VehicleVerdict

2012 Dodge Journey problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2012 Dodge Journey carries two red flags at once: 621 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 40 injuries in total across these filings.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 163 reports (26% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

621

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

2

Investigations · 1 open

34

Crash-involved

17

Fires reported

40

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other Journey years?

Journey NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 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, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Journey years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Dodge Journey problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System16326%
Brakes10817%
Engine10517%
Other488%
Transmission366%
Airbags295%
Steering234%
Speed Control203%
Tires & Wheels183%
Fuel System152%
Lighting132%
Seats102%
Suspension102%
Visibility & Wipers91%
Body & Structure81%
Seat Belts51%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2012 Dodge Journey have recalls?

6 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.

15V675000Electrical SystemOctober 19, 2015 · 275,187 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the ABS or ESC is disabled, a loss of vehicle stability could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

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.

11V550000BrakesNovember 10, 2011 · 340 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

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.

11V487000EngineSeptember 29, 2011 · 667 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

CONNECTING ROD FAILURE MAY LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZURE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

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.

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.

I HAD A ABS LIGHT AND ESC LIGHT APPEAR, PULLED INTO GAS STATION. APPROACHED THE FUEL PUMPS AND PRESSED THE BRAKES AND SLID ON THE ICY PAVEMENT (SNOWY MICHIGAN) INTO THE GAS PUMP PROTECTORS MADE OF CONCRETE. COULDN'T CONTROL THE VEHICLE @~8MPH SLIGHTLY TURNED APPROACHING A GAS PUMP ON WET/ICY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 7, 2019 · crash

I HAD A ABS LIGHT AND ESC LIGHT APPEAR, PULLED INTO GAS STATION. APPROACHED THE FUEL PUMPS AND PRESSED THE BRAKES AND SLID ON THE ICY PAVEMENT (SNOWY MICHIGAN) INTO THE GAS PUMP PROTECTORS MADE OF CONCRETE. COULDN'T CONTROL THE VEHICLE @~8MPH SLIGHTLY TURNED APPROACHING A GAS PUMP ON WET/ICY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 7, 2019 · crash

ENGINE COVER CHATCHES FIRE, I HAVE TAKEN THIS 2012 DODGE JOURNEY TO THE DEALERSHIP 23 TIMES, THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE COVER , NOW THE NEW COVER HAS BEEN ON FIRE, I WAS TOLD THAT ,THEY -THE DEALER SEVICE DEPT DON'T KNOW WHY THE COVER KEEPS TRYING TO BURN,THIS IS A 2.4 LITER 4CYL ENG, I NEED HELP,…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 3, 2016 · fire

DODGE RECALL 2011-2015 2012 DODGE JOURNEY PURCHASED MARCH 25 2017 - TOTAL LOSS AS OF APRIL 24TH 2017 ENGINE BLEW DURING A REVERSE

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 24, 2017 · fire

I HAD A ABS LIGHT AND ESC LIGHT APPEAR, PULLED INTO GAS STATION. APPROACHED THE FUEL PUMPS AND PRESSED THE BRAKES AND SLID ON THE ICY PAVEMENT (SNOWY MICHIGAN) INTO THE GAS PUMP PROTECTORS MADE OF CONCRETE. COULDN'T CONTROL THE VEHICLE @~8MPH SLIGHTLY TURNED APPROACHING A GAS PUMP ON WET/ICY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 7, 2019 · crash

2012 Dodge Journey — common questions

Is the 2012 Dodge Journey reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 621 complaints put the 2012 model at #5 of 14 Journey years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Journey years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 Journey problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (163 complaints), brakes (108 complaints), engine (105 complaints).

Does the 2012 Dodge Journey have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Dodge Journey. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 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.

How safe is the 2012 Dodge Journey?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Dodge Journey earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.