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KLUNK

2016 Dodge Journey

The Verdict

36 Check Engine

The 2016 Dodge Journey has 383 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (131 complaints) and body (90 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 36/100, it earns a "Check Engine" rating. If you're shopping for a Dodge Journey, consider the 2020 model year which has 84% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2020 has 84% fewer complaints

View the 2020 Dodge Journey dashboard →

36

Klunk Score: Check Engine

More complaints than most vehicles. Known issues exist — budget for potential repairs.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 1

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

16V907000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may ...

Risk

If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service ...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

Get notified if a recall hits this car.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
2009196334720204108
201015013354620938
20113049393615
201264888411524
201310562837819
2014101739910327
20151468511714452
201690316513166
20175513555221
20187421753712
201948425114
20202931991

By Category

Engine
131
Body
90
Transmission
66
Electrical
65
Brakes
31

By Severity

1
183
2
173
3
5
4
22

Worst Problems

Complaints

Engine 1

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.

16d ago
Body 2

The vehicle has experienced multiple sudden and complete losses of power without warning, creating a serious safety hazard. On May 22, 2026, while driving toward a parking lot exit, the engine abruptly shut off and all electrical systems powered down. After approximately five minutes, the vehicle restarted and I was able to leave. The failed component is UNKNOWN, and the vehicle is available for inspection. This condition puts me and others at risk because the vehicle can lose all power unexpectedly while in motion, increasing the risk of a crash due to loss of propulsion and reduced control. The issue has occurred three times and taken to the dealership 3 times: May 22, 2026 – complete shutdown while driving May 27, 2026 – shutdown while reversing; vehicle would not restart and required towing June 10, 2026 – shutdown again immediately when leaving dealership There were no warning lights, messages, or prior symptoms before any failure. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by a dealership. Each time, they reported no diagnostic trouble codes and no identified cause. The failures have not been reproduced under dealership testing conditions, despite repeated real-world occurrences, including immediately after release from service. No inspections by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives have occurred. Cause remains UNKNOWN. Due to the repeated, unpredictable loss of power and inability to diagnose or repair the issue, I believe the vehicle is unsafe to operate.

1mo ago
Body 2

Headrest deployed and won't go bac in. The vehicle was just sitting in the driveway, when we ot in we noticed the headrest out.

1mo ago
Transmission 1

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.

1mo ago
Brakes 1

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.

1mo ago
Electrical 1

The air conditioner turns on by itself. When I turn it off it immediately turns itself back on. I have turned it off at least ten times repeatedly back to back and it continued to turn back on by itself. It can happen randomly sometimes, but has now become more of a problem.

2mo ago
Brakes 1

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.

2mo ago
Transmission 2

The car started making a whining noise as I was exiting the highway. Within 2 minutes, the check engine light came on. Shortly after that as I was turning right on the street to enter the parking lot, the car lost power and would not move forward. THe car just lost power in the middle of the street as I was driving. I had someone look at the car and they said the transmission pump or transmission needs to be replaced. I read there was a recall: Recall Number: S44 (NHTSA Campaign 16V-461) Affected Vehicles: The recall affects approximately 26,299 vehicles, specifically 2016 Dodge Journey models manufactured between August 17, 2015, and January 29, 2016. 2. Issue: The transmission pump may seize, resulting in a loss of hydraulic pressure. This can lead to a complete loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash without warning. This is exactly what happened to me but my vin doesn't come up when I enter it on the website. I think my vehicle should have been included under the recall and transmission pump replaced.

3mo ago
Body 1

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH and turning left, the steering wheel was extremely stiff. The contact stopped, exited the vehicle, opened the hood, and became aware that the power steering hoses were disconnected. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the failure was associated with NHTSA ID Number: 16V273000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 147,000.

