RoadVitals

2012 Dodge Journey Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
376
+1 complaint in 30 days
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
34
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
8
Reports on file since May 11, 2012

What this page shows

Our database holds 376 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Dodge Journey. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 376 · page 1 of 16

Electrical
Filed Aug 8, 2026

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

NHTSA ID
11755599
Incident
Aug 1, 2024
Engine
Filed Jul 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was white smoke coming from the vehicle, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 20 MPH while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 175,589.

NHTSA ID
11747621
Incident
Jun 1, 2026
Mileage
175,589 mi
Filed Mar 18, 2026

I need antilock breaking module part number 68194693AF. The manufacturer has put it on a back order with around 1000 orders waiting. Please check why they are not issuing a recall when so many people are waiting for the same issue.

NHTSA ID
11725149
Incident
Oct 18, 2025
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 15, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11718174
Incident
Jan 28, 2026
Engine
Filed Feb 14, 2026

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

NHTSA ID
11718001
Incident
Dec 31, 1969
Body & structure
Filed Feb 14, 2026

Error code B25AA-01 Front Passenger Door Handel- General Electrical failure is on in my car since you are investigating it thought you might know

NHTSA ID
11717999
Incident
May 25, 2022
Engine
Filed Feb 9, 2026
Fire reported

The contact owned a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that upon her daughter starting the vehicle, an abnormal popping noise was emitted from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle caught fire as the contact's daughter exited the vehicle. The fire department was called to the scene of the incident, where they extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported, and a police report was not filed. A corner of the contact's home caught fire, melting the home's siding. Two other vehicles also caught fire, which melted the front ends of those vehicles. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard, where the vehicle was destroyed. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had yet been notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that there was a recall on the vehicle for NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V431000(Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11716777
Incident
Jan 30, 2026
AirbagsBrakesEngine
Filed Jan 22, 2026

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 police does undercover cops use it vehicle similar to mine and I seen it at Johnson County Police Department and I think they lied I had an inspection done and Merriam Auto and it's on file and I would need to go pick that one up that was the first one that I had got done and it should still be in the system and and they paid her off because she no longer works there anymore they refuse to fix it and I paid extreme money for the prior inspections to this one and I also have a contract that I paid $475 to get an oil panel and engine oil cover gaskets put on it purchase the parts off of Amazon in the oil panel he purchased it I don't know why this b**** you want to f*** with me my kids are gone and that was a second opinion they also pulled my vehicle over and ran my VIN number and that is on my kids and my life and my soul the detective said I don't have alternative email

NHTSA ID
11712588
Incident
Jun 1, 2024
Interior & seats
Filed Aug 12, 2025

Headrest popped open and can't be closed. Unable to remove headrest to try and fix it

NHTSA ID
11680274
Incident
Aug 7, 2025
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Jul 29, 2025

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 was provided an estimate for the repair. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and linked the failure to the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ID
11676986
Incident
Jul 15, 2025
Mileage
150,000 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Jul 11, 2025

My car is a Dodge Journey with a 4 cylinder engine, factory steel wheels and bolt-on wheel covers. The factory wheel nuts are collapsing in diameter as a result of contact with impact wrenches. Recently I had a flat tire and in efforts to remove the wheel, because the wheel nuts had collapsed in diameter, special tools were needed to remove them. Had the flat tire occurred on the highway, it would not have been possible to remove the wheel and install the spare tire, posing a severe safety problem. I have replaced the factory wheel nuts on the wheel where the flat tire occurred and expect to do so on the other wheels

NHTSA ID
11672860
Incident
Jul 10, 2025
Brakes
Filed Apr 25, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11656797
Incident
Apr 24, 2025
Mileage
120,000 mi
BrakesElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 13, 2025

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 exhaust failures Brake system failures and premature caliper wear Electrical malfunctions affecting windows, wiring, and power systems Despite this clear pattern of defects in Dodge Journey models, my specific vehicle has not been recalled for these issues. Dodge/Stellantis needs to explain why these defects are not being covered under existing recalls when the same problems have been recognized in other model years. How My Safety & Others’ Safety Was Put at Risk 1. Transmission Failure & Unsafe Driving Conditions My transmission failed completely, causing high RPM revving, and loss of acceleration. My vehicle essentially stalled out on the highway. Now, the transmission requires a full rebuild costing over $5,238.64. Dodge has issued recalls for transmission defects in other Journey model years, but mine is excluded despite experiencing identical failures. 2. Engine Repairs & Performance Failures My vehicle has required major engine repairs, including: Camshaft and rocker arm replacements Ignition coil replacements Thermostat and cooling system repairs Dodge has issued engine-related recalls for other Journey models, including crankshaft/camshaft sensor failures, engine stalling, and overheating risks. My vehicle suffers from the same defects but has not been recalled. These engine issues pose a major safety hazard by increasing the risk of engine stalling, loss of power, and

NHTSA ID
11648187
Incident
Feb 25, 2025
Filed Jan 29, 2025

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 ID
11639519
Incident
Jan 29, 2025
Seat belts
Filed Jan 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the driver's side headrest deployed inadvertently and hit the contact's head. The contact sustained pain from the neck down to the shoulder but did not receive medical assistance. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was related to an unknown extended warranty coverage that had expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

NHTSA ID
11634681
Incident
Jan 6, 2025
Mileage
99,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Nov 13, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID
11624957
Incident
Nov 6, 2024
Mileage
99,784 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 10, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM quickly increased but the vehicle was only able to reach a maximum speed of approximately 10 MPH, prompting the contact to pull to the shoulder of the roadway where the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission and observed metal shavings inside the transmission casing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 124,000.

NHTSA ID
11619190
Incident
Oct 4, 2024
Mileage
124,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Oct 2, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that after it rained, the ABS warning light illuminated, and the speedometer gauge dropped to "0 MPH”. The contact stated that the warning lights illuminated after it rained; additionally, the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that water was entering the ABS module and the ABS module needed to be replaced. The mechanic notified the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.

NHTSA ID
11617767
Incident
Jul 26, 2024
Mileage
11,000 mi
BrakesEngineOther / unspecified
Filed Aug 7, 2024

Engine problems

NHTSA ID
11607037
Incident
Jul 30, 2024
EnginePowertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Aug 1, 2024

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, $4,500 on transmission work (with more to come as we're currently experiencing transmission issues) and $6k + on all kinds of issues that has never occurred on any vehicles I have owned in the last 30 years. And we've spent all this in under 4 years. This is unacceptable! For an american auto maker to produce and sell vehicles like this. This is why we people buy foreign. This dodge IS NOT a well built, trustworthy and dependable car. You won't believe how many times we've had to miss school and work because the car was broken down or being repaired. Our Honda civic was 20 years old, ran better and was 100% dependable. I never had to replace the engine, do ANY transmission work or have had half the problems with my civic than I have had and currently have with this "american" car that is only 11 years old. As a 1 income family with 2 kids in college and one still in high school, this is completely devastating to us. Trying to save money and get ahead and ALL OF IT has been spent fixing this vehicle. Dodge has completely devastated our family. How can an American auto maker be allowed to get away with producing vehicles like this? Why should I have to go bankrupt owning a dodge? Why won't they accept responsibility for their defective product? I've spent $25,000 fixing this dodge in 4 years. I can't afford to fix it or buy a new car. We're ruined

NHTSA ID
11605949
Incident
Aug 1, 2024
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Jul 10, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal was soft, and the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the failure might be related to the ABS module. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and that additional repairs would be at the owners expense. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

NHTSA ID
11600929
Incident
Jun 10, 2024
Mileage
66,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jun 16, 2024

My cars ABS, traction control, emergency break lights came on and I went to look up what was wrong and other 2012 dodge journeys have a recall on the problem that is wrong with my car (R61). I only have 1 recall on my specific car. So now I have to pay to replace the part.

NHTSA ID
11594630
Incident
Jun 15, 2024
Brakes
Filed Apr 18, 2024

The ABS module has failed and no replacement parts are available. The vehicle cannot get passed inspection from the state of Texas because this module failure. No service facility can't get them part needed to repair brakes.

NHTSA ID
11583866
Incident
Dec 5, 2023
BrakesElectrical
Filed Mar 9, 2024

Abs, brake, and traction light coming on coded c2200-49 told there was a recall and when I called the dealership they said it wasn't for my vehicle but they couldn't even order the part because they're having to replace them on so many and they are not in stock anywhere until after April 15th. If this has been an issue with other vehicles and is currently an issue with mine why is it not under the recall??? 2012 Dodge Journey sxt

NHTSA ID
11576362
Incident
Mar 4, 2024
AirbagsElectricalEngine
Filed Feb 22, 2024

Airbag light is on. P06DD Engine oil pressure control circuit performance /stuck off

NHTSA ID
11573440
Incident
Feb 1, 2023

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.

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