2013 dodge journey differential problems

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2009-2020 Dodge Journey: pros and cons, common problems

• Stylish look.
• Roomy practical nicely done interior (2011+).
• Good handling, comfortable ride.
• Storage and cargo space.
• Available third-row seating.
• Strong optional V6.
• Doesn't hold its value well.
• Electrical, wiring problems, higher than average repair costs.
• Interior plastic could be better.
• Lack of cargo space behind the third seat.

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Dodge Journey Problems: 8 Common Issues (Explained)

The most common problems and possible solutions are listed below.

Table of Contents

Remote Keyless Entry System Works Intermittently

If your remote keyless entry system starts acting weird and only working sometimes, you might get frustrated.

It’s a huge inconvenience not to have technology work the way you expect it to. But, there’s an easy fix for the problem.

Probable Causes and Solutions

The most common reason your Dodge Journey remote keyless entry system may begin working intermittently is because there is a problem with the component’s software .

Usually, updating the software will correct the problem.

If you upgrade the software and continue to have problems with the remote keyless ignition system, you should visit a Dodge dealership and have the problem diagnosed.

If the problem isn’t related to a software update, it could be an issue with the keyfob itself. If the keyfob has gone bad, it might be necessary to replace the keyfob.

A Dodge-certified technician can also upgrade the software for you.

Unexplained Dampness Inside a Dodge Journey

If you enter your vehicle and notice unexplained dampness, it could create an uncomfortable ride and be upsetting. Afterall, water isn’t supposed to leak inside a vehicle.

But unexplained dampness inside the vehicle of the Journey is a common problem, and is easily fixed.

Most often, especially in models 2009 to 2018, unexplained dampness in the interior of the Journey is from a water leak .

Improperly sealed body seams can let water into the vehicle and create dampness.

If this is the reason your Journey is getting wet inside, the problem can be fixed by having the seals replaced and properly installed.

Engine Overheating Due to Coolant Flow Problem

If your Dodge Journey was made between 2009 and 2018, you may have issues with your engine overheating. It seems the problem can occur at anytime during the Journey’s existence.

Vehicles with as low as 20,000 miles have experienced this issue as well as Journeys with well over 100,000 miles too.

Usually, it needs diagnosed by a Dodge mechanic. But, there are easy solutions to prevent this problem from happening again.

If you have debris in your engine, it could cause a coolant flow issue.

If there’s a disruption in your coolant flow, the engine could overheat.

If not corrected, an engine overheating could cause serious damage to the engine. When debris blocks the cylinder head at the coolant port of the thermostat housing, the right amount of coolant won’t reach the engine.

Removing the debris from the engine and especially around this port fixes the problem.

Check Engine Light with Diagnostic Code P0339

If your check engine light comes on, it’s a good idea to have a diagnostic test to determine what the cause of the warning is.

If you get a P0339 code, there is probably a problem with the vehicle’s crankshaft position sensor.

This issue is most common with 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2016 Dodge Journeys. Also, check our list of typical reasons the check engine light appears .

The crankshaft position sensor check engine light code will cause intermittent loss of power to this component.

To correct this problem, a technician may be able to add a shim to the crankshaft sensor .

If this does not correct the problem, it might be necessary to replace the sensor and flex plate.

Inaccurate Speed Settings and/or Excessive RPMs

If you notice your Journey is revving high or showing that you’re driving excessively, you might have a problem with the vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM).

This is even more likely if you notice the problem when using cruise control.

Thankfully, inaccurate speed settings and unusually high RPMs can be related to an issue with the Journey’s software.

In most cases, updating the software for the powertrain control module (PCM) will correct the problem.

Updating the software can be done at a Dodge dealership.

Dodge Journey Seats Showing Signs of Corrosion

Dodge Journey 2009, 2010, and 2013 Journeys may show signs of wear, specifically around the seat frames.

If you notice rust around the vehicle’s seat frames, it’s important not to ignore the problem.

Instead, you should take the vehicle to a Dodge dealership to have corrosion inhibitor in the affected areas. There are also revised covers for the second row available to help prevent the issue from progressing.

Rough Idle after Cold Start on Dodge Journey with V6 Engines

2009 and 2010 Dodge Journey drivers have reported rough idling after a cold start .

The problem usually only occurs with Journeys equipped with a V6 engine.

Sometimes when this happens, a check engine light will come on. Diagnostic testing will show code P050D.

If your vehicle is showing a P050D diagnostic code, the rough idling after a cold start could be due to a problem with the powertrain control module (PCM).

After a mechanic diagnoses the problem, they can tell you whether a software upgrade will correct the issue, or if a replacement part is needed.

Dodge Journey is Stuck in Park

There’s nothing more frustrating then getting in your vehicle and realizing it won’t start. If your Journey is stuck in park, you will need to see a technician to have the problem corrected.

Dodge is aware of this problem and has issued a recall to correct the issue.

A Journey shifter getting stuck in park is likely due to the material used to create the shifter .

Making an appointment at a Dodge dealership will give technicians the opportunity to replace the parts and ensure you’re vehicle shifts every time you need it too.

