2016 Dodge Journey maintenance schedule

The 2016 Journey is part of the JC generation (2009-2020), sold as an SUV. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, the problems owners report for this year, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2016 Journey needs, and when

All 13 of these items come from Dodge's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Dodge's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter

Or dictated by Oil Life Monitor

8,000 mi / 6 monthsManufacturer
Engine air filter

Replace filter

32,000 mi / 2 yearsManufacturer
Cabin air filter

Replace filter

16,000 mi / 1 yearManufacturer
Tire rotation

Rotate at oil change interval

8,000 mi / 6 monthsManufacturer
Brake fluid

Inspect/Flush

2 yearsManufacturer
Engine coolant104,000 mi / 5 yearsManufacturer
Transmission fluid

Replace fluid/filter for severe duty (fleet/towing)

64,000 mi / 4 yearsManufacturer
Spark plugs (2.4L)

Replace spark plugs

104,000 miManufacturer
Spark plugs (3.6L)

Replace spark plugs

100,000 miManufacturer
Serpentine belt

Inspect and replace (approx. 104,000 mi benchmark)

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
Differential and transfer case fluid (AWD)

Replace PTU and rear diff fluid (Severe duty)

64,000 miManufacturer
PCV valve

Inspect and replace (approx. 104,000 mi benchmark)

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
12V battery

Inspect; locate in fender well

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Engine oil
5W-20
Coolant
OAT Purple (2013+) / HOAT (2011-2012)
Transmission fluid
ATF+4

Powertrains in this generation

  • 2.4L 4-cyl (EDG), 173 hp, 4-Speed Automatic, FWD
  • 3.6L 6-cyl (ERB), 283 hp, 6-Speed Automatic, FWD / AWD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Known problems

What 2016 Journey owners run into

Problems reported for this model year, with the mileage they tend to show up at. Buying past a window is not automatically a pass - it just needs to be priced in.

Premature Brake Wear

medium severity

20,000-40,000 mi · $300-$600 to fix

Rapid degradation of pads, rotors warping, squeaking

Source: repairpal.com

Safety recalls

4 NHTSA recalls for the 2016 Dodge Journey

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Dodge dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

Electrical system

NHTSA 18V332000

May 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA 16V907000

December 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S89.

Power train

NHTSA 16V461000

June 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to April 18, 2016, 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2015, to January 29, 2016, and 2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured August 15, 2016, to April 15, 2016. The transmission pump may seize causing a loss of hydraulic pressure.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission pump, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S44.

May 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 31, 2007, to November 12, 2016. After exposure to cold temperatures, the power steering return hose may rupture at engine start-up causing a loss of power steering assist.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler, free of charge. The recall began on May 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S08.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$122

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other Journey model years

JC (2009-2020)

Shopping new? The Dodge Journey guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-18. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running a Journey for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2016 Journey earns before you buy it.

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