2013 Dodge Journey
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD R/T/R/T Rallye, 4dr SUV FWD Canada Value Package/Se P, 4dr SUV FWD Crew
- 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 / 26 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
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 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 R/T/R/T Rallye).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 26 highway), 9% worse than the 2013 small SUV average of 23 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 333 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2013
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 Journey — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Journey →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD R/T/R/T Rallye | 192.5 in | 72 in | 66.9 in | 113.8 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 4,246 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV FWD Canada Value Package/Se P | 192.5 in | 72 in | 66.9 in | 113.8 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,825 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV FWD Crew | 192.5 in | 72 in | 66.9 in | 113.8 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 4,043 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 FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -9% | $3,200 | 419 |
| Journey FWD FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -13% | $3,350 | 453 |
| Journey AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -11% | $3,550 | 465 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Dodge Journey.
Similar 2013 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Dodge Journey (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2013 Ford Explorer | 23 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2013 Toyota Highlander | 28 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 19 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe | 24 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
Recalls (4)
Air Bags › Frontal · Jul 7, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V432000 · 363,480 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T47.
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.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Oct 19, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V675000 · 275,187 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured April 21, 2012, to April 14, 2015. In the affected vehicles, water may enter the wiring harness for the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module and leak into the module, disabling the ABS and/or the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
- Risk
- If the ABS or ESC is disabled, a loss of vehicle stability could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will seal the ABS wiring harness to prevent water from entering and will replace the ABS module and repair the headlamp and dash wiring harness, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R61.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Jul 7, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V431000 · 145,379 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 19, 2010, to May 26, 2015 and equipped with 2.4L engines. In the affected vehicles, the engine cover may detach from the engine and contact the exhaust manifold.
- Risk
- If the displaced engine cover contacts the exhaust manifold, there would be an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install an improved mounting system for the engine cover, free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R32.
Not every 2013 Dodge Journey is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Dodge Journey buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 70 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 66 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 59 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 76,000 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 2013 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 |
| 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 |
| 2009 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 876 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →