Home · 2012 Dodge Journey · Complaints

What 375 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Dodge Journey

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (375)Crash / fire / injury (34)Electrical system (115)Brakes (106)Engine (97)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (44)Transmission & drivetrain (36)Airbags (29)Steering (23)Speed control (20)Fuel system (15)Wheels (13)

106 of 375 complaints match · Brakes · clear filters · page 1 of 5

Jan 22, 2026AirbagsBrakesEngine

Well I don't know I bought my car from extreme Auto I don't know if he is paying the police off or what to exchange cars or vin numbers but my vehicle has a few of the recalls that are still rolling on the ABS light is coming on the engine Department a few other things that I could not get fixed and they said that it wasn't part of the recall that airbag shelf which is works with the blinkers also because when I had an inspected they had informed me of that previously and there wanting us to get into accident and say that I was driving crazy and basically get away with it and that's what the police does undercover cops use it vehicle similar to mine and I seen it at Johnson County Police Department and I think they lied I had an inspection done and Merriam Auto and it's on file and I would need to go pick that one up that was the first one that I had got done and it should still be in the system and and they paid her off because she no longer works there anymore they refuse to fix it and I paid extreme money for the prior inspections to this one and I also have a contract that I paid $475 to get an oil panel and engine oil cover gaskets put on it purchase the parts off of Amazon in the oil panel he purchased it I don't know why this b**** you want to f*** with me my kids are gone and that was a second opinion they also pulled my vehicle over and ran my VIN number and that is on my kids and my life and my soul the detective said I don't have alternative email

NHTSA ODI 11712588

Jul 29, 2025BrakesElectronic Stability Control (esc)

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the part was on back order. The contact stated that after severe weather, the check engine and traction control warning lights illuminated. While the vehicle was in a parking lot, the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where a mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a faulty ABS module and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and linked the failure to the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11676986

Apr 25, 2025Brakes

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 50-60 MPH, the brakes locked up and the vehicle became uncontrollable. There was an unknown orange warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11656797

Mar 13, 2025Electrical systemBrakesEngine

Component/System That Failed or Malfunctioned & Availability for Inspection I have experienced multiple safety-critical failures in my 2012 Dodge Journey, including transmission failure, catalytic converter defects, engine repairs, electrical malfunctions, and brake system issues. Pattern of Recalls Across Dodge Journey Models & Lack of Recall for My Vehicle There have been numerous recalls across multiple model years (2009-2020) for the exact same failures my vehicle is experiencing, including: Transmission failures and defects Engine problems requiring major repairs Catalytic converter and exhaust failures Brake system failures and premature caliper wear Electrical malfunctions affecting windows, wiring, and power systems Despite this clear pattern of defects in Dodge Journey models, my specific vehicle has not been recalled for these issues. Dodge/Stellantis needs to explain why these defects are not being covered under existing recalls when the same problems have been recognized in other model years. How My Safety & Others’ Safety Was Put at Risk 1. Transmission Failure & Unsafe Driving Conditions My transmission failed completely, causing high RPM revving, and loss of acceleration. My vehicle essentially stalled out on the highway. Now, the transmission requires a full rebuild costing over $5,238.64. Dodge has issued recalls for transmission defects in other Journey model years, but mine is excluded despite experiencing identical failures. 2. Engine Repairs & Performance Failures My vehicle has required major engine repairs, including: Camshaft and rocker arm replacements Ignition coil replacements Thermostat and cooling system repairs Dodge has issued engine-related recalls for other Journey models, including crankshaft/camshaft sensor failures, engine stalling, and overheating risks. My vehicle suffers from the same defects but has not been recalled. These engine issues pose a major safety hazard by increasing the risk of engine stalling, loss of power, and

NHTSA ODI 11648187

Nov 13, 2024BrakesElectronic Stability Control (esc)

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS module was failing and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V675000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,784.

NHTSA ODI 11624957

Oct 2, 2024BrakesElectronic Stability Control (esc)

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that after it rained, the ABS warning light illuminated, and the speedometer gauge dropped to "0 MPH”. The contact stated that the warning lights illuminated after it rained; additionally, the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that water was entering the ABS module and the ABS module needed to be replaced. The mechanic notified the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.

