Dodge · Journey · 2012
6
Recalls
374
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2012 Dodge Journey has 6 recalls and 374 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: service brakes (43 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
Frontal Crash Test

Side Crash Test

Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
18.5% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may unexpectedly deploy if the air bag wiring harness gets chafed within the steering wheel and short circuits.
Remedy Status
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag wiring within the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary. A protective cover will also be installed. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T47.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 31, 2007, to November 12, 2016. After exposure to cold temperatures, the power steering return hose may rupture at engine start-up causing a loss of power steering assist.
Remedy Status
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler, free of charge. The recall began on May 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S08.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 19, 2010, to May 26, 2015 and equipped with 2.4L engines. In the affected vehicles, the engine cover may detach from the engine and contact the exhaust manifold.
Remedy Status
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install an improved mounting system for the engine cover, free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R32.
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 DODGE JOURNEY AND FIAT 500 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 24, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 26, 2011. SOME VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH CONTAMINATED BRAKE FLUID AND MAY EXPERIENCE A DEGRADATION OF THE SEALING COMPONENTS WITHIN THE BRAKE SYSTEM.
Remedy Status
CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE ALL BRAKE COMPONENTS THAT COME IN CONTACT WITH HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 1, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured April 21, 2012, to April 14, 2015. In the affected vehicles, water may enter the wiring harness for the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module and leak into the module, disabling the ABS and/or the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
Remedy Status
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will seal the ABS wiring harness to prevent water from entering and will replace the ABS module and repair the headlamp and dash wiring harness, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R61.
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHRYSLER VEHICLES, INCLUDING 200 AND TOWN AND COUNTRY MODELS, DODGE VEHICLES, INCLUDING CHARGER, DURANGO, GRAND CARAVAN AND JOURNEY MODELS AND JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 31, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13, 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH 3.6L ENGINES. THESE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE CONNECTING ROD BEARING FAILURE DUE TO DEBRIS INSIDE THE ENGINE BLOCK.
Remedy Status
CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ENGINE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 18, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
The contact owned a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that upon her daughter starting the vehicle, an abnormal popping noise was emitted from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle caught fire as the contact's daughter exited the vehicle. The fire department was called to the scene of the incident, where they extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported, and a police report was not filed. A corner of the contact's home caught fire, melting the home's siding. Two other vehicles also caught fire, which melted the front ends of those vehicles. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard, where the vehicle was destroyed. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had yet been notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that there was a recall on the vehicle for NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V431000(Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was unknown.
My 2012 dodge journey suddenly and violently stalled in the middle of crossing a green light. no check engine lights prior to this only thing that happened a few days before was car wouldn’t start said to press clutch and start button I have an automatic engine, and kept saying keys lefts vehicle even though keys where in the car. This was very scary because it gave me no problems before we could have been on the freeway when this happened thankfully not but this needs to be looked into.
I need antilock breaking module part number 68194693AF. The manufacturer has put it on a back order with around 1000 orders waiting. Please check why they are not issuing a recall when so many people are waiting for the same issue.
Headrest popped open and can't be closed. Unable to remove headrest to try and fix it
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the part was on back order. The contact stated that after severe weather, the check engine and traction control warning lights illuminated. While the vehicle was in a parking lot, the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where a mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a faulty ABS module and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and linked the failure to the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
My car is a Dodge Journey with a 4 cylinder engine, factory steel wheels and bolt-on wheel covers. The factory wheel nuts are collapsing in diameter as a result of contact with impact wrenches. Recently I had a flat tire and in efforts to remove the wheel, because the wheel nuts had collapsed in diameter, special tools were needed to remove them. Had the flat tire occurred on the highway, it would not have been possible to remove the wheel and install the spare tire, posing a severe safety problem. I have replaced the factory wheel nuts on the wheel where the flat tire occurred and expect to do so on the other wheels
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 50-60 MPH, the brakes locked up and the vehicle became uncontrollable. There was an unknown orange warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Component/System That Failed or Malfunctioned & Availability for Inspection I have experienced multiple safety-critical failures in my 2012 Dodge Journey, including transmission failure, catalytic converter defects, engine repairs, electrical malfunctions, and brake system issues. Pattern of Recalls Across Dodge Journey Models & Lack of Recall for My Vehicle There have been numerous recalls across multiple model years (2009-2020) for the exact same failures my vehicle is experiencing, including: Transmission failures and defects Engine problems requiring major repairs Catalytic converter and exhaust failures Brake system failures and premature caliper wear Electrical malfunctions affecting windows, wiring, and power systems Despite this clear pattern of defects in Dodge Journey models, my specific vehicle has not been recalled for these issues. Dodge/Stellantis needs to explain why these defects are not being covered under existing recalls when the same problems have been recognized in other model years. How My Safety & Others’ Safety Was Put at Risk 1. Transmission Failure & Unsafe Driving Conditions My transmission failed completely, causing high RPM revving, and loss of acceleration. My vehicle essentially stalled out on the highway. Now, the transmission requires a full rebuild costing over $5,238.64. Dodge has issued recalls for transmission defects in other Journey model years, but mine is excluded despite experiencing identical failures. 2. Engine Repairs & Performance Failures My vehicle has required major engine repairs, including: Camshaft and rocker arm replacements Ignition coil replacements Thermostat and cooling system repairs Dodge has issued engine-related recalls for other Journey models, including crankshaft/camshaft sensor failures, engine stalling, and overheating risks. My vehicle suffers from the same defects but has not been recalled. These engine issues pose a major safety hazard by increasing the risk of engine stalling, loss of power, and
Moisture in ABS module causing warning lights. My vehicle vin was not included in the 2012 dodge journey recall but I am having the same issue
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the driver's side headrest deployed inadvertently and hit the contact's head. The contact sustained pain from the neck down to the shoulder but did not receive medical assistance. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was related to an unknown extended warranty coverage that had expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS module was failing and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V675000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,784.
