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2013 Dodge Journey problems, recalls and owner complaints

What the 2013 Dodge Journey has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.

  • 4safety recalls
  • 353owner complaints
  • 19crash reports
  • 9fire reports
  • 32injuries reported

353 complaints, against an average of 292 for the other 8 Dodge Journey model years.

Every Dodge Journey model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.

What goes wrong with the 2013 Dodge Journey?

The components named most often in the 353 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.

  1. Service Brakes74 (21%)
  2. Electrical System73 (20.7%)
  3. Engine72 (20.4%)
  4. Seats58 (16.4%)
  5. Air Bags44 (12.5%)
  6. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)44 (12.5%)
  7. Power Train29 (8.2%)
  8. Steering20 (5.7%)

What symptoms do 2013 Dodge Journey owners describe?

Found by reading the text of all 353 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.

Has the 2013 Dodge Journey been recalled?

4 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.

Air Bags: Frontal Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may unexpectedly deploy if the air bag wiring harness gets chafed within the steering wheel and short circuits. NHTSA campaign 17V432000 · July 7, 2017 · Risk and fix

Risk: Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag wiring within the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary. A protective cover will also be installed. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T47.

Steering: Hydraulic Power Assist: Hose, Piping, And Connections Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 31, 2007, to November 12, 2016. After exposure to cold temperatures, the power steering return hose may rupture at engine start-up causing a loss of power steering assist. NHTSA campaign 16V273000 · May 6, 2016 · Risk and fix

Risk: A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S08.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured April 21, 2012, to April 14, 2015. In the affected vehicles, water may enter the wiring harness for the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module and leak into the module, disabling the ABS and/or the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. NHTSA campaign 15V675000 · October 19, 2015 · Risk and fix

Risk: If the ABS or ESC is disabled, a loss of vehicle stability could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will seal the ABS wiring harness to prevent water from entering and will replace the ABS module and repair the headlamp and dash wiring harness, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R61.

Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 19, 2010, to May 26, 2015 and equipped with 2.4L engines. In the affected vehicles, the engine cover may detach from the engine and contact the exhaust manifold. NHTSA campaign 15V431000 · July 7, 2015 · Risk and fix

Risk: If the displaced engine cover contacts the exhaust manifold, there would be an increased risk of a vehicle fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install an improved mounting system for the engine cover, free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R32.

Is the 2013 Dodge Journey recalled in the UK or Europe?

Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.

EU Safety GateThe positioning of the steering wheel wire harness may lead to chafing of the wire insulation creating a short circuit which could result…The positioning of the steering wheel wire harness may lead to chafing of the wire insulation creating a short circuit which could result in inadvertent driver airbag deployment, leading to a crash. Alert A12/1437/17 · reported by Germany · Oct 20, 2017 · Measures

Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateThe sound-absorbing engine cover is improperly secured.This could cause a fire in the engine compartment, even once the engine has been switched off, and affect the vehicle's safety systems. Alert A12/0140/16 · reported by Germany · Feb 12, 2016 · Measures

Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown

View on EU Safety Gate

What do 2013 Dodge Journey owners report?

12 of the 353 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving, the ABS, brake, and traction control warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ABS module had failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed by the mechanic that the replacement ABS module was no longer available from the manufacturer. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control(ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)NHTSA complaint 11759940 · Aug 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the air bag and ABS warning lights illuminated, and the cruise control feature became inoperable. The contact received notifications for Manufacturer Recalls: R61 and T47; and the vehicle was taken to a dealer where the air bag wiring harness and the ABS module water ingress were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred approximately five years later. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Air BagsNHTSA complaint 11756515 · Aug 12, 2026
Incident occurred onJune 29, 2026 approximately around 6 pm. The system in question is the electrical. I was pulling out of the parking space at the Safeway parking lot, my arm was rested on the driver side door, window was down, and I heard the automatic door locks engaged. At that exact moment I felt a heavy shock go through my arm. I screamed, and at first I did not know what happened. As I was driving home, I knew the shock had come from my arm resting on the door lock. My left arm had a visible red mark. The incident had just now occurred so it has not been confirmed by anyone. No warning…
Electrical SystemNHTSA complaint 11747308 · Jun 29, 2026
ABS Module failure. Replaced ABS module with brand new Mopar replacement. ABS module still will not communicate with system. No traction control, cruise control, multiple lights in dash.
Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control, Service BrakesNHTSA complaint 11746595 · Jun 26, 2026
The contact owned a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V432000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that previously, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle would hesitate to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine oil pressure warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact managed to pull over at a local gas station and noticed black smoke leaking from under the hood. The contact stated that after she depressed the release hood latch button, the engine fire increased and rose in size. The…
Air Bags, EngineFireNHTSA complaint 11721423 · Mar 2, 2026
Cusumer choice automotive 1706 lower Roswell rd. Sold me a vehicle with a branded title with /knowledge it was a total loss vehicle now the ABS and traction lights or on the seatbelt deployed light is on air sensor light on and brakes or grinding I purchased on 10-4- 2025 this is November-20-2025 I asked for refund and to cancel they say as is not sure this is a wreck or flooded vehicle
Electrical System, Air Bags, Service BrakesNHTSA complaint 11700612 · Nov 20, 2025
Oil filter housing cap broke during Oil filter change.
EngineNHTSA complaint 11698412 · Nov 9, 2025
On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at approximately 1:30 PM, the driver’s side headrest, part of my 2013 Dodge Journey’s AHR (Active Head Restraint) system suddenly exploded for no apparent reason. I was alone in the vehicle, waiting to make a left turn. The sudden loud, sharp sound and impact to the back of my head startled and stunned me; I felt as if I had been rear ended. I looked back but there was no one behind me. Not knowing what had happened, I felt scared and light headed. I was still able to complete my turn but I pulled over to compose myself and ensure that I was okay. I didn’t…
SeatsNHTSA complaint 11687948 · Sep 17, 2025
My headrest randomly deployed/opened. I have contacted the dealership, and spoke directly, with Dodge; still no success. I have been trying to get this issue fixed for over a year; I still have a broken headrest that hurts my neck and makes it uncomfortable to drive. Please RECALL the headrest for 2013 Dodge Journey! This is my second form and NOTHING has been done yet!!
SeatsNHTSA complaint 11652174 · Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and driving through slush or snow on the ground, the traction control failed to operate as designed. The message to check all-wheel drive was displayed. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)NHTSA complaint 11566888 · Jan 22, 2024
My 2013 Dodge Journey is just one of thousands of Dodge/Chrysler/GM vehicles to have transmission failures with this type of engine (3.6L V6) and transmission (62TE). These transmission units are exorbitantly expensive and fail time and again paired with these engines on vehicles such as CARAVAN, TOWN & COUNTRY, 200, AVENGER, JOURNEY. This was a serious misstep and miscalculation by these companies, and they are costing their customers thousands upon thousands of dollars. Dodge and Chrysler (now Stellantis) should be held accountable, especially since they are now a conglomerate of the most…
Power TrainNHTSA complaint 11546249 · Sep 24, 2023
The contact's wife owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The stated while driving 65 MPH, the power steering assist failed without warning. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle off to the side of the roadway. The contact got a ride home and trailered the vehicle back to his residence. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V273000 (Steering). The dealer was notified of the issue and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired…
SteeringNHTSA complaint 11485446 · Sep 20, 2022

2013 Dodge Journey: questions owners ask

Is the 2013 Dodge Journey reliable?

NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 353 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Dodge Journey; the most common categories were service brakes (74, 21%), electrical system (73, 20.7%), engine (72, 20.4%). There are 4 safety recalls. 19 complaints mention a crash, 9 mention a fire, 32 injuries were reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Dodge Journey?

Across 353 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are service brakes (21% of complaints), electrical system (20.7% of complaints), engine (20.4% of complaints), seats (16.4% of complaints), air bags (12.5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.

Does the 2013 Dodge Journey have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2013 Dodge Journey; the most recent (campaign 17V432000, 2017-07-07) concerns Air Bags: Frontal. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2013 Dodge Journey?

30 of the 353 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Dodge Journey (8.5%) describe ABS, traction or stability control warnings or faults. One owner wrote: "ABS Module failure. Replaced ABS module with brand new Mopar replacement. ABS module still will not communicate with system. No traction control, cruise control, multiple lights in dash." (NHTSA complaint 11746595, June 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.

Why does my 2013 Dodge Journey stall, lose power or shut off while driving?

20 of the 353 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Dodge Journey (5.7%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. A related recall exists: campaign 16V273000 (steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections). 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. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owns a 2013 dodge journey. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. on several occasions the vehicle failed to immediately restart." (NHTSA complaint 11337883, July 2020). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Why won't my 2013 Dodge Journey start?

17 of the 353 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Dodge Journey (4.8%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "The car inside electrical would turn on, radio on, lighting on, fan on, but the engine light would be on and the car would not start. Not even a tow truck can jump it. I've fixed it once and they said it was the alternator, but that was 6 mths ago." (NHTSA complaint 11539675, August 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.

Check your own Journey

Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2013 only.

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