NHTSA ODI 11617767

Aug 7, 2024WheelsBrakesEngine

Engine problems

NHTSA ODI 11607037

Jul 10, 2024BrakesElectronic Stability Control (esc)

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal was soft, and the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the failure might be related to the ABS module. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and that additional repairs would be at the owners expense. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

NHTSA ODI 11600929

Jun 16, 2024Brakes

My cars ABS, traction control, emergency break lights came on and I went to look up what was wrong and other 2012 dodge journeys have a recall on the problem that is wrong with my car (R61). I only have 1 recall on my specific car. So now I have to pay to replace the part.

NHTSA ODI 11594630

Apr 18, 2024Brakes

The ABS module has failed and no replacement parts are available. The vehicle cannot get passed inspection from the state of Texas because this module failure. No service facility can't get them part needed to repair brakes.

NHTSA ODI 11583866

Mar 9, 2024Electrical systemBrakes

Abs, brake, and traction light coming on coded c2200-49 told there was a recall and when I called the dealership they said it wasn't for my vehicle but they couldn't even order the part because they're having to replace them on so many and they are not in stock anywhere until after April 15th. If this has been an issue with other vehicles and is currently an issue with mine why is it not under the recall??? 2012 Dodge Journey sxt

NHTSA ODI 11576362

Apr 27, 2023Brakes

The ABS light was on in the car. Took to a repair shop and they replaced the ABS Module. Said it fell under R61. But then my re-imbursment was declined because they said my vin did not have the problem. But putting in a new ABS module and reprogramming fixed the issue. How do I get refunded for the failure of a break system that should never have happened? Please call me 979.216.8043

NHTSA ODI 11519268

Apr 27, 2023Electrical systemBrakes

MY FAMILY AND I ,WAS GOING THROUGH ANINTERSECTION WHEN SOMEONE RAN RED LIGTH WE PERFORMED AN EMERGENCY STOP APPLYING BRAKE PEDAL WHERE ABS KICKED IN ,NO COLLISON ACCURED BUT THE ABS AND BRAKE PEDAL SYSTEM "DID NOT'' RECOVER WITH THE PEDAL CONTINUE TO FADE TO FLOOR AFTERWARDS ..... THERE ARE NO CURRENTLY NO VISIABLE LEAKS ON BRAKING SYSTEM AND BRAKE PADS BOTH FRONT AND REAR ARE 8-10 MM IN THICKNESS

NHTSA ODI 11519289

Mar 23, 2023BrakesElectronic Stability Control (esc)

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact stated that numerous warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle stalled and the contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that she had experienced the failure with unknown warning lights illuminated prior to the failure however, the contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the failure and found that water had entered the ABS module and caused the failure. The mechanic had advised that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control, Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

NHTSA ODI 11513436

Mar 22, 2023Electronic Stability Control (esc)BrakesEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light and the traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the driver's side wheel sensor, the passenger's side wheel sensor, and the crank position sensor were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control, Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Darcars Orange Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (7233 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32244) for recall repair; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11513184

Feb 20, 2023Electrical systemBrakes

As I was braking to enter the on-ramp of Hwy 1923 from Asheville, I noticed for the second time, my brakes were not slowing me down as usual, instead, they acted as if they were slowly grabbing. As I speed up to the correct speed limit, It seemed as though my brakes started to grab again without me depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle made a throbbing, and vibrating sound. All this after just having taken the vehicle to my mechanic for the same problem two days prior. The back brakes were replaced, the front brakes looked fine, and everything was checked out. Two days later brakes started acting up again, not working normally and acting as if thay are grabbing and vibrating the vehicle! No warning lights were shown. Next step is the Dodge Dealer. Another very aggravating glitch that the Dodge Dealer said that didn see, is the fact that every time I park the vehicle, I have to turn the sterring wheel a certain way before the battery will shut off, if not the battery will be drained!

