Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 413 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Dodge Journey, and it carries 7 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 46 | 11% |
| Electrical system | 38 | 9% |
| Seats | 30 | 7% |
| Unknown or other | 29 | 7% |
| Service brakes | 25 | 6% |
| Air bags | 20 | 5% |
| Power train | 15 | 4% |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 14 | 3% |
| Steering | 10 | 2% |
| Electrical system | 8 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
Won't start sometimes. This is because the BRAND NEW battery is slowly draining. Yet nothing has been left on, no lights, doors all securely shut. Nothing is left on that's visible anyway. Left me stranded and had to get
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
Back hatch/door/trunk does not close and latch.This is dangerous because things could fly out. I find it very odd that this vehicle doesn't have a trunk release from the inside and you have to manually open it and get ou
NHTSA complaint: Structure
On Friday, August 28, 2026, my wife entered our 2014 Dodge Journey and found that the drivers side head rest had burst open. The vehicle was parked in our driveway. Thankfully neither of use were driving the vehicle when
NHTSA complaint: Seats
Rearview camera not working. I received a recall notice and 2 days later my rear view camera stopped working, but for some reason my vehicle is not on the list to be repaired?
NHTSA complaint: Back over prevention
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the contact became aware that the front passenger head restraint was damaged and unhinged. Neither an independent
NHTSA complaint: Seats
The Electronic Brake Control Module: Anti-Lock Brakes. This has caused the cruise control to stop working, the wheel sensors on the front to stop working. The speedometer (digital and gauge) to stop working and the Engi
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
Car acceleration literally jumping from 30-50mph this is all something that can be felt happening car accelerating when braking is occurring so when slowing the car down it does a speed up then it will begin slowing down
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
I was informed that it was the transmission. The vehicle does not advance going 5 mph. The vehicle stopped working in a busy intersection and I had to pull over into a parking lot. The vehicle has not been inspected by a
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2014 Dodge Journey. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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
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
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may unexpectedly deploy if the air bag wiring harness gets chafed within the steering wheel and short circuits.
Risk: Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag wiring within the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary. A protective cover will also be installed. These repairs will be made f
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers ma
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at
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 contac
| Reliability raw | 50 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 63 | average |
| Maintenance | 79 | good |
| Depreciation | 91 | excellent |
| Performance | 68 | good |
| Efficiency | 36 | below average |
| Safety | 80 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 413 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine is the most reported area with 46 of them (11%). There are 7 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 50/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 63/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2014 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 66/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.