4mo ago
Body 4

The rear view camera has become unreliable. It sometimes flickers. It sometimes is upside down. It is sometimes gray. It works properly about 10% of the time. I believe it was a significant contributor to my backing into and damaging another vehicle in a parking lot. I understand that there is a recall notification (NHTSA 25V552; Chrysler 59C) for the Dodge Journey beginning with model year 2019. This vehicle is a 2016. I am not overly concerned about the specific accident noted above but do consider this a serious risk that should be reported.

5mo ago
Electrical 4

Air bags did not deploy during an mvc

5mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving 35-40 MPH, the engine started overheating. The message "Temperature High" was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the power windows were intermittently inoperable. While attempting to drive from a complete stop, the transmission failed to shift gears as intended. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal while driving, the engine revved, but the vehicle failed to respond as intended. Additionally, there was a discrepancy between the instrument cluster speedometer reading and the digital speedometer reading. The vehicle was taken to Wilcox & Sons Automotive, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the water pump, the radiator, the cooling system, and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 16V461000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.

5mo ago
Transmission 2

I had to have my engine replaced Dan Cummins didn’t put the bolts back into my transfer case which caused me to need a new transfer case and sylnoids , now I am being told I need a new transmission.

5mo ago
Transmission 1

Started off with check engine light reaching the end of November 2025 then about a week later started to experience whining noises when accelerating, jerking and fluid started leaking. My safety and of others was put at risk because as the jerking happened out of nowhere when driving other vehicles could of hit me from behind. I looked up to see if there was any recalls and some did show up but when i reached out to the dealer they did not respond back. Then a independent service center looked into it and on their end they also saw the recall without me mentioning it and they reached out to the dealer and they were told there was no recall.

6mo ago
Transmission 2

i have been having problems with my 2016 dodge journey crossroads loss of propulsion while accelerating and a p0841 with a whine noise. Car was made 6 /2016 door vin says it was made.

6mo ago
Body 1

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started and running, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed a puddle of fluid on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the fluid was possibly power steering fluid. The contact was on the way to work, and while the vehicle was in reverse(R), there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the steering wheel. The contact stopped at an auto specialty store, and when the contact checked the power steering fluid reservoir, the reservoir was empty. The contact refilled the power steering fluid reservoir. The contact stated that later in the day the contact checked the power steering fluid reservoir was checked and was empty. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. There was abnormal sound coming from the steering wheel, and extra effort was needed to turn the steering wheel. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V273000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

7mo ago
Electrical 2

I bought the car in 2019 . Since purchasing it has had electrical issues. The AC blew hot air, the rear windows did not work, the center console usb plug caught fire, the lights on dash flicker. Dome light comes on by itself. Now the head lights flicker and go out. I have had it checked , and on computers nothing comes up.I cannot even use cruise control because it speeds up on its own to high speeds. I contacted the dealership, I was told I was making it up, I took it in and was told they could not find anything. I have taken video, and even have numerous witnesses to this. This is just one of many issues.Three nights ago on my way home from the store all my lights went out on the highway. It was pitch black. I was lucky no one was around me and I was able to get off the near by exit without crashing. There is no recalls on my car but on the 2016 Dodge journey this is mentioned by numerous customers. I even contacted Dodge Chrysler and was told they have no records of any issues with my year make or model.

8mo ago
Electrical 2

The EVIC lights will turn off while driving. Doesn’t matter if it’s daylight or evening. During evening hours it poses a risk due to not seeing speed or any other lights on dashboard. The EVIC will stay on after car is shut off and key fob is moved away from vehicle causing the battery to die.

9mo ago
Engine 2

As I was driving my 2016 DJ just list power.. I coast my to the side of the road. I try cranking the car up but it wouldn't crank up. So I had it towed to my house which were about 5 mins away. Please help me with my car. Vehicle would not go up small hills

9mo ago
Body 1

P0240 code keeps coming up but the catalytic converter was changed and the cylinders at the dlrshp. This has been an ongoing issue for over 3 years.

9mo ago

383 total

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