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Campaign 16V273 Posted May 6, 2016 8,569 units

2009-2016 Dodge Journey Recall 16V273: Steering Hose

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 31, 2026

Recall 16V273 affects 8,569 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles for power steering return hose rupture. Repair is free at any franchised Dodge dealer.

Dodge is recalling 8,569 2009-2016 Journey SUVs under recall 16V273 because cold exposure can rupture the power steering return hose when the engine starts. A loss of power steering assist means extra effort at low speeds and increases crash risk; the Dodge dealer repair will be free once Dodge makes the remedy available.

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What's wrong?

The power steering return hose on a 2009-2016 Dodge Journey carries power steering fluid back through the hydraulic steering system after the pump has helped move the steering gear. That fluid pressure is what gives the steering wheel assist, especially at low speed or while parking. The hose has to stay sealed while the engine starts and fluid begins moving.

On affected Journey SUVs, exposure to cold temperatures can leave the return hose vulnerable at engine start-up. When the engine starts, pressure and cold-stiffened material can cause the hose to rupture. A rupture lets power steering fluid escape, so the system loses assist and the steering wheel becomes harder to turn.

Before the hose or cooler line fails, owners can notice a power steering fluid leak followed by related noise from the steering system. That noise is the practical warning sign to report when calling a Dodge dealer.

Who's affected?

Spans eight Journey model years, all tied to the same power steering system component.

2016 Dodge Journey power steering system
2013 Dodge Journey power steering system
2010 Dodge Journey power steering system
2015 Dodge Journey power steering system
2009 Dodge Journey power steering system
Units affected8,569

The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.

What's the safety risk?

Loss of power steering assist requires extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, and increases the risk of a crash. Fluid loss and related noise can come before the power steering return hose or cooler line fails. If steering feels heavy or noise starts, slow down and schedule service soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Dodge dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2016 Dodge Journey is included in this recall.
  2. Watch for Dodge's owner notice before scheduling the dealer replacement.
  3. Contact a franchised Dodge dealer to ask about timing for the free power-steering-hose, steel-tube, and oil-cooler replacement that fixes the loss of power steering assist.
  4. Reference recall number 16V273 when you call Dodge customer service or the dealer.
  5. Drive cautiously until the repair. Expect extra steering effort at lower speeds if power steering assist is lost.

What happens at the repair

The final dealer repair will be free once it opens. At the dealer, a Dodge technician will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler. That work addresses the parts named in recall 16V273 that can rupture after cold-temperature exposure and lead to loss of power steering assist. Dodge has a reimbursement process for owners who paid for this problem before the recall letter. The owner letter asks customers to send the original receipt or other adequate proof of payment so the expense can be confirmed.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

May 6, 2016 NHTSA published the recall
May 24, 2016 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 16V273?

Recall 16V273 covers 8,569 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles with a power steering return hose that can rupture after cold-temperature exposure at engine start-up. A Dodge dealer replaces the return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler for free.

What should I do if my 2009-2016 Dodge Journey is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific Journey is included in recall 16V273. If it is, contact a franchised Dodge dealer to arrange the steering repair. Reference recall 16V273 or Dodge recall S08 when you call. The dealer repair is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Dodge dealers replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler free of charge.

What is the safety risk in recall 16V273?

The safety risk is a loss of power steering assist. If the hose ruptures at engine start-up after cold exposure, steering requires extra effort, especially at lower speeds, which increases crash risk. The repair path is the free steering-hose, tube, and cooler replacement at a Dodge dealer.

What if I bought my Dodge Journey used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2009-2016 Dodge Journey is included, then contact a franchised Dodge dealer and reference recall 16V273 or S08.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V273000
Dodge customer service1-800-853-1403
NHTSA recall #16V273
NHTSA recall # (full)16V273000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →