2016 Dodge Journey

2016 Dodge Journey

The 2016 Dodge Journey is a midsize SUV known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and available all-wheel drive. It’s available with three engine options: a 2.4-liter I-4, a 3.6-liter V6, and a 2.7-liter V6 with an eTorque mild-hybrid system. Transmission choices include a 4-speed automatic for the 2.4-liter engine, a 6-speed automatic for the 3.6-liter engine, and a 9-speed automatic for the 2.7-liter engine.

Despite its strengths, the Journey has faced several issues affecting its engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, exterior, and interior.

Engine

• 2.4L I-4
  • Intake Valve Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: The intake valves can crack or break, causing reduced engine power, misfires, and knocking noises.
    • Solution: Replace the affected intake valves.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Timing Chain Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain can stretch or break, resulting in engine stalling, misfires, and reduced performance.
    • Solution: Replace the timing chain and related components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 3.6L V6
  • Piston Ring Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: The piston rings can fail, leading to excessive oil consumption, reduced engine power, and blue smoke from the exhaust.
    • Solution: Rebuild the engine or replace it.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Lifter Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: The lifters can fail, causing ticking noises, reduced engine power, and oil leaks.
    • Solution: Replace the lifters and related components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 2.7L V6 eTorque
  • No Issues Found

Transmission

• 4-Speed Automatic
  • Shifting Issues:
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may have difficulty shifting gears, slip out of gear, or refuse to engage gears.
    • Solution: Replace or rebuild the transmission.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $3,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 6-Speed Automatic
  • Torque Converter Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can fail, causing shuddering, slipping, and overheating.
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Transmission Control Module Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission control module (TCM) can fail, causing erratic shifting, transmission slipping, and loss of power.
    • Solution: Replace the TCM.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 9-Speed Automatic
  • Harsh Shifting:
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may shift harshly, especially when downshifting.
    • Solution: Update the transmission software and/or replace the valve body.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: 23V832

Suspension

• Front Strut Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The front struts can fail, causing clunking noises, reduced handling, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Shock Absorber Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear shock absorbers can fail, leading to a bouncy ride, reduced stability, and increased braking distances.
  • Solution: Replace the shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain:
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery can drain prematurely, causing difficulty starting the vehicle or complete failure to start.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the drain, such as faulty modules or parasitic accessories.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Electrical Harness Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The electrical harness can develop shorts or breaks, affecting various electrical components and systems.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the affected wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The headlights can fail, reducing visibility at night.
  • Solution: Replace the headlights.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Tailgate Corrosion:
  • Description/Symptoms: The tailgate can corrode, making it difficult to open or close.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the tailgate.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Climate Control Malfunction:
  • Description/Symptoms: The climate control system may not work properly, causing the interior temperature to be too hot or too cold.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the faulty component, such as the blend door or temperature sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system may freeze, crash, or become unresponsive.
  • Solution: Update the software or replace the infotainment module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Dodge Journey has experienced various issues affecting its engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, exterior, and interior. While some of these issues are minor and relatively inexpensive to fix, others can be severe and result in costly repairs. The severity and prevalence of these issues may make the Journey a less desirable choice for some potential buyers.