Makes›Dodge›Journey›2009

2009 Dodge Journey

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.

Dodge Journey
Pictured: 2012 Dodge Journey -- NHTSA 3. Photo: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr Cuv AWD Sxt/Rt, 4dr Cuv FWD Se, 4dr Cuv FWD Sxt/Rt
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
21 combined · 19 city / 25 hwy
Length
192.5 in
Curb weight
3,801–4,211 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints876 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 39 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 39 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2009 Dodge Journey is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 193 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,211 lb (4dr Cuv AWD Sxt/Rt).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 25 highway), 8% better than the 2009 SUV - average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 876 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Cuv AWD Sxt/Rt192.5 in72 in66.9 in113.8 in61.8 / 62.2 in4,211 lb56/44
4dr Cuv FWD Se192.5 in72 in66.9 in113.8 in61.8 / 62.2 in3,801 lb56/44
4dr Cuv FWD Sxt/Rt192.5 in72 in66.9 in113.8 in61.8 / 62.2 in3,999 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Journey 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive19 / 25 / 21+8%$3,200423
Journey 2WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 18-8%$3,700494
Journey 4WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 17-4%$3,950523
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.5 MPG2009 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Dodge Journey under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2009 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2009 Dodge Journey (this car)21 MPGNot rated4
2009 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated6
2009 Toyota 4Runner18 MPGNot rated6
2009 Toyota Highlander26 MPGNot rated9
2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee18 MPGNot rated1
2009 Chevrolet Tahoe21 MPGNot rated4
2009 GMC Yukon21 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (4)

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, And Connections · May 6, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V273000 · 8,569 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler, free of charge. The recall began on May 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S08.
Air Bags › Frontal · Jan 29, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V047000 · 110,482 vehicles

Problem
FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured December 31, 2007, to August 31, 2008, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured June 18, 2007, to August 31, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.
Risk
If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S07.
Air Bags · Jun 26, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V373000 · 722,705 vehicles

Problem
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured June 29, 2007, to June 17, 2010, and 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, to June 17, 2010. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk
If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R03. Note: This is an expansion of recall 11V-139.
Electrical System › Wiring · Dec 24, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V658000 · 64,934 vehicles

Problem
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 DODGE JOURNEY VEHICLES MANUFACTURER FROM NOVEMBER 1, 2007, THROUGH NOVEMBER 7, 2008. THE WIRES WITHIN THE FRONT DOOR WIRE HARNESSES MAY FATIGUE AND BREAK, WHICH CAN INTERRUPT THE CIRCUITS FOR THE SIDE IMPACT SENSOR(S), RESULTING IN AN AIRBAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATION AND LOSS OF SIDE CRASH SENSING CAPABILITY.
Risk
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SIDE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY, REDUCING THE PROTECTION INTENDED FOR THE OCCUPANT AND INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
Fix
CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT DOOR WIRING HARNESSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2009 Dodge Journey is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

876Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
25Involved a crash
24Involved a fire
22Injuries reported
90,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System572
Air Bags262
Engine93
Unknown Or Other88
Power Train63
Service Brakes58
Steering51
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)22
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/12: 222/01: 222/02: 122/04: 122/07: 122/08: 222/09: 122/11: 122/12: 123/02: 123/03: 223/05: 223/07: 123/09: 124/01: 124/04: 124/08: 125/02: 125/06: 125/08: 125/10: 125/11: 126/02: 226/04: 121/1222/0422/0923/0223/0724/0425/0625/11max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2009 Dodge Journey buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 572 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Air Bags — 262 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Engine — 93 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 90,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Dodge Journey. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Journey years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2020 Journey21192.5 in★★★★★166
2019 Journey21192.5 in★★★★★1102
2018 Journey21192.5 in★★★★★6237
2017 Journey21192.5 inNot rated2202
2016 Journey21192.5 inNot rated4389
2015 Journey21192.5 inNot rated6553
2014 Journey21192.5 inNot rated7396
2013 Journey21192.5 inNot rated4333
2012 Journey22192.5 inNot rated6317
2011 Journey22192.5 inNot rated4110
2010 Journey21192.5 inNot rated4770

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →