When you’re looking for a new SUV, what’s really at the top of your list? For many of us, it boils down to one simple thing: how long will this vehicle last? Can it truly stay strong for many years? We often wonder about models like the Dodge Durango and the Dodge Journey. These SUVs certainly carved out their own space in the automotive world. But how do they actually hold up after years of driving? Can you depend on them when it really counts? What problems do owners typically run into? Let’s truly dig into these questions. We will check out some key facts. We will also hear from people who actually own them. Expert opinions will surely help us, too.
The Reliability Story of Dodge Durango and Dodge Journey
Let’s begin by exploring how reliable these two Dodge SUVs actually are. Different sources give us quite varied views. The Dodge Durango generally performs better when it comes to reliability ratings. It often outshines the Dodge Journey in this area. J.D. Power, for instance, gives the Durango a solid 4 out of 5 rating. The Journey, though, usually gets a lower 3 out of 5. This difference makes a lot of sense, honestly. The Durango often boasts a tougher build. Its engineering also feels more robust and dependable.
Statistically, Durangos tend to need fewer repairs over time. That’s definitely a good sign. RepairPal estimates a Durango costs about [~$650 annually for repairs](https://www.repairpal.com/dodge-durango-reliability). The Journey, however, averages around [~$700 per year](https://www.repairpal.com/dodge-journey-reliability). The Durango’s engine choices often receive praise. Its V8 option, especially, is well-known for its sheer strength. Over 60% of Durango owners reported no major issues. This was after owning their vehicles for five full years. That’s pretty impressive, if you ask me.
The Dodge Journey, on the other hand, has had its own set of struggles. For example, many of the 2009 to 2016 models suffered from transmission issues. Owners frequently mentioned hard shifting. This often led to incredibly expensive repairs. CarComplaints conducted a survey. Nearly [30% of Journey owners reported transmission problems](https://www.carcomplaints.com/Dodge/Journey/transmission.shtml). This makes it the top complaint for that particular model. It’s troubling to see such issues appear so frequently.
Common Things Dodge Owners Fix
So, what should you really expect if you decide to own a Durango or a Journey? What kinds of fixes will you probably encounter? I am happy to share some common problems. We will also look at how these issues typically surface.
Transmission Troubles: The Journey, as we just noted, has had lots of transmission complaints. Owners often talk about slipping gears. Some even experience complete transmission failure. These issues appear more often in older models. We are talking especially about the 2010 to 2015 years. This is something to truly consider, don’t you think?
Brake Issues: Both the Durango and the Journey tend to wear out their brakes early. Many Dodge owners say they replace pads and rotors too soon. This often happens within just 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Consumer Reports surveyed owners. They found 20% of Dodge owners experienced brake problems. It was a significant concern for them.
Electrical Problems: Most cars can have some electrical quirks, right? But Dodge models seem to have a few more. Older models, in particular, often face these. Common complaints include dim dashboard lights. Infotainment systems also sometimes act up. Power windows might even give you trouble. It’s truly frustrating, isn’t it?
Suspension Wear: Durango owners often discuss suspension parts wearing out. Things like lower control arms need replacing. Bushings can also go bad. This might occur after about 60,000 miles. This wear makes the ride rough. Handling also feels less stable. Keep this in mind if you are eyeing a used Durango.
Engine Performance: Some Dodge Journey owners have noticed engine struggles. This is especially true for models with the 2.4L engine. People report rough idling. Acceleration sometimes feels quite slow. This really makes you wonder. Is that engine truly adequate for the Journey’s size? Does it meet performance expectations? It’s a very valid question.
Real-Life Stories from Dodge Owners
Let’s hear directly from the people who actually drive these vehicles. Their experiences paint a much clearer picture.
Case Study 1: The Durango Driver: John owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. He feels quite good about his choice. He’s driven over 70,000 miles. No major problems have surfaced yet. “Honestly, I was surprised by how reliable it’s been,” he shared. He did all the regular things. Oil changes and tire rotations were normal practice. His only big cost was brake pads at 50,000 miles. He thought that was fair. It matches the vehicle’s solid performance.
Case Study 2: The Journey Driver: Sarah has a 2012 Dodge Journey. Her story is quite different, unfortunately. Her transmission started slipping at just 40,000 miles. “It’s troubling to see such issues so early on,” she remarked. Sarah spent over $2,000 on repairs. That truly changed how she felt about Dodge. “I believe the Journey has great features,” she said. “But the reliability just isn’t there.” It certainly makes you think.
What Experts Are Saying
Automotive experts share their thoughts openly. They discuss both the good and the bad of both models. Mark Rechtin, a well-known auto journalist, offered his perspective. “The Durango truly stands out,” he stated. “It’s a spacious, reliable SUV for families.” He praises its strong V8 engine. The dependable transmission also helps its case. He notes the Durango has some minor issues. Yet, its overall strength is quite noteworthy.
John W. Johnson, an auto analyst, offers another view. “The Journey’s main appeal is its price,” he observed. “But buyers must weigh that against reliability problems.” He offers some very wise advice. “If you’re not comfortable with potential repairs, you might spend more in the long run,” he warned. This is a real warning. It is for anyone truly considering a Journey purchase.
A Look Back: Dodge SUV History
Understanding the past really helps us grasp the present. We can learn how the Durango and Journey came to be. The Durango first appeared back in 1998. It was a mid-size SUV at that time. It quickly gained a reputation for being tough. It also had very good capability. It has been redesigned several times since then. The latest big change was in 2011. This model gained better safety ratings. It also got new technology features. This made it more competitive in the market.
