VehicleVerdict

2010 Dodge Journey problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2010 Dodge Journey carries two red flags at once: 1,480 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 3.5× the Journey norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Vehicle entrapment). It is one of the Journey years to avoid. Complainants reported 24 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 45% of all reports (658 of 1,480), far ahead of engine at 188.

1,480

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

4

Investigations · 1 open

27

Crash-involved

23

Fires reported

24

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Journey years?

Journey NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted2,091 complaints2007: 7 complaints2008: 12 complaints2009: 2,091 complaints2010: 1,480 complaints2011: 253 complaints2012: 621 complaints2013: 507 complaints2014: 643 complaints2015: 864 complaints2016: 609 complaints2017: 315 complaints2018: 333 complaints2019: 126 complaints2020: 86 complaints
Journey NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Journey years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Dodge Journey problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System65844%
Engine18813%
Brakes14110%
Other1158%
Airbags896%
Steering705%
Transmission493%
Lighting373%
Speed Control272%
Seats242%
Tires & Wheels221%
Visibility & Wipers201%
Suspension151%
Fuel System91%
Body & Structure70%
Driver Assistance40%
Seat Belts20%
Latches & Locks20%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2010 Dodge Journey have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V273000SteeringMay 6, 2016 · 8,569 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

14V373000AirbagsJune 26, 2014 · 722,705 units

Defect

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured June 29, 2007, to June 17, 2010, and 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, to June 17, 2010. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence

If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R03. Note: This is an expansion of recall 11V-139.

10V475000SteeringOctober 7, 2010 · 23,237 units

Defect

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING, 300, CHARGER (LX) AND DODGE CHALLENGER (LC), AVENGER (JS), AND JOURNEY (JC), AS WELL AS MODEL YEAR 2011 DODGE RAM LIGHT DUTY PICKUP (DS) VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A SEPARATION AT THE CRIMPED END OF THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE ASSEMBLY.

Consequence

LEAKED POWER STEERING FLUID ONTO HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS COULD CAUSE A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE AS NECESSARY THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Open NHTSA investigations

EA24003

Vehicle entrapment

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-008 on May 1, 2023 to investigate an incident involving a 2009 Dodge Journey alleging occupant entrapment during a vehicle fire that resulted in a fatality. During the investigation, ODI collected information from the manufacturer and involved parties to confirm or refute the defect allegation. ODI has determined that additional reports of vehicle entrapment exist for other model year Dodge Journey vehicles. ODI continues to explore the cause of the thermal event and its potential effect on the actuation of the door locks. ODI also continues to explore other potential causes for door lock malfunction. ODI has determined that an upgrade to an Engineering Analysis (EA) is necessary to continue the review of the investigative material and to assess the risk to motor vehicle safety . To review the ODI report cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE BATTERY CABLE MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY CABLE BECAME SO HOT THAT IT BEGAN TO EMIT SMOKE. A DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 1, 2016 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, A CHIME ACTIVATED AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE BUT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 2, 2014 · fire

“JUST MADE A LEFT HAND TURN FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT . A CAR APPROXIMATELY 100FT. DOWN THE ROAD WAS WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN INTO A DRIVEWAY. WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ONTO THE BRAKE PEDAL IT WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR. MY VEHICLE COULD NOT STOP AND I ENDED UP RUNNING RIGHT INTO THE OTHER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 4, 2011 · crash

“MY BROTHER WAS DRIVING MY DODGE JOURNEY I WAS THE FRONT PASSENGER AND MY COUSIN WAS IN THE BACK WE WERE HIT FROM THE REAR AND WE RODE OVER TWO AND A HALF TIME AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ON EITHER SIDE AND WE ALSO SUBSTANED INJURIES I MYSELF WAS IN THE HOSPITAL FOUR DAYS AND I AM STILL OUT OF WORK TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 21, 2019 · crash

“MY BROTHER WAS DRIVING MY DODGE JOURNEY I WAS THE FRONT PASSENGER AND MY COUSIN WAS IN THE BACK WE WERE HIT FROM THE REAR AND WE RODE OVER TWO AND A HALF TIME AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ON EITHER SIDE AND WE ALSO SUBSTANED INJURIES I MYSELF WAS IN THE HOSPITAL FOUR DAYS AND I AM STILL OUT OF WORK TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 21, 2019 · crash

2010 Dodge Journey — common questions

Is the 2010 Dodge Journey reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,480 complaints put the 2010 model at #2 of 14 Journey years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Journey years to avoid.

What are the most common 2010 Journey problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (658 complaints), engine (188 complaints), brakes (141 complaints).

Does the 2010 Dodge Journey have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2010 Dodge Journey. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2010 Dodge Journey under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Vehicle entrapment). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Dodge Journey years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Journey years to avoid are 2009, 2010, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2016, 2013, 2018, 2017, 2011, 2019, 2020. The cleanest record among Journey years belongs to 2007.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.