CarComplaints.com Notes: A prime example of why you should never buy the first model year of a new vehicle.

8.1

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$610
Average Mileage:
61,350 miles
Total Complaints:
156 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (99 reports)
  2. no solution (8 reports)
  3. replaced starter motor (8 reports)
  4. put your car into neutral first and then start (7 reports)
  5. replace key fobs (5 reports)
  6. clean & protect ground connections (3 reports)
2009 Dodge Journey electrical problems

electrical problem

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2009 Dodge Journey Owner Comments (Page 3 of 8)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #116

Nov 212014

Journey SE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,099 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have read a lot of complaints about everybody 2009 Dodge Journey starting problem. I have put a new starter; it did it again less than a month later. I had the starter tested, it was fine. Payed to have the wiring tested ,it was fine. Finally after pulling my hair out trying to figure it out, I talked to a service person and he told me I need to change the win module (wireless ignition node) because sometimes it doesn't always communicate with the key fob, which wont allow you to start. It cost about 700.00 cdn (parts and labor), this needs to be done at a dealer because with the win module you get 2 new fobs and it all needs to be programmed. I am going to have it done; just waiting for parts as they need to be ordered. If anyone has done this, please feel free to let us know if it works or not. Thank You

- Rodney P., Port Colborne, ON, canada

problem #115

May 012012

Journey SXT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,600 miles

Problem started before out of warranty. Dealer did: 1) adjusted computer - didn't work 2) replaced battery at my expense - didn't work 3) said they could not recreate the problem

I gave up on them. Took it to an independent, replaced the Starter - $400k or so, didn't work. I was really afraid of getting stuck somewhere late at night in a car I couldn't get to work.

Through trial and error have learned to jiggle the shift lever, or put in neutral, etc. like others have reported and can eventually get it to start. Have also just waited and after time it would start. Called tow truck once after hour, of course it started right up when driver tried it.

Think it is a switch in the shift lever but until it fails completely I refuse to keep paying $ to try and fix. Senior on fixed income so can't afford to sell it and buy another.

Now have 35,600 miles on it and it is still doing it intermittently. Why doesn't Chrysler do something about this as there are so many complaints about it.

Update from Nov 3, 2014: When had vehicle in to fix the window problem, again asked to check the starting problem. Said they could not recreate it.

What else is new!

- Gail N., Aliso Viejo, CA, US

problem #114

Nov 302011

Journey 4 Cy

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,909 miles

Was stranded at work, at night, in a parking lot with no lights and no one to pick up my kids from daycare. I was scared to death waiting for the tow truck who told me to put it in neutral and back into park and then started.

- Kimberly D., Stanley, NY, US

problem #113

Aug 312014

Journey

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When I go out and get in my car I never know if it will start or leave me car-less. I turn the key on and it will just click. When you pay so much for a car you would think it to be dependable. I have 3 kids and I am afraid to go anywhere because I don't know if the car will start. I have had to call for help way too many times. I am so sick of this car.

- Donna W., Harrah, OK, US

problem #112

Apr 012012

Journey SXT 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles

AT TIMES WHEN GO TO START MY CAR, I TURN THE FOB AND IT ONLY CLICKS. IT DOESN'T DO IT ALL THE TIME, JUST SOMETIMES. SOMETIMES I CAN TRY IT A FEW TIMES AND THEN OTHER TIMES I HAVE TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL. THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHERE IT WON'T START IN NEUTRAL AND I HAVE TO SHIFT BACK TO PARK. I HAVE ACTUALLY HAD TO WAIT FOR AN HOUR BEFORE IT WOULD START. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND OF COURSE IT WON'T DO IT FOR THEM. ONCE THEY ACTUALLY KEPT IT FOR A WHOLE WEEK AND THEY STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I CAN ACTUALLY SAY I REGRET BUYING THIS CAR. DODGE HAS MADE A HORRIBLE PRODUCT AND WON'T TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT.

