Last updated: 2026-10-10

2019 Dodge Journey Reliability Report
The 2019 Dodge Journey rates good and well above other 2019 SUVs, but backup camera faults are its main weak spot.
Recalls
1
Complaints
92
Complaint Rate
12.3per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$562
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,850–$3,150
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Best of the three scored Journey years, with far fewer complaints and recalls than 2018, though backup camera faults still stand out.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (20)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (18)
- AIR BAGS (7)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is 8 years after the 2011 facelift refresh.
- Year 11 in the First generation (JC49) (2009–2020).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 1st generation Journey (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2009: First generation (JC49) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2011: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2019: This Model Year
2019 is 8 years after the 2011 facelift refresh.
Should You Buy the 2019 Dodge Journey?
Reliability is good for this model year. It sits well above average among 2019 SUVs and is the best of the three scored Journey years. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs at $562 for the model, against $573 for its class. The 2018 rates worse and has far more complaints and six recalls. The 2020 rates about the same as 2019 and also has one recall.
The backup camera is the most common trouble. Owners describe an image that flickers, flips upside down, shows lines, or goes blank or blue. One crash happened when the camera did not show a car behind. Federal recall records list one recall, in back over prevention. Air bag complaints are the most serious. In rear-end impacts, owners say the bags stayed folded, and the crash-related reports include three injuries. Transmission reports describe clunking, slipping, and one failure at 43,226 miles.
Ask the seller for proof that the recall work is done. Test the camera and the shift from reverse to drive. The 2020 is a close alternative.
Compared to the 2020 Dodge Journey, which scored 1 points lower. See also the 2018 Dodge Journey for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +$11 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize SUVs
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (12%)
Cons
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Backup camera fails in most of these reports (21 complaints)
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Backup camera faults dominate this category (20 complaints)
Compare 2019 Dodge Journey With

