DODGE JOURNEY · model year

2013 DODGE JOURNEY

501 NHTSA complaints, 31 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2013DODGEJOURNEY carries 501 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 31 crashes, 14 fires, 39 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2013 JOURNEY is engine with 71 filings, followed by electrical system (69) and service brakes (60). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 3 investigation files overlapping the 2013 JOURNEY, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

501
Complaints
31
Crashes
14
Fires
39
Injuries
0
Deaths
2013 DODGE JOURNEY — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2013 DODGE JOURNEY. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

501 filings

Crashes Reported

31 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 — Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE71
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM69
SERVICE BRAKES60
SEATS54
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)43
AIR BAGS42
UNKNOWN OR OTHER31
POWER TRAIN29
STEERING20
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM10
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL8
SUSPENSION7
STRUCTURE:BODY6
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC6
EXTERIOR LIGHTING5

Recalls (4)

15V67500019/10/2015

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

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 Elec

17V43200007/07/2017

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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.

15V43100007/07/2015

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

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.

16V27300006/05/2016

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

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.

Recent Complaints

20260205SERVICE BRAKES

I received TWO safety recalls that my dealer has never fixed. One for the ABS System R61/NHTSA 15V-675 and one for the beauty cover R32/NHTSA 15V-431. I was supposed to be contacted when the parts were available and never was. My beauty cover has come off and my ABS system randomly turns off. I am not sure who reported that these repairs for the recalls were completed but they were not. I would like them to be completed before my car either catches fire OR my ABS gives out and I get in an accident.

20260205STRUCTURE:BODY

I received TWO safety recalls that my dealer has never fixed. One for the ABS System R61/NHTSA 15V-675 and one for the beauty cover R32/NHTSA 15V-431. I was supposed to be contacted when the parts were available and never was. My beauty cover has come off and my ABS system randomly turns off. I am not sure who reported that these repairs for the recalls were completed but they were not. I would like them to be completed before my car either catches fire OR my ABS gives out and I get in an accident.

20260130UNKNOWN OR OTHER

We were driving our vehicle and suddenly the car shut down. It basically stopped running. Dash lights on, heater blower going etc but speed was dropping to 0 quickly. We were in a small town so we could pull over but had it been a highway it could have caused major issue pending what lane you were in. There was no warning, no sign like a check engine light nothing. I got out and checked the engine area everything looked fine, continued moving and tapping things and finally shut the hood ready to call road side assistance because it had been about 30 min when we decided to try one more time to start it. We were getting cranking but no start and then after 30 min and poking around tapping it started right up. We already replaced alternator, battery, belt etc. But it just randomly shuts down. One day it started to shut down and then kicked back on again. But there is no warning, no check engine, no pending codes, no sign anything is wrong it just shuts down. Scary when you have a family y

20251120AIR BAGS

Cusumer choice automotive 1706 lower Roswell rd. Sold me a vehicle with a branded title with /knowledge it was a total loss vehicle now the ABS and traction lights or on the seatbelt deployed light is on air sensor light on and brakes or grinding I purchased on 10-4- 2025 this is November-20-2025 I asked for refund and to cancel they say as is not sure this is a wreck or flooded vehicle

20251120SERVICE BRAKES

Cusumer choice automotive 1706 lower Roswell rd. Sold me a vehicle with a branded title with /knowledge it was a total loss vehicle now the ABS and traction lights or on the seatbelt deployed light is on air sensor light on and brakes or grinding I purchased on 10-4- 2025 this is November-20-2025 I asked for refund and to cancel they say as is not sure this is a wreck or flooded vehicle

20251120ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Cusumer choice automotive 1706 lower Roswell rd. Sold me a vehicle with a branded title with /knowledge it was a total loss vehicle now the ABS and traction lights or on the seatbelt deployed light is on air sensor light on and brakes or grinding I purchased on 10-4- 2025 this is November-20-2025 I asked for refund and to cancel they say as is not sure this is a wreck or flooded vehicle

20251109ENGINE

Oil filter housing cap broke during Oil filter change.

