The Lemon Index2016 Dodge Journey.
The 2016 Dodge Journey is worse than average by owner complaints: 163 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 153, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 19 to 21 mpg combined. The best Dodge Journey year is 2020.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 389 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Dodge Journey year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 29K to 80K miles on the car (241 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 30K–82K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 26K–84K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 34K–82K miles
Recalls 4
- electrical 2018
These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging.
- engine 2016
The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.
- transmission & drivetrain 2016
The transmission pump may seize causing a loss of hydraulic pressure.
Show all 4 recalls
- steering 2016
After exposure to cold temperatures, the power steering return hose may rupture at engine start-up causing a loss of power steering assist.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Dodge told dealers about
Dodge sent dealers 181 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Pentastar Oil Filter Adapter All vehicles equipped with a 3.2L or 3.6L engine; If replacing…
- Adaptive Cruise Control Sensor 1) If you are replacing this part due to the cluster displaying…
- Oil Pump Assembly If error code P06DD present on any Pentastar V6 application, please inspect…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenVehicle entrapment2024
- ClosedStall from crankshaft\camshaft failure2022–2025
- ClosedActive head rest inadvertent deployment2019–2026
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge Journey SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Dodge Journey SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050–3400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
The reverse has quit working and the radio goes in and out and changes on own and turns volume up and down keys pop up not detected while driving
2016 Dodge Journey owner · NHTSA complaint 11202693
More owner reports
2016 Dodge Journey. Consumer writes in regard to problems with vehicle that causes the battery to malfunction quickly.
NHTSA complaint 11142008
I loose control of the windows most of the time. I had the main window control switch replaced, and the problem still did not go away, please help.
NHTSA complaint 11055333
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Dodge Journey reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.5× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 153; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Dodge Journey year by this measure is 2020.
What are the most common 2016 Dodge Journey problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (31%), electrical (21%) and transmission & drivetrain (20%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Dodge Journey have?
4 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Dodge Journey get?
19 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Dodge Journey safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Dodge Journey problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 29,500 and 80,000 miles. The middle report was at 56,000 miles, from 241 complaints.
Does the 2016 Dodge Journey have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 20% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Dodge Journey cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $3400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Dodge Journey have?
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What Dodge Journey year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2020, 2019 and 2011.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works