CarComplaints.com Notes: A prime example of why you should never buy the first model year of a new vehicle.

9.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,050
Average Mileage:
99,550 miles
Total Complaints:
12 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace TIPM (7 reports)
  2. not sure (5 reports)
2009 Dodge Journey electrical problems

electrical problem

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2009 Dodge Journey Owner Comments

problem #12

Oct 012018

Journey LS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 109,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have been told it is the TIPM, but I cannot afford to fix it. I have already put thousands of dollars in this car for a water pump and a master cylinder replacement. This car has been junk since I bought it but I am at a loss as to what to do. I can't afford 1200 more dollars. The dealer out and out told me these TIPM often are bad. So if they know that why do they sell the car?

- Lori R., Fawn Grove, US

problem #11

Jun 262018

Journey

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,843 miles

The speed limit is 65/70 on the highway here, you know how fast I was going last Tuesday? 25mph!! No!!!! That’s not dangerous at all!!! Tractor and trailers flying by me beeping as I try my hardest to get to my exit. Not only would my car not go faster that 25 as it shook me near to death, then my airbag light came on. So I damn near had a panic attack trying to get the car to a garage hoping that the air bags didn’t deploy or worse I praying I didn’t get into an accident and the damn things not go off.

I finally got it to the garage and days later when they finally could get to it, I get the call. “We believe you have a bigger problem than what you may have thought” My heart sank past my toes and in the back of my mind I was thinking ok a couple hundred dollars. Then the man says the part you need is around $600.00 then you will have a labor charge, but that’s not all ma’am. Then we will have to have it towed so that we can get the car coded, which will be another at least $200.

So now the stupid car is sitting still at that same garage because I haven’t worked up the courage to go pick it up and drive it home until I can save up enough money to get it fixed. I wouldn’t ever recommend anyone buying a Journey between the breaks going bad quickly then I have had a couple sensors go bad, coil packs bad. I’m over this car 😡

- heatherkhy13 , Ridgeley, WV, US

problem #10

Dec 302017

Journey SLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 127,130 miles

click to see larger images

TIPM faulty

Here is what I sent to my local dealership of the happenings:

Hello XXXX,

I was in yesterday AM to have my Dodge looked at (tie rods and spark plugs). That is now the very least of my concerns after what happened yesterday afternoon.

I left a message on your work phone yesterday about issues I am seeing with my Dodge Journey. Same issues as before the battery and ignition fuses were changed and yesterday worse issues cropped up compared to when I first started seeing this happen on Dec. 30th.

I am concerned for the safety of my family in this car from the 3 hrs worth of material I read online last night.

Are you able to help me out and fix the issue? I am 99% certain I know what the issue is but since Corwin didn’t remedy/fix it the first time I had it in the week of Jan. 1st I would think I would get assistance this time around and not be charged.

The issues I have seen that line up with what I read online (and the below all happened yesterday after 2:30pm until I turned it off at 5:45pm). • Car was on and running, in park, couldn’t move it from park to drive. Had to turn car off and back on to ‘restart’ the main computer that controls all that • The headlights, visor mirror lights, dashboard main light flickered worse than any other times • The following dashboard lights would light up like a Christmas tree: BRAKE, EAP BAS, ABS and the one that shows slippery conditions • Odometer would go from 0 to 100 and back and forth like it was possessed many, many times • Dings and whatever noise is made when all the above dashboard lights flickered on and off • Random lock/unlock of doors • Radio would randomly shut off and come back on

For your liking you can check these out: http://www.chryslerproblems.com/trends/tipm/ http://www.dodgeproblems.com/trends/tipm/ https://www.carcomplaints.com/Dodge/Journey/2009/electrical/TIPM_faulty.shtml (this one especially is spot on what is going on with mine) https://www.kieklaklawfirm.com/chrysler-massive-safety-recalls-brewing/

I have video of all occurring yesterday if proof is needed. Also I attached an image of the dashboard lights that flickered like mad. Basically I feel like my car is possessed and these things happen after the car has been warmed up and driving for a bit. It also would not start yesterday morning even though the battery is only 1 week old. This vehicle is no longer reliable and I can’t have anyone else in the car with me for the reasons listed above.

