2009 Dodge Journey: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2009 Dodge Journey: 8 recalls, 1433 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
8 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #08V247000 · 2008 · 6,692 vehicles
What's wrong: 5l engine. The engine wiring harness May contact the left transaxle mount.
Why it matters: Damage to the wiring harness could result in an engine compartment fire.
The fix: 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…
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #08V528000 · 2008 · 712 vehicles
What's wrong: A new adhesive used in the power train control module (PCM) manufacturing process can cause the printed circuit board to break.
Why it matters: This can cause the engine to stall and cause a crash without warning.
The fix: Dealers will replace the PCM free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2008.
Electrical Vehicle recall #09V082000 · 2009 · 16,852 vehicles
What's wrong: An unused electrical connector for the optional 115 volt auxiliary power outlet option May become corroded and could short circuit.
Why it matters: If the fuse for this circuit does not blow, the connector could overheat and potentially catch fire.
The fix: 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.
Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #09V118000 · 2009 · 4,314 vehicles
What's wrong: Wiring May be reversed on the steering column control module driver airbag squib connector. The driver's airbag May not deploy as intended.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Electrical Vehicle recall #10V658000 · 2010 · 64,934 vehicles
What's wrong: The wires within the front door wire harnesses May fatigue and break, which can interrupt the circuits for the side impact sensor(s), resulting in an airbag warning lamp illumination and loss of side crash sensing capability.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners and replace the left and right door wiring harnesses free of charge. The safety recall began on February 18, 2011.
Airbags, Electrical Vehicle recall #14V373000 · 2014 · 722,705 vehicles
What's wrong: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Chrysler group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Dodge journey vehicles manufactured June 29, 2007, to June 17, 2010, and 2008-2010 Dodge…
Why it matters: 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…
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015.
Airbags Vehicle recall #16V047000 · 2016 · 110,482 vehicles
What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units May corrode and fail.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016.
Steering Vehicle recall #16V273000 · 2016 · 8,569 vehicles
What's wrong: After exposure to cold temperatures, the power steering return hose May rupture at engine start-up causing a loss of power steering assist.
Why it matters: A loss of power steering assist May require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 30 mention a fire, 34 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (767): the most common themes are electrical failure (530), stalls / loses power (177), door / lock issues (88).
- Airbags (269): the most common themes are warning light on (34), fails to deploy (22).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (195): the most common themes are noise or vibration (69), brake failure / soft pedal (21).
- Engine (149): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (55), electrical failure (55), warning light on (30).
The 2009 Dodge Journey has 1433 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 14 Journey model years for complaints (3.8× the average Journey year). Complaints peaked in 2015 (390 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 63,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2008 (8 complaints, 0 recalls), 2010 (988 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2009 Dodge Journey.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2009 Dodge Journey have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 vehicle recalls for the 2009 Dodge Journey. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2009 Dodge Journey problems?
Owners have filed 1433 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (767), airbags (269), brakes (hydraulic) (195).
What gas mileage does the 2009 Dodge Journey get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2009 Dodge Journey repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.