2017 Dodge Journey Safety Report

The 2017 Dodge Journey presents a mixed safety picture, with a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 5 stars for side impact but only 4 stars for frontal and rollover. Despite these moderate crash test results, the vehicle has accumulated 192 total complaints, with concerning incidents including 12 crashes, 7 fires, and 13 injuries. A significant pattern of complaints revolves around the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (17 complaints) and AIR BAGS (16 complaints), with specific issues like unexpected headrest deployment and general electrical malfunctions leading to loss of power or flickering instrument clusters. The ENGINE and POWER TRAIN also feature prominently in complaints, with 14 and 11 reports respectively, including instances of power loss and transmission issues. Recall history for the 2017 Dodge Journey includes two significant campaigns. One recall addresses an EXTERIOR LIGHTING issue where the amber side reflex reflector may not be bright enough, increasing crash risk due to reduced visibility. The second, more critical recall, pertains to the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING, specifically concerning the cruise control system. This recall warns that the vehicle could maintain or accelerate speed despite attempts to deactivate cruise control, posing a high risk of a crash. These recalls directly align with some of the top complaint categories, indicating known manufacturing defects. Common complaint patterns extend beyond the recalled issues. Several complaints detail unprovoked active headrest deployments, which, while not under recall for this specific year, are a significant safety concern. Catalytic converter failures are also frequently mentioned, with owners noting that similar issues are under recall for other model years but not yet for the 2017 Journey. Transmission problems, including overheating and clunking, also appear in the complaint data, suggesting potential long-term reliability issues with the powertrain. The combination of moderate crash ratings, a notable number of severe incidents (crashes, fires, injuries), and recurring complaints about critical safety systems like airbags and electrical components, alongside two recalls, suggests that while the vehicle performs adequately in controlled crash tests, real-world reliability and safety systems have significant areas of concern.

Our recommendation: Given the moderate crash ratings, two safety recalls, and a significant number of complaints regarding critical components like airbags, electrical systems, and powertrain, potential buyers should proceed with caution and thoroughly inspect the vehicle's service history, especially for recall compliance and any recurring electrical or transmission issues.