Please call me back ASAP (XXXXXXX) so we can schedule a time (hopefully today) since I can’t drive this vehicle for safety reasons.

Regards, XXXXXXXX

Then I contacted Mopar online chat and had this to say: Areti (Responding) Areti: Hi, my name is Areti. How may I help you? Trisha Dominguez: hello, I have an extremely frustrating issue that was never recalled or approved by the FCA Trisha Dominguez: I have a faulty TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) on my 2009 Dodge Journey that is now a major safety issue with my kids in the car and I need to know what recourse Dodge/Chrysler will do to help out customer (ME) in this case!!!! Trisha Dominguez: I have hundreds upon thousands of cases just like mine but for whatever reason Dodge/Chrysler ignored this issue of faulty TIPM's Trisha Dominguez: I sure as hell don’t have $1400 to have the local dealership pay for this Trisha Dominguez: so what are my options to get this reimbursed??? Trisha Dominguez: reimbursed* Trisha Dominguez: I am at my wits end and I truly feel for the safety of my 2 kids in the car with all the issues I am experiencing since Dec. 30th Trisha Dominguez: I can’t drive my car right now, no one will want to buy it with this known issue, I don't have $1400 to fix it so how can Dodge/Chrysler help me out and how is it possible they ignore such a major issue with so many vehicles? Trisha Dominguez: are you there? Areti: Hello Trisha. I would be glad to look into this for you. Can you verify the address we have on file for you? Trisha Dominguez: yes, 2301 10th St N, Fargo, ND 58102 Areti: Thank you. What is your approximate mileage? Trisha Dominguez: ~127,800 Areti: I see your factory warranties expired at 36000 miles, Trisha. Trisha Dominguez: yeah I know, I am not the original owner but that is besides the point Areti: That's right, it does not matter if you are the original owner. The warranty expires at 36000 miles, I'm sorry Trisha. Trisha Dominguez: what I am getting at is I have a faulty TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) on my 2009 Dodge Journey that is now a major safety issue with my kids in the car and I need to know what recourse Dodge/Chrysler will do to help out customer (ME) in this case!!!! Areti: A certified dealer can let you know exactly which part you need to replace and help with the repair but we would not be able to cover any costs. Trisha Dominguez: ok, that’s what I was wondering on how this could become such a serious issue and Dodge not help out customers in this issue, I am at the point I can't drive it and with kids needing to get to school and me missing work, how can this be this severe of an issue Areti: Has your vehicle been diagnosed by an authorized Chrysler technician? Trisha Dominguez: I had it in 2 weeks ago and all the fixes they did didn’t fix it so I assuming they either don’t want to own up to the issue or they can't figure it out because a faulty TIPM doesn't put out an codes Trisha Dominguez: when the car is hooked up to a machine that reads codes Trisha Dominguez: they are giving me the run around and i don’t have time to be given the run around, i am trying to be patient and nice and get this fixed but they haven't fixed it so far Trisha Dominguez: i had it in 3 times Trisha Dominguez: https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen-durango/379400-tipm-recall-coming.html Trisha Dominguez: https://www.chrysler.com/webselfservice/fcanorth/VinInputForm.jsp Trisha Dominguez: https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen-durango/379400-tipm-recall-coming-3.html Trisha Dominguez: all those websites- issues with the TIPM but Dodge/Chrysler won't own up the problem and issue a recall so we are stuck with paying out of pocket and right now i am out of a job in one month and I don't have $1400 lying around to fix a mistake that Dodge/Chrysler should have fixed Trisha Dominguez: so you are saying I have absolutely no recourse and I have to pay $1400 out of pocket to have this issue fixed that should be fixed by Dodge? Trisha Dominguez: ok, sorry if I sound upset but as you can imagine, this is costing me time, money and safety issues Areti: I'm sorry, Trisha, I cannot speak to any third party sites. If there is a common issue due to a defect and not some external sources. I would recommend keeping your receipts if this ever does become the case we will send out a letter and you can submit for reimbursement. Areti: I would recommend taking back to the dealer. Usually they will perform the most cost effective fix for you. If that does not correct the issue they will need to look at it again. Trisha Dominguez: ok, thank you for your help. Again, I am not made at you, just very frustrated how this could not be recalled even though thousands of Dodge/Jeep/Chrysler have had this happen and its been documented Trisha Dominguez: ok Trisha Dominguez: understood Trisha Dominguez: thank you Areti: You're welcome. Areti: Take care now.

