I bought a 2015 dodge journey avp 2.4l in 2016, it had 16 miles on it when I bought it. It now has 205,897 miles on it. It still runs well and drives smoothly 👍🏼
I have a 2015 dodge journey 2.4 L. You’re so right about the cooling system! Had to change Upper coolant hose, radiator, and heating core hoses. I feel like they make these for failure later down the line! The great part is with little mechanical xp. I was still able to fix all those problems without even lifting the car. Great video!!
I bought a Journey SXT with a 3.6L V6 with 40,000 miles from Enterprise Rent a Car two years ago for my Son to drive to school. He drives 70 miles round trip to Northridge, California which means he has put 58,000 miles on the vehicle since purchased. No problems, service regularly, the six-speed automatic has been flawless, same as the 3.6L engine. The body has held up great, rides nice, and is quiet. He likes it very much, nice interior, nice looking vehicle.
I believe it. I live in NW Pennsylvania where rust is a constant problem due to winter salt. My 12 Journey has zero rust anywhere. It’s at 200k now. I’ve had some repairs that affected early 3.6 v6. Transmission has been flawless. Still rides smooth and quiet, even the A/C still works.
I have a 2014 journey 2.4l and I am please to hear that this type of engine is good and easy to maintain, I am a do it yourself type of guy, thanks for your review.
Yep, that thermostat housing is true. Not even 5 months after my warranty was up mine leaked coolant everywhere, thankfully a private mechanic replaced it and filled the reservoir for less that $100
Thanks. This helped me tremendously with decision making. I decided against 1. Purely because of the issues regarding the materials used in the engine and cooling system. I used to think a battery in the back of the vehicle was weird for German and Swedish cars but a battery in that awkward spot is so ingenious. Thanks again for the info shared.
I love my Dodge Journey. I bought the 2.4 . It's pretty peppy for a 4 cylinder. I wish I could bring it to your shop. I tell you my pet peeve about mine is the damn fuse box location.
I have had a 2014 Dodge Journey 3.6 FWD that saved my life in a bad wreck....life was spared, but jaw was broken by the airbag. I looked for another Dodge Journey now have a 2017 with 3.6 GT with AWD. My take is all vehicles have their issues. Just fix them when they are little, don't wait tell they get to bad and costly.
@@AlexTheCarDoctor it could have been worse; but was able to walk away from an accident, that completely destroyed my vehicle due to the safety system Dodge employed in making of the Journey. Three surgeries later my jaw is functioning with the aid of a cadaver bone, screws, and some dental implants.
I truly believe I also survived a wreck because I drove a Journey. Broken sternum and a concussion. My car was a total loss after I rear- ended a very large wood chipper. If the engine had not gone down into the pavement I'm convinced I would not be here today. I miss my old car😢
Love your video! I have a journey 2017 and it’s 2023 now and it’s been a wonderful car. Haven’t had any issues except that darn battery being weird it’s installed crazy I don’t understand why they did that unless he wanted more room upfront by the engine. Thank you I feel much better after you saying you like the four-cylinder, I do too.😊
Great video. I just bought a 2012 Dodge Journey SE (Canada value package). Brought in to the mechanic to get the safety check done and lo and behold, had to change the leaking coolant housing. Other than that, just some standard stuff: brakes, new tires, etc. Glad we got the 2.4L; we're more concerned with fuel efficiency than power.
My grand parents bought one brand new 12/12/12 it’s got the 2.4 in it and it has been reliable as can be. It only has 73,000 miles but for its age it’s been trouble free.
I have a 2016 sxt 6 cylinder 3.6 purchased 03/2017 with about 3k on it (former rental). It has been flawless. Currently 82k after commuting BTW NC & NYC from 02/2018 thru 05/2021. Absolutely no issues until 2022. Something shorted after a rearview camera installation & abs lights came on, but dealership found nothing, replaced battery & no other problems. Still driving her btw NC & NYC with no issues.