2019 Mazda CX-9
Reliability: 73/100

2019 Mitsubishi Outlander
Reliability: 74/100

2019 Buick Envision
Reliability: 78/100

2019 Lincoln Nautilus
Reliability: 62/100

2019 Infiniti QX60
Reliability: 71/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
HIGH RISK- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (21)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (20)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2019 Dodge Journey carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
12.3
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 21.2
Safety Incidents
6
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 4/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Dodge Journey Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2019 Dodge Journey. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster and 2019-2020 Dodge Journey vehicles. Cracks in the microprocessor may cause the vehicle's rearview camera image not to display properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility.
Consequence
A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed beginning September 30, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated July 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 59C.
Buying a used 2019 Dodge Journey? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2019 Dodge Journey, and 1 recall was issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Dodge Journey NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 17.9%
Safety Technologies
Dodge JourneyRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$562
vs $573 avg for midsize SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
12%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Dodge Journey Resale Value
The Dodge Journey is estimated to retain about 53.8% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Dodge Journey model overall and is not specific to the 2019 model year.
- Value Retained
- 53.8%
- Depreciation
- 46.2%
- Listings Analyzed
- 246
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Dodge Journey depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
19–21 MPG
Running cost: $3,400–$3,700/yr
Fuel + repair
16–19 city / 24–25 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journey 2.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 4-spd | 19 | 25 | 21 | $2,850 |
| Journey 3.6L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 17 | 25 | 19 | $3,150 |
| Journey AWD 3.6L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,150 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Dodge Journey.
Shift into reverse several times and confirm the camera image is clear, steady, and right side up.
Run the VIN for open recalls and ask for proof that any backup camera recall work is done.
Look into both headlight lenses for fogging, water droplets, or a burned-out bulb.
At a full stop, shift between reverse and drive several times and listen for a clunk or bang.
After startup, confirm the ABS, air bag, brake, and check engine lights all go out.
Test the rear wiper, reverse lights, horn, and steering wheel buttons one by one.
Check that the front passenger seat cover is attached and the seat belt reminder works for that seat.
Press on the carpets and sniff the cabin for dampness or mold from water leaks.
2019 Dodge Journey Common Problems by Component
92 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
21 complaintsThe backup camera fails in most of these reports. The image flips upside down, blurs, turns black or blue, or disappears. It usually starts out intermittent and gets worse until it stops working. One failure came at under 29,000 miles, and a dealer software update did not fix another. A smaller group describes the engine shutting off in drive, once while the car rolled backward on a hill and once in traffic. Other reports cover wipers scoring the windshield coating, a rear window shattering while parked, and moisture inside the headlights.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
20 complaintsSafety-relatedBackup camera faults dominate this category. The image flickers, flips, goes black, or shows a line through it, and one report is tied to a crash. Liftgate wiring trouble makes the rear wiper run on its own and knocks out the reverse lights. Some owners also lose the horn and steering wheel controls. Bluetooth fails to connect about half the time for one owner. Several reports describe the engine shutting down while driving, including on the highway. A P0335 repair did not stop the engine cutting off, and repeated coil pack and spark plug work never fixed another engine.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
18 complaintsSafety-relatedMost of these reports describe an open recall notice for the rearview camera that dealers cannot complete because the part is not yet available. Owners say the wait has gone on too long. Others say their camera fails the same way but their VIN is not on the list. Symptoms include a blank or blue screen, an upside-down image, lines across the picture, or a crossed-out camera icon. Reported failure mileages mostly fall between 100,000 and 137,000. One crash happened at about 4,000 miles when the camera did not show a car behind.
AIR BAGS (7 complaints)
AIR BAGS
7 complaintsSafety-relatedIn rear-end impacts, including hits at 55 mph, the bags stay folded. There are three crash-related reports with three injuries, and one owner says the seat belt did not tighten either. Another owner reports the bags going off while driving, days after a crash in which they did not deploy. The warning light also cycles on and off. Several reports describe the front passenger seat belt and occupant sensor quitting and the seat cover coming loose from the frame. Owners say warranty did not cover this repair.
POWER TRAIN (6 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
6 complaintsThe transmission clunks when shifting from reverse to drive, slips, or bangs when pulling away from a stop. Replacing the motor mounts at the dealer did not stop the clunk. One transmission failed outright at 43,226 miles and needed a replacement costing $7,471.96. At 25,739 miles, another owner reports high revs, a jumping tachometer, unstable speed, and vibration on the expressway. A separate report describes a cylinder misfire that the owner calls an expensive repair.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (5 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
5 complaintsHeadlight seals fail, letting condensation build up inside the lens. That dims the light and can burn out the bulb. Dealers say the fix is a whole new headlight assembly, charged once the warranty runs out. One report describes the rear brake lights coming on by themselves along with the brake warning light at about 53,047 miles. The brake module needed for that repair has been discontinued. Another complaint filed here describes pulsing, noisy braking at highway speed at 43,000 miles.
SEATS (3 complaints)
SEATS
3 complaintsPlastic seat hardware breaks with no clear cause. The second-row seat stops latching, and the plastic holders around the front and second-row seat controls snap on all four seats. One owner reports the front passenger headrest springing open with enough force to nearly hit them while getting in. That owner worries the driver's headrest could do the same while driving.
ENGINE (3 complaints)
ENGINE
3 complaintsWarning lights stay on and the car loses power. One owner's ABS and check engine lights stay lit at 47,000 miles, and the dealer finds a faulty ABS module that the manufacturer no longer supplies, so the car goes unrepaired. Another sees brake and check engine lights, a dead speedometer, and power loss that the dealer cannot reproduce, even after replacing a brake sensor. A third report, filed here, describes a transmission that will not move in reverse at about 73,000 miles and needs a rebuild or replacement.
STRUCTURE (3 complaints)
STRUCTURE
3 complaintsSafety-relatedThe brake pedal sinks to the floor with no braking, and the car rolls down a sloped driveway into bushes. That is the one crash-related report here. A door check spring snaps loose when wind catches the open door, and its welds break and throw the spring into the cabin. Rain also gets in through a gap the dealer found, leaving the cabin moldy. That leak was not repaired.
STEERING (2 complaints)
STEERING
2 complaintsPower steering assist cuts out. One owner finds rubber particles in the fluid, as if a hose had ruptured. Another sees power steering fluid leaking from the car at startup in cold weather. Both owners say the problem matches what earlier model years experienced.
When Do 2019 Dodge Journey Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Dodge Journey Years
Best Dodge Journey Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2019
(Current Model)
2020
2018
Dodge Journey Years to Avoid
Dodge Journey Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 77/100 | Good |
Dodge Journey Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Dodge Journey reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Dodge Journey?
Does the 2019 Dodge Journey have backup camera problems?
Does the 2019 Dodge Journey have transmission problems?
Is the 2019 Dodge Journey better than the 2018?
Don’t buy a 2019 Dodge Journey without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2019 Dodge Journey
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2019 Dodge Journey does best on recall impact (88/100) and worst on complaint severity (67/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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