Home · 2016 Dodge Journey · Complaints

What 383 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Dodge Journey

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (383)Crash / fire / injury (27)Engine (113)Transmission & drivetrain (86)Electrical system (84)Brakes (52)Seats (35)Steering (34)Speed control (32)Airbags (26)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (18)Fuel system (13)

52 of 383 complaints match · Brakes · clear filters · page 1 of 3

Jul 2, 2026BrakesEngine

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-30 MPH, the engine made an abnormally loud sound. The check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had progressively worsened. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the driver's side of the cabin, underneath the steering wheel, was significantly hot while driving. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

NHTSA ODI 11748020

May 29, 2026Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemBrakes

The 2012-2015 Dodge Journey was previously subject to an NHTSA recall for an electronic stability control module defect producing similar ABS warning and brake-related symptoms. The 2016 model year was not included in that recall. Other 2016 Dodge Journey owners have reported the same symptoms to consumer complaint databases and noted the gap in recall coverage. The 2018 Dodge Journey was separately recalled for a brake caliper defect affecting braking performance. The defects I experienced on this 2016 vehicle appear consistent with a documented pattern across multiple Dodge Journey model years that may warrant extending recall coverage.

NHTSA ODI 11740795

May 21, 2026Brakes

My abs, brake and traction light came on. I ran a code reader which indicated my abs module has failed. I called my local dodge garage and they said this is a known common issue with my year make and model, and while there is a recall for dodge trucks for this, there isn't for the journey. The part is also on backorder. I have looked on many forums and many dodge journey owners also have this issue. I use this car to get my children around and to school each day. When the weather turns, my car will no longer be safe. I am urging for this abs module to be on recall so it can get fixed, as even the dodge garage i called today confirmed the part isn't readily available due to how many dodge journeys have this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11739289

Apr 22, 2026BrakesElectrical systemBackup camera & sensors

The traction control light, the service AWD light and the abs light are all on, the horn stopped working, the buttons on the steering wheel stopped working, the backup camera stopped working, the air in the back portion of the vehicle turns on randomly-and the temp to the back randomly adjusts on its own and the heated steering wheel control shuts off and doesn't work. I brought it in to the dealership to have the U49 recall completed but they said they don't have to inspect the wiring that is included into the functioning of the CAN bus system. All of these issues started within a week of each other and nothing fixes them.

NHTSA ODI 11732945

Mar 21, 2025Electrical systemBrakes

I believe the 2016 Dodge Journeys should be included in the 15V675000 recall. My passenger side floorboard was wet, mechanic changed filter but water can still be heard sloshing in the car. Since then, emergency brake, and check engine light will randomly turn on while I’m driving. The “service AWD” and “service park assist system” notice will turn on when I start my car. Now, the car is not registering as parked. I can’t turn the car on and it goes into a security mode because I get a “car not in park” notice. I have had the car serviced and checked multiple times and no codes come up. I have the brakes checked when the light ABS light flashes, no issues can be found.

NHTSA ODI 11649772

Sep 5, 2024SteeringBrakesEngine

While I was driving, my car unexpectedly lost power and the engine shut off while I was making a left hand turn. There was no warning. The steering wheel became very hard to maneuver and the car coasted through the turn. I was almost hit by incoming Traffic. Once the car came to a complete stop, I was able to put it in park and restart it after attempting twice. The first time, it sputtered. It has not been confirmed by a dealer and it has not been inspected by anyone. There were no warning lights prior to it shutting off. The radio never stopped working on either. It happens when the air is running

NHTSA ODI 11612902

May 29, 2024Speed controlBrakes

FCA US LLC PO Box 21-8004 Auburn Hills, MI 48321-8004 Mopar part #68194693AF (discontinued) VIN# 3C4PDDBG8GT[XXX] Sir or Madam, I am writing to your Company regarding the lack of availability of the ABS Control Module for my 2016 Dodge Journey. My vehicle, like those of numerous other Dodge Journey owners, has a malfunctioning ABS Control Module. Because of this malfunction, the ABS and cruise control do not work, placing me and my family in an unsafe situation. Some owners have even reported that they cannot drive their vehicles due to locked brakes resulting from this malfunction. I have tried every source in existence to find a replacement module, but I have been totally unsuccessful. Your Company's response that you are unable to maintain a complete inventory for an indefinite period of time is appalling. Several thousand Dodge Journey owners who paid tens of thousands of dollars for their vehicles deserve better support. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11591357