I got a 2012 3.6 with about 100K miles. The thing needed nothing. Just brakes all around and battery that was it! Im going to be changing the spark plugs soon and might change the struts at some point but this thing is probably my favorite of all cars I've had. Ive got a Elantra N right now in the garage as a summer toy haha
I have a 2015 journey R/T. I've had it for 3 years now and I love it I had a battery go bad and had to replace it but I didn't think it was too bad having worked on my own vehicles since I was younger just weird to access the battery from the wheel well. I have kept up on maintenance so I haven't seen any huge problems and hope I never do it's great for running to and from work so I don't have to run my yukon too much
Thanks, me too.. except 2015 4 CYL/2.4, FRT W DRIVE: occasionally wish FOR 4WD:: however Do NOKIAN STUDS in Winter: braking, turning, track , black ice feel superlative.. at 94,000 miles;; did get STEALERSHIP LUFETIME OIL CHANGES(* conventional 5w-20,& PERFORMAX/ PENZZOIL 167 Oil filters used)…Interestingly the MOPAR OIL FILTERS @$15.00 now Dealer, Air still at $43.00((* AMAZON FLIPS to wrong Size AIR sometimes)..still.orig Battery
Ps:: help & check around:: I been considering:: switch to FULL SYN ( VALVOLINE/ & VALVOLINE filters,$70, twice a year approx; at my Preferred Shop)….from the no issues, MOPAR CONVENTIONAL,ETC… ( have Lifetime Oil program with Journey)… etc.. getting thoughts?
BRAVO 👏 we need more reviews like this, forget Motorweek or KBB reviews, they always talk about comfort, features, infotainment and other stupid stuff but they never speak about reliability, in fact they always root for power trains that you can tell will problematic in the future of the car like CVT Transmission.
brother it blows my mind how you dont have like 500k to a millions subscribers yet! You have such great videos and i genuinely mean that. You dont run your mouth, you dont act a fool, your straight to the point, polite and informative and you really cant ask for more. I really hope to see this channel blow up way bigger then it is, you deserve it!
Thank you so much for giving us the mechanic perspective. I have been looking for this exact type of video. I have a dodge journey 2012 SE (or the American value packet) (idk the difference)so it has that 2.4l I4 cylinder engine. Recently month ago I had all my coolant hoses brake and I was in the middle of the road with no way to get my car home since it couldn’t get any coolant through the engine. Thankfully it was fixed by my dad and I in just less than a week and the car is back running perfectly fine. It has been 10 years since we first bought it and it has hood well thanks to the maintenance my dad and I have put into it.
3.6 is a killer on your budget. I spent $3500 alone to update the car on the engine for a little over 100k miles then something else happens. Smog doesnt pass, ac comes on by itself, rear window turns on when you place the geer in reverse. Mind you, I bought this car new in 2016. I wish I had the 2.4, as a girl I could fix the simplest things not this one, you have to dig deep, everything is so compact. Great video!
I'd gladly buy another Journey. Mine is a 2012 with the 3.6 v6. It's had the common issues including cylinder head replacement. I got it for $6995 and have put over 40000 miles on it. I thought I'd be ready for something new by now but it keeps running like a champ. Doesn't owe me a thing.
“A lot of other channel talk about comfort, but hey, you could be comfortable in the vehicle on the side of the road broken down!” 😂😂😂😂 That’s was awesome
This car is an automatic no-buy for me just due to the battery location alone. If the engineers did something like that with a simple battery, I don't want to find out what other idiocies are lurking. It was like an afterthought. *"Geeze... Look what's left guys... We forgot all about the battery!!"*
@@JessicaSimonson1976 Never really heard of that. The 12V lead acid battery is usually placed under the hood, or 2nd place would be in the trunk. Or in the case of the Dodge Journey, behind the bumper on the front left. I'm sure there are other crazy battery placements out there, wouldn't be surprised if there's one under a seat.
I love 2014 3.6. I’ve got 349,219km on it. I’ve done battery 3x and alternator 2x. Transmission is still going strong. Spent $2200 at the dealer last year to do the pan, flush, and replace a few parts like the solenoid. Just finally got the oil cooler problem fixed. Been leaking for 2years. Got so bad that the starter had to be replaced because oil was getting into it, and it stopped cranking. Oil and coolant were mixing because of the oil cooler. So had to replace the radiator, some hoses, and thermostat. Changed the spark plugs while he was down that deep and they were the originals. Also replaced the front motor mount because it has to come off to get to the starter. $3200 later. But she purrs like a kitten still. The 3.6 if driven properly should last for ever. I plan on driving it until the engine dies.
