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2012 Dodge Journey Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2012 Dodge Journey carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering frontal and hose, piping, and connections. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “ABS module failure with warning lights and degraded braking.” 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.

6 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.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

Campaign #15V675000 · Oct 19, 2015

Issue: 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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

Campaign #11V550000 · Oct 11, 2011

Issue: 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

Campaign #11V487000 · Sep 29, 2011

Issue: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2012 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

ABS module failure with warning lights and degraded braking

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

39 NHTSA complaints · 2018-05 → 2026-01

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11676986
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11617767
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11624957

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical system battery drain and intermittent no-start

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

20 NHTSA complaints · 2018-04 → 2023-11

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY WOULD SUDDENLY FAIL INTERMITTENTLY AND THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO BE JUMPSTARTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11282673
“AFTER PARKING THE CAR, GOING INTO A STORE AND RETURNING TO THE CAR - IT WOULD NOT START. THE PUSH BUTTON WOULD NOT WORK. NOTHING CAME UP ON THE SCREEN. I WAS STRANDED UNTIL SOMEONE GAVE ME A RIDE. AFTERWARDS, A MECHANIC CHECKED THE VEHICLE. HE SAID THAT THE ALTERNATOR IS GOOD,”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11209451
“AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY GARAGE FOR THE WEEKEND IT WON'T START. IT SAYS THE KEY FOB IS NOT DETECTED OR IT'S SO DEAD IT WON'T SHOW ANYTHING AT ALL. I GET IT TO START AFTER GETTING JUMPED. IT TAKES ABOUT 5 MINUTES OF BEING HOOKED UP BEFORE IT'S CHARGED ENOUGH TO START”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11192356

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front seat headrest inadvertent deployment

SEATS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2019-01 → 2025-08

“Headrest popped open and can't be closed. Unable to remove headrest to try and fix it”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11680274
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11634681
“I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY DRIVER SEAT HEAD REST RANDOMLY DEPLOYED. LUCKILY MY HEAD WAS NOT ON IT AT THE TIME AS I WAS LOOKING IN MY MIRRORS TO MOVE OVER A LANE ON THE INTERSTATE. IF MY HEAD HAD BEEN ON IT AND IT DEPLOYED, THERE'S NO TELLING WHAT COULD'VE HAPPENED,”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11207502

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Heater core failure with no passenger-side heat

ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2020-07

“PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE HAD NO HEAT JUST COOL AIR COMING OUT OF VENTS. DRIVERS SIDE HAD HEAT COMING OUT OF VENTS. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT FACILITY TO HAVE COOLING SYSTEM AND HEATER CORE FLUSHED. WAS TOLD BY INDEPENDENT SHOP IF PROBLEM COMES BACK TO TAKE VEHICLE TO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11292020
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATER FAILED TO FUNCTION AND COULD NOT DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEATER CORE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11286844
“HEATER CORE HAS TO BE REPLACED! I HAVE NO HEAT COMING OUT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE VENTS! WILL COST OVER$1300.00”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11164074

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall and sudden loss of power while driving

ENGINE

45 NHTSA complaints · 2017-11 → 2026-08

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN SHE APPROACHED A STOP SIGN AND A STOP LIGHT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE OR AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE SHERMAN DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM DEALER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11062993
“Vehicle stalls intermittently, when coming to a stop at a light or Stop Sign.This has occurred on multiple occasions and could result in serious injury or Death. The latest date was yesterday May 31,2021”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11419156
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11142643

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering failure or hard-to-turn steering

STEERING

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-01 → 2020-07

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11337582
“POWER STEERING RETURN LINE BURST ON A COLD START 01/17/18 IN MOORHEAD MN AT ABOUT 0 DEGREES F. HE IS A NEW DRIVER AS OF 09/13/17 AND WAS SCARED AT AN INTERSECTION WHEN TURNING LEFT WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC THAT THE VEHICLE WAS VERY HARD TO STEER. HE AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT NARROWLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11064254
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11062135

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)

57 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.

21

complaints mentioning a crash

13

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 2012 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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