This page covers 6 recalls, 168 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Dodge Journey.
19–22 mpg combined
10.7–12.4 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
Brake complaints dominate the 2011 Dodge Journey's owner report record, with steering and electrical issues also generating notable volume. On the brake side, owners frequently describe the pedal sinking toward the floor under braking, often alongside an ABS warning light, a pattern that tends to point toward ABS module failure in reported diagnoses. A smaller group reports brake fade and loss of stopping confidence at various speeds. Steering complaints center on power steering fluid hose failures, particularly in cold weather, where owners describe a sudden loss of steering assist. Electrical system reports are more scattered but include stalling and no-restart situations, with several owners tracing the cause to fuel pump failure after the vehicle was towed and inspected. The stalling complaints sometimes overlap with broader electrical behavior, including warning lights cycling on and off without a clear trigger.
168
Total Complaints
7
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
7
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Dodge Journey has 6 recalls, the most serious being three separate fire risks: an engine cover that can contact the exhaust manifold, a power steering pressure hose that can separate and spray fluid onto hot engine components, and a driver's airbag that can deploy without warning.
The engine cover issue and the power steering pressure hose separation both raise the risk of a vehicle fire. The unexpected airbag deployment, caused by a wiring harness chafing inside the steering wheel and short-circuiting, can startle the driver and cause a crash. These airbag and engine cover concerns are shared across two filings each, but each represents a single underlying defect. On the steering side, there is also a separate issue where the power steering return hose can rupture in cold temperatures at startup, cutting off power steering assist and requiring noticeably more effort to turn the wheel, particularly at low speeds.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag wiring inside the steering wheel can fray and short circuit, causing the air bag to deploy unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the air bag wiring, replace it if damaged, and install a protective cover to prevent future chafing.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An electrical short in the steering wheel wiring harness can cause the driver's airbag to deploy unexpectedly when the vehicle isn't in a crash, which could startle the driver and cause a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the steering wheel wiring, replace it if needed, and install protective covering on the harness.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
After cold weather exposure, the power steering return hose may rupture when the engine starts, causing loss of power steering assist.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine cover may come loose and fall onto the hot exhaust manifold, potentially causing damage or a fire hazard.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an improved mounting system to securely fasten the engine cover in place.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine cover can shift from road vibrations and contact the hot exhaust manifold, creating a fire risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an enhanced retaining device to secure the engine cover.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The crimped end of the power steering pressure hose may separate, potentially causing power steering fluid loss.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering pressure hoses at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