Dodge Journey Brakes Wearing Out Prematurely

Some people go through brake pads faster than others, but if you drive a Dodge Journey, it might not be your fault. When the car manufacturer created the 2009 and 2010 Journeys, they did so with the best SUV technology and developed a crossover vehicle that was pleasurable to drive.

But they added brakes that were more suitable to a sedan.

The sedan brakes created a need for new brakes at just about 12,000 miles.

Dodge drivers filed a class-action lawsuit that extended the warranty of the vehicle’s brakes by three years.

If you notice your brakes have worn out quickly on your Journey, it’s a good idea to have them checked out.

Of course, it’s also important to have the parts replaced as needed to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive.

General Pros and Cons of the Dodge Journey

• Third-row seating
• Easy to drive
• Handles well
• Lots of storage compartments
• Optional V6 engine available
• Attractive styling
• Comfortable interior
• Problems with electronics
• Water leaks
• Rough idling
• Vehicle gets stuck in park
• RPMs revving too high
• Early corrosion on components
• Brakes wearing out prematurely

Go back : problems for all Dodge models here .

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ⓘ  The information in this article is based on data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall reports, consumer complaints submitted to the NHTSA, reliability ratings from J.D. Power, auto review and rating sites such as Edmunds, specialist forums, etc. We analyzed this data to provide insights into the best and worst years for these vehicle models.

Differential Unit Problems of Dodge Journey

Dodge Journey owners have reported 5 problems related to differential unit (under the power train category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Dodge Journey based on all problems reported for the Journey.

1 Differential Unit problem of the 2015 Dodge Journey

The gear box & differential went out when we were trying to park. Applied the gas pedal, felt like the vehicle wouldn't move, applied the gas more & heard a loud �boom. � we're able to get the vehicle parked, then smoke started coming from the engine. Looked to find out there was gear oil leaking from the vehicle. Looked online @ Dodge Journeys & found out there have been a multitude of complaints about the same issue with other owners. Had to get the vehicle towed home due to being unable to drive it. This happened October 19th, 2019 & we've been unable to drive the vehicle since incident. Our Dodge Journey is a 2015 sxt all wheel drive with about 120,000 miles on it. There needs to be a manufacturer recall on these vehicles!! we've been told it's going to cost anywhere from $5,000 to upwards of $7,000 to get this issue fixed and we still have a vehicle loan of $11,000 we owe on it. See all problems of the 2015 Dodge Journey 🔎 .

2 Differential Unit problem of the 2016 Dodge Journey

Tl the contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. While driving at unknown speeds, the accelerator pedal was applied, but the vehicle failed to move. The vehicle was taken twice to the local dealer (fury motors, 1000 concord st south, saint paul, mn 55075) where it was diagnosed each time that the differential axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and opened case number: 33323599. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 26,035. See all problems of the 2016 Dodge Journey 🔎 .

3 Differential Unit problem of the 2012 Dodge Journey

We had issues with the differential, updates needed and Dodge has no clue. But now this. . . We have a 2012 Dodge Journey that is acting very strange. It started with the headlights being on, even when they were off (we do not have automatic lights). . . Then after the car was off, the headlights would flash on and off every 10-30 seconds, we would have to undo the battery to keep it from dieing. We replaced the headlights switch and it still does and added a symptom. When my husband would manually lock the doors, it would unlock by itself. We were told it was the tipm which has to be done by Dodge. Not sure what it will do next!. See all problems of the 2012 Dodge Journey 🔎 .

4 Differential Unit problem of the 2014 Dodge Journey

Thursday Feb 26 2015 ¿ 6:00 pm noticed engine light on Friday Feb 27 - 8:00 am take car to village Chrysler ¿ ajax for assessment ¿ make appointment for sat Feb 28 2015 at 1:30 pm to assess engine light on ¿ ok to drive car per village Chrysler ¿ ajax service advisor. Friday Feb 27 - 8:00 pm ¿ during drive to/from work: computer message: 1. ¿¿remote start disable� 2. Noticed car will not shift into 6th gear on hwy. Home from work: noticed engine oil on driveway, pull in and check oil ¿ no oil on dip stick, engine oil all over engine and ground. Unknowingly I drove the car for ~150 km with no oil! sat Feb 28 - 1:00 pm ¿ add 3 liters of oil to take car to village Chrysler ¿ ajax service results: 1. Engine light codes: no explanation of codes from village Chrysler ¿ ajax service advisor. A. Code: p06dd ¿ stored ¿ engine oil pressure control circuit stuck off b. B156d-00 ¿ stored ¿ low voltage differential signal (lvds) video cable- 2. No details of my explanation of my sequence of events on service order! 3. Oil adapter housing leaking (cracked ¿ manufacture design issue) 4. Replaced adapter housing: part#: 68105583-aa ¿ c/w associated parts under warranty - known issues with cracking housing. 5. When asked if any engine damage while driving with no oil - village Chrysler ¿ ajax said guaranteed no engine damage because at least one liter on oil was still circulating in engine! bs. 1. Now i¿m concerned this will happen again and possibly cause a fire while driving on the hwy. . . 2. Plausible damage to engine as a result of unknowingly driving all day with no oil in engine! 3. I don¿t feel safe in this car!. See all problems of the 2014 Dodge Journey 🔎 .

