2012 Dodge Journey Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2012 Dodge Journey has a Complaint Index of 69 and ranks 5th worst out of 14 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Brakes lead complaints at 34% share, with 6 recalls filed including engine, brake fluid, and airbag campaigns.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 69/100
- #5 of 14 Journey years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 376
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 21
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 13
- Injuries
- 24
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 25.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 24 / 0
Top 2012 Dodge Journey problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in multiple crash reports, including a rear-end collision at 70 mph that ended with the vehicle overturning three times.
- Steering suddenly gave out at low speeds (20-25 mph), causing the vehicle to spin or slam repeatedly into guard rails without warning.
- Engine compartments produced smoke and caught fire while driving at low speed, in one case destroying the vehicle around 50,000 miles.
- Electrical wiring issues led to a fire that engulfed the front of the vehicle during a routine jump-start attempt, near 60,000 miles.
- Brake lines and rear brake components failed, producing smoke from the wheel area and requiring repeated rotor replacements.
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?
- NHTSA data gives the 2012 Journey a Complaint Index of 69, ranking it 5th worst among 14 model years and earning a Caution verdict relative to other Journey years.
- What are the most common problems on the 2012 Dodge Journey?
- Brakes account for 34% of complaints, followed by engine issues at 31% and electrical system problems also at 31%, based on NHTSA complaint data.
- Does the 2012 Dodge Journey have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2012 Journey, covering airbags, steering, brakes, and engine components, though none are do-not-drive recalls.
- What year Dodge Journey should I avoid?
- Among Journey model years, 2009, 2010, 2014, and 2015 carry Avoid verdicts with higher complaint indexes (up to 100), while 2019 and 2020 rate Best.
- At what mileage do 2012 Dodge Journey brakes fail?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage of 88,000 for brake-related failures on the 2012 Journey.