'09 Dodge Journey SXT, WORST CAR I EVER OWNED!

[ToneLoc1148]

Hello all! Let me explain my horror story with my '09 Dodge Journey SXT.

I went to the dealer(Chevy) with my Fiance for her to trade in her car and upgrade to an SUV. Well her lease wasn't up and all the crap that goes a long with that, so they asked me about mine. I had an '06 G6. It started to act up and so I said, lets try it. They ran all the credit stuff and what my car was worth and what I owe and all that good stuff. So they come back to me and say we have a really nice Dodge Journey we can get you into. Now I had no idea what a Journey was, I wasn't looking for cars at the time. She pulled it up and I was really impressed. It was everything we wanted, having two kids. Had a bunch of room, 3rd row seating, and was really clean. There are no defects on the outside what-so-ever. Had good mileage for being an '09 (30k) and was really good priced. While they were running all the numbers and stuff, I googled them on my phone and found out people really liked them, so I took it home.....and that's where it all started.....

I got the car at the end of July '13

After one week of having my car, the started problem started. It happened once or twice, just the click and everything else works fine. So my first call, I wanted them to check on that and give me new tires, they seemed to be really low. I took the car in and they replaced the tires and said the car not starting could be from a bad battery in the key.

After about two weeks or so, the problem kept on happening. I called back in and they asked me to bring it in. They kept my car for about a day or two, said it was the key and flashed it.

After about a week, it kept on happening. I called back and they asked me to bring it in. I told them about all the stuff I found on the internet about these cars and the issues they have. So they kept the car for about a week. The issue would not happen for them, so they give it back with nothing done to it.

After a few days, it happens again. I called back and they asked me to bring it in. This time (now they are a chevy dealer), they call down to the local Dodge dealer. They take a look at it, keep my car for almost 2 weeks!! They said the issue only happened once since they had it for those two weeks. They blame the electronics or something and "Flash it" saying it should fix it.

I get it back and it happens the very next morning. I call back, this time I talk to the GM there and he said they are trying everything they can. They ask me to bring it in, and send it back down to the Dodge Dealer. Another week goes by, they flash it again. They claim the issue did not happen once in their care.

I get my car back and it happens a day later. I call back in. Send an email to the GM at the Chevy dealer telling them I do not want this car. I had it for about 4 months now and they had it for 2 of those months. He asks me to bring it in. So this time, he takes it home and the problem happens to him. After about a week, I get my car back, they replaced the Starter.

My car was fine for a week and then it happened again. I talked to the shop and GM again. I take my car back in and they send it back down to the Dodge Dealer. The dodge dealer blames it on the Wireless Module, and they replace it.

My car works for about a week and it happens again. So I call back to the chevy dealer. They start telling me that the dodge dealer they are going to maybe not the best choice and try another dodge dealer. That dodge dealer says it could be the wiring harness and asks to have a look at it. So this is where I am at today. That dodge dealer has my car, over a week now and the issue has not happened once for them. They checked the harness and they said its OK. They are placing the blame on another Module. Now my dealer (chevy) wants 100% proof its that module before they fix it because they say its very expensive. Since the car is not failing for them, the dodge dealer cannot provide it.

So I am all out of options here. I have a 3 year warranty on this car, so I will continue to take this thing back until its finally resolved.

BTW, I did try to give the car back, they would take it but not what I paid. I thought that was not right because they are the ones who cannot fix it and its not my fault. I told them I really like my car, just wish it would run. I am trying to be as nice as possible but something has to give.

[jkeaton]

Sorry for your troubles. I dont know why people start threads like these in a Dodge Journey forum. It's like going to your hometeams football game and screaming they stink at the top of your lungs. It would be better to start out with an introduction to your problems and what you have done to try and recify the issues. We could then start a productive conversation with you and try to help you out. Just joining the forum to start a thread titled" worst car ever" is not going to get you much help. On this forum, you have access to Dodge Care specialists, experienced auto technicians and do-it-ourselfers (like myself) who can assist you with dealer problems and other issues you may have, plus there may be someone else who experienced the exact same issue and knows what it takes to resolve/fix the issue(s). Hopefully someone may chime in with some helpful information. I feel your frustration but come to the forum with a positive attitude and you will get positive results. We are a forum of Dodge Journey enthusiasts and take it a bit personal when someone starts a thread titled "Dodge Journey Worst Car Ever". That is your personal opinion and are free to express it, but dont expect much advise. My opinion? We owned an 09 for 4 years and 80,000 miles when we traded it. We loved it so much we got another one. There are two sides to every coin. Dodge Journey, Best car ever!

