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2012 Dodge Journey problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2012 Dodge Journey has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 6safety recalls
- 376owner complaints
- 21crash reports
- 13fire reports
- 24injuries reported
376 complaints, against an average of 289 for the other 8 Dodge Journey model years.
Every Dodge Journey model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2012 Dodge Journey?
The components named most often in the 376 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2012 Dodge Journey owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 376 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2012 Dodge Journey?50 owners · 13.3%
- Why does my 2012 Dodge Journey stall, lose power or shut off while driving?47 owners · 12.5% · Recall 16V273000
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Dodge Journey?18 owners · 4.8%
- Why is the airbag light on in my 2012 Dodge Journey?15 owners · 4% · Recall 17V432000
- Why won't my 2012 Dodge Journey start?14 owners · 3.7%
- Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2012 Dodge Journey?13 owners · 3.5% · Recall 15V675000
- Why does my 2012 Dodge Journey overheat?12 owners · 3.2%
Has the 2012 Dodge Journey been recalled?
6 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Air Bags: Frontal 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.
Risk: Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.
Fix: 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.
Steering: Hydraulic Power Assist: Hose, Piping, And Connections 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.
Risk: A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 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.
Risk: If the ABS or ESC is disabled, a loss of vehicle stability could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine 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.
Risk: If the displaced engine cover contacts the exhaust manifold, there would be an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix: 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Fluid 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.
Risk: THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling 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.
Risk: CONNECTING ROD FAILURE MAY LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZURE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2012 Dodge Journey recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
EU Safety GateThe positioning of the steering wheel wire harness may lead to chafing of the wire insulation creating a short circuit which could result…The positioning of the steering wheel wire harness may lead to chafing of the wire insulation creating a short circuit which could result in inadvertent driver airbag deployment, leading to a crash.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe sound-absorbing engine cover is improperly secured.This could cause a fire in the engine compartment, even once the engine has been switched off, and affect the vehicle's safety systems.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
What do 2012 Dodge Journey owners report?
12 of the 376 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The car says something like Vin number bot recognized. The windshield wipers start going crazy all the exterior and interior lights start going crazy the steering will locks the brakes lock and the car shuts off no accident
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.
No compression head gasket prob not running hot or water being used but cylinder test shows no compression and combustion leak detector test shows leak
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
Airbag light is on. P06DD Engine oil pressure control circuit performance /stuck off
The car shifts super hard into second gear. The inside smells like the car is over heating,driving down the interstate the car losses power,you can push your foot to the floor and nothing,the car will not excelerate at all.It's extremely dangerous. You have to pull over turn the car off and then on again to get it to go. This happens about every 20 minutes or so,the heat only works in the driver vent and the smell gives you a headache and makes you sick to your stomach. The vehicle is not safe at all. The catalytic converter gives gas off into the cabin.
IT'S BEEN A FEW WEEKS NOW THAT MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED TURNING HARD.. WHEN IT GOT REALLY HARD TO TURN WAS WHEN I TOOK IT SERIOUS THAT SOMETHING MAY BE WRONG.. ABOUT THREE WEEK AGO , BEING AT THE END OF JUNE I CHECKED MY POWER STEERING OIL I NOTICED I HAD MAJOR OIL LOSS.. I HAD IT SERVICED AS A LOCAL GARAGE THINKING IT MAY HAVE BEEN THE RACK AND PINIONS. WHEN THEY SERVICED IT WAS SERVICED WITH A NEW POWER STEERING COOLER AND PUMP..COSTING ME OVER $1000 IN REPAIRS.THE PROBLEM WASN'T FIXED BECAUSE THE WHEEL WAS STILL HARD TO TURN. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK IT TO GOOD YEAR, THEY CLEAN THE RACK AND…
2012 Dodge Journey: questions owners ask
Is the 2012 Dodge Journey reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 376 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Dodge Journey; the most common categories were electrical system (116, 30.9%), service brakes (106, 28.2%), engine (97, 25.8%). There are 6 safety recalls. 21 complaints mention a crash, 13 mention a fire, 24 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge Journey?
Across 376 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (30.9% of complaints), service brakes (28.2% of complaints), engine (25.8% of complaints), electronic stability control (esc) (11.7% of complaints), power train (9.6% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2012 Dodge Journey have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2012 Dodge Journey; the most recent (campaign 17V432000, 2017-07-07) concerns Air Bags: Frontal. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2012 Dodge Journey?
50 of the 376 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Dodge Journey (13.3%) describe ABS, traction or stability control warnings or faults. One owner wrote: "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" (NHTSA complaint 11639519, January 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2012 Dodge Journey stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
47 of the 376 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Dodge Journey (12.5%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. A related recall exists: campaign 16V273000 (steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections). The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler, free of charge. One owner wrote: "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…" (NHTSA complaint 11718174, February 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Dodge Journey?
18 of the 376 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Dodge Journey (4.8%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "My car is throwing off a check engine light an it indicates it's my catalytic converter, my engine has an knocking sound also, and when i apply pressure on my brakes there's a delay of stopping. while i'm driving city/highway." (NHTSA complaint 11386563, January 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the airbag light on in my 2012 Dodge Journey?
15 of the 376 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Dodge Journey (4%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. A related recall exists: campaign 17V432000 (air bags: frontal). The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag wiring within the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge journey. the contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated intermittently." (NHTSA complaint 11276916, October 2019). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why won't my 2012 Dodge Journey start?
14 of the 376 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Dodge Journey (3.7%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge journey. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. napleton's northwestern chrysler jeep dodge ram (5950 n western ave, chicago, il 60659, (773) 334-3400) stated that there was an electrical failure…" (NHTSA complaint 11217151, May 2019). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2012 Dodge Journey?
13 of the 376 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Dodge Journey (3.5%) describe brakes feeling soft, failing, grinding or squealing. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 15V675000 (electronic stability control (esc)). The fix: 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. One owner wrote: "Electrical - the vehicle while driving just shut off. No power, no lights, the engine died. The vehicle was brought to a stop, placed in park and then restarted without issue. The ABS system - the brakes failed to work." (NHTSA complaint 11483040, September 2022). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2012 Dodge Journey overheat?
12 of the 376 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Dodge Journey (3.2%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. One owner wrote: "Coolant was low so it was filled with coolant. the reservoir was low again the very same day and the car was overheating (as well as the ac not working properly and blew hot air even when using cold) on the highway, barely making it to destination." (NHTSA complaint 11298918, January 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Journey
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2012 only.