Powdered Toast Man Posted January 3, 2014 Report Share Posted January 3, 2014 Wow, so this isn't an isolated incident. I've had two separate PS lines blow out in the last 3 weeks. Both times the dealer told me the new line is on "back order" and they have only patch repaired the lines. I'm sorry DodgeCACares but if Dodge cares then they'll issue a bloody recall on these things. My dealership told me that's all they've been doing all month is fixing blown power steering lines in Journeys. This last time it blew on me on New Year's Eve while I was driving on the highway. I have submitted a complaint to Transport Canada. Hopefully they'll force a recall if Chrysler won't step up and do a voluntary recall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macmanson Posted January 6, 2014 Report Share Posted January 6, 2014 This just happened to me as well. 2010 Dodge Journey R/T AWD with extended warranty, but they are telling me the part is not covered under the extended warranty that I bought and have quoted me $685 to repair it. On top of that, I've been told the part is on back order still, even though it's now Jan 6, 2014. This vehicle has been an absolute lemon since the day I bought it. I've had to replace the brake pads multiple times along with the rear rotors and calipers, the original tires with little wear, wheel bearings, the power transfer unit (PTU) and now this. I've had a 2005 Caravan and still own a 2009 PT Cruiser but the experience of this Journey has turned me off of Dodge vehicles altogether. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Powdered Toast Man Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 Submit a complaint via the Transport Canada link above. TC actually called me the other day - about a week after I submitted mine. They wanted more information. They'd really like to know the part numbers for the lines that are blowing. I don't have that info yet because they're on back order and have yet to be replaced. Also, make sure you comment on how the power steering failure was a SAFETY issue when it happened. For example, mine went out while I was traveling at highway speed. If you had difficulty controlling the vehicle be sure to mention it. TC currently has an open investigation into Journey models 09-11 blowing power steering lines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Jean Posted January 28, 2014 Report Share Posted January 28, 2014 My wife and I own a 2011 dodge journey RT and with in the last two weeks we have blown a clamp on the power steering and now there is again a problem that has yet to be looked at but again it is the powersteering both times I parked and came out only to find power steering fluid all over the ground. Dealer tells me the have had many problems and it seems that they are now going to a synthetic power steering fluid but they have also stated it is the journeys that they are seeing with this problem so there for it only stands to reason there is a major problem with the power steering system in the journey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2014jrt Posted February 16, 2014 Report Share Posted February 16, 2014 Just happened to my 2014 , we got it Christmas eve and have had a very cold winter so far in northern Alberta. Got it fixed under warranty, even though we bought it at a different city! No hassle took about an hour .The tech also said they're trying out a new cold weather PS fluid which was cool.hoping for more good fortune after the first fix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfp57 Posted March 2, 2014 Report Share Posted March 2, 2014 I've also had problems with blown p/s lines on my 2010 Journey SXT. First in March, 2013, blown return line, 2nd in Dec, 2013, same line only this time when they replaced it, the bellows on the rack and pinion blew out. New rack would have cost over $2,000 but they covered it under warranty and only charge us the labour ($460). Now 2 months later, the cooler line blew. This time we opted for synthetic p/s fluid. Hope this is the fix. I also have registered a complaint to Transport Canada. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Official Dodge Support DodgeCACares Posted March 4, 2014 Official Dodge Support Report Share Posted March 4, 2014 I've also had problems with blown p/s lines on my 2010 Journey SXT. First in March, 2013, blown return line, 2nd in Dec, 2013, same line only this time when they replaced it, the bellows on the rack and pinion blew out. New rack would have cost over $2,000 but they covered it under warranty and only charge us the labour ($460). Now 2 months later, the cooler line blew. This time we opted for synthetic p/s fluid. Hope this is the fix. I also have registered a complaint to Transport Canada. dfp57, Sorry to hear you've been having this happen repeatedly. The problem here is the extreme cold temperatures, it causes the P/S fluid to gel and create too much pressure and ultimately burst the lines etc. I've been in discussions with the platform advocate for the Journey and he's been tracking this issue. So far each instance has been case by case, however the use of synthetic P/S fluid has been promising. Journey_SeXT 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfp57 Posted March 6, 2014 Report Share Posted March 6, 2014 Hi WesH: Glad this issue is being tracked but what resolution can I expect. Of course I'm talking about the money this has cost me. If the fix is synthetic power steering fluid, is Chrysler willing to pay for that? I'm also quickly losing faith in my vehicle. If I can't depend on it in the winter, I don't want it. Could you get back to me and let me know? Also, can you tell me if this problem has been rectified with the 2014? Our salesman is telling me that they have re-designed the system in the 2014's. I see a posting above for someone with a 2014 that had the same problem. Thanks, dfp57 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lobitz68 Posted March 13, 2014 Report Share Posted March 13, 2014 (edited) dfp57, Sorry to hear you've been having this happen repeatedly. The problem here is the extreme cold temperatures, it causes the P/S fluid to gel and create too much pressure and ultimately burst the lines etc. I've been in discussions with the platform advocate for the Journey and he's been tracking this issue. So far each instance has been case by case, however the use of synthetic P/S fluid has been promising. I'm confused... Don't all Chrysler product use AFT+4 for their power steering fluid? I thought it was made from a group III base, meaning it is synthetic... Or, at least semi-synthetic. What "synthetic" fluid is being used as a replacement? Edited March 13, 2014 by Lobitz68 ChrisPollard 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob D Posted March 13, 2014 Report Share Posted March 13, 2014 I too have problems with Journey power steering hoses blowing out in cold weather. 2012 Journey Crew. First the cooler hose, 5154457AD leaked, then another hose leaked and is on backorder to May or June. Has anyone had any success in replacing the hoses with different or heavier hoses. The local dealer has a fix for $175.00 and will flush the existing fluid and replace with synthetic oil but I don't see why I should cover the cost when there is obviously a flaw in the system which Chrysler should fix, not the dealer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longhorn Posted March 20, 2014 Report Share Posted March 20, 2014 I have commented on an other thread a little while ago. I live in Calgary Alberta and I have had the same problem. I have a 2010 Dodge Journey. My line blew in 2010, 2012, 2013. the First time, the power steering line blew during the winter time and Big 4 Chrysler got the wrong part # and then put that part on back order, telling us that we can come in daily and have the advisor top up the fluid level until the hose came in, estimated....2-3 weeks. It went dry after a few hours of driving. turns out the power steering return line was the problem and they had it in stock the whole time. the other time, Tower Chrysler simply replaced the factory clamps and refilled. This lasted for a year until the rubber hose that connects to the solid lines ruptured and started leaking at - 30. I brought it in to Courtesy Chrysler and instead of asking if I wanted to replace the rubber line only and then put it back into the vehicle.... they cut the solid piece instead and told me it was not possible to service the line in sections. 780.00 later I asked for old hose back, but it couldn't be used again. they charged me two hrs labor but replaced in less time. I spoke with the service manager at Tower Chrysler. He advised me that he has seen many Journey's with the same problem since the Journey came out in 08. He said he sent out the return hose to a hose shop and they replaced the rubber hoses that connect to the solid line with high pressure hydrolic hose and heavy duty clamps. that way the high back pressure that happens within the hose return line doesn't rupture the line. the material that Chrysler uses for the return line is not strong enough and will eventually fail. He says that he has never had another fail once the modification is made. it's a simple fix that Chrysler should replace if they cared, as opposed to profiting off of their customers for their cheap parts. this is a known problem but Chrysler has no incentive to recall or repair because if you look at it, Chrysler dealers make a killing at 700.00 + a hose. why should they replace what is a profitable repair, just like the brakes that they replaced in the middle of 2012 quietly without a fuss. they knew for over 4 yrs that the brakes were too small for the weight of the vehicle but kept producing them and installing them on all Journey's. and then blamed the driver. they lost a lawsuit in the USA related to brake defects. it's all about the money, to say that Chrysler is talking to the "platform" designer and it's a case by case thing is crazy.. to say that they are sorry that we are having a problem but..... is pathetic... to troll the journey forum reading all the problems Journey owners are having and asking for vin# and telling us that they are working on it, while this is has been an issue since 08 is a joke. Chrylser has failed the dodge customer and has pressured dodge dealers to deceive and blame the customer. I at least found an over worked and stressed out service manager that honestly told me what should be done to fix this problem right, not just charge for a defective hose and pocket the money until it fails again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longhorn Posted April 14, 2014 Report Share Posted April 14, 2014 there is a new thread on this issue. As the Chrysler rep. mentioned earlier in this thread but left out what fluid should be used, Quaker State ATF+4 full Synthetic from NAPA. or Castrol Full Synthetic ATF+4. The Chrysler rep. is correct that the ATF+4 is semi synthetic and gels up in cold weather. Chrysler knows this, however they are not going to replace the factory fluid with full synthetic. they claim it's beyond the warranty. it's a bit more money but apparently, according to this Chrysler rep. that posted earlier and ( forgot) to mention, the fix is FULL SYNTHETIC ATF+4. it seems it's the un official fix for Chrysler as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bojanglespa Posted January 12, 2015 Report Share Posted January 12, 2015 Just blew my 2nd power steering hose on my 2012 Journey R/T. 22000km on the vehicle but it just came off warranty last October. Dealer temporarily fixed it and quoted me $480 for just the hose so add labour and synthetic fluids looking at about $800 BUCKS.....If this ever becomes a recall will Chrysler pay owners back for out of pocket expenses for these repairs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bramfrank Posted January 12, 2015 Report Share Posted January 12, 2015 Sounds like a latent defect due to an inadequate design - very sue-able in small claims court - but you must implement the fix at your expense before suing, because you can only claim the money you spent fixing their problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigtsr Posted January 13, 2015 Report Share Posted January 13, 2015 The posted solution that owners have found is to switch to full synthetic power steering fluid as it does not gel/thicken in extreme cold which is the trigger for the hose failure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Journey_SeXT Posted January 13, 2015 Report Share Posted January 13, 2015 Power steering fluid is ATF+4....Isn't ATF+4 synthetic? This is what I found on a Jeep forum ...ALL ATF+4 IS synthetic...from xyslr: Look for the Chryler approval # on bottles/websites, I image most/all major brands have xysler approval...Advance Auto Parts ATF+4®Carquest ATF+4®Castrol ATF+4®Chevron ATF+4®Citgo Transgard ATF+4®Coastal ATF+4®Conklin ATF-Xtra Plus ATF+4®Formula Shell ATF+4®Great Wall ATF+4®Havoline ATF+4®MAG 1 ATF+4® Mobil ATF+4®Mobil Super ATF+4®Mopar ATF+4®MotoMaster ATF+4®NAPA ATF+4®Northland ATF+4®O’Reilly ATF+4®Parts Master ATF+4®Parts Plus ATF+4®Pennzoil ATF+4®Petro-Canada ATF+4®Quaker State ATF+4®Ravenol ATF+4®Sinopec ATF+4®Super Tech ATF+4®Texamatic DC ATF+4®Ultramax ATF+4®Valvoline ATF+4® In response to marketplace demands and evolving vehicle technology, Chrysler LLC established a licensing program for its advanced synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid, ATF+4® in 2005. This program allows ATF+4 to be made available at retail outlets and through independent repair facilities for Chrysler®, Jeep® and Dodge® vehicle automatic transmissions. ATF+4 is a high performance, synthetic fluid which provides significant reduction in component wear, superior temperature performance, consistent shift quality, and exceptional friction modifying properties for automatic transmissions in Chrysler®, Jeep® and Dodge® vehicles. The durability of ATF+4® has been successfully proven through more than one million miles of testing in severe environments and an intensive validation process. "Licensing our ATF+4 product allows the millions of Chrysler®, Jeep® and Dodge® owners with vehicles on the road to receive transmission fluid that is designed exactly for their vehicle," said Dennis Florkowski, Chrysler