So as you can see I am soooo pissed off right now with my what used to be a functioning Dodge Journey but now I fear driving it, esp. with my kids in the car because of what is most likely a faulty TIPM.

- Trisha D., Fargo, US

problem #9

Feb 272017

Journey SX 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 131,230 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My car is acting possessed . All the lights on the dashboard are flashing on and off the windows are rolling down by itself. The head lights work when they want to and the car gear sift stops working once you put the car in park. I don't know why its not a recall on the tipm module and the pcm wire harness for my pacific model. The car cuts off while driving . Its dangerous and some one could die. Why do someone have to die before you guys do a recall . Chrysler should be ashamed of them selves.

- Brittany P., Penns Grove, NJ, US

problem #8

Jan 162017

Journey SXT 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,000 miles

Sort of all at once, the car's passenger power windows, all power locks, and the rear windshield wiper stopped working. Because there were 3 recalls active, I thought taking it in to get the recall repairs done would fix the problems. Well, it fixed the power window problem, and the power locks started working again. However, the driver lock will only unlock, and the other locks will only lock and won't unlock except manually. The rear hatch locked and there is no way to unlock it manually. Since this happened after the recall repairs, I took it back in and asked them to see if it had to do with the recalls. They determined that I had a bad TIPM, which would be a $927 part alone. You can't buy a used one because they are specific to the VIN. They tried reflashing my TIPM, but that didn't work.

- Sara O., Bigfork, US

problem #7

Feb 202017

Journey

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,317 miles

This isn't the first time this has happened and doing research I am most definite it is the TIPM needing replaced. The first time this happened my windshield wipers came on by themselves and would not shut off. I took the fuse out. This time starting Feb 20, 2017 and still ongoing the windshield wipers came on while I was driving home from work and would not turn off. I had to pull over to yet again pull the fuse. Only this time my headlights are not working nor the interior dashboard lights and the turn signals...today all the "lights" are all coming and going. I am finding how dangerous it is to drive without turn signals, and now am not going to be able to drive at night or in the morning (to work) or in inclement weather. My car has a mind of its own and I am wanting to crash this piece of sh*t to the ground!! I have had nothing but problems with this car since I got it almost 5 years ago, not to mention ripped off! I have put more money into this damn car than I have all my cars put together the last 30+ years!!

It ticks me off they refuse to recall this part with it being so dangerous and sooo many people having issues! There will be a law suit filed if something happens to me (or my children or grandchildren) with this as it is. I do not have the money to keep putting into this pile and am so upside down on it selling (or trading it in) is not an option. Also, being a single parent with little income is a challenge.

- Darlene B., Indianapolis, US

problem #6

Jan 022017

Journey SXT 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2009 Dodge Journey - Total Intergrated Power Module (Fuse Box) went in defect mode.

Think of the TIPM like a command center for all the electrical functions of your car. Want to turn on your wipers? That has to go through the TIPM. Need the fuel pump to turn on after you turn the key? You’ll have to run it through TIPM first. My car engine turned off while on my street road. When I restarted car Windshield Wipers went on would not turn off. Low Beam Lights would not go off. No Cluster Lights (Fuel gauge, Speedometer, Battery, Temp Gauge, Speed gauge, Digital readouts etc) No Heat or AC power, No Blinkers. No Emergency Lights, No AC Power Converter. I could drive car but had no gauges that worked that left me in the blind.

The following worked normal: Brake Lights, Radio and Electric Windows. Had Auto Mechanic Scan it and found TIPM was defected.