Edited December 4, 2013 by jkeaton

[ToneLoc1148]

You have me totally misunderstood.

The title was out of frustration with the car and the dealers who try to fix it, nothing against other owners of the car.

There are two sections in my entire story that I would like to highlight....

First part...." It was everything we wanted, having two kids. Had a bunch of room, 3rd row seating, and was really clean. There are no defects on the outside what-so-ever. Had good mileage for being an '09 (30k) and was really good priced. While they were running all the numbers and stuff, I googled them on my phone and found out people really liked them, so I took it home"

Most likely ran across this board in my google search and seen how much everyone enjoyed them.

Last line in the entire thing - "I told them I really like my car, just wish it would run."

That line doesn't really need an explanation.

So as you can see, I really like my car. And to me, a dodge journey forum is the BEST place to describe my problems and frustration with my car to other dodge journey owners.

I would like to add one more thing. I did not just join this site to vent. I joined at the beginning of August, Got the car late July. I wanted to look at the pictures of other journeys, read what others were doing to them. I had an entire list I wanted to do and was checking to see how some of the stuff looked.

Edited December 4, 2013 by ToneLoc1148

[jkeaton]

I understand, but your title and spamming a bunch of threads that this is the worst car you evern owned is not helping anyone. If you want help, ask for it. Sounds to me like your venting.

Edited December 4, 2013 by jkeaton

[ToneLoc1148]

Yea sorry about that. I wanted my first post to be in the introduction since I have not posted yet.

Then I was looking through posts and seen my exact problem, so I just pasted it to there.

[jkeaton]

Hopefully Dodge Cares can jump in and offer some assistance to you. You might try sending a pm.

Edited December 4, 2013 by jkeaton

[ToneLoc1148]

I do not know what else to do. I have sent my dealer a few videos of it not starting...one was 16 times I believe before it did. I visited different sites and seen what people had done to theirs to solve the issue and sent them a master list of them.

I do have a warranty so everything they have done so far cost me nothing. My big issue now is that they need an error code to have proof and its not acting up for them.

Edited December 4, 2013 by ToneLoc1148

[rolly]

I think the fact that you bought it from a GM dealer put you at a disadvantage from the beginning. A Chrysler dealer may have been able to access any maintenance records so you would have been able to determine if the previous owner had done regular maintenance. I got in the habit of keeping every record of maintenance for all my vehicles. It sure helped if I had any part failures, repairs, warranty issues or if I sold them. Although having these records is no guarantee of worry free ownership, it at least shows the previous owner took care of the vehicle. I feel bad about your experience and understand your frustration especially since our Journey has been such a great vehicle. I wish you luck.

[larryl]

Next time it does try shifting the gear selector from Park to Neutral and see if it will start (bet it will)

My 09 used to do it once in a while its something to do with a switch in or around the transmission

[rolly]

Just a thought. I wonder if you provided the VIN# to DodgeCares if it would be possible to check what the repair history of the vehicle is. That is, provided the original owner took it to the dealer for service.

[Addicted to Dodge]

Another little trick with the 09-10 Journey's is to put the key fob in the ignition and turn to the "on" position. Then while the ignition is in the "on" position, push lock and then unlock on the key fob. This will sometimes disable the vehicle security system allowing your Journey to start. The security system on the early Journey's was a known problem and if this is the case, then your Journey should start.

Another option would be trying to crank it while in Neutral. Sometimes the shifter switch can become hung up in Drive or Reverse, as Larryl mentioned above.

There is also a known problem with the WIN module on the 09 Journey's, there is also a TSB for this. I would assume the Chrysler dealer should already know this and should have checked this, but if they didn't it might be worth following up with them to make sure they checked it.

Its a simple solution that needs to be checked by a qualified Chrysler dealer. The Chevy dealer does not have the proper equipment equipment to diagnose your Journey.

Sorry its the worst car you have ever owned but I truly love mine. Good luck

[Addicted to Dodge]

Just a thought. I wonder if you provided the VIN# to DodgeCares if it would be possible to check what the repair history of the vehicle is. That is, provided the original owner took it to the dealer for service.

