Used car guide · 2008–2010

Dodge Journey common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong on a used Dodge Journey, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 1,479 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.

The 2008 Dodge Journey

Too few Dodge Journey cars first registered in 2008 had an MOT during 2025 for reliable MOT figures. There are no known faults on record for this year in the UK buying guides we use, so the rest of this page covers the Dodge Journey as a whole.

54on the UK register at the end of 2025
Petrolmost common fuel (also diesel)
What to check on a 2008 car
  • MOT history

    Check the reg below: its MOT history shows what has been failed or advised, and whether the mileage adds up.

  • Service history

    Look for regular servicing and receipts for big jobs like a cambelt or clutch.

  • Finance and write-offs

    MOT records don’t show outstanding finance or insurance write-offs. A history check does.

  • Test drive

    Listen for knocks over bumps, check every warning light goes out, and make sure the gears and brakes feel right.

Other years

Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).

201020092008

What usually goes wrong with a Dodge Journey?

We haven’t found widely reported faults for the Dodge Journey in the UK buying guides we use yet. That doesn’t mean it has none, so check the car carefully and look at the MOT weak spots below.

Common Dodge Journey MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, for each fuel on its own. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

Diesel

  • Ball joint

    up to 3.5× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2009.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Track rod ends

    up to 2.9× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2009.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Braking performance

    up to 2.4× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2009.

    Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints

    up to 2.2× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2009.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Dodge Journey MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2009 Dodge Journey did best (53% passed first time, 6 points below all 2009 cars) and the 2010 did worst (53%, 7 points below all 2010 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

YearPass first timeAll cars that yearMOT tests
201053%60% -7784
200953%59% -6695

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Dodge Journey

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the Dodge Journey as on other cars the same age.)
  2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the Dodge Journey as on other cars the same age.)
  3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the Dodge Journey as on other cars the same age.)
  4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Dodge Journey?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score