2009 Dodge Journey
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2009 Dodge Journey maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Dodge Journey.
For oil changes, the 2009 Dodge Journey takes 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 5.5 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Mopar OAT (Purple/Violet), and transmission fluid is ATF+4. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Dodge Journey, torque the lug nuts to 95 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2009 Dodge Journey have reported 5 common issues including "TIPM Failure Causing Fuel Pump and Electrical Issues", "Transmission Rough Shifting and Failure" and "Engine Cooling System Failures". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
There are 8 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2009 Dodge Journey. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2009 Dodge Journey uses 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (5.5 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 95 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2009 Dodge Journey. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2009 Dodge Journey.
Common problems reported by 2009 Dodge Journey owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
TIPM Failure Causing Fuel Pump and Electrical Issues
The 2016 Journey shares the same problematic TIPM as other Chrysler products, causing the fuel pump relay to stick on (draining the battery and potentially creating a fire risk) or fail to engage (no-start condition). Random electrical failures including horn activation, wiper operation, and power accessory malfunctions are also common TIPM symptoms.
Replace the TIPM assembly. As a temporary workaround for the fuel pump relay issue, install an external bypass relay. TSB 08-045-16 covers TIPM diagnosis and replacement procedures. Aftermarket remanufactured TIPMs with upgraded relay components are available.
Est. Cost: $400 - $1,200Transmission Rough Shifting and Failure
The 62TE 6-speed automatic and the 4-speed automatic (in 4-cylinder models) both exhibit harsh shifting, delayed engagement, and premature failure. The 6-speed develops torque converter shudder and solenoid failures, while the 4-speed suffers from worn clutch packs and erratic shift points. Both transmissions may go into limp mode without warning.
Perform a transmission fluid and filter service using only Mopar ATF+4. For shudder conditions, torque converter replacement is typically needed. TSB 21-011-16 addresses adaptive learning reset and shift calibration. Complete transmission rebuild or replacement is necessary if internal damage has occurred.
Est. Cost: $300 - $4,000Engine Cooling System Failures
The 2016 Journey is prone to radiator leaks, thermostat housing failures, and water pump seepage. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 is particularly susceptible to thermostat housing cracks that allow coolant loss. Overheating can occur rapidly if the coolant level drops, and the temperature gauge may not provide adequate warning before damage occurs.
Replace the thermostat housing assembly with the updated design. TSB 07-003-16 covers the revised thermostat housing for 3.6L engines. Inspect the radiator for pinhole leaks at the plastic end tank crimps. Replace the water pump if weeping is observed from the weep hole.
Est. Cost: $200 - $900Premature Brake Rotor Warping
Front brake rotors warp prematurely, often within 20,000-30,000 miles, causing pulsation in the brake pedal and steering wheel vibration during braking. The issue is exacerbated by the Journey's weight and undersized brake components for the vehicle class. Rear brake rotors are also prone to rust and uneven wear.
Replace the front brake rotors and pads with quality aftermarket components that exceed OEM thickness specifications. Avoid the cheapest rotors as they tend to warp again quickly. Properly torque the lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs to prevent rotor distortion from uneven clamping force.
Est. Cost: $250 - $600AC Compressor and Evaporator Failure
The air conditioning system fails frequently due to compressor clutch bearing failure, internal compressor damage, or evaporator core leaks. The rear AC system on models with tri-zone climate control adds additional failure points. Many owners report complete AC failure between 60,000 and 90,000 miles.
Replace the AC compressor, receiver dryer, and expansion valve as a complete system. Flush all lines to remove debris from compressor failure. If the evaporator core is leaking, extensive dashboard disassembly is required. TSB 24-003-16 addresses AC system diagnostic procedures.
Est. Cost: $600 - $2,0008 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2009 Dodge Journey. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
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.
A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
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
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.
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.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 4,314 MY 2009 DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, COMMANDER AND WRANGLER VEHICLES. WIRING MAY BE REVERSED ON THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE DRIVER AIRBAG SQUIB CONNECTOR. THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED.
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY NOT PROPERLY INFLATE AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG SQUIB WIRES AND REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 16,852 MY 2009 DODGE JOURNEY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITHOUT OPTIONAL 115 VOLT AUXILIARY POWER OUTLET. AN UNUSED ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR THE OPTIONAL 115 VOLT AUXILIARY POWER OUTLET OPTION MAY BECOME CORRODED AND COULD SHORT CIRCUIT.
IF THE FUSE FOR THIS CIRCUIT DOES NOT BLOW, THE CONNECTOR COULD OVERHEAT AND POTENTIALLY CATCH FIRE.
DEALERS WILL RE-ROUTE AND STOW THE 115 VOLT AUXILIARY POWER OUTLET CONNECTOR AND PULL THE 25 AMP FUSE TO REMOVE POWER FROM THIS UNUSED CIRCUIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 712 MY 2009 SEBRING, DODGE CALIBER, AVENGER, JOURNEY, JEEP PATRIOT, AND COMPASS VEHICLES. A NEW ADHESIVE USED IN THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) MANUFACTURING PROCESS CAN CAUSE THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD TO BREAK.
THIS CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PCM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 10, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 6,692 MY 2009 DODGE JOURNEY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.5L ENGINE. THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS MAY CONTACT THE LEFT TRANSAXLE MOUNT.
DAMAGE TO THE WIRING HARNESS COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS FOR DAMAGE. IF THE HARNESS IS DAMAGED, THE WIRING WILL BE REPAIRED AND A TIE WRAP INSTALLED TO SECURE THE HARNESS AWAY FROM THE LEFT TRANSAXLE MOUNT. IF NO DAMAGE IS FOUND, A TIE WRAP WILL BE INSTALLED TO SECURE THE HARNESS AWAY FROM THE LEFT TRANSAXLE MOUNT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 7, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
