2011 Dodge Journey Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 Dodge Journey, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes5523.3%
- Electrical4418.6%
- Engine3414.4%
- Steering239.7%
- Powertrain (other)166.8%
- Driver assistance145.9%
- Airbags145.9%
- Exterior lighting83.4%
- Suspension52.1%
- Other / unspecified41.7%
- Fuel system41.7%
- Transmission41.7%
- Interior & seats31.3%
- Tires & wheels31.3%
- Visibility31.3%
- Body & structure10.4%
- Seat belts10.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
BREAK CALIPERS LOCK UP WHEN DRIVING. THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND CONTINUE TO DO THIS
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Pressure sensors saying there's an issue with your tire pressure and you have binding in your drive line
SPEED IS HORRIBLE I DON'T NO WHERE TO START
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2011 Dodge Journey. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V431000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was repaired, however, the failure recurred while the vehicle was stopped at a stop sign, and the contact saw flames coming from the hood. The contact exited the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. A fire report was filed. There were no other occupants in the vehicle. No injuries were sustained. The contact was informed that the fire started in the manifold. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
SPEED IS HORRIBLE I DON'T NO WHERE TO START
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Power steering starts leaking in cold climates resulting in tightness and difficulty in steering wheel . recall code s08
Stirring wheel fluid hose has burst during cold weather, and will lose control of wheel. My car wasn’t listed in the recall for that said issue for other dodge journey’s. I had it repair ones and now its doing it again.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with head gasket failure. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer and diagnosed with powertrain control module (PCM) failure. The dealer updated the PCM software; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Pressure sensors saying there's an issue with your tire pressure and you have binding in your drive line
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY SOUND SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING.ONCE THE VEHICLE REACHED 200,848 MILES IT STOPPED WORKING, THEN THE NEXT DAY THE LED HATCH LIGHT SHE'D WORKING?I CAME OUT TO GET IN THE VEHICLE AND TURNED IT ON IT DIDN'T WORK?
1) CRUISE CONTROL NOT WORKING AND ONLY WORKS WHEN IT WANTS OR REFUSES TO TURN OFF THIS HAPPENS SITTING STILL, DRIVING OR EVEN IF I TURN OFF AND ON THE CAR FOR RESET IT STILL DOES NOT WORK. THE WEB SHOWS A RECALL BUT THE DODGE DEALERSHIP SAID NO RECALL? THIS HAS BEEN ON GOING SINCE WE PURCHASED THE CAR AND HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP NUMEROUS TIMES TO GET REPAIRED AND STILL NOT REPAIRED. 2) WHEELS SHAKE WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES I HAVE REPLACED THE ROTTERS AND BRAKES AND IT STILL DOES IT I SEE A RECALL ON THIS ALSO BUT DODGE SAYS NO RECALL? AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT WITHOUT CAUSE THE INTERNET SAYS RECALL AND THE DODGE HOUSE SAYS NO RECALL? THIS DODGE JOURNEY HAS MANY PROBLEMS AND SHOULD BE FIXED BY THE COMPANY BY RECALLS. THEY DID NOT FIX THE 2010 AND THEY FOUND THEM SELVES IN A LAWSUIT, MAYBE THAT IS WHAT IT IS GOING TO TAKE ON THE 2011 ALSO.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUTS OFF AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND HAS SIGNIFICANT TROUBLE RESTARTING. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED OVER 10 TIMES BY AN ASC CERTIFIED MECHANIC FOR THIS ISSUE AND THERE HASN'T BEEN A CHECK ENGINE CODE PRESENT THAT WOULD CAUSE THIS ISSUE.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY SOUND SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING.ONCE THE VEHICLE REACHED 200,848 MILES IT STOPPED WORKING, THEN THE NEXT DAY THE LED HATCH LIGHT SHE'D WORKING?I CAME OUT TO GET IN THE VEHICLE AND TURNED IT ON IT DIDN'T WORK?