Sorry for your troubles. I dont know why people start threads like these in a Dodge Journey forum. It's like going to your hometeams football game and screaming they stink at the top of your lungs. It would be better to start out with an introduction to your problems and what you have done to try and recify the issues. We could then start a productive conversation with you and try to help you out. Just joining the forum to start a thread titled" worst car ever" is not going to get you much help. On this forum, you have access to Dodge Care specialists, experienced auto technicians and do-it-ourselfers (like myself) who can assist you with dealer problems and other issues you may have, plus there may be someone else who experienced the exact same issue and knows what it takes to resolve/fix the issue(s). Hopefully someone may chime in with some helpful information. I feel your frustration but come to the forum with a positive attitude and you will get positive results. We are a forum of Dodge Journey enthusiasts and take it a bit personal when someone starts a thread titled "Dodge Journey Worst Car Ever". That is your personal opinion and are free to express it, but dont expect much advise. My opinion? We owned an 09 for 4 years and 80,000 miles when we traded it. We loved it so much we got another one. There are two sides to every coin. Dodge Journey, Best car ever!

Well said jkeaton!!

[Journeyman425]

toneloc1148:

I assume your SXT is equipped with a 3.5 V6. I've seen this problem before. We have had good luck with the following repair procedure. All Dodge dealers have the following information:

(Trying to post a STAR case from Chrysler but it comes out garbled)

Please have the Dodge dealer refer to STAR Case # S1121000006. The repair involves inspecting the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) and either replacing it and /or adding a redundant ground between the negative battery cable terminal end and the transmission bell housing.

The TRS is similar to a Neutral Safety Switch.

Edited December 5, 2013 by Journeyman425

[Appalachian Journey]

Mine developed intermittent no start. I pulled the wire on the starter solenoid, sanded connector on solenoid and on end of wire, applied dielectric grease, reconnected wire. Hasn't failed to start in the year or so since.

And I'm not bothered by your thread title.

[DodgeCACares]

Another little trick with the 09-10 Journey's is to put the key fob in the ignition and turn to the "on" position. Then while the ignition is in the "on" position, push lock and then unlock on the key fob. This will sometimes disable the vehicle security system allowing your Journey to start. The security system on the early Journey's was a known problem and if this is the case, then your Journey should start.

Another option would be trying to crank it while in Neutral. Sometimes the shifter switch can become hung up in Drive or Reverse, as Larryl mentioned above.

There is also a known problem with the WIN module on the 09 Journey's, there is also a TSB for this. I would assume the Chrysler dealer should already know this and should have checked this, but if they didn't it might be worth following up with them to make sure they checked it.

Its a simple solution that needs to be checked by a qualified Chrysler dealer. The Chevy dealer does not have the proper equipment equipment to diagnose your Journey.

Sorry its the worst car you have ever owned but I truly love mine. Good luck

I can agree that we are all on this forum to share our stories and offer help and support when possible.

I would be happy to look at service history however some information is considered private. It's also very important that our DJs go to Dodge Service Facilities as they are the experts and work on these vehicles everyday, not to mention the overwhelming information resource the dealers have access to.

[ToneLoc1148]

I think the fact that you bought it from a GM dealer put you at a disadvantage from the beginning. A Chrysler dealer may have been able to access any maintenance records so you would have been able to determine if the previous owner had done regular maintenance. I got in the habit of keeping every record of maintenance for all my vehicles. It sure helped if I had any part failures, repairs, warranty issues or if I sold them. Although having these records is no guarantee of worry free ownership, it at least shows the previous owner took care of the vehicle. I feel bad about your experience and understand your frustration especially since our Journey has been such a great vehicle. I wish you luck.

Thank you! I hope it gets resolved, I really do like it.

[ToneLoc1148]

Another little trick with the 09-10 Journey's is to put the key fob in the ignition and turn to the "on" position. Then while the ignition is in the "on" position, push lock and then unlock on the key fob. This will sometimes disable the vehicle security system allowing your Journey to start. The security system on the early Journey's was a known problem and if this is the case, then your Journey should start.

Another option would be trying to crank it while in Neutral. Sometimes the shifter switch can become hung up in Drive or Reverse, as Larryl mentioned above.

There is also a known problem with the WIN module on the 09 Journey's, there is also a TSB for this. I would assume the Chrysler dealer should already know this and should have checked this, but if they didn't it might be worth following up with them to make sure they checked it.

Its a simple solution that needs to be checked by a qualified Chrysler dealer. The Chevy dealer does not have the proper equipment equipment to diagnose your Journey.

