Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - Feb 28, 2019 VF. - Only use R8453637
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Dodge Journey powertrain problems
moderate 28 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
28
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 28 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 Dodge Journey, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 28 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - 2018 VF. - Only use R8453637A$ for 2
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - 2018 VF. - Only use R8453637A$ for 2
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - 2018 VF. - Only use R8453637A$ for 2
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - 2018 VF. - Only use R8453637A$ for 2
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a 2017 Journey powertrain that's unreliable from the start. Fuel pumps lose pressure and fail completely, causing stalling without warning—and when replaced under warranty, the new pump fails again within weeks while parts sit back-ordered. Crankshaft position sensors trigger intermittent stalling that can go 100+ stalls before throwing a code, and one owner's inspection found sensor wires cut and twisted together at the factory, eight inches from the connector.
Transmissions shift hard or won't shift at all; some take minutes for reverse to engage, others make burning smells after hills. One owner paid $2,100 for a repair that didn't stick. Another reported the same transmission issue recurring three times.
Hesitation and jerking during acceleration persist after dealer diagnostics and PCM updates. Engine knock indicates cylinder defects that manufacturer has recalled under different recalls (W80, W84) on other models but refuses to cover on the Journey. Dashboard lights come on together, engine shakes violently, and the car loses power or becomes so sluggish on hills that full throttle is needed to climb small grades.
Less common but equally troubling: a driveshaft detached from the rear axle; an oil filter housing leaks persistently with a 40,000-unit back-order; an AC compressor won't turn off and poses a fire hazard; a gear shifter moves by itself while driving. Assembly defects include missing freon and drive shaft gaskets.
Same Dodge Journey powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Fuel pump pressure loss & failure
Fuel pump loses pressure or fails completely, causing stalling and no-start conditions. Owners report multiple replacements within weeks, with parts going back-ordered.
When: 23,500–85,000 miles; intermittent across all driving conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning during driving; Vehicle won't start after stalling; Fuel pump pressure drops; Fuel pump fails after recent replacement
Codes mentioned: P0171 (O2 sensor related)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump module and fuel pressure module replaced under goodwill warranty; replacements failed within 2 weeks. Cost ~$273 for diagnostics at owner's expense.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin #18-078-17 and PCM Update #181906SZ applied; deemed vehicle functioning as designed. Fuel pump replaced under goodwill but repeated failure occurred.
Crankshaft position sensor failure & wiring defect
Crankshaft position sensor fails, often without throwing a code initially. In at least one case, wiring harness inspection revealed sensor wires cut and twisted together at the factory.
When: 23,500–29,500 miles; stalling intermittent across 6,000+ miles before code appeared
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent stalling at all speeds and driving conditions; No diagnostic code for extended mileage (100+ stalls); Traction light comes on during stall event; Brakes may not work intermittently after stall
Codes mentioned: P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor)
Repairs/costs cited: Sensor replaced; connector fit poorly with replacement sensor. Later inspection found crankshaft position wires cut and twisted together approximately 8 inches from connector—indicating a production defect. No permanent fix reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None mentioned; dealership unable to duplicate problem without a code.
Transmission hard shifts, slipping, & failure
Transmission exhibits hard or delayed shifts, slipping, jerking, and complete loss of power. Multiple owners report returning for repeat repairs of the same issue within weeks.
When: Under 1,200 miles to 85,000+ miles; issues persist or recur after repair
Symptoms owners cite: Hard or jerky shifting; Reverse takes minutes to engage or doesn't work; Transmission won't shift at all; Burning smell after hill climbing; Sluggish takeoff; Engine spins but vehicle won't move; Transmission overheats
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple repair attempts reported; some owners took 1.5 weeks for initial repair, then same issue recurred. One owner reported $2,100 transmission repair cost. No permanent fix achieved in reported cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or service bulletins mentioned; dealers perform repairs but issues return.
Engine knock / cylinder defect (2.4L motor)
Engine knock noise indicates internal engine damage. Manufacturer has issued recalls (W80, W84) for cylinder O-ring defects on E4 and E6 motors used in Jeeps and Chryslers, but refuses to cover the same issue on 2017 Journey E5 motors.
When: Engine knock present at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knocking noise
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement needed. Manufacturer communication 9003357 and NHTSA ID #10138863 confirm cylinder O-ring defect is a known issue, but dealer refuses repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer has recalled W80 and W84 motors for cylinder O-ring defects but refuses to include E5 motors in same recall despite identical defect.
