771 of the
2,091 complaints about the 2009 Dodge Journey are about the
electrical system — 37% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
80,000 miles.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11731127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ayden, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11694469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Virginia Beach, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11682538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Murphysboro, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11666519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 194,000 milesLos Angeles, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the destination. The contact stated that the following day while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with TIPM failure. The contact was informed that the totally integrated power module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 194,000.
NHTSA complaint #11608504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crossville, TNFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
No warning. Car caught on fire due to electrical issues in the back lighter port.
NHTSA complaint #11583593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paducah, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I've gone through 6 batteries in 1 year and I still have to keep jumping my vehicle Everytime I start it. I am currently stranded in Walmart parking lot with no jumper cables and I am being forced to walk now. Also there are times when I am driving down the highway and at any given moment it acts as if I stomped on the brakes. The lights go off and on, the windows roll up and down, the door locks are out of control and the gauges on the dashboard go out of control as well. I recently bought a new TIPM and ECM because when I replaced the battery it would no longer start. This vehicle is very dangerous and I'm sorry I ever bought it. It seems as if dodge cares more about their money than a human life
NHTSA complaint #11542211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethpage, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I'm original owner of 2009 dodge journey, and hearing of electrical problems causing fires, I want to inform you. 1) I have been having problems with the horn sounding off intermittently. 2) I have my radio that stop working which has the hands free cell phone speaker and the review camera. 3) most recently the drivers side door window switches to driver's window and front passenger window stopped working. I don't know what would be next but am concerned about the safety of my family in reference to this reported fire incident. Thank you for reading [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11520837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mcallen, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle keep locking and unlocking by itself even when I am driving. Also when I was driving the airbags deployed on its own but no accident
NHTSA complaint #11520683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesHouston, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start-up. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V373000 (Electrical System, Air Bags). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11510324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middleton, WIFire1 killed
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle owner was driving and pulled over when all warning lights began flashing, wipers came on, horn started honking, windows would not go down, doors would not unlock, and vehicle started on fire. Fire appeared to begin in the engine compartment, with fire eventually consuming entire vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11508217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burlington, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Igntion did not turn over on first attempt, however, it did turn over after turning key back to off position and trying again. I was in a parking lot and it was daylight. I have not had vehicle serviced at this point as it did turn over. There was no warning messages or symptoms prior . It is unknown at this time if this will happen again.
NHTSA complaint #11486043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whiteville, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
09 Dodge Journey 3.5l v6 issues started the day after I bought the vehicle!! will cut off while driving, stall and cut off at stop lights, stop signs. Way too much heat coming from motor, ac compressor making allot of noise. Overheating issues, brake light switch issue. Cruise control malfunction, driver’s window switch and window not working. Rear tv stopped working after a snow storm, rear ac/ heater not blowing at all, cars won’t shift out of park at all. Headlights stopped working. All lights flashed on and off while driving down the freeway at 80mph, now it’s saying gas cap on dash, while driving to a job the timing belt broke after being replaced 2 months earlier, water pump is leaking after being replaced 2 months ago. Water soaking the passenger and backseat floorboards and I can’t figure out why. This is honestly the worst vehicle I’ve ever bought and I regret buying it at all every day. This vehicle should be outlawed and against the law to sell to anyone.
NHTSA complaint #11479265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bentonville, AR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SYMPTOMS – Dangerous Malfunction Critical Component Failure – Wipers constantly on slow speed, even in driving rain. No Rear Wiper. No TURN SIGNALS Engine rough and limited to ~2,500 RPM. No HORN. Left signal initiated by Driver in Vehicle#1 when turning left in front of other driver Vehicle#2, no left signal light resulted; Driver in Veh#2 presumed Veh#1 was proceeding straight and pulled out; Result was Near Miss frontal collision. Right Steering column stalk - Front Windshield Wipers constantly on, can not shut off. No WW washer activation. No wiper speed control – almost like default: lowest continuous operation (not intermittent and not high speed). No rear WW wiper and wash operation either. Left steering column stalk - No turn signals, no bright lights, no dash light control. Most dash gauges do work except Navigation compass. No horn, Engine limited to about 2,500 RPM – rough acceleration Even with ALL the RR WIPER FF Wiper and washer fuses removed, front wipers and lights still continuously ‘ON’. All fuses, relays, electrical grounds, and both multifunction switches checked and good. Malfunctions were sudden, abrupt, and first time experience after normal starting of this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11479132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Wayne, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The TIPM (Total Integrated Power Module) is causing electrical system failures (e.g., wipers, power locks, cruise control, etc.). Many of the affected systems are convenience issues, but the wipers and cruise control can negatively impact safe driving. Additionally the car will randomly start shaking and lose velocity while driving due to missed cylinder firings my mechanic attributes to the failing TIPM.
