The 2016 Journey is a carryover design from 2009 with known transmission durability issues and engine component failures, particularly on higher-mileage units. The 62TE 6-speed automatic is the Achilles heel, prone to premature wear and costly rebuilds.
62TE Automatic Transmission Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard shifting or delayed engagement, especially 2nd to 3rd gear, Shuddering or slipping under acceleration, Check engine light with transmission solenoid codes P0750, P0755, Transmission overheating warnings on instrument cluster
Fix: Solenoid pack replacement buys time (6-8 hours labor), but most need full rebuild or replacement. Transmission oil cooler often fails first, contaminating fluid and accelerating internal damage. Rebuild is 12-16 hours, replacement with reman unit is 10-12 hours.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500
2.4L World Engine Failure (Oil Consumption / Bearing Wear)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, burning 1+ quart per 1,000 miles, Engine knock or ticking at startup, worsening when warm, Loss of power and rough idle, Metal flakes in oil during changes
Fix: Piston ring and cylinder wear is common on the 2.4L due to inadequate oil control. Head gasket leaks also frequent. Minor fixes (valve cover, PCV) are temporary. Real fix is engine replacement or full rebuild with pistons, bearings, and head work (35-45 hours labor).
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Red transmission fluid pooling under vehicle, Transmission running hot or overheating warning, Low fluid level on dipstick causing erratic shifting
Fix: Steel lines corrode at fittings and flex sections. Replacement requires dropping lower transmission lines and sometimes radiator removal. If caught early, prevents transmission damage. Allow 3-4 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $400-700
3.6L Pentastar Left Cylinder Head Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible external leaks, White smoke from exhaust on cold start, Misfires on cylinders 1, 3, or 5, Coolant in oil or milky oil cap residue
Fix: Left head prone to valve seat and gasket failures. Requires head removal, resurfacing, valve work, and timing chain service while open. Right side less common but inspect both. 18-24 hours labor for left head job.
Estimated cost: $3,000-4,500
Tipm (Total Integrated Power Module) Electrical Gremlins
Occasional · medium severitySymptoms: Fuel pump not priming, no-start condition, Wipers activating randomly or not working, Power windows, locks, or horn intermittent, No communication with modules during scan
Fix: TIPM mounted under hood is sensitive to moisture and internal relay failures. Reflash TSBs available for some symptoms, but most require TIPM replacement. Unit must be programmed to VIN. 2-3 hours labor plus module.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Premature Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Wear
Common · low severityTypical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front end, Wandering steering or alignment won't hold, Uneven tire wear on inside edges
Fix: Bushings separate and crack prematurely on both sides. Replacement requires control arm removal and press work or full arm replacement. 2.5-3.5 hours labor both sides.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Alternator Failure
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Battery light on dash, Voltage gauge reading low or fluctuating, Electrical accessories dimming at idle, No-start with jump-start success then immediate die
Fix: OEM alternators fail diodes and voltage regulators. On 3.6L, alternator is low and tight—requires removing splash shields and working around AC lines. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $500-800
Only consider with full service records showing transmission services and if you can afford a $4k transmission replacement—better options exist in this segment.
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.