Hesitation, surging, & drivability issues
Vehicle hesitates, surges, jerks, and loses power during acceleration. Symptoms appear intermittently and persist after dealer diagnostics and PCM reprogramming.
When: Early in ownership; around 40 mph; intermittent across all speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation at 40 mph; Jerking and convulsing during acceleration; Acceleration then deceleration cycle; Slow and harsh throttle response; Engine jerking while driving; Loss of power
Codes mentioned: P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor), Camshaft Position Sensor Bank 1
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to locate fault. PCM reprogrammed to latest software; hesitation persisted. Camshaft position sensors replaced; issue recurred within 24 hours. Condition described as dangerous when pulling from stop or highway merge.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: PCM update available but did not resolve issue. Dealer directed owner to contact Chrysler directly.
Dashboard warning lights & limp mode
All dashboard lights illuminate simultaneously, accompanied by shaking, loud engine noise, and loss of power. Vehicle may stop completely or require extreme throttle input on hills.
When: March 2023 and November 2023; affects driving performance for months between incidents
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard lights come on at once; Engine shaking and loud noise; Vehicle speed slows then stops; Engine won't accelerate; Difficulty climbing hills—requires full throttle for small hills; Check engine light
Codes mentioned: Electric Throttle Control issue implied, OIL TEMP HIGH SPEED MAY BE LIMITED message displayed
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership kept vehicle 7 days, found nothing wrong. Problem did not reproduce at dealer. Owner continued driving with intermittent issues for 7 months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: A 2018 recall addressed the same electric throttle control issue (recall completed September 23, 2018); unclear if 2017 model covered or if recall applied to this vehicle.
Gear shifter moves independently
Gear shifter moves on its own while driving without driver input. Occurs multiple times over vehicle's operation.
When: 7,000–20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifter moves without warning or driver input; Occurs while driving at various speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; dealer not contacted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but no assistance provided.
Driveshaft detachment
Driveshaft detaches from rear axle while driving, necessitating towing and dealer inspection.
When: 85,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Driveshaft detaches from rear axle
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealer but not repaired per complaint narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but no resolution reported.
Oil filter housing leak
Persistent oil leak from oil filter housing. Dealer reports 40,000 back-order queue and indefinite wait times. Repair cost is $700; part not yet recalled.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Persistent oil leak from housing
Repairs/costs cited: $700 repair cost. Dealer advises owner to refill oil indefinitely rather than replace part. 40,000 units back-ordered; replacement timeline indefinite.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Part may eventually be recalled but is not yet. No assistance offered.
AC compressor malfunction & electrical hazard
Air conditioning compressor turns on automatically regardless of user input and won't stay off. Dealer describes as electrical issue with potential fire hazard.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: AC turns on by itself repeatedly; AC won't stay off; Electrical issue confirmed
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided. Dealer gave no timeline for service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None; dealership communication described as run-around.
Transmission oil pump defect
Transmission oil pump is faulty. Manufacturer issued recalls on previous model years for the same defect but 2017 model appears affected.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission oil pump failure
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalled on previous years; status unclear for 2017.
Assembly defects: freon not added, missing gaskets, transmission leak
Multiple assembly-line defects documented: freon omitted from engine cooling system, missing drive shaft gaskets, transmission leak.
When: 8,000 miles (early in ownership)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle hesitates and lacks power; Transmission leak; Drive shaft leak
Repairs/costs cited: Freon added at dealer. Transmission leak and drive shaft gaskets repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; repairs completed.
Synthesized from 28 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
I bought my 2017 Dodge Journey in September 2021, as I was driving home I noticed an issue with acceleration. I would have my foot on the throttle and the vehicle would seemingly convulse, like accelerate then bow down and repeat. I brought It back to the dealership and they kept it for a week and returned my vehicle stating they couldn't figure out the issue. to this day it still does the same…
The transmission went out. You would hit gas, hear engine but wouldn’t go anywhere.
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Dodge journey. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and the transmission temperature gauge indicated that it was too hot to start. The contact stated that it could take ten to thirty minutes for the vehicle to cool down. The contact stated that the failure occurred five times intermittently. The vehicle was taken to smoky mountain Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2017 Dodge Journey?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 28 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 20,000 and 57,300 miles, with the median around 29,660. A quarter of owners report trouble before 20,000; a quarter make it past 57,300. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.