The 2009 Journey is Chrysler's first-gen crossover SUV built on a stretched Avenger/Sebring platform — notoriously weak transmissions, electrical gremlins, and surprisingly catastrophic engine failures make this one of the riskiest used buys in the segment.
62TE Automatic Transmission Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh or delayed 2-3 upshift, especially when cold, Transmission slipping, flaring RPMs between gears, Check engine light with P0700, P0750, P0731 codes, Complete loss of forward gears, stuck in limp mode
Fix: The 62TE six-speed is notorious for solenoid pack failures, clutch pack burnout, and valve body issues. Band-aid fixes with solenoid packs ($800-1,200) buy 20k miles at best. Most need full rebuilds or reman units. 12-16 labor hours for R&R.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500
2.4L World Engine Catastrophic Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Loud knocking from bottom end, especially on cold start, Sudden loss of oil pressure, oil light flashing, Metal shavings in oil filter during changes, Catastrophic seizing or spun bearing, often while driving
Fix: The 2.4L Tigershark suffers from inadequate oil flow to rod bearings — owners who stretch oil changes or use 5W-20 instead of 5W-30 see spun bearings. Requires full engine replacement or complete rebuild with crank/rod work. 18-22 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,000
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure
Common · high severity
Symptoms: Fuel pump won't prime, no-start condition (most common), Intermittent gauges, random warning lights, Wipers, windows, or horn operate on their own, ABS and traction control lights on, systems disabled
Fix: The TIPM is Chrysler's Achilles heel 2007-2014. Internal relays fail, often the fuel pump relay. Dealer reflash TSB 08-004-13 sometimes works short-term, but replacement is the real fix. 2-3 labor hours, but used TIPMs are a gamble.
Symptoms: Key fob not detected, push-button start won't engage, Intermittent no-start, all dash lights functional, Battery drains overnight from WIN staying awake, Steering wheel won't unlock even with correct key
Fix: The WIN module (mounted under steering column) fails internally or loses programming. NHTSA recall 13V-120 covered some, but many fall outside VIN ranges. Replacement WIN requires dealer programming. 1.5-2.5 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Front Strut Mount / Bearing Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking or popping from front end over bumps, Steering binds or catches when turning from stop, Visible separation or cracking in strut mount rubber, Uneven tire wear on inside edge of front tires
Fix: Cheap OE strut mounts crack and separate, common on all 2009-2010 Journeys. Replace mounts and bearings with quality aftermarket (Moog or equivalent). Best done when replacing struts. 2.5-3 hours per side.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Water Pump Failure (3.5L V6)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant weeping from weep hole at front of engine, Squealing or grinding noise from serpentine belt area, Overheating, temp gauge climbing rapidly, Pink coolant puddle under vehicle after parked
Fix: The 3.5L uses an externally-driven pump, easier than the 2.7L. Impeller blades crack or bearing seizes. Always replace thermostat and flush system at same time. 3-4 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Corrosion
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid dripping near radiator or frame rail, Burnt transmission smell, low fluid level on dipstick, Sudden loss of all gears after highway driving, Rust perforation visible on steel cooler lines
Fix: Steel cooler lines rust through where they run along subframe, especially in salt states. If line ruptures on highway, transmission drains in minutes and self-destructs. Replace both lines and flush cooler. 2-3 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $350-600
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid every 40k miles religiously — the 62TE is unforgiving
Use 5W-30 synthetic in the 2.4L, change every 5k miles max to prevent bearing starvation
Inspect TIPM and battery connections yearly; clean terminals and apply dielectric grease
If buying used, verify TIPM and ignition switch recalls were completed
Budget $1,500/year for unexpected repairs — these age poorly past 100k miles
Hard pass unless free — the Journey combines weak powertrains, terrible electrical architecture, and bottom-tier build quality into a used-car money pit.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS · 16V273000
2016-05-06
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.
Consequence: A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · 16V047000
2016-01-29
FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured December 31, 2007, to August 31, 2008, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured June 18, 2007, to August 31, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.
Consequence: If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S07.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH · 14V373000
2014-06-26 · RQ14002
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured June 29, 2007, to June 17, 2010, and 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, to June 17, 2010. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Consequence: If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R03. Note: This is an expansion of recall 11V-139.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 10V658000
2010-12-24
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 DODGE JOURNEY VEHICLES MANUFACTURER FROM NOVEMBER 1, 2007, THROUGH NOVEMBER 7, 2008. THE WIRES WITHIN THE FRONT DOOR WIRE HARNESSES MAY FATIGUE AND BREAK, WHICH CAN INTERRUPT THE CIRCUITS FOR THE SIDE IMPACT SENSOR(S), RESULTING IN AN AIRBAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATION AND LOSS OF SIDE CRASH SENSING CAPABILITY.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SIDE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY, REDUCING THE PROTECTION INTENDED FOR THE OCCUPANT AND INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT DOOR WIRING HARNESSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 09V118000
2009-04-09
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 4,314 MY 2009 DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, COMMANDER AND WRANGLER VEHICLES. WIRING MAY BE REVERSED ON THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE DRIVER AIRBAG SQUIB CONNECTOR. THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY NOT PROPERLY INFLATE AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG SQUIB WIRES AND REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · 09V082000
2009-03-12
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 16,852 MY 2009 DODGE JOURNEY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITHOUT OPTIONAL 115 VOLT AUXILIARY POWER OUTLET. AN UNUSED ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR THE OPTIONAL 115 VOLT AUXILIARY POWER OUTLET OPTION MAY BECOME CORRODED AND COULD SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence: IF THE FUSE FOR THIS CIRCUIT DOES NOT BLOW, THE CONNECTOR COULD OVERHEAT AND POTENTIALLY CATCH FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RE-ROUTE AND STOW THE 115 VOLT AUXILIARY POWER OUTLET CONNECTOR AND PULL THE 25 AMP FUSE TO REMOVE POWER FROM THIS UNUSED CIRCUIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) · 08V528000
2008-10-09
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 712 MY 2009 SEBRING, DODGE CALIBER, AVENGER, JOURNEY, JEEP PATRIOT, AND COMPASS VEHICLES. A NEW ADHESIVE USED IN THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) MANUFACTURING PROCESS CAN CAUSE THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD TO BREAK.
Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PCM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 10, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 08V247000
2008-06-03
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 6,692 MY 2009 DODGE JOURNEY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.5L ENGINE. THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS MAY CONTACT THE LEFT TRANSAXLE MOUNT.
Consequence: DAMAGE TO THE WIRING HARNESS COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS FOR DAMAGE. IF THE HARNESS IS DAMAGED, THE WIRING WILL BE REPAIRED AND A TIE WRAP INSTALLED TO SECURE THE HARNESS AWAY FROM THE LEFT TRANSAXLE MOUNT. IF NO DAMAGE IS FOUND, A TIE WRAP WILL BE INSTALLED TO SECURE THE HARNESS AWAY FROM THE LEFT TRANSAXLE MOUNT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 7, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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