I hate my 2011 Dodge Journey

[JourneyBianco]

This a recent letter I sent to corporate. I figured I would spread the world about this horrible vehicle to others and maybe Dodge will get off their lazy off and quit trying to force feed us the Dodge Dart and build a proper Cross-over with no problems for working families. Some of the details have been **** out for privacy but I'm sure by the end you will get the picture----DO NOT BUY A DODGE JOURNEY (ANYTHING)

To whom it may concern: I own a 2011 Dodge Journey, I have owned this vehicle since May of 2011. And as of my first oil change I have had continued problems with the vehicle. I am writing this email in regards to a case I have opened up with your corporate office. I spoke with an ******** and my case number is ***************. And per our conversation I explained all the problems I have been having with the vehicle which include the following.

1. Ac shutting off at random times and blowing hot air out of all the vents.

2. Radio shutting off and not wanting to turn back on.

3. Steering wheel off center after numerous Alignments.

4. Car keeps pulling to the right after numerous alignments.

5. Steering wheel vibrating passed speeds of 45/50 mph.

6. Loud ticking noise coming from the drivers side front wheel-well

7. Paint discoloration on rear bumper and rear lift gate.

8. Brakes making loud noise/squealing and not braking properly.

9. Brakes having to be replaced--after brake replacement the brakes are starting to make the squealing noise again.

10. Tires being worn out due to car being off of alignment. (Replaced via Chrysler Corp.) Tires are starting to wear out again.

11. Wheel steering lose of control when turning right/left as I am backing out or pulling into parking spaces.

12. After the AC is on for long car rides a loud rumbling noise seems to come from the dash board near the ac.

All these problems have yet to be addressed to my satisfaction. The last visit I had with the dealership. (Advantage Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep Mt. Dora Florida)

My car sat in their service dept. for 9hrs. And several of my issues where not even looked at for example: The loud ticking noise coming from the front driver side wheel well, the discoloration in the paint on the rear bumper and lift gate, the brakes starting to make noise, the alignment of the car being off. I had a very long conversation with the service manager about my issues not being resolved. Per SERVICE MANAGER I was told they spent the better part of the day trying to figure out why the alignment was so off of spec, I asked him why my car had the loud ticking noise, he stated to me that there is some type of filler that connects the wheel to the car that has worn out and its metal on metal rubbing together...I said what why wasnt it fixed I specifically pointed that problem out to the service tech, you guys have had my car for 9hrs, you didnt even look at the paint discoloration, he than says to me well when you come in next time if you have an extra 30 minutes we can drive over to our body shop to look at it for you. I reply the car has been here for 9HRS!!!! No you want me to come back and have something looked at that should of been looked at already. I told him you guys sold me a LEMON there is no reason why a car that is 14 months old should have this many problems. He said that I would have to contact chrysler about any other issues I have with the vehicle. So with the already case I had opened with Corporate I contacted ******* who is a very nice case manager, who listened to my problems documentated everything we said and told me she would push my concerns and issue to upper management that looks into possible lemon law case's. About 2 days later I recieve a phone call/ voice mail. A gentlemen is telling me that based on the concerns and issues I have had with the vehicle that it does fall into a Lemon Law status here in florida and that within a week the dealership should be contacting you regarding any further steps that would have to taken regarding your claim. So I wait a whole week over the 4th of July week/weekend I call the following Monday to Advantage Chrysler Dodge Jeep, and speak to SERVICE MANAGER once again who tells me I haven't got anything stating for me to call you, but our regional manager from corporate will not be here till the 27th of July. I ask him why do I have to wait so long, I've been dealing with you and this car for the past 6 months and the issue is not resolved now you want me to wait another week, and the person who is coming to look at my vehicle is not in the position to make a judgement call on weather or not I should have the car repaired again or swap my car out for another one, you are having me wait for an Chrysler engineer to inspect my vehicle, something you service department has already done and the problem continues. He states to the me the only way they can communicate is via email and that he has no way of knowing if the engineer is going to be able to make a special stop to the dearlership for my case. This is my 2nd Dodge Journey and I am very dissatisfied with the way my issue is being handled, and the fact that a car that is 14 months old should have this many problems. I hope this letter finds somebody that can assist me and make the right call for me to have a speedy resolution. As of right now with the car at 26,000 miles I feel I was sold a Lemon and the time it has taken for me to get anyone to assist me has taken way to long. I didn't buy a brand new vehicle to expect to be in the dealerships service dept for half the time I have owned the vehicle.

Thank you for your time.

If you were patient enough to read this I thank you for your time. I live in Florida and I am deeply regretting my purchase of the 2011 Dodge Journey. I purchased this car because of the deep ties I have to the auto industry and what I ever I could of done to bring back just 1 more job back to an American I wanted to do, but I really wishing I would of just purchased a Honda now!!! spread the word and I would love to chit-chat with anybody who has gone through or is going through the same issue.