5 Differential Unit problem of the 2009 Dodge Journey

Tl-the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, a loud explosive was heard from the engine. Immediately, the steering wheel became inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who advised the contact that the power transfer unit failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the power transfer unit however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who then advised the contact that the clutch, seal transmission seal and the differential were fractured. All components were replaced. The manufacturer was notified and a claim was filed. The failure mileage was 16,888 and the current mileage was 17,100. Mah. See all problems of the 2009 Dodge Journey 🔎 .

Other Common Power Train related problems of Dodge Journey

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• All Wheel Drive (AWD)

2012 Rear differential amount and type

By giannid February 27, 2023 in All Wheel Drive (AWD)

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I've got a 2012 V6 AWD that I need to do a full service.  Did a search for the type and amount of gear oil the rear differential uses with not a lot of good results.  Anyone know what type and quantity it uses.  Also, is there a write up to do the job.  Not a lot of information on the AWD model.

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John/Horace

Look closely at magnetic drain plug. Should only have fine fur on it, no larger particle size metal shavings.

Just less than a quart, around 0.8 lire I believe.  Use good quality gear oil, factory fluid is semi synthetic.

Look closely at the three lip seals, one on each half shaft and the other on output shaft; shouldn’t be any active drips.  So dump and fill and inspection of seals.

actually the old fill it till it runs out the top hole MIGHT not be the right advise...MY daughters 2016 jeep i seen the right front axle seal was leaking at the outer edge so i cleaned it up the best i could and then refilled the front differential and since it was still covered under warranty we took it too the dealership, and they at first said it wasnt leaking as there was no grease being sung into the wheel well but i corrected the service adviser to go look at the wheel well and look real close, as i had wrote down on the drop off form that i had cleaned it up but they could easily see a lot of grease was still left there,so they went ahead and repaired the seal and then they said well you over filled the difff and i could have damaged it by doing that so i told them well i just had to put almost a whole bottle of lube in there since it was almost dry and that i just filled it till it ran out the top hole and they said well that is the old advise but they said there is supposed to be just a certain amount and then some room for expansion as the diff were not built like the older models and didnt leave room if filled to the top....oh well at least that was there stance

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2013 Dodge Journey repairs by problem area

Engine (13%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (13%)

Brakes and Traction Control (5%)

Suspension and Steering (23%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (27%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (8%)

Other (11%)

• Transmission and Drivetrain
• Brakes and Traction Control
• Suspension and Steering
• Electrical and Air Conditioning
• Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim

Show all problems

Need advice about a specific Dodge Journey problem?

2013 Dodge Journey transmission repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (0%)

$500 - $999 (0%)

$100 - $499 (14%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

2013 Dodge Journey 4dr SUV

208 kilowatts 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

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208 kilowatts 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

2013 Dodge Journey Transmission Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2013 Dodge Journey problems occur, check out our car reliability stats .

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Genuine 2013 Dodge Journey Differential

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8 Differentials found

2013 Dodge Journey Differential Pkg

• Other Name : Differential Package
• Crossroad FWD, Express FWD, SE FWD, SXT FWD | 4 Cyl 2.4L

2013 Dodge Journey Differential Assembly-TRANSAXLE

• Other Name : Differential Transaxle
• Crew AWD, Crossroad AWD, GT AWD, Heat AWD, Hero AWD, Limited AWD, LUX AWD, Mainstreet AWD, R/T AWD, R/T Rallye AWD, SE AWD, SE FWD, SXT AWD | 6 Cyl 3.5L, 6 Cyl 3.6L

2013 Dodge Journey Different-TRANSAXLE

• Replaced by : 68189870AA
• Crossroad FWD, SE FWD, SXT FWD

2013 Dodge Journey Differential-TRANSAXLE

2013 Dodge Journey Differential-Rear Axle

• Other Name : Differential Rear Axle
• Position : Rear
• Replaced by : 5157002AE
• Crew AWD, Heat AWD, Hero AWD, LUX AWD, Mainstreet AWD, R/T AWD, R/T Rallye AWD, SXT AWD | 6 Cyl 3.5L, 6 Cyl 3.6L

2013 Dodge Journey Gear-TRANSAXLE

• Crew FWD, Crossroad FWD, GT FWD, Heat FWD, Hero FWD, Limited FWD, LUX FWD, Mainstreet FWD, R/T FWD, SE FWD, SXT FWD | 6 Cyl 3.5L, 6 Cyl 3.6L

• Crossroad FWD, R/T FWD, SE FWD, SXT FWD | 6 Cyl 3.5L

Related 2013 Dodge Journey Parts

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2013 Dodge Journey

• « 2013 Journey Overview
• Complaints 530
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2013 Dodge Journey Engine Problems

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• Engine Blew 1
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