2016 Dodge Journey Safety Report

2016 Dodge Journey: Average Crash Ratings, High Complaint Volume for Powertrain and Electrical Issues, Multiple Safety Recalls.

375Complaints
4Recalls
★★★★☆Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
19Crash Reports
4Fire Reports
16Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (47)Engine (42)Unknown Or Other (32)Electrical System (23)Seats (23)Air Bags (12)Electrical System,Engine (11)Steering,Service Brakes,Engine (10)Service Brakes (10)Engine And Engine Cooling (7)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Dodge Journey

The 2016 Dodge Journey presents a mixed safety picture, with a notable number of consumer complaints despite generally average crash test ratings. NHTSA recorded 375 total complaints, including 19 crashes, 4 fires, and 16 injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents. The vehicle received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA, with 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover, suggesting decent performance in controlled crash scenarios. However, the high volume of complaints, particularly concerning critical components like the power train and engine, raises concerns about long-term reliability and potential safety implications not fully captured by crash tests. Common complaint patterns revolve heavily around the POWER TRAIN (47 complaints) and ENGINE (42 complaints), which together account for a significant portion of the issues. Specific complaints detail loss of motive power, transmission slipping, engine stalling, and overheating. The ELECTRICAL SYSTEM also features prominently with 23 complaints, including issues like flickering lights, inoperable windows, and dashboard blackouts. Furthermore, there are concerning reports related to SEATS (23 complaints), specifically unexpected headrest deployment, and AIR BAGS (12 complaints), with instances of non-deployment during crashes. The vehicle has been subject to 4 recalls, addressing critical safety defects. These include a recall for the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING that could lead to unintended acceleration if cruise control fails to deactivate, and an ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING recall for crankshaft/camshaft sensor issues that could cause engine stalls. A significant POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION recall addresses potential loss of motive power due to hydraulic pressure loss, directly correlating with consumer complaints. Lastly, a STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST recall warns of potential loss of power steering assist, increasing crash risk. These recalls highlight manufacturing defects that could severely impact vehicle control and occupant safety, reinforcing the concerns raised by consumer complaints.

Reliability Score

The 2016 Dodge Journey receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2016 Dodge Journey

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Dodge Journey:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Loss Of Motive Power/Transmission Failure
Numerous complaints and a recall (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) indicate issues where the vehicle may lose hydraulic pressure, leading to a loss of motive power, increasing crash risk. Complaints mention slipping, jerking, and complete transmission failure.		 High Common unknown miles
Engine Stalling/Overheating
An ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING recall addresses crankshaft/camshaft sensor issues that can cause engine stalls. Complaints also detail engine overheating and loss of power while driving.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Power Steering Loss
A STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST recall highlights that cold temperatures can lead to a loss of power steering assist, requiring increased effort and raising crash risk. Complaints describe stiff or seized steering.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Electrical System Malfunctions
Complaints detail flickering lights, inoperable windows, dashboard blackouts, and even a USB plug catching fire. An ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING recall also addresses potential unintended acceleration.		 Medium Common unknown miles
Active Headrest Deployment
Multiple complaints describe unexpected and spontaneous deployment or breakage of active headrests, sometimes causing injury to occupants.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Dodge Journey:

Power Train 12% of complaints

Frequent complaints about transmission slipping, jerking, loss of motive power, and complete transmission failure, supported by a recall for hydraulic pressure loss.

Engine 11% of complaints

Issues include engine stalling, overheating, abnormal noises, and loss of power, with a recall related to crankshaft/camshaft sensors.

Electrical System 6% of complaints

Problems range from flickering lights, inoperable windows, dashboard blackouts, and battery drain, with a recall for wiring issues affecting cruise control.

Seats 6% of complaints

Numerous reports of unexpected and spontaneous deployment or breakage of active headrests.

Air Bags 3% of complaints

Complaints include instances where airbags failed to deploy during a crash.

Steering 2% of complaints

Issues with stiff steering and loss of power steering assist, supported by a recall for power steering return hose issues.

Service Brakes 2% of complaints

Reports of brake-related issues, though less frequent than powertrain or engine problems.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Dodge Journey

Is the 2016 Dodge Journey safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Dodge Journey received an overall 4-star safety rating, with 5 stars in side crash tests. However, it has a high volume of 375 consumer complaints, including 19 crashes and 16 injuries, and has been subject to 4 safety recalls addressing critical issues like loss of motive power, engine stalling, and power steering loss. While crash test performance is decent, the numerous real-world complaints and recalls suggest potential safety and reliability concerns.

What are common problems with the 2016 Dodge Journey?

The most reported issues for the 2016 Dodge Journey are related to the POWER TRAIN (47 complaints) and ENGINE (42 complaints), often involving loss of motive power, transmission slipping, and engine stalling. Other common problems include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM malfunctions (23 complaints) like flickering lights and dashboard blackouts, and SEATS (23 complaints) due to unexpected headrest deployment.

Are there any recalls for the 2016 Dodge Journey?

Yes, the 2016 Dodge Journey has 4 recalls. These include recalls for the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING (potential unintended acceleration), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (engine stall risk), POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (loss of motive power), and STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST (loss of power steering assist).

How does the 2016 Dodge Journey perform in crash tests?

The 2016 Dodge Journey received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. It scored 4 stars for frontal crash, an excellent 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2016 Dodge Journey?

When considering a used 2016 Dodge Journey, pay close attention to the transmission and engine for any signs of slipping, stalling, or unusual noises. Also, check for electrical system issues like flickering lights or inoperable components, and ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Inspect the active headrests for any signs of prior deployment or damage.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the high volume of powertrain and electrical complaints, coupled with multiple safety recalls, a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is highly recommended, focusing on transmission, engine, and electrical system integrity, and verifying all recall repairs have been completed.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Dodge Journey

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Dodge Journey. The data includes 375 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 19 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 16 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Dodge Journey an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

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.