The Dodge Journey launched in 2008. It served as a more affordable option in Dodge’s lineup. It was designed primarily for families. It focused more on practicality, not speed. People liked its roomy interior. It also had good cargo space. But the Journey struggled with reliability. These problems persisted throughout its production run. Production finally ended in 2020. That’s a long time for a model to have persistent issues, isn’t it?
What’s Next for Dodge Cars
The automotive world is changing incredibly fast. Electric vehicles are becoming huge. More people want sustainable cars now. Dodge faces both new challenges and new opportunities. The brand plans to invest heavily in electric technology. This could bring completely new SUV models.
Imagine a future where Durango and Journey become electric vehicles. This could potentially solve many old engine problems. But this transformation won’t be easy. New electric models must perform well. They also need to be just as dependable. Customers will certainly expect this. Automotive News reported something big. Dodge aims to launch its first electric car by 2024. This shows a huge shift for the brand. I am excited to see what they come up with.
Counterarguments and Other Opinions
Many people praise the Dodge Durango openly. They truly like its power and reliability. But critics often bring up its gas mileage. Its size can also be a downside for some. The Durango, especially with the V8, uses a lot of fuel. This might not fit everyone’s budget or lifestyle.
The Dodge Journey, on the other hand, often gets criticized. Its design feels quite old to some. Its driving feel is also pretty underwhelming. A low-cost SUV can be tempting, of course. But reliability worries can easily overshadow that initial appeal. It definitely makes you pause.
Things Dodge Owners Can Do
Thinking of buying a Dodge Durango or Journey? Here are some simple, actionable tips for you.
Regular Maintenance: Always stick to the service schedule. Change your oil regularly. Check fluids often. These simple steps prevent bigger problems later. It’s truly worth the effort.
Stay Informed: Join online groups for Dodge owners. Talk to people there. Sharing experiences helps you learn so much. You find out about common issues. You also find practical solutions.
Consider Warranty Options: Look into extended warranties carefully. This is smart, especially for a used Journey. It gives you peace of mind. It also helps with unexpected repair costs.
Be Proactive: Hear a strange noise? Does your car feel just a bit off? Don’t ignore it for long. Fixing things early can save you a lot of money. It prevents very expensive repairs later on.
Research Before Buying: Check reliability scores thoroughly. Read owner reviews carefully, too. Do this for the specific year you want. Some years are just genuinely better than others.
FAQs About Dodge Durango and Journey
Are Dodge vehicles reliable?
Dodge vehicles have a mixed reputation overall. The Durango often performs better than the Journey. Both models have their specific quirks. It’s always smart to research.
Do Dodge vehicles need a lot of maintenance?
Maintenance costs can truly vary a lot. Durango owners report reasonable costs, generally. Journey owners, sadly, face more frequent and often costlier repairs. That’s just how it seems.
Can I expect good resale value from a Dodge?
Resale value for Dodge models can be lower sometimes. Competitors like Toyota and Honda tend to hold their value better. This is mainly due to general reliability perceptions.
What are common issues for the Dodge Journey?
The Journey often has transmission problems. Premature brake wear is also common. Electrical issues can pop up, too. That’s why it’s important to know these things.
What are common issues for the Dodge Durango?
Durangos sometimes have premature brake wear. Suspension components can also need replacing over time. Electrical issues occur, but less often than in the Journey, thankfully.
Are older Dodge models less reliable?
Yes, older models often have more problems. This is especially true for the Journey, from what I’ve seen. Parts just wear out over time. New tech can also act up later.
How can I check a used Dodges reliability?
Always get a pre-purchase inspection done. Look at vehicle history reports. Sites like [CarFax](https://www.carfax.com/) truly help a lot. Check owner forums for specific model year issues.
Is the Dodge Durango a good family SUV?
Many find the Durango a great family SUV. It offers plenty of space inside. It has strong engine options available. It shows decent reliability for its class, too.
Why did Dodge stop making the Journey?
Dodge stopped the Journey in 2020. It aimed to focus on more profitable models. Changing market demands also played a part. New regulations were also a factor.
Will electric Dodges be more reliable?
It’s quite possible, actually. Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts overall. This can mean fewer common engine issues. But new EV specific problems might arise. Battery life could be one.
Does regular service truly help Dodge reliability?
Absolutely, regular service is absolutely key. It helps catch small problems early. This prevents them from becoming big, costly repairs later. It makes a huge difference, believe me.
Are parts expensive for Dodge models?
Parts costs are generally average. However, complex repairs can be pricey. This is especially true if you need major transmission work done.
What should I know about Dodge V8 engines?
The V8 engines are known for impressive power. They are also known for being quite durable. But they do use more fuel. Keep that in mind for your budget.
Is it true that some Journeys had recalls?
Yes, the Journey has had several recalls. These addressed various known issues. Always check for any open recalls on any used vehicle you buy. It’s important.
Should I consider an extended warranty for a Dodge?
It’s a good idea, especially for the Journey. It covers unexpected repair costs. This brings much needed peace of mind to owners.
The Big Picture for Dodge SUVs
The Dodge Durango typically seems like the better bet overall. It’s often more reliable, from what we’ve seen. The Dodge Journey, on the other hand, has certainly faced challenges. Knowing about common maintenance issues truly helps. Being proactive helps new owners manage Dodge ownership effectively. Technology is evolving fast now. Cars are rapidly shifting to electric power. Dodge is at a crossroads, really. Imagine the possibilities ahead for them. They will embrace new ideas, I hope. They must also address current owner worries. Are you a long-time Dodge fan? Or are you thinking about your very first purchase? Being informed truly makes all the difference in your car journey.
