2011 Dodge Journey Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2011 Dodge Journey has a complaint index of 31, ranking 10th worst among 14 model years, and earns a "Good" verdict relative to other Journey years. Brakes are the top problem area with 60 complaints, 36% of the total, at a median 24,000 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 31/100
- #10 of 14 Journey years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 169
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 7
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 10
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 25.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 10 / 0
Top 2011 Dodge Journey problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Front brakes grind, shake the steering wheel, and lose stopping power, sometimes after repeated dealer visits and rotor/brake replacements.
- Airbags fail to deploy in rear-end and side-impact crashes, leading to injuries despite police reports confirming the collisions.
- Steering wheel jerks suddenly while driving, in one case leading to a loss of control and a crash.
- Engine compartment fires occur with smoke or flames from the hood, sometimes recurring even after a recall repair.
- A ruptured fuel line at the fuel rail allowed fuel to leak and ignite while the vehicle was parked.
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 rates "Good" with a complaint index of 31 and ranks 10th worst out of 14 years, meaning most other years have more reported problems.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2011 Dodge Journey?
- Brakes are the top problem area, with 60 complaints making up 36% of all complaints for this year, and a median failure mileage of 24,000 miles.
- Does the 2011 Dodge Journey have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2011 Dodge Journey, covering airbags, steering, and engine cover mounting issues, and none are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2011 Journey compare to the 2009 and 2010 Journey?
- The 2009 and 2010 Journey are both rated "Avoid" with complaint indexes of 100 and 92, far higher than the 2011's index of 31.
- What fuel economy does the 2011 Dodge Journey get?
- The EPA rates the 2011 Journey at 21 mpg combined (18 city / 25.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,100.