YearToAvoid

2012 Dodge Journey Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 23 steering complaints for the 2012 Dodge Journey, 6% of its 376 total complaints that year, tied to 4 crashes and 4 injuries. A related recall (16V273000) covers power steering return hoses that could rupture in cold temperatures. Median mileage at failure was 87,756.

Steering complaints
23
6% of 376
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
4
Median mileage
87,756 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden, unexplained loss of steering control at low speeds (around 20 to 25 mph), causing the vehicle to spin or slam into guard rails.
  • Some describe the vehicle veering to the right without warning at highway speed, leading to a crash.
  • Power steering assist reportedly cuts out entirely at low speed during turns, sometimes accompanied by engine stall.
  • Drivers report the steering becoming difficult to turn left or right at moderate speed, forcing them to pull over.
  • One owner reported repeated dealer visits for a front-end groaning noise and pulling to the right shortly after purchase, with steering and brakes serviced multiple times.
  • A complaint referenced the power steering hose recall (16V273000) and described a dealer declining to perform the repair.

When 2012 Dodge Journey steering complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 2, 2013, latest Jul 5, 2020.

2012 Dodge Journey steering complaints: complaints filed per month2Jan 2013Jun 2013Sep 2015Mar 2017Oct 2017Dec 2018Oct 2019
23 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2013 to Jul 2020; peak Jan 2018 (2).

Steering recalls for the 2012 Dodge Journey

  1. 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.

Steering complaints by Journey model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20070 (0%)
  2. 20080 (0%)
  3. 200972 (5%)
  4. 201069 (7%)
  5. 201123 (14%)
  6. 201223 (6%)
  7. 201320 (6%)
  8. 201428 (7%)
  9. 201539 (7%)
  10. 201634 (9%)
  11. 201715 (8%)
  12. 201811 (5%)
  13. 20192 (2%)
  14. 20203 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does the 2012 Dodge Journey have?
NHTSA lists 23 steering complaints for the 2012 Journey, which is 6% of the 376 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2012 Dodge Journey?
Yes. Recall 16V273000, reported May 6, 2016, covers 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles whose power steering return hose could rupture after exposure to cold temperatures. Dealers replace the power steering return hose, steel tube, and related o-ring parts.
Did the steering problems cause any crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data tied 4 crashes and 4 injuries to steering-related complaints for the 2012 Journey.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up on the 2012 Journey?
The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2012 Journey is 87,756 miles, though some owners reported issues at much lower mileage.
How does the 2012 Journey's steering complaint rate compare to other years?
The 2012 Journey's steering share is 6%, lower than 2011 (14%) and similar to 2013 (6%) and 2014 (7%), based on NHTSA data across model years 2010-2020.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.