Dodge Journey 3.6L Exhaust Leak: How to Find It and What to Check
Reviewed 2026-11-03. Checked against the sources listed below. This is general information, not a substitute for a mechanic's inspection.
Quick answer
On a 2011-2019 Dodge Journey 3.6L V6, work from the engine back to the tailpipe and look for black soot, which marks where exhaust escapes. Soot on the braided section points to the flex pipe. Soot at the bolted joint at either end points to a flange gasket, which is a much smaller job.
Where to look, front to back
| Spot | Signs of a leak | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| Manifold to cylinder head | Hiss or popping, burned paint nearby | Manifold gasket or a cracked manifold |
| Flange at the front of the pipe | Soot around the joint | Flange gasket or loose hardware |
| Braided flex section | Frayed strands, soot, rumble on acceleration | Worn flex pipe |
| Pipe joints further back | Soot, rust, ticking | Rusted joint or a split seam |
| Muffler seams | Rust holes, louder at the back | Corroded muffler |
Leaks are usually easier to hear with the engine running, and easier to inspect safely with it off. Never touch hot exhaust parts. A shop can pinpoint a small leak with a smoke test.
Why the flex pipe wears on a Journey
The 3.6L V6 sits sideways in the engine bay, so it rocks every time you accelerate or brake, and the flex pipe absorbs that movement. Check the engine and transmission mounts when you check the pipe. If a mount is worn, the engine moves further than it should and a new flex pipe will wear out early.
Can a leak set a check engine light?
It can. Air drawn in at a leak ahead of an oxygen sensor can throw off the sensor's reading. If you have a code that will not clear after the repair, see the note on FCA's V51 computer update in our Journey flex pipe guide.
Exhaust smell inside the Journey
Take it seriously. Carbon monoxide has no smell or color, so the smell you notice is only a warning that exhaust is getting out. Open the windows and have the leak fixed before you keep driving. See exhaust smell inside the car.
Before you buy
- Confirm the leak is at the flex section and not a flange gasket.
- Confirm 3.6L V6 and front-wheel drive in the free NHTSA VIN decoder. The AFECO 54950 does not fit all-wheel-drive or 4-cylinder Journeys.
- The AFECO 54950 comes without hardware, so have new gaskets, nuts and bolts ready. See do you need new gaskets and bolts.