This is dangerous everyone because if the TIPM just decides to go defect your car will automatically stop and you will lose control of your control because the TIPM shuts it down. I was lucky and just coasted off the road, but if one is on the road and heavy traffic you will CRASH and you and every one's life, health and well being is lethally in danger. This Dodge Journey due to this defect must be recalled before someone dies. Does it take death for a recall? Is it going to take a Death and Group Law Suit? Is it going to take a death and Group Law Suit? The TIPM is defective and must be recalled on 2009 Dodge Journeys and all other after that year. The TIPM is defective. Recall or Group Law Suit ?

Now the car will not start, the TIPM is not sending the signal to start, that its not alright to start the car...and have learned that only the Dealership (Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep) can fix this TIPM for over $1200- This is corruption at its finest. RECALL or GROUP LAW SUIT.

- John B., Wilmington, NC, US

problem #5

Jul 262016

Journey SXT 3vl6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 116,856 miles

These two instances happen while I was traveling out of town (the other Sept. 2016). A very scary incident, the tire pressure light came on so I had to get off @ the nearest exit to check to actually see if the tires were low, especially when traveling alone, or with children or elderly parents. Then as quickly as it came, on it goes off.

- Demita B., Charleston, WV, US

problem #4

Dec 012015

Journey

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

While driving, the entire dashboard icons are lighting up, the wipers are going automatically, bells are ringing constantly. Was told it was the TIPM module and must be replaced by the dealer only for over $1000. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to repair hoping that a recall would be available to cover the damages considering ALL the other problems I've had with this vehicle since the very beginning.

- sandralita7, Warrenton, NC, US

problem #3

Jul 042013

Journey

  • Automatic transmission
  • 28,000 miles

This car has been to the dealer so many times it has spent the night more there than at home. They knew what the real problem was and instead of admitting it, they had me replace everything but the TIPM. This is going on three years with out the use of the car. my boyfriend told me to go online and read the Dodge Forums to find out the truth. Sure enough. So now, thousands of dollars poorer, and still no running vehicle, I find out Dodge won't stand behind their products. They know for a fact these crap electronics made by Continental in the Philippines are no good. I will NEVER buy another Dodge or allow anyone in my family to own one again. They are pure junk. Mexican built turds. This crap pile has been nothing but problems from day 1.

- Karen D., Rogersville, TN, US

problem #2

Jan 302016

Journey SE 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 131,000 miles

I was told by a another person that you really fix my headlight. I was shocked to hear that only one headlight was working. I went directly to the auto parts store and changed my light. It didn't work. I was running late to work, already upset I just spent time to fix it, I just gave up. Then after work, I start my car up and it worked. I was happy, then two weeks later, THE driver side light started to flash like a strobe light!!!!! It works for a mile then just shuts off,, but then two weeks into this problem I GET another, the AIR BAG light comes on....

OK, then I make a decision to take it to the DODGE dealership only to be told that YES we can fix it,,your (YOUR) TIPM needs to be replaced, we can"t reset it....it has a crack in it. OK,,,plus (YOUR) AIR BAG sensor is cracked also.... this will cost you--------------WELL A TOTAL OF $1200.00 dollars and we can get it done in one DAY...

FRIEND'S DON"T LET-----FRIEND'S BUY A DODGE JOURNEY OF ANY YEAR....IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BUY MINE IT"S FOR SALE, ONLY $14 THOUSAND, LOL

- floydevans65, Rehoboth Beach, DE, US

problem #1

Jun 162015

Journey 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

I took my car in yesterday to get a recall on the WIM and went to pick up was informed that the ESP lights were on. I stated that these were not on when I dropped the car off. I then went to leave, and could not get the car out of park. After hooking it up I was told that it had a code for a faulty stop lamp switch, paid $90 to fix this and then got another code for a faulty TIPM control module (was quoted another $870). I had to decline service due to finances and when I tried to leave I STILL could not get the car out of park. I was then told I have to manually go in and shift out of park. Can these two things be related?

- Alicia T., Colorado Springs, CO, US

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