20251107ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of a fluid leak underneath the front end of the vehicle. The “Low Oil” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken for an oil change, and the contact was informed that the oil level was adequate, and the oil was clean. The contact was informed that the warning light might be faulty. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer found 5 holes in the radiator. The radiator was replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the engine also needed to be replaced. The engine was not replaced. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

20250917SEATS

On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at approximately 1:30 PM, the driver’s side headrest, part of my 2013 Dodge Journey’s AHR (Active Head Restraint) system suddenly exploded for no apparent reason. I was alone in the vehicle, waiting to make a left turn. The sudden loud, sharp sound and impact to the back of my head startled and stunned me; I felt as if I had been rear ended. I looked back but there was no one behind me. Not knowing what had happened, I felt scared and light headed. I was still able to complete my turn but I pulled over to compose myself and ensure that I was okay. I didn’t become aware of the failure of the headrest until I returned home and my husband inspected the vehicle. As I write this incident report 24 hours after it occurred, I am experiencing soreness and discomfort in my neck and plan to seek a medical assessment. The vehicle is available for inspection until repairs are made. The manufacturer acknowledges that the sudden failure of this component is a

20250819ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed and the Push to START button was pressed; however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the brake pedal felt firm and added force was needed to depress the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) system failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that most recently, the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

20250819SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed and the Push to START button was pressed; however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the brake pedal felt firm and added force was needed to depress the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) system failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that most recently, the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

20250401SEATS

My headrest randomly deployed/opened. I have contacted the dealership, and spoke directly, with Dodge; still no success. I have been trying to get this issue fixed for over a year; I still have a broken headrest that hurts my neck and makes it uncomfortable to drive. Please RECALL the headrest for 2013 Dodge Journey! This is my second form and NOTHING has been done yet!!

20250328SEATS

The driver side seat headrest cushion deployed automatically. There was no car collision. I noticed the seat headrest deployed after returning to the car hours later. I liked into the interior back side of the cushion part and I saw broken pieces inside.

20250123SEATS

We were going thru the park we did not hit anything nor where we going fast we were only going 14/15 mph . I was sitting in the pasenger seat and all of a sudden we heard what sounded like a loud pop and my head was hit by the head rest for no reason . We were not in an accident or anthing to cause it to just all of a sudden deploy.

20250108ENGINE

The Catalytic Converter is the issue per our mechanic. We have had several issues out of the the vehicle, resulting in more money than the car is worth. The car no longer reaches over 55-60 mph, which is unsafe on the highway. Many times the car wont start. We thought it was the battery which have been changed several times, but the last mechanic stated it in fact the recall part that is needed.

20250108FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The Catalytic Converter is the issue per our mechanic. We have had several issues out of the the vehicle, resulting in more money than the car is worth. The car no longer reaches over 55-60 mph, which is unsafe on the highway. Many times the car wont start. We thought it was the battery which have been changed several times, but the last mechanic stated it in fact the recall part that is needed.

20241208ENGINE

Recently I have been having issues with the rear back up camera in the vehicle not working turning off beeping when nothing is around, also glitching and showing the camera upside down. I am also experiencing battery drainage in the vehicle I have just had the battery replaced and the alternator replaced as well, while I am searching online for common issues this seems to be happening to a large amount of people and the issues just keep equaling out to more then one problem. Motors staying on, electrical problems, constant power draws, many more issues I have many links to articles with dodge journey owners having numerous issues and dodge not wanting to fix anything or recall things to fix their mistakes. I can add links to this page. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20241208BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

Recently I have been having issues with the rear back up camera in the vehicle not working turning off beeping when nothing is around, also glitching and showing the camera upside down. I am also experiencing battery drainage in the vehicle I have just had the battery replaced and the alternator replaced as well, while I am searching online for common issues this seems to be happening to a large amount of people and the issues just keep equaling out to more then one problem. Motors staying on, electrical problems, constant power draws, many more issues I have many links to articles with dodge journey owners having numerous issues and dodge not wanting to fix anything or recall things to fix their mistakes. I can add links to this page. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20241208ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Recently I have been having issues with the rear back up camera in the vehicle not working turning off beeping when nothing is around, also glitching and showing the camera upside down. I am also experiencing battery drainage in the vehicle I have just had the battery replaced and the alternator replaced as well, while I am searching online for common issues this seems to be happening to a large amount of people and the issues just keep equaling out to more then one problem. Motors staying on, electrical problems, constant power draws, many more issues I have many links to articles with dodge journey owners having numerous issues and dodge not wanting to fix anything or recall things to fix their mistakes. I can add links to this page. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20241013SERVICE BRAKES

I was driving to work and my ABS and Traction control light came on while driving in the rain and started hydroplaning on the highway now my brakes are not working properly

Compare 2013DODGEJOURNEY to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2013 DODGE JOURNEY have?
The 2013 DODGE JOURNEY has 501 NHTSA complaints, 31 crashes, 14 fires, 39 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2013 DODGE JOURNEY?
The 2013 DODGE JOURNEY received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2013 DODGE JOURNEY?
Yes, the 2013 DODGE JOURNEY has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC). Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 DODGE JOURNEY?
The most-complained component for the 2013 DODGE JOURNEY is ENGINE with 71 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and SERVICE BRAKES.
Is the 2013 DODGE JOURNEY safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2013 DODGE JOURNEY has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.