Thinking about buying a used Dodge Journey (2008–2018) in New Zealand? We've documented 8 known faults for this model spanning cooling, suspension, engine, and transmission. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
8
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$500–$2,500
Typical repair
6
Systems covered
Known Dodge Journey faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01Overheating from debris blocking the cylinder head coolant port
CriticalCommonCooling $500–$3,500 to fix
Journeys from 2009 to 2016 have a documented overheating problem with an unusual cause: debris blocks the coolant port in the cylinder head at the primary thermostat housing, so coolant cannot flow properly through the engine. What makes this different from an ordinary cooling fault is that the coolant level can be perfectly correct, the radiator can be fine and every hose can be sound — and the engine still overheats, because the blockage is inside. That leads owners and even some workshops to replace thermostats and radiators without fixing anything. For a buyer the practical point is simple: on this vehicle, a history of overheating or repeated cooling-system repairs is a warning rather than a reassurance, because it suggests the real cause was never found.
Symptoms to notice
Temperature gauge climbing, particularly in slow traffic or on a hill
Heater blowing cool at idle then hot when driving, or the reverse
Coolant boiling or overflowing into the expansion tank
Steam or a sweet smell from the engine bay
A history of thermostats or radiators being replaced without the problem going away
What to check
Watch the temperature gauge for the whole test drive rather than glancing at it, and make sure that drive includes slow traffic, because that is when a restricted cooling system shows itself and open-road driving hides it completely. The needle should settle and stay settled; one that creeps up when you stop moving and comes back down when you drive on is the classic pattern. Run the heater on full hot with the fan low while stationary and check the air stays properly hot at idle. With the engine cold beforehand, check the coolant level and look at the coolant itself for cleanliness and for any oily film. After the drive, look at the expansion tank for signs of boiling or overflow. Then ask the history question that matters most here: has the car ever overheated, and has the thermostat, radiator or water pump been replaced — repeated cooling repairs on this model suggest the real cause was never found. If a workshop inspection is possible: ask for the cooling system to be pressure-tested and the coolant flow checked, not just the thermostat.
Where to look: Engine — coolant port in the cylinder head at the primary thermostat housing
Ask the seller
“Has the engine ever overheated?”
“Has the thermostat, radiator or water pump been replaced, and did that fix it?”
“Does the temperature gauge ever climb in traffic?”
02Throttle body failure on the 2.4 — clicking on ignition, then limp mode
MajorCommonElectrical $400–$1,400 to fix
The throttle body on the 2.4 Journey fails, and it gives an unusually specific early warning: an odd clicking noise from under the bonnet when the ignition is first switched on, as the electronic throttle tries and fails to run its self-test. From there it progresses to a rough idle, hesitation, and eventually the car dropping into a reduced-power mode that limits you to walking pace — which is safe enough in a car park and unpleasant on an open road. It is a bolt-on part rather than a major repair, so this is a cost to price in rather than a reason to walk away, but it strands people, and the clicking is something you can hear in the first ten seconds of a viewing if you know to listen for it.
Symptoms to notice
Clicking or buzzing from under the bonnet when the ignition is switched on
Rough or hunting idle, or the engine stalling
Hesitation or no response when you press the accelerator
Engine warning light, or a reduced-power mode limiting speed
Throttle or electronic throttle control warning on the dash
What to check
Listen at the very start, before the engine is running. Turn the ignition to the on position without cranking, stand at the front with the bonnet up, and listen for a repeated clicking or buzzing from the top of the engine — a healthy throttle body runs its self-test almost silently, and a persistent clicking there is this fault announcing itself. Then start it and watch the tachometer at idle for revs that hunt up and down or a needle that will not settle, and listen for any stumble. On the drive, press the accelerator gently from a standstill several times and note whether the car responds immediately or hesitates, and watch the dash the whole time for an engine warning light or a throttle control message. Note any moment where the car limits its own speed. Ask the seller whether the throttle body has ever been cleaned or replaced and whether the car has ever gone into limp mode. If a workshop inspection is possible: ask for the stored throttle-position faults to be read.
Where to look: Top of the engine — electronic throttle body on the intake
Ask the seller
“Has the throttle body ever been cleaned or replaced?”
“Has the car ever gone into a reduced-power mode?”
“Does it ever hesitate or stall when pulling away?”
SuspensionCritical
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
Body & RustMajor
EngineMajor
ElectricalMajor
6 more documented faults on the Dodge Journey
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Dodge Journey buyer questions
Is the Dodge Journey reliable?
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Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 8 documented faults for the Dodge Journey, the recurring problem areas are cooling, suspension, and engine. A Dodge Journey with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Dodge Journey?
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We've catalogued 8 known faults for the Dodge Journey, covering cooling, suspension, and engine. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Dodge Journey?
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Most single repairs on the Dodge Journey fall between $500–$2,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 8 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Dodge Journey?
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Yes. A Dodge Journey inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.