If your Dodge Journey isn’t shifting properly or you’re hearing strange noises from underneath, you might be dealing with a transmission issue that’s part of a major recall. The Dodge Journey transmission recall affects thousands of vehicles and could pose serious safety risks if left unaddressed. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this recall, how to check if your vehicle is affected, and what steps to take next.
Understanding the Dodge Journey Transmission Recall
The most significant Dodge Journey transmission recall was issued by Chrysler (FCA US LLC) in 2016, known as Recall S44 (NHTSA Campaign 16V-461). This recall affected 26,299 vehicles and addressed defective transmission pumps that could cause a complete loss of power while driving.
The recall specifically targeted 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured between August 17, 2015, and January 29, 2016. These vehicles were equipped with the 62TE six-speed automatic transmission.
What makes this recall particularly concerning is that the transmission failure can happen without warning. One moment you’re driving normally, and the next, your vehicle could lose all forward movement.
Technical Details: What Actually Goes Wrong?
The heart of the problem lies in the transmission pump. The defect stems from improper manufacturing tolerances in the transmission oil pump, which can cause the pump to seize and result in complete loss of hydraulic pressure.
According to NHTSA documentation, the dimensional variance in the transmission pump rotor pocket may result in seized or broken rotors. When this happens, the transmission loses all hydraulic pressure, causing the vehicle to lose motive power entirely.
This isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a serious safety issue. Imagine losing all power while merging onto a highway or navigating a busy intersection.
Warning Signs of Transmission Problems
Before complete failure occurs, your Dodge Journey might show several warning signs. Pay attention to:
- Whining noise from the transmission, especially during cold starts
- Delayed engagement when shifting from park to drive or reverse
- Hard or clunky shifting between gears
- Transmission slipping during acceleration
- Complete loss of forward or reverse motion
Some vehicles experience these symptoms gradually, giving you time to address the issue. Others may suffer sudden, complete transmission failure without prior warning.
The 62TE Transmission: Known Issues Beyond the Recall
The 62TE transmission used in the Dodge Journey has several design limitations that make it prone to problems beyond just the recalled issue.
This transmission was created by adding a “compounder section” to an existing four-speed design to achieve six forward gears. While innovative, this modification introduced several weak points.
Common failure modes include:
| Problem Area | Issue | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch Packs | Premature wear | Slipping, overheating |
| Solenoids & Valve Body | Poor hydraulic pressure | Erratic shifting |
| Cooling System | Insufficient capacity | Overheating, fluid breakdown |
| Planetary Gear Sets | Weak design | Noise, vibration, failure under load |
| Sealing Rings | Pressure leaks | Slipping, poor performance |
The compounder section is particularly problematic. Early versions (around 2012) suffered from spinning sealing rings that caused excessive wear and pressure leaks. Later generations fixed this with locking rings, but these units still fail at higher rates than conventional designs.
How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected
If you own a Dodge Journey, especially a 2016 model, it’s crucial to check whether your vehicle is included in this recall. Here’s how:
- Visit the NHTSA website and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Call Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403
- Contact your local Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM dealership
Even if your vehicle hasn’t shown symptoms, if it’s part of the recall, you should have it inspected immediately. The defect can cause sudden failure without warning.
The Recall Remedy and What to Expect
If your vehicle is affected by the transmission pump recall, here’s what you can expect:
The official remedy involves complete replacement of the transmission oil pump assembly. This repair takes approximately seven hours to complete and is performed free of charge by authorized dealerships.
The replacement package typically includes:
- New oil pump assembly
- Torque converter oil seal
- Oil pump O-ring and gasket
- Reaction support seal rings
- Pump retaining bolts and washers
In cases where the transmission completely failed due to pump seizure, the torque converter must also be replaced.
According to Chrysler’s recall documentation, the recall began on August 18, 2016, and by 2017, approximately 19,685 of the 26,299 affected vehicles had been remedied.
Additional Recalls Affecting Dodge Journey Vehicles
While the transmission pump recall represents the most serious powertrain-related recall, Dodge Journey vehicles have been subject to several other safety recalls:
- Backup Camera Recall (2025): Affecting 220,000 2019-2020 Journey SUVs due to non-functional backup cameras
- Cruise Control Recall (2018): Covering 2014-2018 models for cruise control systems that cannot be disengaged
- Engine Sensor Recall (2016): Affecting 2016 models with intermittent crankshaft/camshaft sensor operation
It’s worth checking if your vehicle is affected by any of these recalls as well when you verify the transmission recall status.
Ongoing Issues and Post-Recall Performance
While the recall addressed the specific manufacturing defect in the oil pump, the 62TE transmission continues to experience reliability issues due to its fundamental design limitations.
Transmission specialists recommend fluid changes every 60,000 miles using only ATF+4 fluid to prevent premature failure. Using incorrect fluid types (such as Mercon or Dexron) can cause immediate problems and void warranty coverage.
Some vehicle owners report experiencing similar transmission failures in vehicles that fall outside the recall’s production date range. These cases suggest that the manufacturing defect may have affected additional vehicles beyond those officially included in the recall.
The 62TE transmission’s reputation for reliability problems has led many automotive professionals to recommend avoiding vehicles equipped with this transmission entirely. Independent transmission shops report that complete rebuilds or replacements are common, with costs often exceeding $4,000-$6,000 when not covered under recall.
Legal Actions Related to Transmission Problems
The Dodge Journey and related FCA vehicles have faced multiple class action lawsuits related to transmission defects. A notable case involved Jeep and Dodge vehicles with CVT transmissions, where plaintiffs alleged that FCA failed to disclose known defects causing violent jerking and shaking during acceleration.
While most of these lawsuits have been dismissed, they highlight ongoing transmission reliability concerns across FCA’s vehicle lineup.
Advice for Prospective Buyers
If you’re considering purchasing a used Dodge Journey, proceed with caution, particularly with 2012-2019 model years equipped with the 62TE transmission.
Before buying, make sure to:
- Verify completion of all recalls, especially the transmission pump recall
- Check the transmission service history
- Test drive the vehicle and pay attention to any unusual sounds or shifting behavior
- Consider having a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic
Many automotive experts recommend avoiding these vehicles entirely due to the high probability of expensive transmission problems. The combination of serious safety recalls, ongoing reliability issues, and high repair costs makes the Dodge Journey a high-risk purchase in the used car market.
The Future of the Dodge Journey
The Dodge Journey was discontinued after the 2020 model year in the United States. This decision came after years of declining sales and increasing competition in the crossover SUV segment.
For current owners, this means that finding parts and service might become more challenging over time, particularly for specialized components like transmission parts.
If you’re experiencing significant transmission issues with your Journey and it’s not covered under recall, it might be worth considering whether repairing the vehicle makes financial sense compared to trading it in for a more reliable model.
Remember, if your Dodge Journey is affected by the transmission recall, the repair should be performed free of charge by an authorized dealership, regardless of whether your vehicle is still under warranty.
The Dodge Journey transmission recall represents a serious safety issue that shouldn’t be ignored. By staying informed and taking prompt action, you can protect yourself and your passengers from the potential dangers of unexpected transmission failure.
