2015 Dodge Journey Safety Report

2015 Dodge Journey: Numerous complaints and 6 recalls for critical safety components, but fair crash test ratings.

545Complaints
6Recalls
35/100Reliability Score
29Crash Reports
9Fire Reports
46Injuries
Most reported components: Seats (74)Engine (60)Air Bags (43)Power Train (34)Unknown Or Other (34)Electrical System (33)Service Brakes (23)Electronic Stability Control (Esc),Service Brakes (16)Steering (12)Electrical System,Engine (6)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Dodge Journey

The 2015 Dodge Journey presents a mixed safety picture, marked by a significant number of consumer complaints and several critical recalls, yet it holds respectable crash test ratings in certain categories. With 545 total complaints, including 29 crashes, 9 fires, and 46 injuries, there are clear patterns of concern. The most frequently reported issues involve SEATS (74 complaints), ENGINE (60 complaints), and AIR BAGS (43 complaints). The high number of seat-related complaints is particularly notable, often referencing unexpected headrest deployment. The vehicle has been subject to 6 recalls, addressing serious issues such as unexpected air bag deployment, loss of power steering assist, potential engine fires, and cruise control malfunctions, all of which could increase the risk of a crash or injury. Despite these issues, NHTSA crash test ratings show a 4-star rating for Frontal impact and Rollover, though Side impact and Overall ratings are not available, limiting a comprehensive crash safety assessment. The prevalence of complaints related to components covered by recalls, such as AIR BAGS and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, suggests that even with recalls, some issues persist or affect vehicles not included in the recall scope.

Reliability Score

The 2015 Dodge Journey receives a reliability score of 35 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.

Known Issues for the 2015 Dodge Journey

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2015 Dodge Journey:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Unexpected Air Bag Deployment / Non-Deployment
Driver's frontal air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to wiring harness chafing (Recall 17V432000), or fail to deploy in a crash, leading to injuries. Also, unexpected headrest deployment is a common complaint.
High Common variable miles
Loss Of Power Steering Assist
Power steering return line may rupture in cold temperatures, causing a loss of power steering assist (Recall 16V813000), increasing crash risk.
High Occasional variable miles
Engine Fire Risk
Engine cover may displace and contact the exhaust manifold, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire (Recall 15V509000). Several fire complaints are noted.
High Rare variable miles
Cruise Control Malfunction
Cruise control may not deactivate, causing the vehicle to maintain or accelerate speed (Recall 18V332000), increasing crash risk. Often linked to electrical system issues.
High Occasional variable miles
Abs/Esc System Failure
Water may enter the wiring harness for the ABS/ESC module, disabling the systems and leading to loss of vehicle stability (Recall 15V313000). Many complaints cite ABS/Traction Control lights.
High Common variable miles
Transmission Issues
Complaints of transmission slipping, loss of power, and stalling, with some referencing P0740 code and transmission pump issues, even if not covered by specific recalls for their VIN.
High Common 60000-100000 miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2015 Dodge Journey:

Seats 13% of complaints

Frequent complaints about unexpected headrest deployment, often occurring while parked or without impact, causing injury or startling occupants.

Engine 11% of complaints

Issues include stalling, loss of power, check engine light illumination, and specific problems like faulty valve rocker arms/lifters and oil cooler leaks, some leading to fire risk.

Air Bags 7% of complaints

Concerns about air bags failing to deploy in crashes or deploying unexpectedly, including headrests, leading to injuries or increased crash risk.

Power Train 6% of complaints

Reports of transmission slipping, jerking, loss of acceleration, and stalling, indicating potential issues with the vehicle's power delivery system.

Electrical System 6% of complaints

Problems with cruise control not deactivating, horn failure, and general electrical malfunctions, sometimes linked to wiring harness issues.

Service Brakes 4% of complaints

Complaints about ABS/Traction Control lights illuminating, brakes locking up, and issues with the ABS control module, often related to water intrusion.

Steering 2% of complaints

Loss of power steering assist, particularly in cold weather, requiring increased effort and raising crash risk.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Dodge Journey

Is the 2015 Dodge Journey safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 Dodge Journey has a concerning safety record with 545 complaints, 29 crashes, 9 fires, and 46 injuries. While it received 4-star ratings for Frontal and Rollover crash tests, the numerous recalls for critical safety components like airbags, power steering, and ESC, along with persistent consumer complaints, indicate significant safety risks that potential buyers should be aware of.

What are common problems with the 2015 Dodge Journey?

The most reported issues for the 2015 Dodge Journey are related to SEATS (74 complaints, often unexpected headrest deployment), ENGINE (60 complaints, including stalling and fire risk), and AIR BAGS (43 complaints, covering both non-deployment and unexpected deployment). Other significant problems include POWER TRAIN issues (34 complaints) and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM malfunctions (33 complaints).

Has the 2015 Dodge Journey been recalled?

Yes, the 2015 Dodge Journey has been subject to 6 recalls. These include recalls for the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (cruise control malfunction), AIR BAGS (unexpected deployment), STEERING (loss of power assist), ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (system disablement), ENGINE (fire risk), and EQUIPMENT (tire placard inaccuracies).

How does the 2015 Dodge Journey perform in crash tests?

The 2015 Dodge Journey received a 4-star rating for Frontal crash tests and a 4-star rating for Rollover. However, NHTSA did not provide an Overall safety rating or a Side crash test rating for this specific model year, making a complete crash test performance assessment difficult.

Are there fire risks with the 2015 Dodge Journey?

Yes, there is a documented fire risk. NHTSA data shows 9 fire incidents reported. One recall (15V509000) specifically addresses an ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING issue where the engine cover could displace and contact the exhaust manifold, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the high volume of safety complaints, multiple critical recalls, and reported incidents of crashes and fires, exercise extreme caution. Thoroughly check if all 6 recalls have been addressed and consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, electrical system, airbags, and power steering components.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2015 Dodge Journey

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2015 Dodge Journey. The data includes 545 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 29 reported crashes, 9 fire incidents, 46 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.