicles are having issues with that part as well and the dealership says the manufacturer should pay for it since it’s recalled but the manufacturer told me no due to not being in a…
Tl* the contact owned a 2017 Dodge journey. While driving at an unknown speed, an abnormal noise was heard and smoke appeared from the front end of the vehicle. The contact coasted over to the side of the road and the occupants exited the vehicle. Afterwards, the vehicle burst into flames and burned to the ground. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle…
Had engine trouble with your 2017 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 engine problem on the 2017 Dodge Journey?
It's a meaningful issue. 19 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 32,543 and 74,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 32,543; a quarter make it past 74,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/2017/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.