Car Defect Radar
Get the report
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated October 26, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.
Confirm 4 recalls before you buy.

Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.

Recalls

4 total · 4 to confirm

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

Airbags recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 17V432000 · Jul 2017

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.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Steering recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 16V273000 · May 2016

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.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Engine recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 15V431000 · Jul 2015

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.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Steering recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 11V315000 · Jun 2011

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.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Owner complaints by system

169 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Worth reading
34

Most reports here involve sudden stalling.

sudden stalling 12transmission slipping 8
A recent report: The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not able to restart after each failure. The…
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The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not able to restart after each failure. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The contact stated that his friend replaced the fuel pump an additional four times. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump or TIPM sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11595467 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Worth reading
42

Most reports here involve sudden stalling. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 3 mention an injury.

sudden stalling 14electrical shorts 11software faults 7
A recent report: You can read online anywhere that the ECU is a MAJOR problem. My car battery dies everytime i shut it off. Ive replace the battery 8 times, the alternator 4 times. Had countless amout of diagnostic…
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You can read online anywhere that the ECU is a MAJOR problem. My car battery dies everytime i shut it off. Ive replace the battery 8 times, the alternator 4 times. Had countless amout of diagnostic tests done on it. Still nothing. Come to find out its the ECU which i cant afford to replace as its over $800 to repair. Look online and you'll see almost everyone with a journey has this problem. When it causes my car to shut off while driving, it becomes a serious safety issue as i always have 4 small children with me. 3 three year olds and a 6 year old. Nobody wants a dodge because of the problems associated with it. Please fix this. Please.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11449606 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
48

Most reports here involve premature wear. Of these, 2 mention a crash.

premature wear 24loss of braking 6
A recent report: The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard with the ABS warning light…
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The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard with the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS brake module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the ABS brake module part had been discontinued. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11681909 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Minor
20

Most reports here involve fluid leaks.

fluid leaks 7loss of steering 6
A recent report: Power steering starts leaking in cold climates resulting in tightness and difficulty in steering wheel . recall code s08

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11739493 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Worth reading
10

Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 3 mention a crash, 4 mention an injury.

airbags not deploying 6airbags deploying unexpectedly 2
A recent report: The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while his daughter was coming to a complete stop at a stop sign, the vehicle was rear-ended by a distracted driver. The air bags did not…
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The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while his daughter was coming to a complete stop at a stop sign, the vehicle was rear-ended by a distracted driver. The air bags did not deploy, resulting in injury. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. Although examined at the scene by EMS, the contact's daughter later transported herself to an area hospital, where she was treated for a concussion and a nondescript injury to her left knee requiring surgery. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 167,000.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11585825 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor
1

Most reports here involve other issues.

other issues 1
A recent report: THE REAR PASSENGER DOORS CAN NOT BE EASILY UNLOCKED BY THE REAR PASSENGERS. THE DRIVER OR THE FRONT PASSENGER HAS TO PUSH THE UNLOCK BUTTON TO UNLOCK THE REAR DOORS. THE DOOR KNOB ( THE LOCK PIN THAT…
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THE REAR PASSENGER DOORS CAN NOT BE EASILY UNLOCKED BY THE REAR PASSENGERS. THE DRIVER OR THE FRONT PASSENGER HAS TO PUSH THE UNLOCK BUTTON TO UNLOCK THE REAR DOORS. THE DOOR KNOB ( THE LOCK PIN THAT GOES UP AND DOWN INTO THE DOOR) IS LOCATED BEHIND YOU IN THE REAR SEATS BECAUSE OF THE LONG DOORS AND IS VERY DIFFICULT TO GRASP AND PULL UP TO UNLOCK THE DOOR. IF THERE WAS EVER A CRASH AND THE DRIVER OR FRONT PASSENGER WAS UNABLE TO HIT THE UNLOCK BUTTON IT WOULD LEAVE THE BACK PASSENGERS TRAPPED. THIS IS A VERY POOR DESIGN AND A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. HAD I NOTICED THIS PRIOR TO LEASING THE CAR I WOULD HAVE CHOSEN ANOTHER CAR. THE DEALER STATES IT IS DESIGNED THAT WAY SO THAT SMALL CHILDREN CAN NOT OPEN THE DOORS, BUT ISN'T THAT WHAT THE CHILD LOCK FEATURE IS FOR. THIS CAR IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. *TR

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10434076 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Worth reading
14

Most reports here involve sudden stalling. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 3 mention an injury.

sudden stalling 1
A recent report: Defrost doesn’t work due to no heat on passenger side. Heater core replaced and has to be flushed out every year. Research on the internet says this is a common issue but no recall.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11498209 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 169 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2011 and 2026, roughly 11 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.

How does it compare with other years? The 2011 has 169 complaints on file, fewer than the 2010 (988) and fewer than the 2012 (376). Of the 11 model years of the Dodge Journey we cover, the 2010 has the most (988). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.