Update!!!! I think my torque converter is going. When it’s cold, it drives fine. But after it starts warming up, I get up and down RPM on my gauge. About 250-500rpm fluctuation. Very noticeable, feels like a surge. I was thinking fuel pump/filter, but not now. Possible TPS sensors as I do get the red lightning bolt sometimes, only on mountainous drives (going up and down the mountain). But now, it I go into overdrive (6th gear) I hear and feel shuddering. Same thing after I climb a steep hill (live in Vancouver BC), I will start once I let off the gas after climbing, or it will happen during the climb…if i let off the gas a little and then step on it to again. It all goes away after I stop and turn vehicle off, until I get going fast again. If I keep it under 75-80, or if engine/transmission is cold, don’t happen. I thought it was an air leak at first with the surging at idle (1 month), but then the noises/roughness started recently, possibly tied together. Like some videos said, it feels like driving on a gravel road!!! I put transmission slip stop crap in there. Which has helped i think. Because, it’s a little better now, I can get around now, but if it’s a hill, I gotta hit it hard, and then let off the gas and coast, then keep a steady pedal, if I let off it grinds, if i stay on it a little, she’s somewhat smoother. I can’t get a new vehicle, don’t want payments. Better off fixing whatever problems arise. Even if the engine goes! A new engine is cheaper than a new vehicle!! I live the journey, it’s practical. Anything can be fixed or replaced. Don’t understand the concept of why out more $$ into it. Well, because I fucking own it!!! Are you just gonna sell your house because the toilet doesn’t flush??? Oh ya, after it happens, if I’m reverse and foot on the break, its rough, same with neutral. But if it’s in park or drive and foot on break, It’s not, and it’s Just the idle going up and down a bit.
Yep, the styling got old fast. But they did do some mechanical changes especially in the brakes which helped reliability. I have about 70,000 miles on my 2017 and except replacing the starter battery I haven't had any problems. I do my own maintenance.
Just bought a 2018 2.4L for my wife since we’re having our third child in a few weeks. Other than the battery being in a stupid spot it’s solid. I have a town and country with a 3.6 and there’s so much room in a 2.4 to fix everything. The battery doesn’t bother me though. I work in industrial maintenance so I’m used to stupid things like that 😂
Congratulations doing such a good job with this information helping with important decision to buyers needing a reasonably priced and long-life car for people on a budget. I have done a lot of research on this car and your post here sealed the deal on my purchase of a used Journey. I wanted something reliable and easy to maintain for my wife. (Great family/children advice too!)
Hey Alex! Looking at a 2012 r/t with a 3.6. 167k miles but a very good price and from a recommended dealer and small town trustworthy one. Will be a 2-4 time a week driven vehicle with 98% highway miles. “Hypothetically” if it’s been well taken care of, which it seems to be. Any things around this mileage that tend to start or any maintenance I should be prepared for? Again won’t be a daily driver by any means. Mostly a grocery getter with the kids and the occasional trip to work! Thanks a bunch!
Thank you so much for this video. I'm on a tight budget and am about to check out a Dodge Journey 2010 tomorrow. Bought a bummer car in the past and definitely want to avoid a similar situation.
Thanks for the review. I bought a used 6 month old 2017 Journey 4 banger with 3100 miles back in August 2017. Bought it for $15,321 out the door. I think it was used as a dealership loaner. I do my own maintenance and it is fairly easy. With 70,000 miles on I had to replace the starter battery in the fall of 2022. And it was a problem as it is located under the left front fender and thats all i really had to do so far. As suggested i will keep an eye on the cooling system.
Second comment everything you mentioned happened to me the radiator hose. I had to change that too. It’s been really tough thank you JB from MIAMI. I wish you were here.
I have a 2018 Dodge Journey with the 2.4. I live in TN and have taken 6 people some kids and adults mixed to Florida and to Michigan. Yea the engine is a little loud when high rpm’s but the power isn’t bad for a 7 passenger suv that only cost $22000 brand new when I bought it. Got 110,000 miles and nothing but tires and oil changes and one set of plugs. Not even brakes done yet. Great front wheel drive suv. Thank you for a great honest review. Many others dog this vehicle I was sad they quit making it. We were thinking of buying another one guess we will keep it and put another 100,000 miles on it.
