Three problems related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe have been reported for the 2009 Dodge Journey. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2009 Dodge Journey based on all problems reported for the 2009 Journey.
My engine light came on about a year ago. The light came on while I was driving on a city street. I have taken it to 3 mechanics, replaced the exhaust manifold 2 times and the light keeps coming back on. There's a recall on vehicles for 2011, but not for 2009. Per alex at the Dodge dealership, they don't know what's wrong.
When driving, engine light consistently came on. Had vehicle repeatedly checked. It was determined manifolds were sticking. Had manifold module replaced. This solved the problem for approximately 3 months. Manifolds were again checked to ensure they were operating properly. They were and still are. However, engine light remains on indicating otherwise. Mechanic said it is a common "fluke" in the Chrysler vehicles.
A plastic piece hold two male hoses together melted from the heat of the engine's manifold causing the engine to reach possible damaging temperature due to the loss of coolant. The vehicle was being driven on the highway and street before the vehicle started to steam from coolant loss onto the manifold. The plastic piece that melted was enough to cause a small fire on the manifold.