REVERSE LIGHTS ARE INOP BECAUSE OF A BAD BACKUP SWITCH WHICH IS LOCATED ON OR IN THE TRANSMISSION.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY SOUND SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING.ONCE THE VEHICLE REACHED 200,848 MILES IT STOPPED WORKING, THEN THE NEXT DAY THE LED HATCH LIGHT SHE'D WORKING?I CAME OUT TO GET IN THE VEHICLE AND TURNED IT ON IT DIDN'T WORK?
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION FAILED. THE FRONT END SHOOK AND VIBRATED OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT END TIE ROD, BRAKES, CALIPERS, AND ROTORS WERE PREMATURELY WORN. THE REASON FOR THE FAILURES WAS UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,653.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
ELECTRIC:MY LIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT SINCE PURCHASE UNDER 1YR..,REPLACE FUSES 4TIMES IN 6MTHS..MY TRUCK LOCKED UP WITH IGNITION START KEY REMOTE IN CAR AN ALMOST LOCKED MY SON 6YR. OLD IN CAR...HAD TO CALL AAA FOR LOCKOUT SERVICE SAFETY CONCERN AND DODGE DID SAFETY CHECK AN STATED NO CONCERNS...,ALSO STOCKTON NISSAN PURCHASED ALL 4NEW TIRES AN DID BRAKES AN DRUMS UNDER WARRANTY OF SAFETY FROM PURCHASE AN BOTH WENT BAD UNDER 5MTHS OF WORK ORDER HISTORY AN THEY REFUSE TO DO ANY CHECKS ON THIS VEHICLE,..MY PASSENGER TIRE SPLIT, AND RIGHT NOW WHEN I DRIVE THERE'S A LOUD,SQUEAKY NOISE WITH VIBRATION WHEN HITTING BRAKES WHILE DRIVING...STOCKTON DODGE WANTED TO CHARGE ME 480$ JUST TO DIAGNOSE RECOMMEND I TAKE BACK TO PURCHASE DEALER(STOCKTON NISSAN) AND THEY SHOULD SEND IT TO DODGE BUT LISA, AND AMANDA MATHEWS WOULD NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE AT NISSAN...STATED GARY BISHOP SAYS DO NOT TAKE THIS VEHICLE FOR ANY REASON...I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY IF I PAY FOR EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE OVER $3000 TO STOCKTON NISSAN AND THEY WERE THE ONES WHO SUPPOSEDLY DID THE WORK THAT'S UNSATISFACTORY AN CAUSE DEFECTS AN SAFETY ISSUES AN CONCERNS...I ALSO CALLED NISSAN CORP/LITHIA AND WAS TOLD ABOUT LITHIA/NISSAN&FIRST EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE POLICIES IN MIDDLE OF A BIG CHANGE SO IT LIMITED MY VEHICLE BEING REPAIRED OVER 130???MILES OF HOME RANGE AN I'M A PARTIAL PARAPLEGIC..ALSO STOCKTON SOLD ME THIS VEHICLE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY KNOWING MY DISABILITY AN SAFETY CONCERNS FOR MYSELF AN 5YOUNG KIDS.. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AN UNSAFE FOR ANY DEALERSHIP WITH PURCHASE OF A VEHICLE AND IN COMPLAINT OF SAFETY CONCERNS REPEATEDLY AN FOR THE CUSTOMER TO BE PROLONGED STATING THEY CAN TRADE IT BACK BUT WANNA DO IT AS ANOTHER PURCHASE WITH MORE $$ DOWN ,CREDIT CHECK AGAIN, AN SAME PROCESS AS NEW PURCHASE..STOCKTON NISSAN WITH HELD INFORMATION VIABLE FROM THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PURCHASE CONTRACT DUE TO CHANGES..