God Bless

[silentdan]

Sorry to see that you are having so many problems with this vehicle.I agree that for a such a new vehicle you should not have to go through this BS.In my opinion Dodge Customer service is pure crap and they dont know what the hell they are talking about.

You should check your local Lemon laws and you should sue them for selling you a Lemon.I almost traded in my 2010 DJ for a 2011 Crew but midway I changed my mind and told them to shove it.At the moment I am looking around for something other than domestic so I can trade in my 2010 DJ and I made a promise to my self that I would never ever buy again anything domestic.

Good luck to you bud and keep us updated on how it goes for you if possible.

[redtomatoman]

I don't need any blessings, but I feel your pain. I actually have none of your issues. My 2011 has been a great vehicle. It is not a daily driver so it does not have the daily grind abuse, but I put 14K miles on it before 1 year. Almost perfect. I did have one SCCM issue with the cruise control that was remedied.

Man, I don't know what to say about your vehicle. If mine had multiple issues, I'd be bummed and pissed as well. I believe that there are folks at Chrysler that want to help you. The first is DodgeCares. Outstanding. PM that guy. Don't give up on your Journey is my first advice. There is a lot to like in these vehicles. Find another dealer for your service is my other advice. In Florida, there's gotta be a bunch of dealers you can try to remedy your issues.

The company that really does not give a rat's a$$ about their customers is Toyota, in my experience. I had parts and service nightmares. So I would not hang your hat on Honda as the holy grail. Best of luck to you.

Peace.

[onecrazyfoo4u]

Don't go Nissan then. My old Sentra was in the dealership at least one a month....sometimes they decided to cover it under warranty, sometimes the decided I should pay for the big bills. I would be very hesitant to own another Nissan...

[silentdan]

Don't go Nissan then. My old Sentra was in the dealership at least one a month....sometimes they decided to cover it under warranty, sometimes the decided I should pay for the big bills. I would be very hesitant to own another Nissan...

Thanks for the heads up.I will definitely do my homework before I make any kind of attempt to trade in for anything but domestic.

Buying a car is not the same as it used to be way back.Now is like trying to deal with snake oil salesman.

[redtomatoman]

Thanks for the heads up.I will definitely do my homework before I make any kind of attempt to trade in for anything but domestic.

Buying a car is not the same as it used to be way back.Now is like trying to deal with snake oil salesman.

I don't personally care what anyone chooses to drive, but I think you have to be realistic. Snake oil salesmen? I'm not sure I agree. How can one argue with the simple observation that computers create as many problems as they solve? No thinking individual can, IMHO. BUT, what computers do do is create more possibilities that previously did not exist. There will always be Ford v Chevy, PC v Mac, and hamburger v hotdog debates out there, but one thing one must embrace, if they want to move forward with the world, is change. Accept it, cars now come with computers; including all the inherent advantages and problems. Shopping for a car is no longer about who has the best transmission or more hp. Its a software crap shoot. Think about how many problems you've had recently that were software related. No matter what you choose, you roll the dice, and capitalism requires all companies to challenge you when it comes to giving any of your purchase dollars back. Do your homework, yes, but be realistic when problems occur. Too many? Sure, cut your losses, but don't expect computers from Japan or Germany or anywhere else to perform better than any other computers. I did weeks of research. I also drove EVERYTHING. That takes time, and when it look back, it was probably nearly worthless except for the completely subjective "driving experience" which has nothing to do with the probability for future problems. Best of luck to you in your quest for a new ride. If you get a great car, rest assured it was not because you did your homework. If you get a lemon, it, similarly, had nothing to do with the lack thereof. When you get your car, treat it as well as you can, and it will likely return the favor.

On a related note, as much as toyota left a bad taste in my mouth, I would still (and I drove the Venza in my quest for my latest vehicle) consider them because they are capable of producing very good vehicles. I happened to like the Journey more than the Venza in this instance. . . Anyway, don't limit yourself. Considering more vehicles increases the chances that you will find that ideal vehicle.

Peace.

[Stretch]

I think that the dealer servicing department has a lot to do with one's satisfaction or not with a vehicle. I have an 11 DJ R/T and any time I have taken the vehicle in for servicing (oil changes and tire rotations are free for 3 years) the dealer has been exemplary in finding/fixing problems - they offer a courtesy service driving to/picking you up to wherever and anything that requires an overnight they have always supplied a loaner. I have had the following items fixed/replaced. . .8" screen (one time on backing up the screen went black - they contacted Chrysler about it and the $2000 screen was replaced), front rotors (a slight vibration - barely noticeable and not always occurring), both rear axle oil seals (discovery of slight leak in one during an oil change).

[Rickydee]

Sorry you're experiencing so many problems. My 2012 DJ Crew AWD has been perfect so far. Your car must be a lemon, and I suggest you investigate your legal options.