Home · 2017 Dodge Journey · Complaints

What 196 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 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 (196)Crash / fire / injury (22)Electrical system (59)Engine (43)Transmission & drivetrain (31)Airbags (29)Seats (19)Speed control (19)Brakes (15)Fuel system (15)Steering (15)Seat belts (8)

Newest first · 196 complaints · page 2 of 8

Jan 9, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

Transmission is going out car has been taken care of it started over heating and you can feel it switching gears! Taken to shop was told Transmission needs to be replaced

NHTSA ODI 11635019

Oct 29, 2024SteeringTransmission & drivetrainElectrical system

I’ve had to replace the thermostat 4 times in 6 months, PTO was just repaired and now it fails to accelerate past 2000 rpm, transmission is clunking when shifting. I just got my car back from the Chrysler dealership.

NHTSA ODI 11622418

Sep 27, 2024Steering

2021 Tires had wear. Was told Rack and Pinion was out needed to be replaced. Should not drive due to possible loss of steering. Repairs with parts from Dodge. 2024 Ties had wear. Was told Rack and Pinion needed to be replaced. Should not drive due to possible loss of steering.

NHTSA ODI 11616941

Aug 30, 2024

The driver side Active Head Rest deployed while driving on the highway striking me in the back of the head. Luckily it did not cause any accidents or injuries.

NHTSA ODI 11611796

Aug 20, 2024Engine & coolingFire

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the instrument cluster was flickering, and the vehicle stopped. The contact pulled over and noticed smoke. The contact opened the hood and detected a fire. The contact extinguished the fire with some water he had. There were two unknown warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, a police report, or an air bag deployment. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11609733

Aug 4, 2024Electrical systemDriver assistance

I bought my 2017 dodge journey new in 2017 about 2mouths ago I start having problems with my windows now going up or down , I bought a new window switch and still didn’t work .i notice broken wires in the driver side wire harness,I believe this s a safety issue and needs to be addressed immediately thanks .

NHTSA ODI 11606359

Aug 3, 2024Airbags

Passenger head rest deployed for no reason. If someone was in the seat they would have got severe whiplash. It was a broken plastic piece inside the headrest. This is a common occurrence. There were no warnings. I kept the part in case it needs to be inspected. Definitely a manufacturers defect that needs to be addressed before someone gets hurt

NHTSA ODI 11606285

Jul 22, 2024Service Brakes, AirTransmission & drivetrainSpeed control

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the service AWD, ABS, and cruise control warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the same independent mechanic for the failure; however, the cause of the failure was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired because a permanent remedy had not been determined, and several unknown parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11603749

Jul 2, 2024Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemSpeed control

So on 7/1/24 our vehicle started overheating some. And then we had the check engine light to come on along with another light that looks like a lightning bolt inside an inside out parenthesis. So I research the symbol and it came back as an issue with the Electric Throttle Control which is also means there is a problem with the electric parking brake. And then a mesage came on that said OIL TEMP HIGH SPEED MAY BE LIMITED. And then it started smoking really bad under the hood. So i researched some more and found out back in 2018 there was a recall on the same issue that was completed on September 23rd 2018.

NHTSA ODI 11598223

Jun 18, 2024SuspensionFuel system

Severe shaking at 60mph and above. Numerous attempts to correct the issue through dealership, private mechanics with balancing and high speed balancing did not correct the issue. It was determined through several mechanics that the ABS Module is no longer working and could contribute to the shaking of the vehicle. The dealership advised the manufacturer does not make these parts anymore. I tried purchasing a rebuilt ABS and it did not work as it was not compatible with my VIN. This is the second Dodge Journey I have owned and both have had the shaking issue. My automatic braking system and cruise control will no longer work as a result of the ABS failure, which makes this very dangerous to drive. I only have around 90,000 miles on this car and planned to keep it long term, but finding that I cannot get parts. I have also always had many problems with the fuel system. The light goes on all the time for the fuel cap even when it is on. The dealership advised it is the closure for the fuel tank that keeps having an issue. I smell fuel inside my car as soon as I turn it off after driving.

NHTSA ODI 11595033

Jun 14, 2024Electrical system

Back up camera on the dash gose black when vehicle is in reverse which violation of motor vehicle standard for operation called dealer no recalls on my 17 but for 18 and up

NHTSA ODI 11594413

Jun 13, 2024Brakes

Engine light came on. ABS light on. Red lightning bolt light came on. Car running very rough with diminishing power. Local mechanic said take it to the dealer. Took it to the dealer and it was repaired. Noted that there is a recall for RAM trucks with same problem but none for the Journey.

