The Dodge Journey is a 7-seater SUV with three-row seating launched in 2009. It is a reliable SUV and famous because of its powerful six-cylinder engine, up-to-the-mark handling, third-row seating, and stylish exterior. However, people face multiple issues with their models, affecting comfortable driving.
Why Is The Dodge Journey So Bad? Dodge Journey is so bad because of AWD issues, random deployment of AHR, corroded valve stem, TIPM failure, insufficient cargo space, use of low-quality plastic, power loss, water leakages, whining noise from the power steering pump, head gasket damage, engine overheating, and poor brake performance.
I also planned to purchase its 2012 model, but my friend stopped me from buying this SUV because of its low reliability and multiple problems. He told me you can select a highly reliable vehicle from another brand at the same price.
Heavy vehicle
People usually do not like Dodge Journey because of its heavier weight. Lightweight SUVs are common nowadays because of their better performance and easy handling.
Heavier vehicles do not give good performance because of their low fuel economy. The engine generates more power to drag the heavier counterparts and increase the fuel consumption.
Moreover, it is difficult for drivers to maintain the grip and control over the steering wheel.
AWD issues
Dodge Journey contains all-wheel drive, which is beneficial for driving on slippery and snowy roads. Front and rear differentials supply the power to the front and rear wheels for their spinning.
Many drivers complained that AWD only functions on the road lightly covered with snow. You can face wheel skidding issues while driving on thick, snowy roads.
All-wheel drive is less efficient because of the problems of power terrain and transmission components.
Random deployment of AHR
It is equipped with an active headrest restraint system to reduce the chances of injury during rear-end collision. Many drivers face the issue of random deployment of the AHR system while driving.
AHR failure problem is common in vehicles launched from 2014 to 2018. My friend had the Dodge Journey 2017, and he faced the same issue.
He told me he was driving on a highway with his family, and the head restraint system was deployed suddenly without any rear-end collision.
The headrest deploys suddenly because of broken pins and hinge pieces that are used to hold the headrest. These can break because of their age and prolonged tension on these parts.
In addition, the system also contains sensors that allow the headrest deployment after detecting rear-end collision. These sensors can also malfunction and cause unexpected deployment.
Corroded valve stem
The corroded valve stem issue came in the 2017 model of Dodge Journey. The valve stem is the wheel’s main component, and its assembly keeps the air inside. In addition, it contains an opening that allows you to add and remove air from the wheels.
It is essential to ensure safe driving conditions by keeping the tires inflated. Corrosion can come on these parts because of exposure to road debris, including road salt, mud, grime, and dirt.
These road elements react with the metal part and trigger the oxidation reaction. Corrosion can also damage the tires’ rubber and cause their premature degradation.
TIPM failure
TIPM is a totally integrated power module that controls the functioning of several electric components, including power relays, fuses, and relay boxes.
TIPM failure is common in Dodge Journey SUVs manufactured between 2009 and 2015. TIPM failure affects the functioning of various electric components in your SUV.
Many people complain that the fuel pump in their vehicle is not functioning properly because of TIPM failure and insufficient power supply.
Insufficient cargo space
Its interior is roomier, providing a comfortable experience for the passengers sitting in the second and third rows. However, it has limited cargo space when you open the third-row seats.
It only provides sufficient cargo space when you fold down the rear seats. Many people do not consider these reliable because of insufficient cargo space.
I also planned the road trip with my high school friends last year. We tried to adjust our bags in the cargo area but could not because of limited space. We folded the rear seats to arrange our luggage.
Low-quality plastic
Its interior components are also vulnerable to wear and tear because of low-quality manufacturing material. You have to spend thousands of dollars to repair their damaged parts, which is not a budget-friendly option.
The issue comes because of the manufacturing fault and the use of low-quality plastic material for interior parts. Plastic chipping problems near door panels, steering wheel, and dashboard can be seen.
In addition, the dashboard is also vulnerable to fading because of the low-quality material. I also faced this problem in my SUV a few years back, and I thought it came because of outside parking and direct UV light exposure. I started parking my vehicle inside, but the problem remained the same.
Water leakage
Many drivers have reported water leakage issues in past years. The water leakage problem is significant in Dodge Journey models launched from 2009 to 2018.
It can also affect your driving experience because of increased humidity and moisture in the interior cabin. Floor carpets become wet because of water leakages and disturbs the internal temperature.
You can face this problem because of damaged seals of door panels, headliners, and vents.
Whining noise from the power steering pump
I was driving my 2015 Dodge Journey and suddenly heard the whining noise from the power steering wheel. I became worried and parked my vehicle on the side because I thought it was coming from the engine or wheels.
I inspected these, but there was no issue, so I started driving again. I heard the whining noise again while moving the steering wheel, and it also felt heavy.
I checked the steering wheel fluid levels, and those were low. I realized the grinding noise was due to increased friction between the steering parts. I added the steering fluid according to the recommended levels. However, you can also hear this noise because of contaminated steering wheel fluid, which needs replacement.
Engine issues
People also experience multiple engine issues in Dodge’s journey. You can face sudden power loss issues because of loose fixing of crankshaft position sensors that cannot measure the rotational speed and send signals to the engine.
Crankshaft position sensor failure is common in the 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2016 models. Check engine lights with respective error codes also come on your screen to represent an issue in a particular component. Moreover, engine overheating issues are common because of damaged head gaskets.
Damaged head gaskets cause coolant leaking in the engine compartment, which leads to overheating.
Poor brake performance
Brakes are the essential parts of vehicles to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers on the road. Dodge Journey is not reliable because of its poor braking performance.
Less efficient braking systems also increase the stopping distance and collision chances. In addition, you can also face vibratory movement and pulsation while pressing the brake pedal.
The issue comes because of damaged and dirty brake rotors. Braking system problems are common in these SUVs’ 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2016 models.
Malfunction remote keyless entry system
A remote keyless entry system is highly convenient, which allows you to open the SUV door without inserting the manual key in the lock.
You can lock and unlock your Dodge Journey by pressing the key fob button. The keyless entry system relies on radio signals for better performance.
Sometimes, remotes become irresponsive because of the interruption of radio signals and software issues. A malfunctioned key fob does not allow you to open your vehicle. That’s why many people consider it cheap and a bad vehicle.
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