VehicleVerdict

2012 Dodge Journey engine problems

The 2012 Dodge Journey has 105 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 17% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

105

Engine complaints

17%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

Journey engine complaints by model year188 complaints2007: 2 complaints2009: 173 complaints2010: 188 complaints2011: 34 complaints2012: 105 complaints2013: 77 complaints2014: 102 complaints2015: 138 complaints2016: 122 complaints2017: 45 complaints2018: 32 complaints2019: 9 complaints2020: 9 complaints
Journey engine complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

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.

What owners report

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

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2012 Dodge Journey have?

NHTSA has 105 complaints about the 2012 Dodge Journey engine — 17% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2012 Dodge Journey engine?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the engine: 11V487000, 15V431000.

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.