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2016 Dodge Journey problems: engine and transmission complaints and recalls
57% of relevant owner complaints filed with NHTSA on the 2016 Dodge Journey are about the engine, transmission or fuel system. That is a model-level pattern, not bad luck.
Worse than 76% of the 1,790 model years we track (2010–2023).
Excludes 39 airbag, lighting and seat-belt recall complaints that would otherwise mask the signal (unadjusted: 51%).
Does the 2016 Dodge Journey have engine problems?
Owner complaints say yes, as a model-year pattern. 198 of 349 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2016 Dodge Journey concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (57%), and the largest group is filed under engine (113). For comparison, the 2015 scores 42% and the 2017 scores 46%. On a test drive, check for stalling, loss of power, rough idle, oil consumption or a check-engine light. This describes the model year, not any one car: a well-maintained or already-repaired example can be fine, and a clean model year can still have a bad car in it.
Complaints by component
The years either side
Manufacturers fix things mid-generation. A bad year next to a clean one is common; the fix usually arrived in between.
How the 2016 compares with other Dodge Journey years
Of the 11 Dodge Journey years with enough complaints to score, the 2016 is the worst on engine and transmission share (57%). The best is the 2020 (18%). By volume, the 2016 drew 388 complaints (198 drivetrain), against 553 for the 2015 and 197 for the 2017.
Dodge Journey years to avoid and best years →
2010 Journey problems · 2011 Journey problems · 2012 Journey problems · 2013 Journey problems · 2014 Journey problems · 2015 Journey problems · 2016 · 2017 Journey problems · 2018 Journey problems · 2019 Journey problems · 2020 Journey problems
The rest of the picture on the 2016 Dodge Journey
- The mileage where it happens. When owners of the 2016 Dodge Journey said the problem showed up, and the range most of them fell in.
- What the repair costs. Typical engine repair ranges, to price into your offer.
- Cleaner alternatives. Similar cars and nearby years with a better record.
- Up to 15 owner reports, with the ones about your car's own engine first.
- What to ask the seller and what to check on the test drive, for this car.
- Two cars side by side, if you are deciding between them.
What one owner reported
One of 198 drivetrain complaints. The full report shows up to 15, with quotes about the engine in the car you are looking at first.
2016 Dodge Journey engine and transmission recalls
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns on the 2016 Dodge Journey involving the engine, transmission or fuel system, out of 4 in total. A recall is the manufacturer admitting a defect and paying to fix it; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN, which the full report checks. The owner complaints above are a separate record and often point at problems that never became a recall.
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.
Risk: If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 (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.
Risk: If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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…
2 other recalls on this model year (airbags, lighting, brakes and the rest)
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns filed against this year, make and model. Checked October 3, 2026.
Checking one particular 2016 Dodge Journey? This page is about the model year. Accidents, title brands and odometer records belong to the individual car, and that is what a vehicle history report covers.
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Does the 2016 Dodge Journey have engine problems?
Owner complaints say yes, as a model-year pattern. 198 of 349 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2016 Dodge Journey concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (57%). Before buying one, have an independent mechanic check the engine and ask the seller whether it has been repaired or replaced.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Dodge Journey?
Going by NHTSA owner complaints, the most common problem filed against the 2016 Dodge Journey is engine: 113 of 388 complaints (29%) name it, followed by power train (87) and electrical system (85). A complaint can name more than one component, so these overlap.
Is the 2016 Dodge Journey reliable?
On the engine and transmission, owner complaints point to a weak spot: 57% of relevant complaints filed with NHTSA concern the drivetrain (high signal). That is worse than 76% of the 1,790 model years we track. Among the 11 Dodge Journey years we score, it ranks worst. Complaint data describes the model year, not one car, and it says nothing about trim, paint or electronics outside the drivetrain; an independent inspection still decides it.
Are there engine or transmission recalls on the 2016 Dodge Journey?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns on the 2016 Dodge Journey involving the engine, transmission or fuel system, out of 4 in total: 16V907000 (engine and engine cooling: engine), 16V461000 (power train: automatic transmission). Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
Which Dodge Journey years are better?
Among the Dodge Journey years we track, the 2020 (18%), the 2019 (19%) and the 2010 (26%) have a lower engine and transmission complaint share than the 2016 (57%). Manufacturers fix things mid-generation, so the year before or after can be a different car. Every year side by side: https://thelanecheck.com/cars/dodge-journey
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Check a VINExperimental model-level information. This is not a vehicle inspection, vehicle-history report, financial advice or purchase recommendation. It describes patterns across a model year, not the condition of any individual vehicle.