Makes›Dodge›Journey›2016

2016 Dodge Journey

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

Dodge Journey
Pictured: 2012 Dodge Journey -- NHTSA 3. Photo: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD V6, 4dr SUV FWD I4, 4dr SUV FWD V6
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
21 combined · 19 city / 25 hwy
Length
192.5 in
Curb weight
3,825–4,246 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 21 MPG combined, 15% below the 2016 small SUV average of 24.6 MPG.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2016 Dodge Journey is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 193 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,246 lb (4dr SUV AWD V6).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 25 highway), 15% worse than the 2016 small SUV average of 24.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 389 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2016

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Journey — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Journey →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD V6192.5 in72 in66.9 in113.8 in61.8 / 62.2 in4,246 lb56/44
4dr SUV FWD I4192.5 in72 in66.9 in113.8 in61.8 / 62.2 in3,825 lb56/44
4dr SUV FWD V6192.5 in72 in66.9 in113.8 in61.8 / 62.2 in4,043 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
Journey2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive19 / 25 / 21-15%$3,200420
Journey FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 19-23%$3,550457
Journey AWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive16 / 24 / 19-17%$3,550470
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.6 MPG2016 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Dodge Journey.

Similar 2016 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 Dodge Journey (this car)21 MPGNot rated4
2016 Toyota 4Runner19 MPGNot rated8
2016 Ford Explorer22 MPGNot rated14
2016 Toyota Highlander28 MPGNot rated2
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee25 MPGNot rated8
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe23 MPGNot rated3
2016 Volkswagen Touareg24 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (4)

Electrical System › Software · May 17, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · 4,815,661 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Risk
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Dec 16, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V907000 · 42,231 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.
Risk
If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S89.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Jun 24, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V461000 · 26,298 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to April 18, 2016, 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2015, to January 29, 2016, and 2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured August 15, 2016, to April 15, 2016. The transmission pump may seize causing a loss of hydraulic pressure.
Risk
If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission pump, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S44.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 Dodge Journey is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

389Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
19Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
16Injuries reported
56,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine114
Power Train86
Electrical System84
Unknown Or Other65
Service Brakes51
Steering34
Seats34
Vehicle Speed Control32
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/08: 624/09: 424/10: 124/11: 125/01: 125/02: 425/03: 225/04: 225/05: 325/06: 325/07: 225/08: 225/09: 325/10: 325/11: 125/12: 226/01: 326/02: 326/04: 226/05: 326/06: 226/07: 326/09: 326/10: 124/0824/1125/0325/0625/0925/1226/0426/07max 6

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2016 Dodge Journey buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 114 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Power Train — 86 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Electrical System — 84 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 56,000 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 2016 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
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
2009 Journey21192.5 inNot rated4876

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