NHTSA complaint #11475188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nashport, OHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Me and my son were sitting in the car waiting for my wife and the car started dying lights started were flashing the horn was honking wipers were going interior lighting and gauge cluster was all flashing then smoke started to come through the vents so we jumped out and that’s when I seen flames under the hood the wiring harness from the firewall to the fuse box was completely in flames. I eventually tamed to fire with snow beings that it was all I had at the moment. The vehicle hasn’t been inspected by anyone yet I wasn’t sure how to go about this never had to deal with anything like it. It is available for inspection anytime.
NHTSA complaint #11451460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrison, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have power door locks not working except manually or driver door by key. Key fob and door module for locks will not function. I cannot open the hatch due to power lock function. The Airbag light comes on when vehicle is started and the door is open and only disappears after the door is closed, engine shut off then restarted. Also the engine light came on for awhile then off and is now back on. This is what code scan report says. Engine and Transmission are P0420 Catalyst Efficiency (Bank1), OBDll Codes ($03) is Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1. The Airbag is U0172 Lost Commuication w/Left Side Satellite Accelerator Sensor 1- Stored. The Door Module- Front Right (DMFR) is B16A5 Passenger Window Switch Backlighting Circuit High-Stored. Not sure exactly what these all mean but I think the Power Locks are a safety issue along with the Airbags. The power locks don't lock after driving it like they used to after driving so many feet.
NHTSA complaint #11446588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Perth Amboy, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The gear will not shift unless I press the release button. After I took it for a recall in Route 18 Dodge dealer East Brunswick NJ, it came back without been able to shift. I asked the mechanic why my car is no moving, they said you have to press the release button and shift gears at the same. I told them I didn’t bring my car in like this. After I spoke to “Mike” the manager, he said it was a matter of time. I’m scare for my life when driving because now is making all these sounds on the transmission.
NHTSA complaint #11442593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,614 milesWaterbury, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start up. The vehicle also failed to start up after receiving a jumpstart. The contact mentioned that the starter needed to be tampered with for the vehicle to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred several times. The starter was replaced several times. The contact contacted several dealers and notified the dealers of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,614.
NHTSA complaint #11442444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesTrapper Creek, AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled. The driver restarted the vehicle and continued to drive; however, the failure recurred. The driver was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed back to the residence. An independent mechanic went to the residence to inspect the vehicle. The mechanic replaced the starter and installed a new battery however, the failure recurred. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was concerned that the failure was related to the ignition switch and the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11423610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Something in the engine is causes the alternator to die. I’ve gotten it changed 3 times within a year. The car has been having multiple issues since I purchased it. The file is to lengthy to upload
NHTSA complaint #11418861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19 milesAlytus, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
REPORTING COMMON PROBLEMS OF 2009 DODGE JOURNEY 2.0CRD 103KW 1.A CAR STARTED SHUTTING OFF WHENEVER IT DRIVES, RUNNING IN PARKING LOT, STOPPED AT RED LIGHT. 2.BATTERY FAILS SUDDENLY, WITHOUT ANY WARNING, JUMPING CABLES CAN'T HELP, BECAUSE A CAR JUST MAKING A CRANKING NOISE UNDER A HOOD. 3. WHEEL AIRBAG IS HAVING SHORT CIRCUITS, SO DUE TO IT SOMETIMES LIGHTS A WARNING IN DASHBOARD. 4. STEERING WHEEL RELAY SHOWS MISUNDERSTOOD DEGREES OF WHEEL ANGLE, SO IT COMES TO ESP BAS ERROR.
