2012 Dodge Journey Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
70/100
#4 most-complained of 11 Journey years
The 2012 Dodge Journey has 376 NHTSA complaints, 6 recalls, and a Complaint Index of 70, ranking 4th-worst among 11 model years. Its verdict is Caution, driven mainly by brake, engine, and electrical complaints at a median 78,000 miles.
- Complaints
- 376
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 21 / 13
- Injuries / deaths
- 24 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 25.5 hwy
Top 2012 Dodge Journey problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes126 (34%)
- Engine118 (31%)
- Electrical System117 (31%)
- Other49 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain36 (10%)
- Airbags29 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires24 (6%)
- Steering23 (6%)
- Structure & Body18 (5%)
- Fuel System15 (4%)
What owners report
- Airbags fail to deploy in moderate-to-high speed crashes, sometimes even after multiple vehicle rollovers or side impacts.
- Vehicle suddenly veers or spins out of control while exiting highway ramps or driving at moderate speed, with no prior warning.
- Smoke and fire originate from the front end or brake area while driving at moderate speed, in some cases destroying the vehicle.
- Rear brake lines and rotors fail or need repeated replacement, sometimes accompanied by visible smoke from the wheel area.
- Electrical system ignites during routine jump-starting, with flames spreading rapidly across the front of the vehicle.
2012 Dodge Journey recalls
6 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 15V675000Oct 19, 2015Brakes275,187 vehicles
Electronic stability control (esc)
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.
Remedy: 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.
2012 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.
2012 compared with other Journey years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Dodge Journey reliable?
- Compared to other Journey model years, 2012 ranks 4th-worst out of 11 with a Complaint Index of 70 and a Caution verdict. It has fewer complaints than the 2010 (988) and 2015 (553) model years but more than 2011, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge Journey?
- NHTSA data shows brakes account for 34% of complaints, engine 31%, and electrical system 31%. Median mileage at failure was 78,000 for the vehicle overall, with brake issues surfacing around 88,000 miles and engine issues around 89,500 miles.
- Does the 2012 Dodge Journey have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2012 Dodge Journey, covering airbags, steering, brakes, and engine components. None are classified as do-not-drive recalls.
- Should I avoid the 2012 Dodge Journey?
- The 2012 model carries a Caution verdict, not the worst in the lineup. The 2010, 2014, and 2015 Journey model years have higher Complaint Index scores of 100, 80, and 90 and carry Avoid verdicts instead.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Dodge Journey?
- The 2012 Dodge Journey gets 21 mpg combined (18 city / 25.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,100 according to EPA data.