2012 Dodge Journey Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 118 engine complaints for the 2012 Dodge Journey, 31% of all 376 complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 89,500. Two related recalls exist: 15V431000 for engine cover detachment/fire risk and 11V487000 for engine replacement.
- Engine complaints
- 118
- 31% of 376
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 8
- Injuries reported
- 3
- Median mileage
- 89,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report smoke or fire coming from under the hood while driving or at a complete stop, sometimes even after the engine cover recall repair was performed.
- Several complaints describe the engine cover itself catching fire repeatedly, with melting foam inside the cover producing fumes that owners say made the heater or A/C unusable.
- Some owners report the engine stalling or losing power unexpectedly at highway speed, requiring the vehicle to be pulled over and restarted.
- A defective cylinder head was cited in one case after the check engine light stayed on and the vehicle lost power despite repeated dealer visits.
- One owner reported the transmission stuttering or slipping near a stop light, accompanied by the engine dying intermittently with no warning light.
When 2012 Dodge Journey engine complaints were filed
First complaint May 14, 2012, latest Jul 1, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2012 Dodge Journey
- 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.
- NHTSA 11V487000Sep 29, 2011Engine667 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2012 chrysler vehicles, including 200 and town and country models, dodge vehicles, including charger, durango, grand caravan and journey models and jeep grand cherokee vehicles manufactured from august 31, 2011, through september 13, 2011, that are equipped with 3.6l engines. These engines may experience connecting rod bearing failure due to debris inside the engine block.
Risk: Connecting rod failure may lead to engine seizure which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and replace the engine free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about november 18, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Engine 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 engine complaints does the 2012 Dodge Journey have?
- NHTSA lists 118 engine-related complaints for the 2012 Dodge Journey, which is 31% of all 376 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2012 Dodge Journey engine?
- Yes. Recall 15V431000 covers the engine cover mounting system, which could detach and pose a fire risk, and recall 11V487000 covers an engine replacement for certain 2012 models.
- At what mileage do engine problems typically appear?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 89,500 miles for engine complaints on the 2012 Dodge Journey.
- Are engine fires common on the 2012 Dodge Journey?
- Among the 118 engine complaints, NHTSA records 8 fires, 3 injuries, and 1 crash associated with this component on the 2012 model year.