2012 Dodge Journey Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 126 brake complaints for the 2012 Dodge Journey, 34% of all complaints that year, with 6 crashes, 2 fires, and 6 injuries reported. Median mileage at failure was 88,000. Two brake-related recalls (11V550000 and 15V675000) cover contaminated brake fluid and water intrusion into the ABS wiring harness.
- Brakes complaints
- 126
- 34% of 376
- Crashes reported
- 6
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 6
- Median mileage
- 88,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Owners report complete or partial brake pedal failure while stopping or approaching a stop, in some cases leading to a collision with another vehicle.
- Some describe smoke or a burning smell coming from a wheel area, later traced by a dealer or mechanic to a failed brake line or worn calipers and rotors.
- Several report a shuddering or grabbing sensation when applying the brakes shortly after buying the vehicle, with repeated dealer visits for pad replacement that did not resolve the issue.
- Owners describe a grinding noise and a jerking sensation when braking, attributed by dealers to defective rear brake pads with surface rust.
- One owner reported the ABS and ESC warning lights coming on followed by loss of control on wet or icy pavement at low speed.
- Some complaints link brake failure incidents to the Takata airbag recall, noting the airbags also failed to deploy during the crash.
When 2012 Dodge Journey brake complaints were filed
First complaint Jul 9, 2012, latest Jan 22, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2012 Dodge Journey
- 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.
- NHTSA 11V550000Nov 10, 2011Brakes340 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:fluid
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2012 dodge journey and fiat 500 vehicles manufactured from october 24, 2011, through october 26, 2011. Some vehicles were assembled with contaminated brake fluid and may experience a degradation of the sealing components within the brake system.
Risk: This could lead to loss of braking ability increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and replace all brake components that come in contact with hydraulic brake fluid. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on march 1, 2012. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Brakes complaints by Journey model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many brake complaints does the 2012 Dodge Journey have?
- NHTSA lists 126 brake complaints for the 2012 Dodge Journey, which is 34% of the 376 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2012 Dodge Journey?
- Yes. Recall 11V550000 covers contaminated brake fluid on 2012 Dodge Journey and Fiat 500 vehicles, and recall 15V675000 covers water entering the ABS wiring harness on 2012-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles.
- At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2012 Dodge Journey?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 88,000 at the time of brake-related failure reports.
- Have the brake issues caused crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA records 6 crashes, 2 fires, and 6 injuries connected to brake complaints on the 2012 Dodge Journey.