- Marian P., Cincinnati, OH, US

problem #111

Mar 012014

Journey SXT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

I have children and I live in a place where temperatures are in the triple digits. Before, I was told the temporary fix to the problem was to put my car in neutral then start, I was stuck in the heat until my car was towed. This is insane! The manufacturers see that there are multiple issues. Get them fixed!

- Evelyn L., Calipatria, CA, US

problem #110

Jul 232014

Journey RT AWD V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,604 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This ongoing issue has started approx a year after we bought the Journey. It was still under warranty - but it would only act up for us and never when we took it in to the dealership. Southtown Chrysler Dodge said if it doesn't act up for them - pretty hard to fix it. The Journey kept acting up - not starting - won't turn over - for the whole span of the warranty. Dec 2013 the Journey would not start and I had to get it towed down to Southtown dealership and they said it was the battery. (AMA said my battery was fine). So I ended up replacing my battery with a heavy duty battery. But this did not resolve the issue of the Journey not starting - won't turnover. It continued to be a problem. In July 2014 the Journey wouldn't start again and had to be towed to Southtown dealership - where they said this time it was the starter. So I had to replace a starter. The costs for that bill was almost $700. The AMA guy that towed my vehicle to Southtown dealership told the service person that he thought it was the solenoid and an electrical problem. I told Southtown Chrysler Dodge that I think it is an electrical issue as well. But they said it was the starter. Again this did not fix the problem and it went back in within a few days and the dealership said it needed a computer update. So that got done. This is what the dealership did - CHECK AND ADVISE ON INTERMITTENT NO START-WHEN THIS HAPPENS VEHICLE HAS FULL POWER BUT WILL ONLY MAKE ONE CLICK SOUND AND NOT START-CUSTOMER STATES SHE CAN SOMETIMES HEAR A CRACKLING TYPE SOUND WHEN THIS HAPPENS ALSO 08 ELECTRICAL REPAIR 765 ISA CHECKED FOR NO START, SCAN TEST, NO FAULTS. DID FIND A FLASH FOR A TIPM SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR A INTERMITTENT NO START. FLASHED TIPM. CUSTOMER TO MONITOR That did not fix the problem. The Journey kept acting up and the dealership sent a service person to our home to when it would not start again. This is the dealership's comments to what they did - CHECKED FOR INTERMITTENT NO START. WENT TO THE CUST HOUSE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS ACTING UP. HEARD THE STARTER GET BUMPED WHEN THE KEY WAS PUT INTO THE START POSITION. CHECKED FOR ANY CODES WITH THE SCANNER-NONE. CONFIRMED THE SIGNAL IS GETTING TO THE TIPM. WENT TO BACKPROBE THE YELLOW/GREY SOLENOID WIRE AT CONNECTOR C101 AND VEHICLE STARTED RIGHT UP. BELIEVE THERE IS A CONNECTION ISSUE AT THE STARTER WIRE AT THE C101. WOULD NOT ACT UP AGAIN. CUST BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN. CUT OUT THE YELLOW/GREY WIRE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE C101 AND SOLDERED TOGETHER. RD TESTED AND TRIED SEVERAL DIFFERENT TIMES TO START THE VEHICLE-STARTED EVERY TIME. ADVISED THE S.A Well this did not fix the problem - it is going back in again - today's date is Aug 15/ 2014. I know the issue is an electrical problem and I feel the whole electrical harness and all connectors need to be replaced. This is a serious problem as it can leave you stranded where ever and if you don't have cell phone range - your screwed. May even cause a fire - as it is an electrical issue. Can't even feel safe going anywhere as you never know when the Journey will decide to not start - won't turnover. Getting beyond frustrated with Southtown Chrysler Dodge dealership as they can't fix the problem. My husband has a leg amputation and has medical appointments almost everyday in August and if I get stranded with him in the Journey - he can't walk that far - I would have to make sure that I have his wheelchair with me at all times. Anyone else going through this - please advise if you ever got your Journey fixed.