WE WERE ON OUR WAY TO CHURCH AND THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED SHAKING AT ABOUT 55 MPH SO WE SLOWED DOWN AND IT STOPPED. AS WE CONTINUED ON TO CHURCH THE WHEEL STARTED SHAKING AGAIN AND WE DROVE A LITTLE FASTER AND THEN SLOWER. WE MADE IT TO CHURCH AND AS WE PARKED THE CAR WE NOTICED A BURNING SMELL. WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR THERE WERE METAL PLATES POPPING OUT OF THE WHEEL. I NOTICED THE CAP ON THE WHEEL WAS MELTED. THE METAL PLATES WERE TOO HOT TO PICK UP AND THE WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY HOT. WE DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND COMPLAINTS ON LEMONLAW.COM. THERE ARE ALSO 12 REPORTED COMPLAINTS ON CARCOMPLAINTS.COM. IF DODGE KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM LIKE THIS; WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL? I JUST HAD THE OIL CHANGED AT THE DODGE DEALERSHIP AND THEY DID AN ALL POINT CHECK UP. THE ONLY THING THEY RECOMMENDED WAS A TUNE-UP. NO PROBLEM WAS FOUND WITH THE BRAKES. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE CALIPER GOT SO HOT IT DAMAGED THE CERAMIC BRAKE PADS AND ROTOR. HE SAID THE CALIPER COULD HAVE LOCKED UP AND WE COULD HAVE GOTTEN IN ACCIDENT. WE ARE FORTUNATE THAT DID NOT HAPPEN HOWEVER IT CERTAINLY COULD HAVE. THE REPAIRS WERE OVER $400. I SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS EXPENSE ON THIS NEW OF A VEHICLE. THIS IS THE FIRST DODGE I HAVE EVER OWNED AND LOVED THIS VEHICLE UNTIL NOW. NOW I AM NOT SURE I WILL EVER OWN ANOTHER ONE. VERY DISAPPOINTED TO SAY THE LEAST. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
SPEED IS HORRIBLE I DON'T NO WHERE TO START
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the transmission warning light would illuminate while attempted to change gears. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic and was informed that the torque converter failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE ESC AND THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE CONTINUOUSLY AND UPON ENGAGING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE WARNING INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTATED. THE VEHICLE RESUMED WITH THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TWICE. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE, THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED. THE MOST RECENT FAILURE THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED DUE TO THE PART NOT BEING AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000. ..UPDATED 09/24/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER SHE TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THE FIRST TIME IN MAY 2012, THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE PCM IN ORDER TO FIX THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER 2012. IN TOTAL, THE PROBLEM HAPPENED FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES. ALL OF THE SAME INDICATOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, THEN THE VEHICLE STARTED JERKING, AND SHE COULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE. SHE HAD TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, THEN TURNED IT BACK ON AGAIN; WHERE SHE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY EXPLAINED TO HER, THEY DIDN'T HAVE A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM SHE WAS EXPERIENCING.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
HORN HONKS WHILE DRIVING WINDOWS ROLL DOWN DOORS LOCK AND WILL NOT UNLOCK SEAT MOVES DASH LIGHTS ALL COME ON HAPPENS WHILE PARKED AND CAN'T STOP HORN WILL NOT LET INTO CAR REPLACED MANY BATTERIES AND HAVE NO ANSWER FROM DEALERS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LOCKING MECHANISM FAILED TO UNLOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT FIND THE FAILURE TO UNLOCK THE MECHANISM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 04/07/16*LJ *CN
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE JOURNEY. AFTER HAVING NEW TIRES INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK TIRE PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
THESE TIRES CAME ON NEW 2011 DODGE JOURNEY. AFTER TIRE ROTATION THE CAR SHOOK AT 60MPH. RETURNED TO THE SERVICE CENTER, WAS TOLD THE BELTS WERE SEPARATING. TREAD 6/32, WITH 21,203 MILES!! KUMHO SOLUS KH16 225 55R19. STILL IN WARRANTY, NO ONE WILL DO WARRANTY WORK FOR KUMHO!!! TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
VISIBILITY OBSTRUCTION: THE HEATER HAS SLOWLY BEEN LOSING HEAT AND IS ONLY BLOWING COLD AIR. VISIBILITY IS SEVERELY OBSTRUCTED DUE TO THE DEFROST SYSTEM NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE DEFROST SYSTEM IS BLOWING COLD AIR NOT CLEARING THE WINDSHIELD AND SERIOUSLY OBSTRUCTING VISIBILITY.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 OFF. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .