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2011 Dodge Journey Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2011 Dodge Journey carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering frontal and hose, piping, and connections. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Power steering hose leak in cold weather.” Dodge uses Stellantis' Oil Change Indicator — it watches engine load and duty cycle and messages when to change oil, capped at 10,000 miles or 12 months. Know your engine: the 3.6L Pentastar V6 goes 100,000 miles on plugs, while HEMI V8s carry sixteen plugs (two per cylinder) on a roughly 30,000-mile interval — that's a real cost difference at the service counter. HEMI models with MDS cylinder deactivation are especially sensitive to overdue oil.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #17V432000 · Jul 7, 2017

Issue: 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

Campaign #16V273000 · Jun 5, 2016

Issue: 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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Campaign #15V431000 · Jul 7, 2015

Issue: 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.

STEERING:COLUMN

Campaign #11V315000 · Aug 6, 2011

Issue: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED STEERING COLUMN PIVOT RIVET.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2011 Dodge Journey.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Vehicle entrapment

    Action #EA24003 · opened Aug 1, 2024

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-008 on May 1, 2023 to investigate an incident involving a 2009 Dodge Journey alleging occupant entrapment during a vehicle fire that resulted in a fatality. During the investigation, ODI collected information from the manufact…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Power steering hose leak in cold weather

STEERING

10 NHTSA complaints · 2015-03 → 2026-05

“Power steering starts leaking in cold climates resulting in tightness and difficulty in steering wheel . recall code s08”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11739493
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11712828
“MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2011 DODGE JOURNEY TO WORK ON CITY STREETS THE STEERING SUDDENLY BECAME VERY STIFF. HARD TO TURN. LOOKING AT THE POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR IT WAS EMPTY AND FLUID STILL DRIPPING OUT FROM UNDER THE CAR NEAR THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10959609

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Premature brake rotor wear with steering wheel vibration

SERVICE BRAKES

30 NHTSA complaints · 2011-10 → 2018-12

“AT APPROXIMATELY 5000 MILES, AND LESS THAN 5 MONTHS OLD, MY 2011 DODGE JOURNEY, BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY (STEERING WHEEL) WHEN I SLOWED DOWN. AT FIRST, IT BEGAN AT APPROX 52 MILES AN HOUR, AND WAS NOTICEABLE GOING DOWN SMALL HILLS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10429643
“I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE NEW IN APRIL 2011. SINCE I'VE HAD MY VEHICLE I'VE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL DODGE DEALERSHIP FOR A METAL GRINDING NOISE I'VE BEEN HAVING AT LOW SPEED BRAKING AND THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIOLENTLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10462804
“MY JOURNEY IS LESS THAN 2 YEARS OLD WITH 18,500 MILES. ROTORS ARE ALREADY WARPED (CAR SHAKES VIOLENTLY UPON BRAKING AT ALL SPEEDS). DODGE STATES THAT BRAKES ARE ONLY COVERED UNDER THEIR WARRANTY UP TO 12,000 MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10519418

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

ABS module failure from water intrusion

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

7 NHTSA complaints · 2015-11 → 2025-08

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11681909
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE ABS, BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11365738
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL BEARING AND BRAKES WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10953723

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Battery drain and no-start electrical failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 NHTSA complaints · 2012-04 → 2020-12

“THERE ARE MANY MANY AS IN HUGE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS OF THIS JOURNEY VEHICLE NOT STARTING BECAUSE KEEPING A CHARGE. WE HAVE HAD TO BUY AND HAVE DEALER INSTALL THREE BATTERIES IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11383066
“THE BATTERY HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE WITHIN THE LAST 8 MONTHS AND 2 YEARS PRIOR TO THAT. THE DAY PRIOR TO LATEST EPISODE, THE CAR WAS DRIVEN FOR OVER 200 MILES AND THERE WAS NO NOTATION OF PROBLEMS ON THAT DAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11297496
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE BATTERY INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11096545

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall or loss of power while driving

ENGINE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2012-07 → 2019-07

“WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED, BACK IN FEBRUARY. OVER THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS THE VEHICLE HAD SPORADICALLY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE ENGINE COMPLETELY STOPS WHILE MOVING. SOME TIMES IT TAKES MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO TURN IT BACK ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11230398
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 55 TO 60 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER THE FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10465603
“WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION, BEING DRIVEN, IT STALLS AT LEAST ONCE PER WEEK FOR NO APPARENT REASON!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10604442

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag warning light and non-deployment in a crash

AIR BAGS

9 NHTSA complaints · 2014-08 → 2024-04

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11585825
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT'S HIP WAS INJURED AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10937211
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN PARK, THE DRIVER SIDE SRS ON THE HEAD REST INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10778531

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Change Indicator)

Every 10,000 mi

Change when the indicator says so — never beyond 10,000 miles or 12 months. Pentastar 3.6L: 0W-20. HEMI 5.7L: 5W-20 (0W-40 for 6.4L SRT). MDS-equipped HEMIs punish stretched oil intervals with lifter and cam wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate every 8,000 miles. Charger/Challenger R/T and Scat Pack: staggered-width setups can't rotate front-to-rear — budget rear tires accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads and rotors at every oil change. Heavy Durangos used for towing and hard-driven Chargers both run through rear pads faster than the front-pad-first rule of thumb suggests.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Spark Plugs

Every 30,000 mi

HEMI 5.7L: sixteen plugs roughly every 30,000 miles — check your year's manual. Pentastar 3.6L (Charger/Challenger V6, Durango V6, Journey, Grand Caravan): 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Grand Caravan/Journey (62TE): ATF+4 service every 60,000 miles in family duty. Charger/Challenger/Durango with the TorqueFlite 8-speed: no published normal interval, but specialists recommend service around 60,000-100,000 miles — sooner with towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

RWD Charger/Challenger and AWD Durango: replace rear diff fluid around 60,000 miles, sooner with towing or drag-strip duty. Limited-slip units need the friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles. HEMIs pull serious airflow — a clogged filter costs measurable power before it throws a code.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles, replace on cracking or glazing. On the HEMI, a shredded belt can take the cooling drive with it mid-drive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace every 20,000 miles where equipped (behind the glovebox on most models). Some earlier Journeys and Avengers shipped without one — check before buying a filter.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (OAT)

Every 100,000 mi

Stellantis OAT coolant is scheduled for 10 years / 150,000 miles; shops commonly refresh by 100,000. OAT-compatible coolant only — mixing chemistries gels the system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Big-audio Chargers and tow-package Durangos lean on the battery hard; weak batteries surface as gremlins in the electronics before they fail to crank.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

18 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

4

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2011 Dodge Journey reflects Dodge's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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