NHTSA ODI 11594221

May 29, 2024Electrical systemLightsSpeed control

Pull over police officer stated said lights are to dim to be driving at night told me I need to have my lights checked out. While driving about 60- 62 mph the vehicle just shut down without warning trying push the accelerator it would not go no further stuck on interstate with emergency blinkers if could of cause bad accident or someone could of hit me without warning. Dodge journey I need some assistance with my vehicle Opposite site Interstate

NHTSA ODI 11591423

May 25, 2024Electrical system

The actuator for cabin air engages when vehicle is completely off. This is due to a short in the electrical system, causing the actuator to function when power is directly applied. This could cause the electrical system to overheat and cause a fire.

NHTSA ODI 11590724

May 9, 2024Electrical systemSpeed controlCrash1 injury

The contact owned a 2017 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the instrument panel began to behave erratically, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, prompting her to attempt to quickly veer to the shoulder of the roadway. As a result, the contact was sideswiped by another vehicle on the driver's side. The air bags did not deploy. All warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact transported herself to an area hospital and was treated for a nondescript injury to her right shoulder. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V332000 (Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control), and the VIN was included, and parts were available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 173,000.

NHTSA ODI 11587900

May 1, 2024Electrical systemFuel system

IN THE MIDST OF DRIVING THE RED ELECTRIC LIGHTNING BOLT SIGNAL STARTED FLASHING, SECONDS LATER THE NON-SLIPPERY SIGNAL CAME ON AND THEN THE CAR STARTED SHAKING/RATTLING. THE GAS PEDAL BECAME HARD TO PRESS AND MY CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET, FORCING ME TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET WITH MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON AND TURNING THE CAR OFF.

NHTSA ODI 11586375

Feb 27, 2024Electrical systemEngineFuel system

The vehicle shuts off while driving. It has occurred 6 times over the course of a year. It results in a total loss of power, steering, brakes creating a very unsafe scenario. It has happened 5 times while doing above 35 mph and in one case above 50 mph and resulting in one missed stop sign. This creates a tremendous level of anxiety. I have taken it in on four occasions to reputable repair facilities Christian brothers automotive for repair three times soon to be four times and CarMax once. Three times I was turned away with no help only inspection fees. The fourth time Christian brothers replaced cam shaft sensors only to have another incident while driving 40mph down the road. Thankfully I was able to stop safely and now I have another appointment scheduled for service. I feel like there is a safety miss on this vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11574229

Feb 7, 2024Electrical systemAirbagsBrakes

The car lost power and wouldn't speed up. Could have been rear ended. We had the abs light come on,the traction control light on, the air bag light on and a few more I didn't recognize they came on and went out so fast. Had to pull over and restart the car.

NHTSA ODI 11570459

Dec 27, 2023Transmission & drivetrainEngineFuel system

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 thing! Its so dangerous especially when pulling out from a stop sign or a highway into flowing traffic. Sometimes My car will accelerate Great! Mostly its slow and harsh when im on the throttle. Only stops when I release the gas petal or floor it... NOT SAFE The dealership

NHTSA ODI 11562119

Dec 22, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The transmission went out. You would hit gas, hear engine but wouldn’t go anywhere.

NHTSA ODI 11561440

Dec 17, 2023Engine

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 certain year. I have kids and need my car.

NHTSA ODI 11560503

Nov 13, 2023Visibility & wipers

Throttle system gave out in 2018. Had the system replaced. Throttle light is still coming on and will lose pressure. And the rear back windshield wiper will not go all the way down. And heating/cooling system is not working properly in the front part of the SUV. Or in the back

NHTSA ODI 11554771

Nov 4, 2023Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemSpeed control

As I was driving in March 2023 every light on the dashboard came on in the car. The car started shaking, the engine was very loud, the car speed slowed down than stopped, as I pressed the gas the car would not accelerate. After the car was parked overnight it started than I drove it to a Dodge dealership for repair, after being at the dealership for 7 days nothing was found by the technician to be wrong, the problem never happened while it was at the dealership, so I took the car. While driving the car for 7 months after the issue when I would drive up hills, I would have to completely press down on the gas to make it up the smallest hills. I didn't have any other issues until November 3, 2023, I was driving down the street and the same thing happened again. All the dashboard lights came on the car started shaking and the car speed slowed down eventually stopping.

NHTSA ODI 11553605

Sep 12, 2023Seats

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, she observed that the driver's side seat headrest had detached from the seat, potentially compromising safety in the event of a collision. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.

NHTSA ODI 11544168

Sep 7, 2023Electrical system

My ac or radio will turn on when ever it wants. I can turn my stuff off up to 18 times in a day. I have no control over my units front or back. I have spoken to neighbors co workers and strangers who have the same car. Every last person I have talked to is having the same issue with this car. I have taken my car while it was under warranty to have the issue taken care of. They will not do anything since they don't witnes it happening. This should definitely be a recal.

NHTSA ODI 11543101

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Working with the data? Download all 196 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 2017 Dodge Journey verdict →