Dodge Journeyby Vauxford —CC-BY-SA-4.0
The Dodge Journey is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured from 2009 to 2020. Although it’s not in production anymore, there are many excellent used models for purchase. If you’re interested in this vehicle, you might wonder - what are the Dodge Journey years to avoid?
There’s a lot to consider when investing in a new vehicle for your life. If you’re going to spend money on a car, it should be a great one that will last. Read on to learn more about which Dodge Journey years to avoid and which one to look at as a potential future investment.
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Dodge Journey Years to Avoid
The Dodge Journey has had some great models, but there are also some Dodge Journey years to avoid if you are thinking about investing in a used model. There are many reasons why you should stay away from these versions.
The Dodge Journey years to stay away from include:
- 2009
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
These are some of the worst years in existence for the Dodge Journey.
Many factors have made these years of the Dodge Journey challenging for the average driver. We’ll dive further into these next so you can better understand the reasoning behind selecting these as the Dodge Journey years to avoid. We can help you with the decision aspect of your next vehicle investment.
What Makes These Years Worth Avoiding?
As we mentioned, several things make these Dodge Journey years worth avoiding. There are more than three issues with these years, but we’ll go over three of the most prominent to give you a solid idea of the most common problems you’ll encounter. According to carcomplaints.com, some of the top reasons that make these years worth avoiding include:
- Brake problems
- Engine issues
- Interior accessory troubles
- Interior water leaks
- Malfunctioning remote keyless entry
These were not the only problems with the Dodge Journey years listed above, but they were the most apparent.
Read on to learn about each of these issues in more detail. The more you know about the potential problems you can face with the faulty models, the better a decision you can make about your next car choice. There are lots to consider when preparing to make an investment this large.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE DODGE JOURNEY
Although there’s a ton of information, we’ve narrowed down the critical portions for your car-hunting needs. Read on to learn more about the most reliable year Dodge Journey, the least reliable selection, and anything else you should know.
Brake Problems
Brake problems were the most prominent issue that emerged with the Dodge Journey, especially the 2009 model. This is an inconvenience and wildly dangerous for those who drive at high speeds. You don’t want a vehicle that struggles to maintain proper brakes.
Some brake problems include:
- Premature brake and rotor wear
- Noisy brakes
- Calipers that lock up
These are just a few brake problems that can emerge if you select one of the problematic Dodge Journey years.
Brakes are a critical aspect of any vehicle. If you select one of the above models and don’t maintain your brakes, you could face danger and wild expenses in the future. This issue stands out as the worst of the Dodge Journey’s faulty years.
Engine Issues
Engine issues are the second problem in the faulty Dodge Journey years. Engine problems can be expensive and even dangerous depending on where they occur. If you’re a driver, engine problems are not something you want to deal with daily.
Some of the engine problems include:
- Dying engine while driving
- Ticking sound from the engine
- Check engine light always on
It’s safe to say that none of these engine issues appeal to drivers, no matter how small they seem.
You’re paying lots of money for a used Dodge Journey, so why pick one with severe engine faults ingrained in its system? Go with a more reliable model to ensure that you stay safe on the road and save money.
Interior Accessory Troubles
Finally, interior accessory troubles are one of the final issues that plague some models of the Dodge Journey. These problems can deal with anything from the vehicle’s door to the car’s window and everything in between.
These issues are both a nuisance to the typical car owner and an unnecessary expense. The more things break, the more it will cost to fix them. It’s vital to invest in a version of the Dodge Journey that has a stable interior so you can avoid the pain of fixing interior accessory breakages regularly.
Interior Water Leaks
Owners of the 2009-2018 Dodge Journeys have compromised their comfort of dampness inside the cabin. Apparently, the cabin is susceptible to water leaks which may occur at the low mileage of 58,000 miles.
According to the reports, the driver seat floor of the Dodge Journey may become moist whenever you’re driving in the rain. In some complaints, there are also leaks found near the rear side of the Journey, which may get your floor and carpet wet. Leaks were also reported near vents, windows, and headliners. You may need a professional to seal the leaky areas and solve this issue.
Defective Remote Keyless Entry System
There’s no shortage of neat features offered by the 2009-2017 Dodge Journeys – unfortunately, the remote keyless entry function isn’t one of them. The remote keyless entry system is one of the most reported issues with the Dodge Journey.
