VEHICLE BUYER'S GUIDE
Dodge Journey2009–2019
Year-by-year buyer intelligence from NHTSA safety data — reliability, value, and which years to target or avoid.
Best Years to Buy a Dodge Journey
Buyer Score combines reliability (65%) and depreciation value (35%) — higher is better.
Dodge Journey Years to Avoid
6 recalls · 1042 complaints
29 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 recall · 714 complaints
11 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 recall · 414 complaints
42 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Federal Defect Investigations
NHTSA investigations are the stage that precedes a recall. 2 past investigations into the Journey became recalls.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Data current as of October 28, 2026.
Dodge Journey — Year-by-Year Comparison
Every model year ranked by Buyer Score. Click any year for its detailed problem report.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability | Value | Buyer Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 0 | 53 | 4 | — | 87 | 85 | 86 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 3 | 178 | — | — | 78 | 79 | 78 | Good |
| 2017 | 1 | 178 | 10 | — | 77 | 72 | 75 | Good |
| 2016 | 2 | 318 | 19 | — | 62 | 65 | 63 | Good |
| 2015 | 1 | 414 | 42 | — | 62 | 58 | 61 | Caution |
| 2014 | 1 | 288 | 56 | — | 62 | 52 | 59 | Caution |
| 2013 | 1 | 255 | 22 | — | 67 | 47 | 60 | Good |
| 2012 | 1 | 290 | 34 | — | 62 | 43 | 55 | Good |
| 2011 | 1 | 126 | 9 | — | 82 | 40 | 67 | Good |
| 2010 | 1 | 714 | 11 | — | 62 | 40 | 54 | Avoid |
| 2009 | 6 | 1042 | 29 | 3 | 62 | 40 | 54 | Avoid |
Buyer Score = Reliability (65%) + Value window (35%). Deaths and injuries sourced from NHTSA complaint filings. Year links open full NHTSA problem reports.
Known Dodge Journey Problems
Most frequently reported components across all model years, from NHTSA owner complaints.
Complaint counts across all model years. Numbers indicate frequency, not severity.
Shopping by Era
How each generation of the Journey compares — best year within each era shown.
2018–Present
Modern safety tech, refreshed platforms, updated powertrains. Higher purchase price but lower reliability risk. Best pick in this era: 2019 (Buyer Score 86).
2013–2017
Mid-decade models in the depreciation sweet spot — typically 35–55% below original MSRP. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and recall completion. Best: 2017 (Buyer Score 75).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best year Journey to buy?+
The 2019 Dodge Journey scores highest on our Buyer Score (86/100) — combining a reliability score of 87/100 with a value score of 85/100. It has 0 recalls and 53 NHTSA complaints on record.
Which Journey years have the most problems?+
The 2009, 2010, 2015 model years have the highest problem scores in our analysis. The 2009 Journey leads with 6 recalls and 1042 owner complaints.
What is the Buyer Score?+
The Buyer Score is a composite metric that combines reliability (65% weight) and depreciation value (35% weight). Reliability reflects recall and complaint severity. Value reflects how much of the vehicle's depreciation has already been absorbed by prior owners — a 4–6 year old vehicle typically sits in the sweet spot.
What are the most common Journey problems?+
The most frequently reported Dodge Journey issues involve: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES, AIR BAGS. These are aggregated across all model years from NHTSA owner complaint filings. Frequency of complaints does not necessarily indicate severity.
Deep-Dive Research
A buyer's guide shows model-level risk. A VIN report shows the individual vehicle — accidents, odometer history, open recalls, and auction records.