IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2008 Dodge Journey

UK launch of the Dodge Journey crossover MPV with flexible 7-seat packaging, 2.0-litre Volkswagen CRD diesel or 2.4-litre petrol, and SE, SXT, and R/T specifications.

What changed for 2008

  • •Introduction of 5+2 stadium seating layout with underfloor storage bins and 90-degree opening rear passenger doors
  • •Availability of Getrag 6-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission paired with the 2.0 CRD diesel engine

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Excessive steering vibration and disc runout exceeding MOT brake performance limits
  • !Torn front lower wishbone rear compliance bushes allowing excessive axle movement
4
Known Issues
1
Serious
3
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Dual-Mass Flywheel and Clutch Degradation (2.0 CRD Manual)

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

The 2.0-litre CRD diesel model employs a dual-mass flywheel (DMF) to dampen torsional vibrations from the high-torque Volkswagen Pumpe-Düse engine. Due to the Journey's considerable vehicle mass and frequent family towing or urban stop-start duties, the internal DMF springs and friction damping plates wear out prematurely. Excessive rotational play leads to metallic chattering at idle, clutch pedal pulsation, and clutch plate slipping under high torque demand in fourth and fifth gears.

Est. Repair Cost: £650–£1,250
Warning Signs:

Rattling or metallic clattering noise at engine idle that changes or disappears when the clutch pedal is depressed, Vibration and shudder felt through the clutch pedal and vehicle floorpan when pulling away in first gear, Engine revs flaring without an increase in speed when accelerating uphill in high gears

What to Inspect:
  • Depress and release the clutch pedal while idling in neutral, listening closely for disappearing metallic chatter
  • Perform an acceleration test in fourth gear from 40mph to check whether engine revs spike without vehicle acceleration
  • Inspect service invoices to verify whether the clutch and flywheel have been replaced with a quality LUK or Sachs kit
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Front Brake Disc Premature Warping and Judder

ModerateBrakes

Early Dodge Journey models were originally engineered with undersized 294mm front ventilated brake discs that struggled to dissipate thermal energy generated when stopping this 1.9-tonne seven-seater. Under sustained braking on UK motorways or during hilly driving, excessive heat cycling causes rapid lateral runout and disc thickness variation. The warped rotors induce severe steering wheel shaking and brake pedal pulsation, prompting Chrysler to eventually release a heavy-duty brake upgrade kit with larger calipers and discs.

Est. Repair Cost: £180–£420
Warning Signs:

Violent shaking or vibration through the steering wheel when applying moderate brake pressure from 50mph, Pulsating sensation felt directly through the brake pedal during braking, Grooving, blue heat spots, and lip wear visible on the front brake rotor surfaces

What to Inspect:
  • Perform several progressive braking stops from 60mph to 20mph on a clear road to test for steering wheel judder
  • Visually inspect the front discs through the wheel spokes for severe scoring, lip formation, or thermal discolouration
  • Check whether the vehicle has been upgraded with the later revised heavy-duty front brake calipers and larger discs
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Rear Underbody Auxiliary Heater and Air Conditioning Pipe Corrosion

ModerateCooling System

In seven-seat Journey models equipped with rear cabin climate control, aluminium coolant and air conditioning pipes run along the exposed vehicle underbody above the rear suspension to feed the rear heater matrix and evaporator. Exposed to British road spray and corrosive winter road salt, the thin-walled aluminium lines pit and oxidise near their mounting brackets. This leads to pinhole coolant leaks causing engine overheating, or loss of air conditioning refrigerant, leaving the rear passenger compartment without heat or chilling.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£650
Warning Signs:

Sweet-smelling engine coolant puddling under the right rear wheel arch or floorpan, Slow, unexplained loss of engine coolant from the expansion bottle without obvious engine bay leaks, Complete loss of air conditioning cooling performance and rear heater blowing cold air only

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect the underbody aluminium refrigerant and coolant lines running towards the rear right wheel arch for white powdery corrosion and crusty coolant staining
  • Check the engine coolant level in the translucent reservoir and look for damp spots underneath the rear floor
  • Test the independent rear climate controls on the roof console to verify it blows both chilled air and hot air on demand
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Front Lower Control Arm Rear Bush Debonding

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The front suspension of the Dodge Journey utilizes MacPherson struts with cast steel lower control arms. The large rear vertical voided rubber compliance bushes endure constant load from the heavy front end when negotiating speed humps and potholed UK roads. The rubber debonds from the central metal sleeve, causing significant fore-and-aft movement of the front wheel assembly. This induces clunking over obstacles, vagueness during braking, and MOT failure for excessive suspension joint movement.

Est. Repair Cost: £180–£400
Warning Signs:

Dull thudding or knocking sound from the front floor area when driving over road bumps or sunken drains, Steering wander or an uneasy shifting sensation through the front wheels under hard braking, Excessive movement and visible tearing of the large rear wishbone rubber bush

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect the front lower wishbone rear bushes using a torch and pry tool to detect rubber tearing or separation
  • Check front tyre tread wear for uneven inner edge scrubbing caused by dynamic toe changes
  • Test drive over traffic calming speed cushions, listening for suspension knocking on rebound
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2008 Dodge Journey

  • Verify whether the vehicle was retrofitted with Chrysler upgraded larger front brake calipers and discs
  • Inspect underfloor storage compartments in the rear floor for dampness indicating seal leaks
2009
Check a 2008 Dodge Journey by Registration