According to frustrated owners, the system refuses to work properly as you’ll either get wrong key readings or the dreaded “key not detected” message. In some cases, the system also interfered with the key fob that prevented drivers from locking or unlocking the doors. A software update is required to fix the issue.
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Which Years Are Safe to Buy Used?
We talked about some of the worst years of the Dodge Journey, but what about the best? It’s vital to understand your options before you go all in and put your money down on a used vehicle. We’ll go over some of the best choices for Dodge Journey years below.
According to carcomplaints.com, some of the best years for the Dodge Journey include:
- 2015 Dodge Journey - If you want a used SUV that seats up to seven passengers, the 2015 Dodge Journey is a great option. However, make no mistake, the 2015 Journey is simply an OK SUV and you’re probably better off with its competitors. However, it offers good long-term reliability along with reasonable pricing.
- 2016 Dodge Journey - The 2016 Journey is better than the previous year, and it’s more affordable than its segment competitors. It offers an intuitive infotainment system, versatile seating and cargo features, and fair reliability ratings.
- 2017 Dodge Journey - The 2017 Dodge Journey comes with a low average list price, which is great if you’re buying used. Furthermore, it provides a comfortable ride and a sleek infotainment system. In terms of reliability, it received some fair scores but nothing too impressive.
- 2018 Dodge Journey - Although the 2018 Journey may be more reliable than the models to avoid, it doesn’t have strong predicted reliability scores. Its main selling points are affordable pricing and low ownership costs.
- 2019 Dodge Journey - The 2019 Journey offers good dependability and fuel economy. Other than that, it can be a hit or miss, especially in build quality. If you can find a good price for it, then by all means. Otherwise, this model is certainly a skip.
These years have been some of the best to date with the Dodge Journey.
If you are looking for the best Dodge Journey year to buy, these make for excellent options to choose from for your future. Look into each of them a little more to determine if they’re right for you. Whichever one you select, it’s sure to be better than the faulty years listed above.
Conclusion
Understanding which Dodge Journey years to avoid can save you lots of trouble in the long run. Many problems come with some models, such as engine failures and transmission breakages. If you can find a version of the car that won’t leave you with expensive repairs, you should purchase it as your next vehicle.
The Dodge Journey is an excellent car, but some years have faults. We hope that this information was helpful so you can select your next car without issue. There’s a lot to consider when dealing with a used car investment, and we hope to make it a little easier for you. There are lots to consider.
Frequently Asked Questions: Dodge Journey Years To Avoid
Q: Which Dodge Journeys should potential buyers be wary of when considering a used vehicle?
A:If you’re in the market for a used Dodge Journey, avoid the 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 model years. These particular years have been identified as the most problematic.
Q: What are some of the most common issues reported by owners of the Dodge Journey model years to avoid?
A:Owners of the 2009-2012 Dodge Journeys have reported a variety of problems, including brake issues such as premature wear, noisy operation, and locking calipers; engine troubles like dying while driving, ticking sounds, and persistent check engine lights; and interior accessory malfunctions.
Q: What engine problems have been reported for the problematic years of the Dodge Journey?
A:Engine issues are another significant concern for the 2009-2012 Dodge Journeys. Owners have experienced problems such as the engine dying while driving, ticking sounds coming from the engine, and the check engine light remaining constantly illuminated.
Q: Which model years are considered safer options?
A:If you’re in the market for a used Dodge Journey, consider the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 model years. These years have generally received better reviews and had fewer reported problems than the earlier model years mentioned above.
Are Dodge Journeys typically reliable?
First appearing for the 2009 model year and being discontinued after 2020, the Dodge Journey has a mixed reliability record. In particular, buyers will want to stay away from the initial model years for a more dependable ownership experience.
How much does a used Dodge Journey typically cost?
The high demand for affordable family vehicles and tight supplies have significantly increased the cost for used Dodge Journeys. According to CoPilot Price Pulse, a 2013 Journey has a typical asking price of $10,020, which is 37% higher than what it would be in normal market conditions. A 2019 Journey costs $20,601 (including a 29% market premium).
Is the Dodge Journey a good car to purchase?
Not every Dodge Journey model year is known for reliability. That’s something to consider before making a purchase. Research the most reliable years of the Dodge Journey before looking for what to buy.
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