Which Years Of Used Dodge Journeys Are Most Reliable?
The Dodge Journey is a unique, mid-size crossover SUV manufactured for twelve years between 2008 and 2020. If you’re interested in saving money, a used version is ideal. However, it’s tricky to determine which year is the most dependable selection for your money. You might wonder - what is the most reliable year Dodge Journey offers customers?
If you want to push your dollar as far as it will go, it’s ideal to land on the most dependable year for a used Dodge Journey. Although there’s a ton of information, we’ve narrowed down the critical portions for your car-hunting needs. Read on to learn more about the most reliable year Dodge Journey, the least reliable selection, and anything else you should know.
THE DODGE JOURNEY YEARS TO AVOID
If you’re going to spend money on a car, it should be a great one that will last. Read on to learn more about which Dodge Journey years to avoid and which one to look at as a potential future investment.
Most Reliable Years For The Dodge Journey
Drivers enjoy staying behind the wheel of the Dodge Journey because it provides a unique mid-size SUV experience with plenty of storage space for adventures out in the world. Although it’s a little heavier than other compact cars, it’s a great ride. We’ve located the most dependable years for the Journey to help you on your way.
Here are the best options for the Journey on the used market today:
- 2015 Dodge Journey
- 2016 Dodge Journey
- 2017 Dodge Journey
- 2018 Dodge Journey
- 2019 Dodge Journey
If you’re searching for the most reliable year Dodge Journey offers, go with one of these five for your next investment.
These years prove themselves reliable again and again, boasting minimal repairs and few customer complaints. They won’t cost too much time and money to keep in one piece.
If you want to get the most out of your money, it’s ideal to go with the best year for your vehicle. However, it’s also vital to know the general reliability of the model. How does the Journey stack up when considering all years?
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Are Dodge Journeys Generally Reliable?
The more dependable the vehicle, the less you will spend on repairs and the more time you will have to go places you want. Let’s examine the general reliability of the Dodge Journey when considering all available years.
The Dodge Journey struggles a little in reliability. According to withclutch.com, the Journey scores a 40, placing it low in reliability. It’s one of the lowest Dodge options, tied with the Dodge Caliber for last place amidst their other vehicles.
It’s ideal to get a second opinion on any review. According to repairpal.com, the Journey scores ⅘, placing it above average for mid-size SUVs and putting it sixth out of twenty-six other mid-size options. It’s a decent performer here.
The annual repair cost for the Dodge Journey is $562, slightly below the average for similar vehicles. If there is a need for a sudden and unexpected repair, there is a 12% chance it will be severe, 1% lower than the average for similar cars on the market.
Those behind the wheel of the Dodge Journey should anticipate bringing it to the repair shop for unexpected fixes .3 times a year. Again, this number is lower than the average of .4 for mid-size vehicles. Although the Journey has its faults, it’s a reliable choice when you have the ideal year.
Which Dodge Journey Years Are The Least Reliable?
Considering the most reliable years naturally brings us to the least reliable selections for the Dodge Journey. These cars boasted the most flaws, costing owners precious time and money to take care of the errors and get their vehicles back on the road.
Here are the least reliable selections for the Dodge Journey in today’s market:
- 2009 Dodge Journey
- 2010 Dodge Journey
- 2011 Dodge Journey
- 2012 Dodge Journey
If you’re looking for the most reliable year Dodge Journey offers interested drivers, stay away from these choices at all costs to avoid serious expenses.
There were several significant issues in these years. A few of the most prominent included brake troubles, interior accessory faults, malfunctioning remote keyless entry issues, and interior water leaks, to name a few.
It was most common to see customer complaints in these years. However, some general issues often show up in the Dodge Journey. Before buying a used version of this vehicle, it’s helpful to know what you will face.
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What Are The Most Common Issues With A Dodge Journey?
Interested in a used Dodge Journey? One of the many ways to ensure a smoother ownership experience is to know about the potential issues and reported problems you may encounter with a used Journey, including:
1. Engine Overheating Problems
Engine overheating is a common and serious issue in Dodge Journey models from 2009 to 2016. This problem usually arises around 78,000 miles and is often due to debris blocking the primary thermostat housing’s cylinder head coolant port. Early signs include the vehicle’s temperature light turning on, but it can escalate to significant power loss and coolant leaks. These issues can lead to overheating and potential engine damage. Owners should have their vehicles checked by a mechanic for debris removal or thermostat housing replacement if they notice these symptoms.
2. Faulty Transmission
Transmission problems were a significant concern for several Journey years including 2009 and 2014, often appearing as early as 15,000 miles. Owners have described the transmission as stiff and erratic, with abnormal clunking sounds during gear shifts. Despite releasing multiple technical service bulletins (TSBs), many owners have found that the issues persist. If you experience transmission problems, it’s essential to consult a professional mechanic to address these concerns.
