Wrench.Pro

2013 Dodge Journey Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Dodge Journey carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering frontal and hose, piping, and connections. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “ABS module failure and ESC/traction warning lights.” Dodge uses Stellantis' Oil Change Indicator — it watches engine load and duty cycle and messages when to change oil, capped at 10,000 miles or 12 months. Know your engine: the 3.6L Pentastar V6 goes 100,000 miles on plugs, while HEMI V8s carry sixteen plugs (two per cylinder) on a roughly 30,000-mile interval — that's a real cost difference at the service counter. HEMI models with MDS cylinder deactivation are especially sensitive to overdue oil.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #17V432000 · Jul 7, 2017

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may unexpectedly deploy if the air bag wiring harness gets chafed within the steering wheel and short circuits.

Risk: Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag wiring within the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary. A protective cover will also be installed. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T47.

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

Campaign #16V273000 · Jun 5, 2016

Issue: 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.

Risk: A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

Campaign #15V675000 · Oct 19, 2015

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured April 21, 2012, to April 14, 2015. In the affected vehicles, water may enter the wiring harness for the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module and leak into the module, disabling the ABS and/or the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.

Risk: If the ABS or ESC is disabled, a loss of vehicle stability could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will seal the ABS wiring harness to prevent water from entering and will replace the ABS module and repair the headlamp and dash wiring harness, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R61.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Campaign #15V431000 · Jul 7, 2015

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 19, 2010, to May 26, 2015 and equipped with 2.4L engines. In the affected vehicles, the engine cover may detach from the engine and contact the exhaust manifold.

Risk: If the displaced engine cover contacts the exhaust manifold, there would be an increased risk of a vehicle fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install an improved mounting system for the engine cover, free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R32.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Dodge Journey.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Vehicle entrapment

    Action #EA24003 · opened Aug 1, 2024

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-008 on May 1, 2023 to investigate an incident involving a 2009 Dodge Journey alleging occupant entrapment during a vehicle fire that resulted in a fatality. During the investigation, ODI collected information from the manufact…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

ABS module failure and ESC/traction warning lights

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

27 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2026-08

“The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving, the ABS, brake, and traction control warning lights remained illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11759940
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEIR VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER TWO RECALLS REGARDING THE ABS SYSTEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11328122
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO START AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTING WAS ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11175050

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission and powertrain failure

POWER TRAIN

12 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2023-09

“In the past 3 years I have had my transmission go out on my vehicle 3 times. All 3 times I was driving when it happened and my car just stopped shifting or would not shift past 2nd gear”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11493874
“SOMETHING HAS GONE VERY WRONG IN MY TRANSMISSION. POSSIBLY TORK CONVERTER OR A PUMP CAUSING 2 ERROR CODES AND A HUGE WINDING NOISE UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11256101
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11140008

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Active head restraint unintended deployment

SEATS

68 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2025-09

“The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while her husband was driving out of the driveway, the passenger's side headrest abruptly exploded. No injuries were reported”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11592484
“MY HEADREST DEPLOYED SUDDENLY AND BROKE APART INTO TWO PIECES WHILE I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON A FLAT, LEVEL HIGHWAY. BEING SO CLOSE TO MY EARS, THE NOISE WAS VERY LOUD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11279084
“I WAS SITTING WITH MY CAR ON, IN PARK IN THE PARKING LOT WHEN MY DRIVER SIDE HEADREST DEPLOYED. I DIDN'T GET IN AN ACCIDENT, THE HEADREST WASN'T EVEN BEING TOUCHED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11119850

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stalling and no-start electrical failures

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE

25 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2024-12

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11342972
“MY DODGE JOURNEY'S ENGINE SHUT OFF TWICE WHILE I WAS DRIVING WITH NO WARNING. NO LOSS OF LIGHTS OR RADIO, BUT THE ENGINE JUST SHUTS OFF AND CAR CANNOT BE RESTARTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11307463
“I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN 2012 AND SINCE THEN, I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR AND DODGE KEEPS TELLING ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11185137

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering failure or seizure

STEERING

9 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2022-09

“The contact's wife owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The stated while driving 65 MPH, the power steering assist failed without warning”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11485446
“WHEN TURNING TO THE LEFT THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT AND SOMETIMES COMES RIGHT BACK . IN WHICH ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR SNAPES TO THE LEFT VIOLENTLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11309588
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO TURN, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND MADE IT DIFFICULT TO STEER OR TURN THE STEERING WHEEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11230084

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine compartment fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-12 → 2026-03

“The contact owned a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in a parking lot, she had observed a small amount of smoke but was not aware of where the smoke was being emitted”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11590335
“The contact owned a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the vehicle began to deaccelerate its speed and multiple warning lights were illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11465087
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING 40 MPH, THE DASHBOARD WAS EMITTING EXTREME HEAT ON THE FLOOR AND FIRE EMERGED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11156596

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Change Indicator)

Every 10,000 mi

Change when the indicator says so — never beyond 10,000 miles or 12 months. Pentastar 3.6L: 0W-20. HEMI 5.7L: 5W-20 (0W-40 for 6.4L SRT). MDS-equipped HEMIs punish stretched oil intervals with lifter and cam wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate every 8,000 miles. Charger/Challenger R/T and Scat Pack: staggered-width setups can't rotate front-to-rear — budget rear tires accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads and rotors at every oil change. Heavy Durangos used for towing and hard-driven Chargers both run through rear pads faster than the front-pad-first rule of thumb suggests.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Spark Plugs

Every 30,000 mi

HEMI 5.7L: sixteen plugs roughly every 30,000 miles — check your year's manual. Pentastar 3.6L (Charger/Challenger V6, Durango V6, Journey, Grand Caravan): 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Grand Caravan/Journey (62TE): ATF+4 service every 60,000 miles in family duty. Charger/Challenger/Durango with the TorqueFlite 8-speed: no published normal interval, but specialists recommend service around 60,000-100,000 miles — sooner with towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

RWD Charger/Challenger and AWD Durango: replace rear diff fluid around 60,000 miles, sooner with towing or drag-strip duty. Limited-slip units need the friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles. HEMIs pull serious airflow — a clogged filter costs measurable power before it throws a code.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles, replace on cracking or glazing. On the HEMI, a shredded belt can take the cooling drive with it mid-drive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace every 20,000 miles where equipped (behind the glovebox on most models). Some earlier Journeys and Avengers shipped without one — check before buying a filter.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (OAT)

Every 100,000 mi

Stellantis OAT coolant is scheduled for 10 years / 150,000 miles; shops commonly refresh by 100,000. OAT-compatible coolant only — mixing chemistries gels the system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Big-audio Chargers and tow-package Durangos lean on the battery hard; weak batteries surface as gremlins in the electronics before they fail to crank.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

58 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

19

complaints mentioning a crash

9

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Dodge Journey reflects Dodge's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →