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

- 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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Cuv AWD Sxt/Rt | 192.5 in | 72 in | 66.9 in | 113.8 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 4,211 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr Cuv FWD Se | 192.5 in | 72 in | 66.9 in | 113.8 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,801 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr Cuv FWD Sxt/Rt | 192.5 in | 72 in | 66.9 in | 113.8 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,999 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journey 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +8% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Journey 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -8% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Journey 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 17 | -4% | $3,950 | 523 |
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
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Dodge Journey (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2009 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2009 Toyota Highlander | 26 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe | 21 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 GMC Yukon | 21 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
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.
Not every 2009 Dodge Journey is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Dodge Journey buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 572 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 262 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Engine — 93 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 90,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 66 |
| 2019 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 102 |
| 2018 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 237 |
| 2017 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 2 | 202 |
| 2016 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 389 |
| 2015 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 6 | 553 |
| 2014 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 7 | 396 |
| 2013 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 333 |
| 2012 Journey | 22 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 6 | 317 |
| 2011 Journey | 22 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 110 |
| 2010 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 770 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →