2009-2020 Dodge Journey Hood Latch: Fixing Stuck Hoods & 'Ajar' Warnings

Symptoms of a Failing Dodge Journey Hood Latch

A hood latch rarely fails without warning. Pay attention to these common symptoms to catch a problem before it becomes a critical safety risk or leaves you unable to access your engine bay.

• Hood Won't Close Securely: You have to slam the hood, or it takes multiple tries to get it to click shut. This indicates a worn internal mechanism, a weak spring, or a misalignment issue.
• 'Hood Ajar' Warning Light Stays On: The dashboard displays a 'Hood Open' warning even when the hood is fully closed. This is a very common issue and points to a failure of the small electrical micro-switch inside the latch assembly. This can also prevent remote start or the Engine Stop/Start (ESS) system from working.
• Hood is Stuck Shut: The release handle inside the car feels loose or offers no resistance, and the hood doesn't pop up. This is usually caused by a stretched, frayed, or broken release cable, or a seized latch mechanism due to rust and debris.
• Hood Rattles or Vibrates While Driving: If you notice the hood moving or making noise, especially at higher speeds, the latch is not holding it down tightly. This is a serious warning sign that the latch could fail completely.
• Hood Pops Open While Driving: This is the most dangerous failure mode. If the hood pops to the secondary catch or flies open completely, the latch has failed and the vehicle is unsafe to drive.

Known Issues, Recalls, and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

As of mid-2026, there are no active safety recalls issued by the NHTSA specifically for the hood latch assembly on the 2009-2020 Dodge Journey.

'Hood Ajar' Light and DTC P152F

A common complaint among owners of Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep vehicles is a persistent 'Hood Ajar' warning light, which may be accompanied by diagnostic trouble code P152F. While this can be caused by a faulty sensor in the main hood latch, FCA/Stellantis has issued technical guidance to dealers (NHTSA Communication 9003825) pointing to a secondary plunger-style switch as a frequent cause. Before replacing the entire latch assembly for an electrical issue, it is wise to inspect this secondary switch and its wiring for damage, corrosion, or misalignment.

Buying a Used 2009-2020 Dodge Journey Hood Latch

A used OEM hood latch can be a reliable and cost-effective alternative to a new part, provided you inspect it carefully. Since this is a critical safety component, knowing what to look for is essential.

Inspection Checklist for a Used Latch

• Check the Spring Action: Manually operate the release lever on the latch. It should move smoothly and snap back into place with authority. A weak or slow-to-return spring is a sign of wear.
• Inspect for Rust and Corrosion: Look for any heavy rust or corrosion, which can cause the mechanism to seize. Minor surface rust is often acceptable, but deep, flaking rust is a red flag.
• Examine the Electrical Connector: If the latch has the integrated sensor, check that the connector and its pins are clean, straight, and free of any green or white corrosion.
• Look for Physical Damage: Check for cracks in the housing or any signs that the latch is bent or deformed, which could indicate it came from a vehicle in a front-end collision. A bent latch will never align properly.

Why a Used OEM Latch is Often a Smart Choice

An original equipment (OEM) latch was designed by Mopar to meet Chrysler's specific standards for fit, material quality, and durability. While inexpensive aftermarket latches are available, they may use lower-grade materials that can lead to premature failure. A quality used OEM part provides the factory-engineered design and safety at a price that is often competitive with or even lower than a new aftermarket part.

Hood Latch Replacement Overview

Replacing the hood latch on a Dodge Journey is a straightforward but somewhat involved process due to the need to remove the front grille and/or bumper cover for access.

• Difficulty: 3 out of 5
• Estimated Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
• DIY Feasible: Yes, for those comfortable with removing body panels.

General Steps:

1. If your latch has an electrical sensor, it's a good practice to disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Remove the plastic push pins and any screws holding the top of the front bumper cover and grille assembly. Depending on the year and your ability to reach the bolts, you may need to fully remove the bumper cover.
3. Before unbolting the old latch, use a marker to trace its outline on the radiator support. This will make aligning the new latch much easier.
4. Disconnect the release cable and the electrical connector (if present) from the latch.
5. Remove the two or three bolts holding the latch to the radiator support and remove the old latch.
6. Install the new latch, leaving the bolts slightly loose. Reconnect the cable and electrical connector.
7. Align the new latch with your previously made marks and tighten the bolts.
8. Gently lower the hood to test the alignment. Adjust the latch position as needed until the hood closes and latches smoothly without needing to be slammed.

Cost Comparison: New vs. Used Hood Latch

Prices can vary by supplier and location, but this table provides a general estimate for the 2009-2020 Dodge Journey hood latch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)