I have the 3.6 Pentastar (2016) and it is a beast. For towing, would not want anything less. Picked up my daughter from school out west, loaded up her belongings after her 4 years at school, probably a thousand pounds plus, and the 3.6 pulled it like it wasn't even there. At times while driving I forgot I was even towing a trailer. To date, I haven't had a single issue with the engine. Pretty lucky, I know.
Yes! The placement of that battery is so odd and cumbersome. 😣 Also, you are correct about the cooling system. We just hate to replace the radiator and radiator hoses on our 2014 Journey. 😮💨 We had to redo the transmission one on her too, just a couple of years ago. It sure has been a journey, with our Journey 😅.
Thank you so much that gives me an idea about my Dodge Journey 2010 SXT I was driving I ran over a log messed up the side of my break and now it is getting hot and smoking when the temperature is hot outside I don't have any problems when it's raining or cold I have a lot of the pieces and it still the same thing going on I watch a lot of your videos and I appreciate what you do😊❤
Buenas tardes amiguito, igual tengo una journey 2023, SE, no soy mecánico, pero me gusta oír y curiosar los comentarios de journey, desde Tuxtla Gtz, chiapas, México. Un saludo, buena orientación.
Love how humble you are Alex you have s great attitude and seem like you are enjoying your life and living your dreams. Doorman parts has a up grade kit for the 3.6 liter pentastar its all aluminum i plan on using a grand caravan or journey for a transportation business so i will be doing the up grades your a grant mechanic keep up the great work
Great informative video, thank you for posting it. I had a 97 Dodge Stratus with the same powertrain and it's battery was located in the same place as the Journey. Yes, a little more effort to change it but the batteries tended to last longer because they were insulated from the heat of the engine and cold of winter in the wheel well location.
I bought a used 2014. 126390 miles. Drove for two days then the belt shredded. I was stranded. Replaced the belt. Two weeks later, stranded again. I ended up replacing tensioner and idler pulleys and I got a size larger serpentine belt and I looked for anything sharp on the air compressor pulley and it did have some sharp grooves. Don't know how they got there. Filed them down. So far, 8 months and no problems. It is an SE, it feels comfortable. Everything works. My next test is to drive cross state. Crossing my fingers my belt fix hangs in there.
Really glad I found you, I have a Dodge Journey 2.4 liter....2015 with 300,000 plus miles. I have a oil leak, do you have any tips on me tracing down this leak. Tomorrow I will be getting under the veh. to do a quick clean to see if I can find where it's coming from.
You already got the right idea buddy. Clean it all up really well underneath. Let the vehicle run and observe. Those 2.4’s normally leak oil from the valve cover, oil pressure switch or VVT solenoids. It may be leaking from the top and making it’s way to the bottom.
Thanks for the respond my brother, currently looking at utube vids on areas of possible leakage. up top looks pretty dry but under may be really bad, checked my oil level and I have none so in the morning going to pick up some oil and see where it's lealing from.
Yeah, didn't realize you left a message...I will check for any oil running down from the valve cover. Can that oil pressue swicth throw a lot of oil, just checking.@@AlexTheCarDoctor
Well, I got under the car with my ramps today, and cleaned up basically 2 major oil spills one from when I replaced my transmission solinoid pack, and the other was from a oil pan gasket job, so the mechanic didn't clean up the blow by from that event, it's looking pretty clean, used a pack of shop towels and a bottle of Spray Nine to break up that grease so that basically took most of the day, didn't check the valve cover for leaks but will check that out soon enough, I DID find one leak though it's my rear seal between the engine and the transmission, there is fresh oil rolling off at the seam. The oil pressure switch appears dry as well the area around it. Was hoping that would 've been the problem. Much easier fix for sure. Too bad you are not here in Phoenix, I would've brought my Journey to your shop for that rear seal. Any insights on that repair would be great, I am a bit nervous taking my car in for this job, really cannot aford to get ripped off. At any rate, thanks for the motivation. Richard @@AlexTheCarDoctor
Hey Alex, how are you, I checked the VVT Solinoids and the one in the back is leaking at the base and the one up front is probably leaking as well, I have 2 questions.....1. could the one leaking in the back cause a major drop in engine oil level and travel across my oil pan and into that window box of my transmission housing ? and number 2. Any advise on pulling out those VVT Solinoids ?, my car has over 300,000 miles on it, so they may be well stuck in there. Should I use some kind of product to help lube em up in case they are stuck in there, Thanks Richard@@AlexTheCarDoctor
I have a 2018 Journey SE with 165k miles still running good, although sometimes it seems a little sluggish and the coolant temp stays around 200-225 Fahrenheit! That’s after me rinsing the radiator out with degreaser and a water hose!
I have a 2012. I am surprised he didnt bring up the poor brake rotors. I have 60k on my car and am on my 3rd rotors, while my other cars havent needed rotors even once in that time. Havent found better aftermarket rotors either. I did have a crankshaft position sensor go bad which is a cheap repair but can leave you stranded. Get it replaced preventatively. Chrysler even has a recall for that sensor on other vehicles. I might need a new alternator. Other than that, it has been a relatively reliable car.
I am assuming they were Mopar the first two times as they were replaced by the dealer. Not sure of the brand from the local repair shop. I have had this problem with a 2008 Grand Caravan as well, but not with a 2013 Grand Caravan or 2019 Pacifica. Do you have a brand or brakes and rotors you recommend?
Also, do you think it matters which battery group size 26 vs. 86 is used? I would guess the smaller 26 would fit in either situation. Both sizes show up when searching.
@@aprasad8864 i’m really not a parts expert but with the brakes I normally shop from my local parts store and get the mid grade or higher brake pads and never have an issue or go to the dealership if it’s an ultra luxury car
Dude. thank you SO much. This is great. I've driven a 2013 Journey V6 which I've loved for the last 4-5 years, and the transmission just failed. So I'm faced with a costly repair and wondering if I should get another car. I'm looking at a 2nd 2015 Journey V6 because it's got all the things I want... EXCEPT maybe the reliability. Some of the things you showed me leaving me scratching my head wondering if I should get myself back in the same risky-ass boat. The other top two potentials are a 2014 Audi Q5 (v4) and a 14 Chevy Traverse (v6)...
The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor on a Dodge Journey 2015 SXT is located before the throttle body and has a plastic housing to keep it in place. If you can't find the MAF sensor, it may be because your car doesn't have one. Some models use a Speed Density System instead, which uses the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor and other sensors to calculate fuel delivery.
I watched your video because I recently bought a 4 cylinder dodge journey. I’m glad you brought up the battery because I had an issue with the placement, the battery got dirty and I wasn’t aware of it until the vehicle wouldn’t turn on because the battery couldn’t get a good connection due to this. All I have to say on that is dodge should have moved the battery up higher on the 4c because there was way more space than with a 6c.
i have a 2010 journey 4cyl , bought it new great suv , now its 2022 12 years in and here comes the problems ...@ 211,000 km its by by dodge thanks for the great 12 years hello 2023 honda crv hope you give me 16+ years like my old civic
@MegaMan X no they don't run for free but you got to know when your gonna start sinking money into a dying product.. I want a reliable car for my wife not one that may break down every few months for something
@@housbinpharteen7445 My 2012 with 130K is going just as good as a new car. I just had a full inspection done. I bet at 200K it will be right around the same mark (I'm a mechanic)
@MegaMan X yes 130k is not bad , once it hits like mine over 200k , you will start getting issues, I am just not paying into something that will be a money pit.. yours at 130k is still good and will get many years out of it
I have a 2015 2.4L SE. had to replace a the radiator and the whole cooling system (I do my own repair work). It’s not so much the plastic but their orange coolant is very corrosive to plastic!😮. After I changed all the parts, I changed the coolant to the Prestone coolant generic for all modern cars. It’s fairly new - and not nearly as corrosive to plastic.
It's a 4-speed 'Ultradrive' automatic transmission, an ancient design that first came out in 1989 Dodge Grand Caravan minivan. Largely unchanged for the next 31 years, with only reliability improvement.
