2009 Dodge Journey Problems: Electrical (1,409 Complaints)
The most-reported problem on the 2009 Dodge Journey is Electrical (43% of 1,409 owner reports). There are 8 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Electrical — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-10-16 1,409 complaints · 8 recalls
What problems show up on the 2009 Dodge Journey?
601 of 1,409 filings named Electrical (43% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.
Second is Brakes (230 reports).
There are 8 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Electrical, Transmission / driveline, Airbags, and Steering. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.
The previous year is not published here. Use the year list to jump around.
What owners reported
System named most often: Electrical 601 complaints · 42.7% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
- Crashes 41
- Fires 30
- Injuries 34
- Deaths 1
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →
Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.
Which systems owners named
Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.
“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.
View component data as a table
| System / Component | Complaints | Share of Reports | Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) | 601 | 42.7% | 8 crashes · 9 fires |
| Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) | 230 | 16.3% | 4 crashes · 2 fires |
| Engine (ENGINE) | 113 | 8.0% | 3 crashes · 9 fires |
| Airbags (AIR BAGS) | 98 | 7.0% | 15 crashes · 0 fires |
| Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) | 69 | 4.9% | 3 crashes · 5 fires |
| Steering (STEERING) | 59 | 4.2% | 2 crashes · 0 fires |
| Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) | 28 | 2.0% | 2 crashes · 0 fires |
| Tires (TIRES) | 27 | 1.9% | 0 crashes · 0 fires |
| Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY) | 17 | 1.2% | 0 crashes · 2 fires |
| Unclassified NHTSA leftover | 343 | 24.3% | 6 crashes · 3 fires |
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record
Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.
When reports and recalls showed up
When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.
- Campaign 08V528000 was reported 141 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 10V658000 was reported 840 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 16V047000 was reported 2,458 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 16V273000 was reported 2,881 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
| Date | Record type | Count | Record identifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008-Q2 | Owner reports | 2 | |
| 2008-Q3 | Owner reports | 2 | |
| 2008-Q4 | Owner reports | 2 | |
| 2009-Q1 | Owner reports | 2 | |
| 2009-Q2 | Owner reports | 7 | |
| 2009-Q3 | Owner reports | 4 | |
| 2009-Q4 | Owner reports | 4 | |
| 2010-Q1 | Owner reports | 14 | |
| 2010-Q2 | Owner reports | 29 | |
| 2010-Q3 | Owner reports | 59 | |
| 2010-Q4 | Owner reports | 31 | |
| 2011-Q1 | Owner reports | 21 | |
| 2011-Q2 | Owner reports | 35 | |
| 2011-Q3 | Owner reports | 28 | |
| 2011-Q4 | Owner reports | 34 | |
| 2012-Q1 | Owner reports | 26 | |
| 2012-Q2 | Owner reports | 24 | |
| 2012-Q3 | Owner reports | 23 | |
| 2012-Q4 | Owner reports | 18 | |
| 2013-Q1 | Owner reports | 17 | |
| 2013-Q2 | Owner reports | 22 | |
| 2013-Q3 | Owner reports | 15 | |
| 2013-Q4 | Owner reports | 19 | |
| 2014-Q1 | Owner reports | 14 | |
| 2014-Q2 | Owner reports | 23 | |
| 2014-Q3 | Owner reports | 62 | |
| 2014-Q4 | Owner reports | 61 | |
| 2015-Q1 | Owner reports | 88 | |
| 2015-Q2 | Owner reports | 98 | |
| 2015-Q3 | Owner reports | 138 | |
| 2015-Q4 | Owner reports | 66 | |
| 2016-Q1 | Owner reports | 76 | |
| 2016-Q2 | Owner reports | 25 | |
| 2016-Q3 | Owner reports | 34 | |
| 2016-Q4 | Owner reports | 21 | |
| 2017-Q1 | Owner reports | 14 | |
| 2017-Q2 | Owner reports | 17 | |
| 2017-Q3 | Owner reports | 19 | |
| 2017-Q4 | Owner reports | 14 | |
| 2018-Q1 | Owner reports | 30 | |
| 2018-Q2 | Owner reports | 14 | |
| 2018-Q3 | Owner reports | 16 | |
| 2018-Q4 | Owner reports | 16 | |
| 2019-Q1 | Owner reports | 15 | |
| 2019-Q2 | Owner reports | 15 | |
| 2019-Q3 | Owner reports | 17 | |
| 2019-Q4 | Owner reports | 9 | |
