Dodge Journey Years to AvoidThe weakest years — and the one you should buy instead
After reviewing every Dodge Journey we've analyzed (1 years), these are the 1 weakest. Each one has either an absolute low reliability score, chronic repair issues, or unusually high ownership costs relative to other Journey years.
Proceed with caution
2017 Dodge Journey
The 2017 Dodge Journey presents itself as an affordable family crossover, but don't let the attractive price tag fool you into thinking it's a trouble-free ownership experience. While it offers a versatile interior, its long-term reliability is distinctly below average, requiring owners to be proactive with maintenance and prepare for common issues to arise, particularly in its electrical and braking systems.
Why this year scores low
Owners frequently report issues with the Uconnect infotainment system (freezing, glitches), intermittent sensor failures (ABS, tire pressure), and blend door actuators for the HVAC system, leading to inconsistent heating/cooling or noisy operation. Battery drain issues are also not uncommon.
The Journey is notorious for premature brake wear, including warped rotors and rapidly worn pads, sometimes as early as 20,000 miles. Suspension components like control arm bushings, ball joints, and struts also tend to wear out faster than average, especially on models frequently carrying passengers or cargo.
Beyond blend door actuators, the AC compressor and condenser can fail prematurely, especially in warmer climates, leading to expensive repairs for a critical comfort system. Leaks in the system are also reported.