2011 Dodge Journey Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
20/100
#9 most-complained of 11 Journey years
The 2011 Dodge Journey ranks 9th of 11 model years with a Complaint Index of 20, its lowest among Journey years, earning it a "Best" verdict relative to other Journey years. NHTSA lists 169 complaints, 4 recalls, and 7 crashes tied to this year.
- Complaints
- 169
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 7 / 4
- Injuries / deaths
- 10 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 25.5 hwy
Top 2011 Dodge Journey problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes60 (36%)
- Electrical System46 (27%)
- Engine41 (24%)
- Steering23 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain20 (12%)
- Other17 (10%)
- Airbags14 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires10 (6%)
- Fuel System4 (2%)
- Structure & Body4 (2%)
What owners report
- Owners report the front brakes grinding and the steering wheel shaking during stops, sometimes leading to a crash.
- Some owners describe replacing rotors and brakes repeatedly while shaking under braking continued.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy during rear-end and turning collisions, resulting in injury.
- Owners report engine bay fires with smoke or flames visible from the hood, in some cases while the vehicle was stopped or at low speed.
- A fuel line at the fuel rail reportedly blew out and caused a fire after the smell of gas was noticed while driving.
- One owner reported the vehicle caught fire even after receiving the engine cover recall repair.
2011 Dodge Journey recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 17V432000Jul 7, 2017Airbags363,480 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 16V273000May 6, 2016Steering8,569 vehicles
Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 15V431000Jul 7, 2015Engine145,379 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
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.
Remedy: 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.
2011 Dodge Journey fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 25.5 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,100
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2011 compared with other Journey years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Dodge Journey reliable?
- Relative to other Journey model years, the 2011 ranks well. It has a Complaint Index of 20, the lowest among the 11 years tracked, and NHTSA lists 169 complaints with a "Best" verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Dodge Journey?
- Brakes are the top problem area, making up 36% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 24,000 miles. Electrical system issues (27%) and engine issues (24%) follow, with median mileages around 85,000 and 82,000 miles.
- Does the 2011 Dodge Journey have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2011 Dodge Journey, covering airbags, steering (power steering return hose and steering column pivot), and the engine cover mounting system.
- How does the 2011 Journey compare to other years?
- The 2011 Journey has a Complaint Index of 20 and ranks 9th worst of 11 years, well below the 2010 Journey's index of 100 and the 2015 Journey's index of 90, both rated "Avoid."
- How many crashes and fires are linked to the 2011 Dodge Journey?
- NHTSA data shows 7 crashes, 4 fires, and 10 injuries reported for the 2011 Dodge Journey, with no reported deaths.