Though once considered an American automotive darling, Dodge has recently experienced a drastic decline. The company is struggling to sell vehicles, and its reputation for reliability has also taken a hit. Many agree that several Dodge vehicles have led to the company’s current state. Notably, the same is true for Stellantis cars in general. Spoiler alert: this list includes the used Dodge Journey with its vast transmission problems.

The Dodge Journey is one of the company’s worst vehicles

According to many, one of the worst Dodge vehicles is the Journey. This isn’t so much the case because of its reliability, though it’s not perfect. Instead, drivers complain about the driving experience. This reputation is evident by J.D. Power only giving later models of the SUV “fair” ratings instead of “good” or even “average.” Specifically, this isn’t an agile SUV; it also suffers from poor handling, slow acceleration, and less-than-stellar fuel economy. 

So, what are the common problems people who might buy a used Dodge Journey could experience? Like some other Dodge Vehicles, the Journey experiences overheating, specifically with the models from 2009 to 2018. There are also some notable transmission problems, including gear slipping. Water leaks and issues with the keyless entry system are also common. 

The Dodge Magnum from 2005-2008

Dodge has produced many well-regarded vehicles, but the rebooted Magnum isn’t one of them. This version, a station wagon based on the Chrysler LX platform, only lasted on the market from 2005 to 2008. Make no mistake—the car had its advantages—it’s spacious and offers several luxury features. The problem is that it was a mixed bag when it came to reliability. 

Like the other Dodge vehicles on this list, the Magnum from 2005 to 2008 had a host of issues. First, it had transmission problems galore. Various electrical issues and leaks also plagued it. Ultimately, Dodge decided to discontinue the mid-size car due to lower-than-expected sales and the 2008 financial crisis. 

The Dodge Caliber was a letdown

Automakers live and die by their ability to include inexpensive vehicles. Dodge has made several cheap vehicles over the years, but the Caliber is one of the worst. A replacement for the Neon, the Caliber was quite popular when it hit the market in 2007. Sadly, drivers who invested in the sub-compact wagon quickly learned that it was unreliable, racking up costly repairs for many. 

Sadly, the Caliber is one of the many Dodge vehicles with engine and transmission problems. There were also reports of issues with the suspension system, which means the car offered poor ride quality. The good thing is that Dodge only made the Caliber until 2012, before realizing it was a mistake and discontinuing it. Still, this is one of the cars that severely damaged the company’s reputation. 

For more reading, check out this recent article on Stellantis cars that should come back.