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2017 Dodge Journey Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2017 Dodge Journey carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering wiring and exterior lighting. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Steering wheel seizing or becoming hard to turn.” 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.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Campaign #18V332000 · May 17, 2018

Issue: 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.

Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Campaign #22V723000 · Sep 29, 2022

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Dodge Journey vehicles. The amber side reflex reflector assembled into the headlamp may not reflect brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: A dim reflector may reduce the visibility of the vehicle to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 16, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z99.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2017 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

Steering wheel seizing or becoming hard to turn

STEERING

7 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2025-11

“WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11232684
“On Monday, August 16, 2021, I was driving towards a busy intersection when my steering wheel was all of a sudden unable to turn in either direction. I stopped the vehicle before merging on the busy intersection, which my next destination was I-80”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11429884
“I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM THE MARKET WHEN MY STEERING WHEEL STIFFED UP WHEN I WAS TRYING TO MAKE A LEFT. IT WAS VERY HARD TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND THEN I TRY TO MAKE IT GO STRAIGHT AND IT WAS HARD TO EVEN IT OUT, AS WELL AS TRYING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11123357

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Catalytic converter efficiency code P0420

ENGINE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2025-10

“ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASH AND I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS HESITATING AND FELT AS IT WAS LOSING POWER WHILE ACCELERATING. I THEN TOOK IT INTO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP AND WAS INFORMED THAT MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND WAS OVER $800 IN REPAIRS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11243943
“My check light came on and when I check the code which was a p0420, Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11661569
“My engine light came on my vehicle and the dealership says it’s a catalytic converter problem and I need a new one”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11560503

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission shifting and internal failure

POWER TRAIN

15 NHTSA complaints · 2018-02 → 2025-01

“THE TRANSMISSION IS FAILING TO SHIFT. IT SHIFTS EXTREMELY HARD AND THE REVERSE TAKES A FEW MINUTES TO KICK IN OR IT DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT AT ALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11097983
“THE HYDRAULIC PUMP BLEW AND CAUSED COMPLETE DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION COSTING ME $3500 TO GET THE COMPLETE TRANSMISSION REBUILT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11291146
“MY SON WAS DRIVING HOME AND THE CAR STARTED JERKING THEN SUDDENLY STOPPED. NO PRIOR INDICATION THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. HAD CAR TOWED TO MECHANIC & WAS TOLD TRANSMISSION IS HOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11317210

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

A/C and radio switching on without driver input

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-05 → 2025-08

“My ac or radio will turn on when ever it wants. I can turn my stuff off up to 18 times in a day. I have no control over my units front or back”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11543101
“The electrical system keeps failing. The front windows the radio ac and power lock and doors glitch on and off. This is daily to put where the radio and ac will not stay on for more than 30 seconds”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11682525
“I CAN BE DRIVING OR PARKED AND THE A/C KEEPS COMING ON EVERY TIME I SHUT IT OFF IT COMES BACK ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11258940

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Active head restraint deploying without a crash

SEATS

19 NHTSA complaints · 2020-01 → 2026-07

“While driving on a smooth paved road at normal speed, the active head restraint on the passenger seat suddenly deployed without any impact or collision. The headrest struck the passenger in the back of the head, causing pain and a potential injury”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11748798
“The active headrest deployed in the driver's seat while the vehicle was in use. The vehicle was not involved in any accident at the time of the deployment, and it was unprovoked”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11670885
“We were driving on the interstate and my front seat passenger headrest blew apart. I could have suffered neck injury due to the force of the impact, or accident due to startling the driver”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11638596

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stalling and loss of motive power while driving

ENGINE

30 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2026-01

“THE 2017 DODGE JOURNEY STALLS INTERMITTENTLY AT ALL SPEEDS AND DRIVING CONDITIONS. STOP AND GO IN TRAFFIC, ACCELERATING ON THE HIGHWAY, COASTING UP A HILL, STARTING FROM A STOP IN AN INTERSECTION. USUALLY NO CODES ARE THROWN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11243797
“The vehicle shuts off while driving. It has occurred 6 times over the course of a year. It results in a total loss of power, steering, brakes creating a very unsafe scenario”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11574229
“THE ENGINE HAD DIED WITH NO WARNING LIGHTS DISPLAYED. I LOST POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. ONCE I GOT THE VEHICLE STOPPED I PUT IT IN PARK, STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND PUSHED THE IGNITION BUTTON AND THE VEHICLE STARTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11115487

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag warning light illumination

AIR BAGS

15 NHTSA complaints · 2019-01 → 2025-09

“The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated with an audible tone while driving. The contact stated that the failure occurred approximately three times throughout the day while driving the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11454574
“ONE MONTH AFTER PURCHASING THE 2017 DODGE JOURNEY THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED DODGE DEALER AND THEY INFORMED US THAT THE AIRBAG WIREING HARNESS LOCATED UNDER THE DRIVERS FRONT SEAT WAS FAULTY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11165633
“THE LIGHT FIRST APPEARED INTERMITTENTLY UPON IGNITION BUT NOW REMAINS ON WHENEVER THE CAR IS STARTED AND RUNNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11320146

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bags not deploying in a crash

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2017-12 → 2023-07

“Air bags did not deploy when I hit someone at 35+mph. My passenger and my safety was put at risk because the air bags did not deploy causing us to be thrown forward forcefully causing pain in our back and neck”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11534280
“I REAR ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME GOING APPROXIMATELY 45MPH HEAD ON, CAUSING MAJOR FRONT END DAMAGE. NEITHER OF THE FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE CAR WAS TOTALED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11080003
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS T-BONED BY A SECOND VEHICLE. DURING THE INCIDENT THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER 3 TIMES AND THE FRONT END AND SIDES WERE SEVERELY DAMAGED BUT NO SIDE CURTAIN OR FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11210692

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 2 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)

59 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.

12

complaints mentioning a crash

7

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 2017 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.

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