| 2020-Q1 | Owner reports | 13 | |
| 2020-Q2 | Owner reports | 5 | |
| 2020-Q3 | Owner reports | 5 | |
| 2020-Q4 | Owner reports | 5 | |
| 2021-Q1 | Owner reports | 7 | |
| 2021-Q2 | Owner reports | 3 | |
| 2021-Q3 | Owner reports | 1 | |
| 2021-Q4 | Owner reports | 2 | |
| 2022-Q1 | Owner reports | 3 | |
| 2022-Q2 | Owner reports | 1 | |
| 2022-Q3 | Owner reports | 4 | |
| 2022-Q4 | Owner reports | 2 | |
| 2023-Q1 | Owner reports | 3 | |
| 2023-Q2 | Owner reports | 2 | |
| 2023-Q3 | Owner reports | 2 | |
| 2024-Q1 | Owner reports | 1 | |
| 2024-Q2 | Owner reports | 1 | |
| 2024-Q3 | Owner reports | 1 | |
| 2025-Q1 | Owner reports | 1 | |
| 2025-Q2 | Owner reports | 1 | |
| 2025-Q3 | Owner reports | 1 | |
| 2025-Q4 | Owner reports | 2 | |
| 2026-Q1 | Owner reports | 2 | |
| 2026-Q2 | Owner reports | 1 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 08V247000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 08V528000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 09V082000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 09V118000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 10V658000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 14V373000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 16V047000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 16V273000 | |
| Defect investigation | 1 | RQ14002 | |
| Defect investigation | 1 | DP14004 | |
| Defect investigation | 1 | PE23008 | |
| Defect investigation | 1 | EA24003 |
Safety Recalls (8)
Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.
In short, these campaigns were filed about Electrical, Transmission / driveline, Airbags, and Steering.
-
Recall campaign 08V247000
Electrical
- Report date
- Component:
- Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
- Consequence:
- DAMAGE TO THE WIRING HARNESS COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
- Remedy:
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS FOR DAMAGE. IF THE HARNESS IS DAMAGED, THE WIRING WILL BE REPAIRED AND A TIE WRAP INSTALLED TO SECURE THE HARNESS AWAY FROM THE LEFT TRANSAXLE MOUNT. IF NO DAMAGE IS FOUND, A TIE WRAP WILL BE INSTALLED TO SECURE THE HARNESS AWAY FROM THE LEFT TRANSAXLE MOUNT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 7, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
-
Recall campaign 08V528000
Transmission / driveline
- Report date
- Component:
- Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
- Consequence:
- THIS CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy:
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PCM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 10, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
-
Recall campaign 09V082000
Safety recall 09V082000
- Report date
- Component:
- Not available in the source record
- Consequence:
- IF THE FUSE FOR THIS CIRCUIT DOES NOT BLOW, THE CONNECTOR COULD OVERHEAT AND POTENTIALLY CATCH FIRE.
- Remedy:
- DEALERS WILL RE-ROUTE AND STOW THE 115 VOLT AUXILIARY POWER OUTLET CONNECTOR AND PULL THE 25 AMP FUSE TO REMOVE POWER FROM THIS UNUSED CIRCUIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
-
Recall campaign 09V118000
Safety recall 09V118000
- Report date
- Component:
- Not available in the source record
- Consequence:
- IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY NOT PROPERLY INFLATE AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
- Remedy:
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG SQUIB WIRES AND REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
-
Recall campaign 10V658000
Electrical
- Report date
- Component:
- Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
- Consequence:
- IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SIDE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY, REDUCING THE PROTECTION INTENDED FOR THE OCCUPANT AND INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
- Remedy:
- CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT DOOR WIRING HARNESSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
-
Recall campaign 14V373000
Safety recall 14V373000
- Report date
- Component:
- Not available in the source record
- Consequence:
- If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy:
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R03. Note: This is an expansion of recall 11V-139.
-
Recall campaign 16V047000
Airbags
- Report date
- Component:
- Airbags (AIR BAGS)
- Consequence:
- If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy:
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S07.
-
Recall campaign 16V273000
Steering
- Report date
- Component:
- Steering (STEERING)
- Consequence:
- A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy:
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler, free of charge. The recall began on May 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S08.
Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.
What owners actually wrote
Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-10-16
Showing 7 of 1,409 complaints · page 1 of 57
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Power steering hose ruptured after a few days of snow and ice. I went to drive to the store but was unable to turn out of the driveway due to no power steering. I done some research to where I found out there was a recall for this same issue but evidently my VIN # isn't included in this recall as while as many others I have read about online. I think this needs to be looked into.
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while reversing in cold weather, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the power steering hose was leaking fluid and had detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V273000 (Steering). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Car doesnt start all the time when it does it ends up shutting off. it shuts off while driving, also cuts in and out while driving.
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The steering locked up could not turn or straighten car out. All electrical things lights air conditioning gas light just went haywire and is still not working. The shifting system I guess is what u call it started slipping out of gear like going into natural or first gear and nothing else. Several cars had to serve to keep from getting hit at 70+ miles an hour and I had no control other than to hit the break on the freeway and pray. Accordingly to the Bob site there's so many problems I know the ones I've had I just didn't know I could let any one know that mattered. I've reported it today. The first time it slipped out of gear I thought maybe it was something I may have done as far as the electric it was Little things like AC works as it pleases airbags light up tire pressure ECT the gas light no longer moves stays on E unknown to exact dates
CrashFireInjuryDeath
I have issues starting it. New starter, new battery and it just dies. Luckily I was parked when it died. I have children, if it dies while driving I could be in a serious car crash with my children in the car. I do not want to die, I love my car but I do not want to be put in danger because of this type of issue. I also do not want to be stranded somewhere. PLEASE HELP.
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The Carbondale Fire Department was dispatched to a vehicle fire In the parking lot behind the above-listed address. Fire personnel arrived and found a 2009 Dodge Journey with an engine compartment fire. Fire personnel used tank water and a pre-connected 1 3/4 In. hose line to extinguish the fire. There were no exposures or damage to other property. Upon completing the extinguishment, an origin and cause investigation was conducted, which Included, but was not limited to, scene examination, documentation, and interviews. The owner of the vehicle stated the following: He purchased the vehicle new. He has liability Insurance only through Allstate. This Is not his primary vehicle. He does his own service. No known electrical Issues, and there were no warning lights on the vehicle before the fire. The vehicle has approximately 160,000 miles on It The only known issue with the vehicle was a power steering issue. Before the discovery of the fire, the owner had pulled into a gas station across town to add power steering fluid. Upon leaving the gas station, the owner reported that within a few blocks, he began seeing black smoke coming from under the hood, and there was an odd odor to the smoke. (Review of Oty Video cameras confirmed this account) He pulled in the parking lot at the above-listed address and accessed the engine compartment to find fire on the power steering reservoir, the plastic engine cover, and the cooling fan. He attempted to extinguish the fire with a soda he had and then attempted to retrieve water from a nearby building. Upon returning with water, the fire was too large to extinguish. The scene examination revealed an engine compartment fire that had transitioned Into the passenger compartment during the failure of the front windshield. The hood of the vehicle had completely melted away during the fire. Fire patterns in the engine compartment were consistent with the owners account of the fire. The fire was determined to be unintentional, with the
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems on the 2009 Dodge Journey?
Owners named Electrical most often — 601 of 1,409 reports (43%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.
Are there recalls for the 2009 Dodge Journey?
NHTSA lists 8 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Electrical, Transmission / driveline, Airbags, and Steering. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.
What should I inspect before buying a 2009 Dodge Journey?
Look up the VIN for open recalls. Have a shop scan for stored codes and check battery, charging and any warning lights that stay on. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.
Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?
No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.
Estimated Ownership Cost
EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates
Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-10-04
Adjacent Model Years
Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records
Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.
Methodology & Data Integrity
Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-10-16. YearTell is not a government agency.