NHTSA complaint #11402721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 192,000 milesJesup, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE A 2009 DODGE JOURNEY SXT AND IM HAVING A INTIMATE FUEL PUMP PROBLEM. I READ THAT THE TIPM MAY BE A RECALL AND WONDERING ABOUT IT
NHTSA complaint #11397362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 174,000 milesOlin, IA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON A HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH, ALL FUNCTIONS OF THE VEHICLE DASH STOPPED WORKING ( SPEEDOMETER, RPM, ALL LIGHTS ETC.) AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES STARTED GOING AS IF THEY WERE ON EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE NOT.
NHTSA complaint #11389481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesPinckney, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT STATING AS SOMETIMES IT WON'T START. I REPLACED STARTER AND STILL SAME ISSUE, I HAVE TO PUR IT IN NEUTRAL AND TRY TO START IT AND EVENTUALLY IT DOES BUT IT SHOULDN'T BE THIS WAY ALSO IT STOP WORKING AS I WAS DRIVING GETTING READY TO MAKE A TURN AND I HAD TO RESTART IT BUT ONCE AGAIN IT WOULDN'T START THE FIRST FEW TIMES WHICH I HAD TO PUT IN NEUTRAL AND I WAS IN THE CITY TRAFFIC VERY DANGEROUS
NHTSA complaint #11378198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesColumbia, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
RANDOMLY, VEHICLE WILL NOT START. CAN DRIVE IT TO THE STORE, COME BACK OUT AND IT WILL NOT CRANK. ALL INTERIOR LIGHTS, ETC., WILL BE ON BUT ENGINE WILL NOT TURN OVER. AFTER IT SITS FOR A WHILE (BUT YOU NEVER KNOW FOR HOW LONG) IT WILL START AGAIN. BATTERY AND STARTER ARE GOOD. I HEAR A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE CAR AFTER IT'S BEEN SHUT OF, SOMETIMES HOURS LATER. NEWEST ISSUE IS THAT INDICATOR LIGHTS ALL COME ON WHEN YOU START THE CAR AND CAR JERKS VIOLENTLY WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING. IF YOU CONNECT A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL AND CLEAR THE CODES BEFORE YOU START IT, THE CAR RUNS SMOOTHLY. I AM SHOCKED AND FRUSTRATED TO SEE THAT THERE ARE SO FEW RECALLS WHEN I AM READING THAT THE SAME PROBLEMS ARE CONSISTENTLY OCCURRING.
NHTSA complaint #11366561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesHouston, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
RANDOMLY MY CAR WILL START JUST FINE ONE DAY THEN THE NEXT IT WILL FAIL TO START SOMETIMES ON THE SAME DAY. I HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN STUCK SOMEWHERE BECAUSE MY CAR HAS FAILED TO START. IT JUST MAKES A CLICKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE KEY TO START THE CAR. I USUALLY HAVE TO WAIT A WHILE FOR IT TO FINALLY START. THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY WHEN PARKED FOR SHORT PERIODS OR LONG PERIODS. I NOTICE WHEN IT'S HOT AND HUMID IS WHEN I USUALLY HAVE THE PROBLEM MORE. I RECENTLY CHANGED MY STARTER AND IT'S STILL GIVING ME THE ISSUE. ALSO HAVE CHANGED AND HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED AND STILL THE SAME ISSUE AND AGAIN JUST HAPPENS RANDOMLY.
NHTSA complaint #11365712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesColumbia, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE HORN ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY, THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL WAS INOPERABLE, AND THE TAILGATE FAILED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE STATIONARY AND IDLING. THE CONTACT WHO WORKS AS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH A FAILURE OF THE TIPM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #11363038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesGrand Forks, ND
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR WON'T START , WHEN TRYING TO START , EVERYTHING WORKS(LIGHTS RADIO) EXCEPT THE ENGINE WON'T CRANK. IT HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES. SOMETIMES I GET STALLED IN THE HIGHWAY, WHICH IS REALLY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #11352402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesPhiladelphia, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE SPEED DECREASED TO 10 MPH AND VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE. THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE THROTTLE AND WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED CHERRY HILL DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM (1708 W, NJ-70, CHERRY HILL, NJ 08002, (856) 471-1058) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO THE FAILURE STATED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V247000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
NHTSA complaint #11349188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.