Before you buy
This 2016 Dodge Journey has 380 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2016 Dodge Journey Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2016 Dodge Journey trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2016 Dodge Journey Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2016 Dodge Journey SUV FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
18.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
18.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
DODGE JOURNEY 2016 has 380 NHTSA complaints, with engine problems (122) and transmission issues (86) most common. 4 recalls and 19 crash-related complaints are reported. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- Journey
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 380
- Crash-related complaints
- 19
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 19
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2016 Dodge Journey problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2016 Dodge Journey?
The 2016 Dodge Journey has a high number of complaints relative to its single model year, suggesting potential reliability concerns. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough inspection.
Engine and transmission problems are costly to repair and can affect safety and reliability. High complaint counts indicate these issues are common among owners.
May Suit
This year may suit budget-conscious buyers who are willing to accept higher risk and invest in extended warranties.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a reliable family vehicle with minimal repair costs should avoid this year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2016 Dodge Journey
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for signs of stalling, hesitation, or unusual noises.
- Check transmission for slipping, rough shifting, or delayed engagement.
- Test all electrical systems including infotainment, lights, and power accessories.
Before You Close the Deal
- Pre-purchase inspection focused on engine and transmission condition.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components.
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 Dodge Journey, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Dodge Journey has 380 complaints and 4 recalls, with engine problems (122 complaints) and transmission/drivetrain issues (86 complaints) being the most reported. Crash-related complaints number 19. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, 2016 has a high complaint count, but without data on other years, a full comparison is not possible.
Recall context: With 4 recalls, it is essential to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Engine problems account for 122 complaints, the highest of any component.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues total 86 complaints, the second most reported.
- There are 19 crash-related complaints, indicating potential safety concerns.
- Engine Problems (122 complaints)
- Transmission / Drivetrain (86 complaints)
- Electrical Faults (84 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2016 Dodge Journey complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Dodge Journey. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 122 | — | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 86 | 4 | 2 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 84 | — | 2 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 64 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 51 | 6 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 34 | 4 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 34 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 32 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 26 | 6 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 18 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Dodge Journey. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The 2012-2015 Dodge Journey was previously subject to an NHTSA recall for an electronic stability control module defect producing similar ABS warning and brake-related symptoms. The 2016 model year was not included in that recall. Other 2016 Dodge Journey owners have reported the…
My abs, brake and traction light came on. I ran a code reader which indicated my abs module has failed. I called my local dodge garage and they said this is a known common issue with my year make and model, and while there is a recall for dodge trucks for this, there isn't for th…
The air conditioner turns on by itself. When I turn it off it immediately turns itself back on. I have turned it off at least ten times repeatedly back to back and it continued to turn back on by itself. It can happen randomly sometimes, but has now become more of a problem.
The traction control light, the service AWD light and the abs light are all on, the horn stopped working, the buttons on the steering wheel stopped working, the backup camera stopped working, the air in the back portion of the vehicle turns on randomly-and the temp to the back ra…
The car started making a whining noise as I was exiting the highway. Within 2 minutes, the check engine light came on. Shortly after that as I was turning right on the street to enter the parking lot, the car lost power and would not move forward. THe car just lost power in the m…
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH and turning left, the steering wheel was extremely stiff. The contact stopped, exited the vehicle, opened the hood, and became aware that the power steering hoses were disconnected. The vehicle…
The rear view camera has become unreliable. It sometimes flickers. It sometimes is upside down. It is sometimes gray. It works properly about 10% of the time. I believe it was a significant contributor to my backing into and damaging another vehicle in a parking lot. I und…
Air bags did not deploy during an mvc
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving 35-40 MPH, the engine started overheating. The message "Temperature High" was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the power windows were intermittently inoperable. While attempting to drive …
I had to have my engine replaced Dan Cummins didn’t put the bolts back into my transfer case which caused me to need a new transfer case and sylnoids , now I am being told I need a new transmission.
Started off with check engine light reaching the end of November 2025 then about a week later started to experience whining noises when accelerating, jerking and fluid started leaking. My safety and of others was put at risk because as the jerking happened out of nowhere when dri…
i have been having problems with my 2016 dodge journey crossroads loss of propulsion while accelerating and a p0841 with a whine noise. Car was made 6 /2016 door vin says it was made.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started and running, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed a puddle of fluid on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact st…
I bought the car in 2019 . Since purchasing it has had electrical issues. The AC blew hot air, the rear windows did not work, the center console usb plug caught fire, the lights on dash flicker. Dome light comes on by itself. Now the head lights flicker and go out. I have had it …
The EVIC lights will turn off while driving. Doesn’t matter if it’s daylight or evening. During evening hours it poses a risk due to not seeing speed or any other lights on dashboard. The EVIC will stay on after car is shut off and key fob is moved away from vehicle causing the b…
As I was driving my 2016 DJ just list power.. I coast my to the side of the road. I try cranking the car up but it wouldn't crank up. So I had it towed to my house which were about 5 mins away. Please help me with my car. Vehicle would not go up small hills
P0240 code keeps coming up but the catalytic converter was changed and the cylinders at the dlrshp. This has been an ongoing issue for over 3 years.
I opened my car door to get in and found that that head rest was completely popped out. It was not in that condition the previous day.
Head rest deployed out of no where and we can’t reset it.
While returning from a shopping trip with my mom the passenger headrest broke/exploded? It caused several small plastic fragments to fly from I guess inside and the headrest hit my mom in the back of the head. There were no lights to indicate a problem, no other vehicles around a…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Dodge Journey.
Safety recalls
2016 Dodge Journey recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Dodge Journey. With 4 recalls, it is essential to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2016 Dodge Journey buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Dodge Journey reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 380 owner complaints, 19 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2016 Dodge Journey has a high number of complaints relative to its single model year, suggesting potential reliability concerns. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Dodge Journey?▾
#1: Engine Problems (122 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (86 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (84 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Dodge Journey?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Dodge Journey?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Dodge Journey, NHTSA complaints include 19 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 380 total complaints. 16 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Dodge Journey have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Dodge Journey. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. With 4 recalls, it is essential to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2016 Dodge Journey?▾
The 2016 Dodge Journey has a high number of complaints relative to its single model year, suggesting potential reliability concerns. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough inspection. Engine and transmission problems are costly to repair and can affect safety and reliability. High complaint counts indicate these issues are common among owners. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Dodge Journey reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2016 Dodge Journey based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.