- lwdw, Edmonton, Alberta, canada

problem #109

Feb 082014

Journey SX 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,923 miles

Firstly, my 2009/10 Dodge Journey just suddenly stopped on me when I was driving. I lost most electric things like indicators, dash light, electric windows didn't work etc. I came to a stop put in park and it started again. This happened another two times. However on the third time the car wouldn't turn over again. Just wouldn't start. Left it for 20 mins or so and went to try again. It worked. A week later the car wouldn't start again. It just made a clicking sound. I had my car towed to a dealer where they replaced the WIN module and ignition barrel or something and had two keys replaced. Over $3000 later it seems to work again.

Massive massive safety issue with the car just cutting out. I am worried it might happen again now. Worst car ever. No support from Chrysler, they reckon they have never heard of the issue yet there are hundreds of people complaining about it over the net. Do not buy a Dodge Journey EVER.

- Janice H., Deniliquin, NSW, Australia

problem #108

Jul 202011

Journey 4 Cy

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,067 miles

This is the second time my car has left me stranded. This time I was two hours from home in the 95 degree sun with no shade and nowhere to go but in my car. Waited for the tow truck for two hours while continuing to try to start the car. it finally started after tow driver tried to jump it with no resolution. I'm so scared to drive this car. Got it started got home, took it to the dealership, They cant find anything wrong with it but heard it could be caused by the wiring.

- Kimberly D., Stanley, NY, US

problem #107

May 172014

Journey SE V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,000 miles

My 2009 Dodge Journey just wouldn't start. The radio, lights, everything else worked - but it just clicked when I tried to start it. Called tow service & got it jumped. About a week or so later, I got a "bad key" message & the car did this again. I took key out & turned it around & tried to start again. It started right up. Was fine for about a month & it did the same thing again and wouldn't start - luckily I was in my own drive way. Purchased an emergency jumper/battery charger & jumped it myself. it started up after two tries. It's been going for a few days now.....keeping battery charger in my back seat in case it happens again & doing research on recalls & class actions into this matter.

- Michele S., Raceland, KY, US

problem #106

Feb 042011

Journey SXT 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 2009 Dodge Journey has an ongoing problem of not starting, this first occurred in March of 2011. My wife, kids and I were out to dinner, after a great meal return to the car to leave, turn the key, it clicked but never started. Stranded in March in Chicago is a bone chilling experience and never good for a wife and kids. I had to have someone pick us up and tow the vehicle. This is a problem that till this day still exists.

I have taken the Journey to several dealerships and no one can figure out the problem. We have no trust in our 2009 Dodge Journey and are forced to rent a vehicle whenever we go out of town. It is a shame in 2014 there is still no answer for this problem and Chrysler hasn't recalled this vehicle. I am now the owner of one of the most unreliable vehicles on the road and a trip to the grocery store is an adventure. THANKS CHRYSLER!!!

- mr.tlowe66@yahoo.c, Carolstream, IL, US

problem #105

Oct 102013

Journey SXT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,435 miles

MUST READ: Starting a class action law suit. I've seen many complaints that mention wanting to start a class action law suit but I have not heard of any individual or group actually filing suit. If anyone has, please comment. The dealership has tried to fix the problem six times. They continued to say that there is nothing wrong and treated us like we were crazy. Along with this problem, they had to replace the alternator, battery, the transmission, worked on the wiring, replaced brake pads... By fixing or replacing something else each time, they have been able to "avoid" mentioning the problem that the car was brought to the dealership to fix, the fact that the car will not turnover.

On the third attempt to fix the problem. And here is the good part: the head service manager said that the problem was fixed and that the car could be picked up. I insisted on a test drive with the head service manager in the car. He asked if I would like to drive the car and I said, "No, since I'm apparently crazy and allege to problems that you insist do not exist, you can drive."

Are you ready for what happened?

THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OVER. !!!! (Dark clouds part and the light shines through!)

It gets better.

When we were getting in the car, I told the service manager that I was recording our "test drive" in case something happened.

The manager says, that he can't believe the car is doing that because it's fixed. (Ironic isn't it?)

They kept it for another week to two weeks and again, claimed that they fixed the problem. Of course, it's not and the engine still takes numerous tries to eventually get it to start. These times, dates, and length of time stranded are all recorded.