3. Remote Keyless Entry Malfunctions
The remote keyless entry system in Dodge Journey models from 2009 to 2017 is notorious for its frequent malfunctions. Owners have reported issues starting around 66,000 miles, such as the system failing to detect the key fob, preventing the doors from locking or unlocking, and even causing the vehicle to fail to start. Although there is no definitive cause, a wireless ignition node (WIN) software upgrade may help resolve these issues. This malfunction can be particularly inconvenient, impacting the vehicle’s security and usability.
4. Persistent Water Intrusion in the Cabin
From 2009 to 2018, many Dodge Journey owners have faced the frustrating problem of water leaks inside the cabin. This issue often manifests around 58,000 miles and can make the driving experience quite uncomfortable. Water accumulates under the driver’s seat and in the vehicle’s rear, soaking the floor and carpets. The leaks are typically found around windows, headliners, and vents. To prevent further damage, it’s crucial to identify and seal these leaks as soon as they appear.
5. Premature Brake Wear
Brake issues are a menace for 2009-2010 Dodge Journey models, with many owners reporting premature brake wear around 33,000 miles. This issue often necessitates frequent replacements of brake discs, calipers, rotors, and pads, which can become quite costly—up to $400 per replacement. Unfortunately, many owners have reported that Dodge did not cover these repairs, leading to significant out-of-pocket expenses.
6. Electrical Starting Issues
Electrical problems in the 2009 Dodge Journey can cause the engine to fail to start, typically occurring around 60,000 miles. Some owners have reported that their vehicles would not start at all and had to resort to towing. Additionally, there have been instances where the car shuts off while driving, posing a severe safety risk.
Replacing the starter motor or key fob might resolve the issue, but it’s not a guaranteed fix. The 2009 model is also known for faulty wiring, which has prompted multiple recalls due to the risk of fire. Owners of affected vehicles should take them to a dealership for free recall-related repairs.
7. Head Gasket Failures
The 2014 Dodge Journey, in particular, has been plagued with head gasket problems. These issues can start as minor performance hiccups but quickly escalate to severe engine damage or complete failure. Owners have reported experiencing leaky or blown head gaskets around 100,000 miles. Conducting a compression test can help determine if the head gaskets are faulty. If they are, replacement by a professional mechanic is recommended. This issue tends to occur around 100,000 miles and can be costly to repair if not addressed promptly.
Overall, these are fairly major issues, so be extra vigilant when shopping for a used Dodge Journey. Before signing the dotted line, understand which problems may affect your Journey model so you can prepare financially. Or, you can simply pass on the unit if you’re not too keen on spending big on repairs.
Is The Dodge Journey Worth It?
If you’re looking for a unique mid-size crossover SUV, the Dodge Journey is an excellent option. The best years have minimal complaints, offering a quality experience to the person behind the wheel. The Journey isn’t perfect, but it’s worth it for many.
However, there are more reliable crossover options. If you want a car at the top of its reliability game, you might want to go with something else.
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Final Thoughts
Overall, the Dodge Journey is a decent vehicle in reliability. Although there are a few faults with the model, it’s a decent ride if you invest in one of the best years.
We hope this information is valuable! It’s tricky to land on the ideal year with so many options, so our information should help you determine what you need to make a quality decision for your wallet. Dodge is a top-notch brand, and the Journey is a unique choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the top five most reliable years for the Dodge Journey?
A: If you’re searching for a dependable used Dodge Journey, look no further than the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 model years. These five years have proven themselves with minimal repairs and few customer complaints.
Q: What is the average annual repair cost for a Dodge Journey?
A: On average, Dodge Journey owners can expect to spend around $562 per year on repairs, which is slightly lower than the average for similar vehicles. This means that not only is the Journey a reliable choice, but it also won’t put a significant dent in your wallet when it comes to maintaining the vehicle. Of course, opting for one of the most reliable model years can help further minimize repair costs.
Q: Which Dodge Journey model years should be avoided due to poor reliability?
A: Steer clear of the 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 Dodge Journey model years to avoid costly repairs and frustrating downtime. These four model years have been plagued by numerous customer complaints and significant issues, such as brake troubles, interior accessory faults, malfunctioning remote keyless entry, and even interior water leaks.
Q: How often do Dodge Journey owners typically need to bring their vehicle in for unexpected repairs?
A: Dodge Journey owners should anticipate making unexpected trips to the repair shop approximately 0.3 times per year, lower than the average of 0.4 for mid-size vehicles. While no car is immune to unexpected issues, the Journey’s lower-than-average frequency of unplanned repairs adds a lot to the reliability front.
Q: How does the Dodge Journey rank in terms of overall reliability compared to other mid-size SUVs?
A: RepairPal has rated the Dodge Journey with an impressive 4 out of 5 in reliability. Moreover, it ranks sixth out of twenty-six other mid-size options, which is nothing short of impressive. While it may not be the absolute top performer, the Journey holds its own against the competition.
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