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 severity
Typical 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 severity
Typical 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 severity
Typical 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 severity
Typical 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 severity
Symptoms: 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 severity
Typical 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 severity
Typical 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
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid every 50,000 miles with OEM ATF+4 spec—extends 62TE life significantly
Check transmission cooler lines annually for seepage—catching leaks early prevents $4k+ transmission jobs
On 2.4L engines, monitor oil consumption religiously and use quality synthetic—skip oil changes and you're buying an engine
Inspect TIPM connector for corrosion during any under-hood work—dielectric grease on terminals prevents issues
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.
Fitment notes: Standard top post battery; located in engine bay
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Every control module on the 2011-2020 Dodge Journey — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Electric Power Steering Module (EPS)2.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · 16V907000
2016-12-16
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.
Consequence: If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S89.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · 16V461000
2016-06-24
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to April 18, 2016, 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2015, to January 29, 2016, and 2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured August 15, 2016, to April 15, 2016. The transmission pump may seize causing a loss of hydraulic pressure.
Consequence: If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission pump, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S44.
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.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2016 Dodge Journey 2.4L I4 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.