2016 Dodge Journey Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 2016 Dodge Journey
- Has 4 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the electrical system:wiring.
- Scores 4 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2014 Dodge Journey earns a 62.
- The system most likely to surface first: automatic transmission (major severity).
Should You Buy the 2016 Dodge Journey?
The 2016 Dodge Journey is a high-risk proposition for any budget-conscious buyer, plagued by known transmission and electrical system vulnerabilities that can lead to significant repair bills. While it offers an attractive price point and interior space, I strongly advise extreme caution and a robust pre-purchase inspection to avoid becoming another statistic in its long history of reliability woes.
Unless you are buying at an absolute rock-bottom price, have a significant repair budget set aside, or are an experienced DIY mechanic, I strongly advise against purchasing a 2016 Dodge Journey. Its known vulnerabilities in the transmission and electrical system present too high a risk of significant financial outla…
Best Model Years
None specifically stand out for significantly improved reliability within the Journey's production run; later years saw minor tweaks but fundamental issues persisted. If absolutely necessary, a very late model year (2019-2020) with low mileage might be slightly less risky, but still proceed with extreme caution.
Years to Avoid
All model years with the 2.4L I4 and 4-speed transmission are best avoided. Generally, the entire first generation (2009-2020) carries significant reliability risks.
Biggest Strengths
- Affordable purchase price on the used market
- Spacious interior for its class with optional third-row seating
- Available 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine offers decent power
Top Risk Areas
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2016 Dodge Journey, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
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 vehicl…
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…
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 t…
2016 Dodge Journey Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2016 Dodge Journey most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Early Warning Zone
At this mileage, you're likely to see the first signs of premature brake wear. Be prepared for replacement of pads and rotors, which is a common early expense for Journey owners.
Moderate Risk Zone
This mileage range marks where serious issues, particularly with the transmission solenoid pack and significant suspension wear, begin to emerge. The TIPM may also start acting up, causing intermittent electrical problems.
Elevated Risk Zone
Beyond 90,000 miles, the probability of major transmission failure significantly increases, alongside more widespread suspension and steering component wear. Engine leaks and cooling system issues may also appear.
High Risk Zone
At this point, you should anticipate needing significant powertrain and chassis overhauls. Major component failures become much more likely, and ongoing electrical problems can make the vehicle frustrating and expensive to maintain.
2016 Dodge Journey Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2016 Dodge Journey on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$600-900
Moderate Repairs
$800-2,000 frequently (brakes, suspension, minor electrical)
How Long Does the 2016 Dodge Journey Last?
Given the chronic issues, buying a 2016 Journey with low mileage (under 50,000 miles) is critical to potentially push major repairs further out, though it does not eliminate the risk. Avoid high-mileage examples unless you are preparing for immediate, significant maintenance and repairs.
What 2016 Dodge Journey Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Attractive low purchase price for a three-row crossover
- Spacious and versatile interior, good for families
- Uconnect infotainment system (when working) is user-friendly
- Comfortable ride quality on smooth roads
Common Frustrations
- Frequent and costly transmission issues are a major frustration
- Electrical gremlins (TIPM) lead to unpredictable and intermittent problems
- Rapid brake wear results in frequent, expensive replacements
- Interior materials feel cheap and prone to wear/rattles over time
Who Should Buy the 2016 Dodge Journey?
Best For
- Extremely budget-constrained buyers needing a large, cheap vehicle
- Buyers who only need a third row occasionally
- Individuals with strong DIY mechanical skills and access to cheap parts
Not Ideal For
- Families needing reliable daily transportation
- Buyers seeking long-term ownership without major repair costs
How the 2016 Dodge Journey Compares to Rivals
The Journey typically competes on price and features, offering more space for the money than its Asian rivals. However, this value often comes at a significant long-term cost in reliability and repair expenses, making it a considerably riskier proposition compared to the segme…
More Reliable Than
- No direct competitors known for worse reliability.
- Some older, neglected budget SUVs.
Comparable To
- Certain other older, high-mileage domestic crossovers with known electrical issues.
NHTSA Recalls
4 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
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 only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.
What breaks on the 2016 Dodge Journey?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Dodge Journey by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Dodge Journey. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
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