This page covers 6 recalls, 374 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 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.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2012 Dodge Journey spread fairly evenly across three systems, with the electrical system, engine, and brakes each drawing a similar volume of reports. On the electrical side, owners describe a range of failures including false key-detection warnings, door handle faults, and starting problems, some tied to modules that have been difficult to source. Engine complaints cover stalling without prior warning, compression loss, and suspected head gasket failures, with no-start conditions appearing alongside. Brake complaints center on anti-lock brake module failures, with owners reporting that replacement parts have been on extended backorder, leaving some vehicles unrepaired for prolonged periods. Across all three systems, the complaints suggest these aren't isolated quirks, stalling mid-intersection and brake module unavailability are the kinds of patterns that show up repeatedly in this model year's complaint record.
374
Total Complaints
21
Crash-Related
13
Fire-Related
13
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Dodge Journey has 6 recalls, the most serious involving a connecting rod failure on 3.6L-equipped vehicles that can seize the engine, and a separate risk of fire on 2.4L models where a detached engine cover can contact the exhaust manifold.
There is also an airbag concern: the driver's frontal airbag wiring can chafe inside the steering wheel and short circuit, causing the airbag to deploy without warning and potentially injuring the driver or causing a crash. On the braking side, water can wick into the anti-lock brake and electronic stability control module through the wiring harness, disabling both systems and reducing the vehicle's ability to maintain control during hard braking or slippery conditions. Recalls 4 and 5 describe the same underlying water intrusion problem, and prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue. Rounding out the list, the power steering return hose can rupture in cold weather at startup, causing a sudden loss of power assist that makes the steering wheel significantly harder to turn, 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.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
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
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
Water can seep into the Anti-lock Brake System wiring harness and module, which may disable the ABS and Electronic Stability Control systems.
What the fix does
Dealers will seal the ABS wiring harness, replace the ABS module, and repair headlamp and dash wiring harnesses as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can seep through the wire harness into the ABS module, disabling the anti-lock brake and electronic stability control systems. This increases crash risk.
What the fix does
Dealer seals the ground eyelets with heat shrink tubing, repairs the wiring harness, and replaces the ABS module if needed.
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 3.6L engine may have debris inside the engine block that causes connecting rod bearing failure, which can damage the engine.
What the fix does
Chrysler will replace the engine at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