Second comment everything you mentioned happened to me the radiator hose. I had to change that too. It’s been really tough thank you JB from MIAMI. I wish you were here. yes I’m in Miami. This guy asked me $700 to do a full tuneup. I’m not sure if I should do that. I take care of this car. What do you think
The 2.4l world engine great mpg oil cheap to maintain and replace plugs and coils with Even a cheap tool set had the alternator and battery replaced on mine before I sold it cause the crank correlation code pop up no idea what happened I replaced the cam and crank sensor and never changed anything so I sold it to help me get into a Toyota
Alex, first time watcher and I love your energy. I've got a 2009 Journey 2.4 (4 cylinder). VIN doesn't help in determining if it is a DOHC or PZEV. How do I figure this out? Thanks.
The battery can explode located in the cabin or even the engine bay too. The wheel well is the safest location because less chance of acid damaging your electronics in the engine bay or acid splashing on a person or damaging the interior in an accident.
I have a Dodge journey 2010 looks just like the one in your videos the blue one alarm system keeps beeping every once in awhile I'm not sure how to remove that
Got a 2016 dodge journey 2.4 bought it with 56,000 miles. Has 116,000 miles on it. Hasn’t left us stranded yet. Replaced the battery, belt, ball joints, lower control arms, front struts, sway bar links,. Going to be changing the transmission fluid, resealing the differential cover gasket, rebuild the rear end, flush the coolant, might even replace the alternator. Not a hard vehicle to work on at all.
Dodge Journey is based on the Mitsubishi GS chassis, so it's a semi-Japanese vehicle. The 2.4L was originally designed by Hyundai to use for 2006-2008 Sonata as the Theta 1.0, before it transferred to the Journey in 2009 for the next 11 years of production.
I have 2018 model it's good car 109 thousand miles got a friend has 2015 with almost 300 thousand miles then another friend has the all wheel drive model she has put two transmission in it and file pump it's nothing but trouble but 2.4 is awesome car good gas mileage lots room
Hi Alex. I have a Dodge journey 2010 SXT I have some gas problems in the fuel filter what can I use to straighten that up can I use that STP gas treatment
Great video. I have the 3.6. Great car, but I agree on the potential issues. I get 27mpg on the highway. Not looking forward to changing the plugs or battery.
Yes, I realize that the bat is crazy. I know I have a 2015 journey and I just have to change the radiator now I need to do a tuneup. Can I do a basic tuneup?
Thanks for an honest review and keep up the good videos. Those Journeys are junk in my opinion, but I'm sure some people really like them. I've been a Ford man most of my life (which I'm sure I'll get some hate for by Chevy lovers), but over the last few years Toyota and Nissan have my vote for most reliable vehicles with the least amount of repairs. My advice; spend a little more up front to get a reliable vehicle unless you like working on your own vehicle every other weekend, or have a certified mechanic in the family. I have more important things to do with my time than constantly making repairs just to keep them functioning.
I bought my journey in 2009 with the 2.4 it has been a reliable car yes I did change the thermostat housing a couple of times and alternator 3 times and the intake manifold cause the runners went bad it has 125k now and last month I changed the timing chains, the harness for the driver door is discontinued my only issue.
Hey Alex, Im thinking of get this type of vehicle for my friend and her 4 daughters. Did you say the 2.4 engine head gasket are known for going out? If so, how often? I just want to make sure I get something that is dependable for and won't leave her on the side of the road stranded. Thanks in advance
There are good alternatives if your budget is low, but you might have to live with the grandma/grandpa car image to get a cheaper vehicle that will not cost a fortune in repairs. I like to recommend 2000-2010 Mercury Grand Marquis/Ford Crown Vics because you can find them with low milage and pretty cheap now and they really are good cars that last with the 4.6l V8. I also like to recommend old Buick LaSabre cars with the 3800 V6 engine they are cheap and have bullet proof engines if maintained.
Two last questions and I won't bug you any further...a promise...lol...Have you done a review from your viewpoint of the Lincoln Town Car, around the 2007 model (why 07? It's the year that rack and pinion was in the TC's tech mix)? Plus would you say its powerplant is as bulletproof as some commenters would lead one to believe? BTW: I subscribed to your channel today...gave it a like! Peace, brother...👍✌♐
Hey there buddy and thanks for the sub. My followers will never bug me ask any car question you, if my memory serves me good yes it has the rack steering. I have not done a review because they are never in the shop that being said they are amazing cars.
I have a 2020 and the speedometer goes up and down while driving, showing brake and ABS lights, engine line the car with lines. Ughh sometimes turn off the radio screen and the A/c What is going on 😢