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM quickly increased but the vehicle was only able to reach a maximum speed of approximately 10 MPH, prompting the contact to pull to the shoulder of the roadway where the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission and observed metal shavings inside the transmission casing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 124,000.
We've owned this vehiclenot even 4 years. It had an engine recall that it was part of. It says it was repaired, however it never recieved a new engine. Now I just spent $9,000+ to replace the entire engine because of the exact issue of the recall: metal fragments in the engine. Why did I pay for this recall problem? Did dodge replace the engine during the recall? Paperwork says no, but shows it was "repaired". If it was replaced, why did I replace it again for the exact same issue? Dodge has financially ruined our family. Besides this $9k we've spent $6k on engine work before the new engine, $4,500 on transmission work (with more to come as we're currently experiencing transmission issues) and $6k + on all kinds of issues that has never occurred on any vehicles I have owned in the last 30 years. And we've spent all this in under 4 years. This is unacceptable! For an american auto maker to produce and sell vehicles like this. This is why we people buy foreign. This dodge IS NOT a well built, trustworthy and dependable car. You won't believe how many times we've had to miss school and work because the car was broken down or being repaired. Our Honda civic was 20 years old, ran better and was 100% dependable. I never had to replace the engine, do ANY transmission work or have had half the problems with my civic than I have had and currently have with this "american" car that is only 11 years old. As a 1 income family with 2 kids in college and one still in high school, this is completely devastating to us. Trying to save money and get ahead and ALL OF IT has been spent fixing this vehicle. Dodge has completely devastated our family. How can an American auto maker be allowed to get away with producing vehicles like this? Why should I have to go bankrupt owning a dodge? Why won't they accept responsibility for their defective product? I've spent $25,000 fixing this dodge in 4 years. I can't afford to fix it or buy a new car. We're ruined
Engine problems
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that after it rained, the ABS warning light illuminated, and the speedometer gauge dropped to "0 MPH”. The contact stated that the warning lights illuminated after it rained; additionally, the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that water was entering the ABS module and the ABS module needed to be replaced. The mechanic notified the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
My cars ABS, traction control, emergency break lights came on and I went to look up what was wrong and other 2012 dodge journeys have a recall on the problem that is wrong with my car (R61). I only have 1 recall on my specific car. So now I have to pay to replace the part.
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal was soft, and the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the failure might be related to the ABS module. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and that additional repairs would be at the owners expense. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Well I don't know I bought my car from extreme Auto I don't know if he is paying the police off or what to exchange cars or vin numbers but my vehicle has a few of the recalls that are still rolling on the ABS light is coming on the engine Department a few other things that I could not get fixed and they said that it wasn't part of the recall that airbag shelf which is works with the blinkers also because when I had an inspected they had informed me of that previously and there wanting us to get into accident and say that I was driving crazy and basically get away with it and that's what the police does undercover cops use it vehicle similar to mine and I seen it at Johnson County Police Department and I think they lied I had an inspection done and Merriam Auto and it's on file and I would need to go pick that one up that was the first one that I had got done and it should still be in the system and and they paid her off because she no longer works there anymore they refuse to fix it and I paid extreme money for the prior inspections to this one and I also have a contract that I paid $475 to get an oil panel and engine oil cover gaskets put on it purchase the parts off of Amazon in the oil panel he purchased it I don't know why this b**** you want to f*** with me my kids are gone and that was a second opinion they also pulled my vehicle over and ran my VIN number and that is on my kids and my life and my soul the detective said I don't have alternative email
Abs, brake, and traction light coming on coded c2200-49 told there was a recall and when I called the dealership they said it wasn't for my vehicle but they couldn't even order the part because they're having to replace them on so many and they are not in stock anywhere until after April 15th. If this has been an issue with other vehicles and is currently an issue with mine why is it not under the recall??? 2012 Dodge Journey sxt
Headrest on drivers and passenger seats came apart when seat was layed forward to clean the floors.
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2012 Dodge Journey has 6 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 374 owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Dodge Journey.
The 2012 Dodge Journey received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2012 Dodge Journey are service brakes (43 reports), electrical system (39 reports), engine (37 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 6 recalls on record for the 2012 Dodge Journey. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.