Further, I brought the recording to the Highest Manager of the Dealership to prove that the service department is well aware of the problem which was clearly evident by the recording. The Manager PROMISED that the problem would be fixed, in legal terms, "The seller made assurances that the non-conformity would be cured." U.C.C. § 2-608. I also let the manager know that I was recording that conversation as well. Thus, this assurance, which was relied upon, was misleading and a breach where the non-conformity was NOT seasonably cured.

Here are claims that will likely succeed: 1. Breach of implied merchantability, U.C.C. § 2-314; 2. Breach of Implied Warranty: Fitness for a Particular Purpose, U.C.C. § 2-315; 3. Breach of Express Warranties by Affirmation, Promise, Description, Sample, U.C.C. 2-313; - Note: they will try to use their disclaimers to rebut these claims but they will fail because of U.C.C. § 2-316 because where the disclaimers cannot be reasonably construed together with the warranties I mentioned above.

They will try to enforce the arbitration clause that most likely had in their contract but that can be attacked by our 4th claim: U.C.C. § 2-302 Unconscionable Contract Clause, because the courts want to protect people from contracts that are oppressive and have unfair bargaining power.

I could go on for a while... other claims include: gross negligence (because a number of these 2009 Journey's have defective airbags that have not deployed during during collisions); fraud; misrepresentation... etc.

- Ml H., Birmingham, AL, US

problem #104

Jan 082013

Journey SXT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 104,378 miles

Bought the Dodge Journey 2009 in January 2013. Four days later the car began starting only after several tries. Replaced the battery and batteries in the key fobs Took the car to a dealer. Could not replicate the problem. Had to be towed when it would not start. Dealer could not replicate the problem. I was taking the car in to the dealer for brake work and as luck would have it when I turned off the engine, I couldn't even get the key to release. The key would not turn. The car would not start. They had the car for weeks. The dealer drove it regularly to try to replicate the problem. Nada. They finally replaced the win module and shifter assembly. The not starting problem got worse. I left the car with them for three and a half months to try to solve the problem. Unable to replicate or diagnose the problem. I'm afraid to drive the car. I can't afford to be stranded.

- Duane B., Mount Shasta, CA, US

problem #103

Jun 242014

Journey SE 2.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,500 miles

This is the fourth time the car will only start when it feels like it. 12/02/09 -- 17,267miles;10/13/10 -- 27,554 miles; 4/25/12 -- 42,068 miles and now this week at 86,000 miles. They fixed the first three under warranty (the third time after many phone calls and bitching to Chrysler -- over $700.00! Yes they ate the repair costs).

Now this piece of crap is sitting in my driveway because we're afraid to take it anywhere again! We don't have that kind of money to fix it again, and how long would it last this time. We have owned several Dodge vehicles that we bought new (like we did this one) and never had any problems. This car is an engineering nightmare. We will never buy another Chrysler product again. When and if we can afford to get rid of this thing we most certainly will!

- tweiss, Hot Springs, AR, US

problem #102

May 282014

Journey SXT 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

Journey would not start. I would only get clicking when I tried to start it.

I found that if you put the car into neutral you can start it.

Turn your key to the on position, press the brake and put the Journey into neutral.

Try to start your vehicle. It should start as it normally should.

I then turned off my Journey and tried to start it in park and it started.

Good Luck!

- ziprider, Lompoc, CA, US

problem #101

Jun 012014

Journey SXT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

I read about 10 complaints identical to what I was experiencing while stuck at a gas station, nearly missing a flight as our Journey refused to start. Thank God we have a remote car starter installed which still worked, but even with the key in and the car started with the remote starter I was unable to move the shifter out of park. I did more frantic reading and discovered a shifter release lever located in the middle console under a small removable rubber storage/coin/junk collector just in front of the middle arm rest. Access to the lever is covered by a small removable cap .

I was able to start the car with the remote starter, then with the key engaged I pressed the brake pedal while depressing the shifter release lever and was able to drive the car, and make it to the flight on time. We have had this same problem two times in the last year and a half, been to the dealership twice with no solution from them...except to charge us still each time. If you have this car I would say it is well worth the money to get the remote starter installed, don't bother taking it to a Dodge Dealership, they will treat you like a moron and act like they have never heard of the problem.

- Adam B., Toledo, OH, US

problem #100

Apr 262014

Journey Sport Wagon 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,052 miles

As like lots of other complaints put key in and go to start it and click, click, click. It has been randomly doing this. I change the battery in key fob and did have any problems for 9 months but once or twice during that time. So it started doing it again I change the key fob and the key fob completely died. Went to dealer bought new key fob and first place stop it wouldn't start on 1st try. Next place went to would start after 3 or 4 times of trying. Next place went to it would not start at all. I finally remember in a post somewhere that putting the key in and then putting car in neutral it starts. I stopped at home and it started just fine. Went back to the dealer to tell them key fob wasn't working and it worked just fine for them and they couldn't do anything until it acts up again. I don't know that will work every time but as a safety issue to someone needing to get out of a dangerous situation, there is a problem here that needs to be corrected.

- r2d2cu, Billings, MT, US

problem #99

Jun 142012

Journey

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles

Have had this 09 journey for a little over a year and a few months and it sit in my driveway more than I have gotten to drive it. I recent took it to the shop to have the issues fixed. What they fixed was 4 recalls, new fuses , and a new battery. After all that was fixed, it started in when I got it back, in 3 days the same issue I was having started again. Damn thing won't start but everything else comes on. We recently went back to the person that sold it to us in started telling him the problem and before we told him everything he disclosed "oh it's not starting again." Seriously. This is the worse car I've ever had. Now I'm stuck with a dud until I can get it started again. They told us it's worth nothing for trade value till they see it driven in and running.

- tnicholson, New Plymouth, OH, US

problem #98

Dec 312011

Journey SXT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,688 miles

I hate this car!!!!! I had a dodge caliber that I loved and should have kept but i needed more space so i traded in for this 2009 dodge journey crap!!!! I have has it for almost 3 years and occasionally when i try to start it it will not turn over. it is happening more often now I don't know why. Sometimes when I am driving all the lights on my dashboard blink on and off for like 10 minutes making a beeping noise. I don't know why it is doing that crap either. I call dodge customer service and of course they never heard of this issue. I have read over a 1000 complaints about this very same issue on various websites. I am starting a class action lawsuit against dodge this is ridiculous it is obviously a recall issue that needs to be addressed I don't know how may times i have been late to work, school, my kids events because of this problem. I pay to much money for this stupid car to have these problems if you would like to join in the class action lawsuit feel free to contact me jillianr59@gmail.com

Update from Oct 27, 2013: look what I found ! http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2008/06/dodge-journey-r.html and Dodge claims they never did a recall.

- Jillian R., Columbia, MD, US

problem #97

Feb 272012

Journey SXT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,100 miles

My Dodge Journey all of a sudden earlier this year just will not start at random times. It clicks but, won't turn over. All electrical works like the lights, radio and power windows.

I haven't had the problem yet of where I was left stranded for more than 10 minutes. I just keep tying to start it and then all of a sudden it just starts.

It's very unreliable and has me very worried. I don't want to be left stranded somewhere. Since I don't know what the problem is and it always starts up after about the 10th try I just don't know what to do. I bought the car used in April of 2009 and I don't have a warranty on it. I'm a single mother who lives pay check to pay check and I certainly don't have any EXTRA money to waste on a problem that nobody seems to know what exactly it is! After googling this problem and reading others' complaints it's comforting to know I'm not crazy and this is a real problem. When you have a monthly car payment on a newer vehicle you are supposed to be paying on reliability and the convenience you're paying to have that your NEWER vehicle will start every time you put your key in it!!! I'm very disappointed in this car and will likely trade it in and research before I ever buy again. This car is a cheap piece of crap that I pay for monthly, shame on you CHRYSLER/DODGE!! It will never be shame on me again because I will never buy from them again.

- Lisa C., Reno, NV, US

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