VehicleVerdict

2011 Dodge Journey problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2011 Dodge Journey carries two red flags at once: 253 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Vehicle entrapment). It is one of the Journey years to avoid. Complainants reported 21 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (55), electrical system (52), and engine (34), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

253

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

2

Investigations · 1 open

11

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

21

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Journey years?

Journey NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 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, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Journey years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Dodge Journey problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes5522%
Electrical System5221%
Engine3413%
Steering239%
Transmission208%
Other156%
Airbags146%
Lighting83%
Speed Control73%
Tires & Wheels62%
Fuel System52%
Suspension52%
Visibility & Wipers31%
Seats31%
Body & Structure10%
Seat Belts10%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2011 Dodge Journey have recalls?

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

17V432000AirbagsJuly 7, 2017 · 363,480 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.

Remedy

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.

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.

15V431000EngineJuly 7, 2015 · 145,379 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the displaced engine cover contacts the exhaust manifold, there would be an increased risk of a vehicle fire.

Remedy

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.

11V315000SteeringJune 8, 2011 · 11,096 units

Defect

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED STEERING COLUMN PIVOT RIVET.

Consequence

A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED RIVET COULD COMPROMISE THE ABILITY OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT LOADS IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, DECREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FRONTAL IMPACT SAFETY SYSTEM. AS A RESULT, THE CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR RIVET PRESENCE AND ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN PIVOT AS REQUIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. 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.

“THE CAR HAS BEEN SHAKING FOR A FEW MONTHS NOW, WORSE WHEN BRAKING. TWICE NOW, WE HAVE HAD TO STOP ABRUPTLY AND THE FRONT BRAKES DID NOT WORK CORRECTLY. ONCE IT DID CAUSE A MINOR ACCIDENT. THERE IS A LOUD GRINDING SOUND FROM THE FRONT WHEEL AREA AND POOR STOPPING AND THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES. IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 3, 2011 · crash

“I WAS INVOLVED IN A VEHICULAR ACCIDENT ON MONDAY, 10/01/2012 IN A 2011 DODGE JOURNEY. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL MINOR ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE STARTING WITH THE DRIVERS SEAT FAILING TO OPERATE WITHTHE ELECTRIC CONTROLS, THE GLOVE BOX DEFECT, THE COVERS ON THE FLOOR BOLTS ESPECIALLY ON THE DRIVERS SIDE SLIP…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 1, 2012 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE AND HOUSE CAUGHT FIRE. A POLICE AND A FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 28, 2015 · fire

“THE CAR HAS BEEN SHAKING FOR A FEW MONTHS NOW, WORSE WHEN BRAKING. TWICE NOW, WE HAVE HAD TO STOP ABRUPTLY AND THE FRONT BRAKES DID NOT WORK CORRECTLY. ONCE IT DID CAUSE A MINOR ACCIDENT. THERE IS A LOUD GRINDING SOUND FROM THE FRONT WHEEL AREA AND POOR STOPPING AND THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES. IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 3, 2011 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ON AN INCLINE, THE VEHICLE WOULD ABNORMALLY ROLL BACKWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO ALSO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 12, 2011

2011 Dodge Journey — common questions

Is the 2011 Dodge Journey reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 253 complaints put the 2011 model at #10 of 14 Journey years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Journey years to avoid.

What are the most common 2011 Journey problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (55 complaints), electrical system (52 complaints), engine (34 complaints).

Does the 2011 Dodge Journey have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Dodge Journey. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2011 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.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.