Dodge Journey Years to AvoidThe weakest years — and the one you should buy instead

The 4-speed automatic transmission paired with the 2.4L I4 engine is particularly prone to premature failure, harsh shifts, and solenoid issues. Even the 6-speed with the V6 can experience problems like shuddering or delayed engagement due to valve body or solenoid issues.

Common issues include failure of the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) leading to various phantom problems, power window regulator failures, sensor malfunctions (e.g., crank/cam sensors), and general wiring harness issues resulting in battery drains or intermittent component operation.

Owners frequently report rapid wear of brake pads and rotors, often requiring replacement much sooner than typical. Suspension components like control arm bushings, tie rods, and sway bar links are also known to fail prematurely, leading to clunking noises and poor handling.

The 4-speed automatic transmission (paired with the 2.4L engine) is notoriously weak, prone to slipping, shuddering, and complete failure, often well before 100,000 miles. Some early 6-speed automatics (with the 3.5L V6) also exhibit premature wear, harsh shifts, or solenoid issues.

The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) is a known weak point across many Chrysler products of this era. Failures can lead to a host of intermittent or persistent problems including non-starting, fuel pump failure, issues with power windows/locks, horn honking randomly, or lights malfunctioning.

Owners frequently report premature wear of brake pads and rotors, often requiring replacement every 15,000-30,000 miles. This is attributed to the vehicle's weight and potentially undersized components for its application, leading to warping and pulsation.

Both the 4-speed and 6-speed automatic transmissions are prone to issues like hard shifts, hesitation, solenoid failures, and eventual premature failure. The 4-speed, in particular, is notoriously unreliable and outdated.

The Uconnect system often freezes, lags, or experiences touch screen malfunctions. Other electrical issues include battery drains, faulty sensors, and power accessory failures (windows, locks).

Owners frequently report premature wear of brake rotors and pads, leading to pulsing or noise. Suspension components like control arm bushings, sway bar links, and struts often fail early, impacting ride quality and handling.

Both the 4-speed (2.4L) and 6-speed (3.6L) automatic transmissions are known for issues ranging from harsh shifting and slipping to complete failure, often related to solenoid pack failures or internal wear. This can result in the vehicle becoming undriveable.

The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) is a central control unit notorious for internal failures, leading to random electrical gremlins such as fuel pump issues, non-starting, lights flickering, horn honking randomly, or power window malfunctions. This can be intermittent and difficult to diagnose.

Owners frequently report premature wear of brake pads and rotors, often requiring replacement every 15,000-20,000 miles. Suspension components like control arm bushings, sway bar links, and struts also tend to wear out quickly, leading to clunks, rattles, and poor handling.

Both the 4-speed (with 2.4L) and 6-speed automatic (with 3.6L) transmissions are prone to issues including hard shifts, slipping, delayed engagement, and outright failure due to solenoid packs or internal component wear. The 4-speed is particularly notorious.

The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) is a known weak point, causing a cascade of problems from intermittent starting issues, non-functional fuel pumps, power window failures, and random warning lights. Other electrical gremlins include sensor failures and wiring harness chafing.

Owners frequently report premature wear of brake pads and rotors, often leading to warping, pulsing, and grinding noises. This requires more frequent and costly brake service compared to competitors.

The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) is a known weak point across many Chrysler products, leading to intermittent or complete failures of various electrical systems (fuel pump, wipers, horn, headlights, starter). Wiring harness issues and sensor failures are also common.

The 4-speed automatic (2.4L engine) is under-stressed and prone to harsh shifts and early failure. The 6-speed automatic (3.6L V6) is better but can suffer from solenoid issues, rough shifts, and shudder, requiring costly repairs or replacement.

Front control arm bushings, sway bar links, and tie rod ends tend to wear out prematurely, leading to clunking noises, loose steering, and uneven tire wear. Wheel bearings also have a shorter lifespan than average.

The 4-speed automatic paired with the 2.4L engine is notoriously weak, exhibiting rough shifts, hesitation, and early failure. The 6-speed with the V6 is better but not immune to issues like solenoid failures or harsh downshifts.

Common complaints include Uconnect infotainment system glitches, random warning lights, battery drain issues, failing sensors (ABS, wheel speed), and wiring harness problems that can be difficult to diagnose.

Owners frequently report premature wear of brake pads and rotors, often leading to warping and pulsation. Caliper seizing is also a recurring problem, requiring more frequent and costly brake services than average.

The 4-speed automatic paired with the 2.4L engine is notoriously weak, prone to premature failure, rough shifts, and slipping. The 6-speed automatic with the V6 is better but can still exhibit hard shifts and soleniod issues.

Owners frequently report issues with Uconnect freezing or failing, battery drain, various sensor failures (ABS, TPMS, crank position), and intermittent warning lights. These often require diagnostic time and module replacement.

The Journey is highly susceptible to rust, particularly in northern climates. Areas affected include rear wheel wells, rocker panels, subframe components, and door sills, leading to structural integrity concerns over time.

The 6-speed automatic transmission, particularly when paired with the 2.4L four-cylinder engine, is prone to premature failure. Owners report harsh shifts, slipping, and complete transmission failure due to solenoid pack issues or internal component wear. This can lead to significant repair or replacement costs.

The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) is a common failure point, leading to erratic electrical behavior such as non-functioning fuel pumps, starter issues, and power window failures. Uconnect infotainment systems can also suffer from glitches, freezing, or connectivity problems. These issues are often difficult and costly to diagnose and repair.

The Journey is known for consuming brake components rapidly. Rotors often warp prematurely, and pads wear out faster than average, leading to pulsation, noise, and increased stopping distances. This suggests the brake system may be undersized for the vehicle's weight and intended use.

Failures commonly stem from the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), leading to various erratic electrical symptoms like fuel pump issues, horn activation, or headlight problems. Other electrical gremlins include sensor failures (crankshaft, camshaft) and infotainment system glitches (Uconnect).

Owners frequently report premature wear of brake pads and rotors, leading to pulsing, squealing, and requiring replacement as early as 20,000-30,000 miles. Seizing calipers are also a common complaint, exacerbating wear.

Components such as front struts, control arm bushings, and sway bar links tend to wear out quickly, resulting in clunking noises over bumps, uneven tire wear, and a degraded ride quality. Tie rod ends can also fail prematurely.

Owners frequently report issues with the Uconnect infotainment system freezing, refusing input, or having connectivity problems. Additionally, various sensor failures (e.g., wheel speed sensors, crank position sensors) are not uncommon, sometimes linked to the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), although less severe in later models.

Premature wear of brake pads and rotors is a widespread complaint. Owners often experience warped rotors, leading to pulsations, requiring replacement significantly sooner than typical, sometimes as early as 20,000 miles, particularly on heavier V6 AWD models.

Components like front struts, control arm bushings, and sway bar links tend to wear out relatively quickly, especially in areas with rough roads or if the vehicle is frequently loaded. This leads to clunking noises, a harsher ride, and compromised handling.