LLC Senior Specialist/Supervisor. "Using ATF+4 ensures a longer transmission life with regular servicing as described in the vehicle owner's manual." ATF+4® is approved for use in older transmissions and is currently utilized in newer Chrysler®, Jeep® and Dodge® vehicles. The previous MOPAR ATF+3® formulation was discontinued in 2005 and ATF+4® is recommended for all transmissions filled with ATF+3®. Only certified ATF+4® is recommended for service of Chrysler LLC vehicles. The use of automatic transmission fluids other than ATF+4®, including those claiming to be like ATF+4®, could result in lower levels of performance, jeopardize transmission life and void warranties. The ATF+4® Automatic Transmission Fluid formulation is exclusive to Chrysler LLC and ATF+4® is a registered trademark. The Center for Quality Assurance monitors and publishes licensed ATF+4® brands to assist consumers in making informed decisions when purchasing automatic transmission fluid for their Chrysler®, Jeep® and Dodge® vehicles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Journey_SeXT Posted January 13, 2015 Report Share Posted January 13, 2015 Sorry for the grey background Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longhorn Posted January 13, 2015 Report Share Posted January 13, 2015 I went to cal tire had a wynns full synthetic fluid power steering flush for 150$. Was a not mopar atf crap that gels..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lobitz68 Posted January 13, 2015 Report Share Posted January 13, 2015 ATF+4 is not a full synthetic, I believe it is a blend. @longhorm... I hope you don't have any issues, as using unapproved fluids will void the warranty on your power steering components. Have you experienced issues with the hose bursting on yours? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lobitz68 Posted January 13, 2015 Report Share Posted January 13, 2015 Just blew my 2nd power steering hose on my 2012 Journey R/T. 22000km on the vehicle but it just came off warranty last October. Dealer temporarily fixed it and quoted me $480 for just the hose so add labour and synthetic fluids looking at about $800 BUCKS.....If this ever becomes a recall will Chrysler pay owners back for out of pocket expenses for these repairs? If it ever becomes a recall, they would pay you back for the expenses. Sounds like a latent defect due to an inadequate design - very sue-able in small claims court - but you must implement the fix at your expense before suing, because you can only claim the money you spent fixing their problem. Ughh... jkeaton 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bojanglespa Posted February 2, 2015 Report Share Posted February 2, 2015 Well I had the hose replaced again and this time they used a full synthetic fluid ( green in color fluid ) I hope this resolves the problems with the fluid swap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Journey_SeXT Posted February 2, 2015 Report Share Posted February 2, 2015 You know what kind of synthetic fluid that was used? Is it Mopar or name brand like Mobil, Castrol, etc and is it ATF+4 or Powersteering+4? Would like to know if I change my p/s fluid to synthetic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cplmadison Posted March 13, 2015 Report Share Posted March 13, 2015 glad I found this topic, I just purchased a 2010 Journey 2 weeks ago with 28000 miles on the clock. I checked my PSF and its looking very brown. I drive across Europe a lot where it is sometimes -20 celcius so you guys have probably saved me an expensive repair job. I have purchased the Valvoline ATF+4 Fully Synthetic (2 litres, not sure how much I need the owners manual doesnt say and the Chrysler dealers computer systems down, seems lots of Chrysler stuff doesnt work properly) http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-85491-valvoline-synpower-atf-4-full-synthetic-automatic-transmission-fluid.aspx Cheapest I can find for anyone else in the UK with a Journey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Sawyer Posted March 16, 2015 Report Share Posted March 16, 2015 I purchased a 09 Journey back in January and last week the return line for my powersteering burst soon as i started it. Im being told that I cant order the line from anywhere but the dealer. Is this true? Also after reading this forum is changing to full synthetic powersteering fliud helping people not blow lines? if so whats the top type? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2late4u Posted March 16, 2015 Report Share Posted March 16, 2015 try taking the hose and ends to a hydraulic shop to make you a new one.. worth the try and switch to synthetic fluid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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