Sorry its the worst car you have ever owned but I truly love mine. Good luck

The WIn Module was the 2nd thing they replaced. The Chevy dealer (where I bought it) changed the Starter first. Both have not fixed my issue.

I think the Dodge Dealers they have been sending them too are pretty good, they are really big dealers in the PGH, PA area. Not just a little road side dealer. (ya know what I mean)

[ToneLoc1148]

toneloc1148:

I assume your SXT is equipped with a 3.5 V6. I've seen this problem before. We have had good luck with the following repair procedure. All Dodge dealers have the following information:

(Trying to post a STAR case from Chrysler but it comes out garbled)

Please have the Dodge dealer refer to STAR Case # S1121000006. The repair involves inspecting the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) and either replacing it and /or adding a redundant ground between the negative battery cable terminal end and the transmission bell housing.

The TRS is similar to a Neutral Safety Switch.

Thank you for your input!

From what I am being told from the dealer now is that it must fail for them to fix it. The dodge dealer who currently has my car is saying they believe its a sensor (did not tell me what one). But the Chevy dealer (where I bought it) is saying its an expensive sensor and they want to be 100% sure its that, so I am wondering if that is the same senor you are talking about?

Thanks again for you help, I will run it by them.

[ToneLoc1148]

I can agree that we are all on this forum to share our stories and offer help and support when possible.

I would be happy to look at service history however some information is considered private. It's also very important that our DJs go to Dodge Service Facilities as they are the experts and work on these vehicles everyday, not to mention the overwhelming information resource the dealers have access to.

Thanks, the chevy dealer did try to find the issue but they did end up sending it to a dodge dealer. Now I am on my second dodge dealer, who has heard of this problem, and said it could be wiring harness. They got my car last Monday and are saying its not that, but sensor. So now my chevy dealer wants proof its that sensor, to fix it.

Its driving me crazy!! I really do love this car, I had all these plans, add a in-dash GPS, roof rack, bumber guard! I just wish it would start when I wanted it too!

[ToneLoc1148]

Mine developed intermittent no start. I pulled the wire on the starter solenoid, sanded connector on solenoid and on end of wire, applied dielectric grease, reconnected wire. Hasn't failed to start in the year or so since.

And I'm not bothered by your thread title.

Thank you, I did not want to offend anyone on here. It was the frustration with the car and a generally statement about my vehicle, not the entire Journey family.

[VincB23]

I had the same problem at first. The starter would just go CLICK! and nothing would start. I tried so much that it eventualy drained my battery. I thought it was my batterie that did not have enough power left, so i ended up buying a new one.

Everything was fine until it did it again. I was there trying everthing, boosting it with another car, waiting couple of minutes before trying again until i tried moving the shifter. it moved down in gears without pressing the brake so i moved all the way to drive and back to park and at that point i heard a small click as if the transmision had re-engared into park.

The car started without problem like nothing had happen. The next time it happenned i did the same thing bring it into gears and back up to park and it started right away. It must be the way we bring the the shifter back when we put it on park. I have since made sure to bring the shifter far the corner of the park to engage the transmision properly and it has not done it since.

Good luck with yours and i understand your frustration.

Edited January 4, 2014 by VincB23

[jkeaton]

My attitude towards vehicles I buy is "Hey, I bought it". I learned to fix things the right way myself if required. I will take it to the dealer for warranty work only and if it is something the warranty covers, I make them give me a loaner and I wont take it back untill it is fixed and the PROVE to me it is fixed. You gotta look out for yourself.

[Oldscotch]

We purchased a 2009 Journey in July of 2013, with an extended bumper to bumper warranty. We also have experienced the No-start clicks, and took it back to the dealorship where we bought it, getting the same run around others have described above. One time we had to have it towed in, and the next day they could not get it to duplicate the problem. Some times wiggling the shifter will allow it to start, and others it will not. Now the AC system has gone toes up. The fan blows but only hot air comes out and the compressor does not engage. I tried to add refridgerant, but to no avail. I guess we will have to take it to a dealor (again) and see what they have to say now.

[Neto]

One comment regarding topic titles - Topic titles that do not describe the specific problem, or at least in general terms, such as "Ignition-Starting problem" are not helpful, because the reader must open it and read through a bunch of garbage just to find out what it's about. Also, if the thread does have valuable suggestions or a final solution documented, it can be found much more easily and quickly in a forum search.

[Journey_SeXT]

Excellent point Neto!