Dodge Journey transmission and drivetrain problems, 2016–2020
147 of the 985 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Dodge Journey 2016–2020 name the transmission and drivetrain (NHTSA’s “Power Train” heading — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, axles and differentials — NHTSA files them under one heading). The loudest years: 2016 (87), 2017 (32), 2018 (18). Filed under the same heading across these years: 1 recall campaign. Every figure is a linked federal record; none is a failure rate, none a repair cost, and none a verdict on one car.
Dodge Journey transmission and drivetrain problems by model year
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsOne row per model year on file, newest first. A year marked in depth has its own page: the complaints, the owners’ words and every document under this heading for that year.
| Model year | Complaints naming the transmission and drivetrain | Share of the year’s | Typically at | On file under the heading | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3 | 5% | — | 18 TSBs | the year → |
| 2019 | 7 | 7% | — | 21 TSBs | the year → |
| 2018 | 18 | 8% | — | 17 TSBs | the year → |
| 2017 | 32 | 16% | 30k | 20 TSBs | the year → |
| 2016 in depth | 87 | 22% | 66k | 32 TSBs · 1 recall | the record → |
Two things the counts carry that are not the car: how many of each year were sold, and how long each has been on the road — an older year out-counts a newer one before anything is wrong with it. The share column is the honest comparison across years: what part of that year’s complaints named the transmission and drivetrain. Nothing here is a rate.
When the transmission and drivetrain complaints were filed, and at what mileage
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled per calendar year, every model year together: 2016: 2 · 2017: 11 · 2018: 12 · 2019: 24 · 2020: 22 · 2021: 16 · 2022: 13 · 2023: 14 · 2024: 9 · 2025: 13 · 2026: 11
Across the model years, half of the 76 owners who gave an odometer reading reported the transmission and drivetrain problem between 26,000 and 80,000 miles. A median of reports, not the life of a part.
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the transmission and drivetrain, from the model years with the most to say. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. While driving at unknown speeds, the accelerator pedal was applied, but the vehicle failed to move. The vehicle was taken twice to the local dealer (fury motors, 1000 concord st south, saint paul, mn 55075) where it was diagnosed each time that the differential axle needed to be replaced.
I was driving the vehicle and it just loss power. Luckily there were no cars behind me. The car will turn on but won't drive. Had it towed to shop and found out transmission was gone. I just purchased vehicle in oct 2016, how can transmission be gone. Warranty just expired 3000 ago.
The transmission went out. You would hit gas, hear engine but wouldn’t go anywhere
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driveshaft detached from the rear axle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000
10.17.25 Vehicle started making tapping noise under the hood. I wasn’t able to identify the problem. I took it to the dealership and they found noise coming from the transmission and stated possible front pump, but wasn’t for sure.
What is on file about the transmission and drivetrain, across the years
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsRecall campaign filed under this heading, any model year
- 16V461000 HighJun 24, 2016 · 26,298 vehicles
- 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.
Other systems with a record on the Dodge Journey
Source: the same filesEvery system, every model year: Dodge Journey problems by year →
Common questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsWhich Dodge Journey years have the most transmission and drivetrain complaints?
2016, 87; 2017, 32; 2018, 18. Raw counts, and an older year has had longer to collect them; by share of each year's own complaints the loudest is the 2016 (22%).
Is there a recall for the transmission and drivetrain on the Dodge Journey?
Yes — one campaign is filed under this heading across these model years: 16V461000 (2016). A recall is matched by VIN, and applies to specific years; check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
When do transmission and drivetrain problems show up on the Dodge Journey?
Owners who gave an odometer reading reported it at a median of 52,000 miles across the model years; half of them between 26,000 and 80,000. That is when reports cluster, not the life of a part.
What does NHTSA's "Power Train" heading cover?
The transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, axles and differentials — NHTSA files them under one heading. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.