Mar 15, 2024Speed controlBrakes

My abs module has malfunctioned so I lost anti lock brakes traction control and cruise control. The dealership has no parts and don't know when they can them. I also have another vehicle from chrysler with same issue They have no idea when they will get parts and want me to pay up front before they order it. I find that wrong in so many ways. I called chrysler and they didn't give a darn. I asked if car was safe to drive and all I got was I don't know. I don't know about you but this is pure bs this should be a recall item I mean it's only the brake system. This a huge problem it's not just chrysler they all bought cheap Chinese parts and they don't work. You need to put a fire up [XXX] to fix this before someone dies They are putting thousands of new cars out and they rest of us can't get parts. Both of my cars have less than 80000 miles on each and right only one that can buy them is scape yard I would appreciate a response back [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11577692

Oct 20, 2023Brakes

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the traction control warning light and the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for State Inspection however, the vehicle was diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the part was on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified if the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,150.

NHTSA ODI 11550974

Jan 25, 2023AirbagsBrakesCrash

Airbags didn't deploy in head on collision and break system has a defect in the abs module

NHTSA ODI 11503536

Oct 14, 2022SteeringBrakesEngine

When driving the car will go into limp mode with no warning. When the car shuts off I have no control of steering wheel and brakes. Thus cam shaft was replaced but the issue now persists. Now the engine is stalling and caused the steering hose to bust and head gasket is blown.

NHTSA ODI 11489270

Oct 12, 2022Transmission & drivetrainBrakes

The vehicle started making a whining noise, also brake light came on, vehicle lost ability to brake in open traffic, slipping in and out of gear, vehicle loss power while driving in open traffic. This all began on or around 10/8. The engine light came on in the vehicle after which time the vehicle was no longer driven by owner as a safety precaution. On 10/11 the vehicle was diagnosed by Aamco transmissions. The mechanic advised the vehicle had experience hydraulic pressure failure, the hydraulic pump in the vehicle went out unexpectedly. The mechanic said all fluids were inspected and topped off and look well all except transmission fluid, which was described as burnt. The mechanic explained that because of the pump failure the transmission wasn’t receiving any pressure. I found an open recall not specific to my VIN but specific to 2016 Dodge Journeys that was for power train automatic transmissions. Recall number was S44. Another recall number was 16V461000. The consequences of this recall is exactly what my vehicle experienced. AAMCO also confirmed they see this a lot with my type of vehicle. My vehicle is available for inspection. My safety was gravely out at risk as I drive a lot taking my kids to basketball practice. I live in a very busy area metro Atlanta and have used the expressway often I could have loss the ability to brake at a higher speed or completely shut off in the middle of high speed traffic.

NHTSA ODI 11488895

Apr 21, 2022Electrical systemBrakes

For several month my brake light would illuminate when I would hit brakes. Then the ABS light and traction control light also came on. Took it to shop and said it was the electric stability control module and dodge journeys are known for this but it only recalls 2012-2015. Mine is a 2016. Pretty sure it should also be included in the recall, nevertheless they tried to charge me almost $600 to fix, I refused.

NHTSA ODI 11461708

Nov 15, 2021Electrical systemBrakes

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the brake pads needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the brake pads were replaced. The contact also stated that the cruise control system failed to operate as designed, and the driver’s side window failed to open as needed. The contact stated that the Navigation System was inoperable and there were also several unknown warning lights illuminated upon starting the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.

NHTSA ODI 11440520

Aug 30, 2021Electrical systemBrakesEngine

My car has many electrical problems, the power steering and today the engine burned out, I almost killed myself because the brakes did not respond to me

NHTSA ODI 11431082

Apr 13, 2021Brakes

DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT AT A LOW SPEED, NO BREAKING AND 2 SENSORS CAME ON. ANTI-LOCK BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT. NO REASON FOR THEM TO ENGAGE AND HAVE NOT TURNED OFF.

NHTSA ODI 11407935

Jan 16, 2021Electrical systemBrakesEngine

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND LOSS ALL POWER AND BRAKE CONTROL. NO WARNING LIGHTS AND NO NOTICE JUST SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING, RADIO AND LIGHTS EVERYTHING CUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING.

NHTSA ODI 11388446

Nov 23, 2020Brakes

WHEN DRIVING DOWN HILL ON THE FREEWAY ( 65 MPH OR FASTER) AND BRAKING TO SLOW THE CAR, A HEAVY VIBRATION AND WOBBLING OCCURS ON THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE ( TIRE, SUSPENSION). ALSO OCCURS WHEN CAR IS WASHED AND THE WHEEL IS WET. APPLYING BREAKS MAKES IT WOBBLE GOING AT A SLOWER SPEED, 25/35MPH

NHTSA ODI 11375969

Oct 9, 2020Transmission & drivetrainSpeed controlBrakes

PULLING TO GO UP BRIDGE OR HIGHWAY. TRACKING LIGHTS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ABS LIGHT COMES OFF AND ON. BRAKING IS HARD

NHTSA ODI 11363550

Jul 3, 2020SteeringBody & structureBrakesCrash

MY VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET WHEN SUDDENLY MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND BRAKE WERE HARD TO PUSH CAUSING ME TO SIDE SWIPE A PARKED CAR.

NHTSA ODI 11337310

Jun 9, 2020WheelsBrakes

THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE REAR ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR FAILED. MY VEHICLE HAS 26,651 MILES ON IT. THIS CAUSED ME TO HAVE TO PULL OVER ON AN INTERSTATE IN ORDER TO CHECK TO SEE WHAT WAS HAPPENING. THIS WAS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME AND I ASKED THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE BUT NO RECALLS ON IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11328013

Apr 16, 2020BrakesCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL HOWEVER, THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE POST HOLDING THE HANDICAP SIGN FOR THE PARKING SPACE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NO INJURIES AND NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKES WERE FAULTY, HOWEVER, THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI 11321312

Dec 23, 2019Brakes

HAD ABOUT 20,000 MI ON THE ODOMETER AND BRAKES START TO PULSATE VERY BAD, CAUSING LOTS OF VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. HAD DEALER CHECK BRAKES AND SHOWED LITTLE SIGNS OF WEAR ON THE PADS. THIS CONTINUED TILL I FINALLY HAD THE BRAKES AND ROTORS REPLACED WITH AFTERMARKET VENTILATED ROTORS AND NEW BRAKE PADS. AFTER ONLY 200 MILES, VEHICLE IS AGAIN VIBRATING VERY BAD ON HARD BRAKING AND STEEP INCLINES. GOING TO HAVE DEALER CHECK THE CALIBERS ON THE FRONT TO SEE IF ONE IS STICKING, WHERE BRAKES WERE CHANGED. NEVER HAD THIS OCCUR IN ANY OTHER VEHICLE WHERE THE PULSATING RETURNED AFTER REPLACING BRAKES AND ROTORS.

NHTSA ODI 11290989

Nov 7, 2019Brakes

BEEN HAVING SERIOUS INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH MY BRAKES. MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AND ABS LIGHTS WOULD COME ON SIMULTANEOUSLY AND THEN BRAKES START TO MAKE A GRINDING NOISE AS WELL AS PEDAL STARTS TO SHAKE. BROUGHT IT INTO DEALERSHIP ON 10/6/19 AS IT WAS THROWING A CODE FOR A WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. HAD THEM REPLACE THAT ALONG WITH A FULL BRAKE SYSTEM CHECK ONLY FOR IT TO START HAVING SAME ISSUES 2 WEEKS LATER. I'VE READ ONLINE OF MANY OTHER CUSTOMERS HAVING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE ONLY FOR DODGE TO SLAP A BANDAID ON IT. I HAVE 3 KIDS AND DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THEM ANYWHERE AS IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN.

NHTSA ODI 11278740

Sep 23, 2019Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemBrakes

TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ON AND ABS LIGHT ON CONSTANTLY. CUSTOMER COMPLAINT OF VEHICLE NOT STOPPING AND ABS ACTIVATE PULSE FELT IN BRAKE PEDAL. WHEEL SPEED SENSOR GIVING A FAULT CODE WAS REPLACED BUT STILL HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. HOOKED UP SNAP-ON SCANNER AND FOUND COMMUNICATION ISSUES FROM ABS TO TCM TO ECU SO A DATA LINE MOST LIKELY A CULPRIT. VEHICLE HAS 75K MILES. ATTACHED IS A SCAN REPORT OF THE CODES FOUND ON VEHICLE. THIS SEEMS TO BE COMMON ON MANY OF THE SAME VEHICLES. WILL REPORT FINDINGS ONCE CUSTOMER AGREES TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE. I'M THINKING A FAULTY ABS MODULE OR WIRING TO ABS AND FAULTING OUT THE DATA COMMUNICATION LINE CAUSING DATA LOSS BETWEEN OTHER MODULES IN THE SYSTEM.

NHTSA ODI 11257265

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Working with the data? Download all 383 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 20, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2016 Dodge Journey verdict →