NHTSA ODI 11508174

Sep 6, 2022Electrical systemBrakes

Electrical - the vehicle while driving just shut off. No power, no lights, the engine died. The vehicle was brought to a stop, placed in park and then restarted without issue. The ABS system - the brakes failed to work. While at a stop light, brakes depressed, the vehicle began rolling backwards.

NHTSA ODI 11483040

Jun 27, 2022BrakesEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle started to jerk. In addition, when the brake pedal was depressed it traveled to the floorboard. There was also a failure with the electric stability control failure; in addition to the headlights, visibility was dim. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76, 200

NHTSA ODI 11471214

Mar 21, 2022Brakes

This complaint concerns the failure of the front rubber brake lines on my 2012 Dodge Journey. I discovered that, during manufacture, the original brake lines were severely crushed while the retaining brackets were attached to them. This reduced the I.D. of the hoses to about 20% of their intended size. Over time, with normal hose deterioration, this restricted back flow of brake fluid to the master cylinder. As a result the brakes calipers did not retract completely which caused excessive overheating of the front brakes. This could have caused a fire or the vehicle to swerve into other traffic. My concern is other vehicles of similar age could begin experiencing the same issue. Please note the front left brake was malfunction before and after new rotors, pads and calipers were installed.

NHTSA ODI 11457573

Nov 7, 2021Speed controlBrakesVisibility & wipers

The blind spot is horrible. I have to check my mirrors 3 times because even if I look on my side, especially on the driver’s side whenever I have to switch lanes, I can’t see if there is a car on my blind spots. The mirrors don’t help because it may appear that the car beside me is far but it may also be near. So that of the major issue with this car. Next, when the vehicle in front of me did a sudden stop and I hit my brakes too hard to stop, the car made a throttling sound then it stopped. When it was safe to go, it wouldn’t go even though my gear is on Drive and I am pressing on the gas pedal. It just makes a rubbing noise as like it is on Park mode and you are hitting the gas pedal. So I had to shut my car off and turn it back on. Lastly, cruise control doesn’t work very well. Sometimes it works, but most of the times I had to pull over and restart my car or hit the brakes and press the on/off switch for cruise control.

NHTSA ODI 11439601

Sep 23, 2021Electrical systemSpeed controlBrakes

My safety was at risk and I put others at risk when my vehicle lost power in the middle of a busy highway and almost caused an accident with my 2 young children in the car. It would not accelerate and we got stuck in the middle of the rode. The ABS light came on when it happened. I took it to my local dealer to diagnose and was told there was water in the ABS module connector which caused the wires to corrode. Chrysler had a recall on this specific issue for my model but because my vehicle didn't come out of a specific batch, they won't cover it. This is a safety issue and if other vehicles of this make and model were recalled for this specific issue, they should fix mine. I have attached the R61 recall from Chrysler for this issue

NHTSA ODI 11434076

Aug 30, 2021Brakes

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the brakes locked up. The brakes, traction control, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

NHTSA ODI 11430978

Aug 12, 2021Brakes

WHILE PARKING CAR AND ENGAGING "THE PARKING BRAKE,} THE BRAKE POPPED AND A ROUND SILVER LOOKING ITEM POPPED OUT FROM UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL AND LANDED ON THE FLOOR BOARD. TRYING TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE BECAME USELESS AS THE PETAL JUST STATED ENGAGED AND WHEN TOUGHED IT CAME UP TO THE PARKING BRAKE RELEASE PLACE, IF THE PETAL WAS TOUCHED IT WOULD FALL BACK TO THE ENGAGED LOOKING. WHEN DRIVING I DID NOT NOTICE ANY BURNING SMELL WHICH TOLD ME THAT THE EMERGENCY WAS NOT ENGAGED EVEN TOUGH THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS ON. AT HOME I CHECKED UNDER THE CAR AND FOUND THAT BACK AND FORTH. THE BRAKE CABLE WAS LOOSE AND MOVEABLE. LOOKING AT THE ROUND PIECE THAT FELL OFF IT APPEARS TO BE WHERE THE CABLE WAS TETHERED TO AND THIS WOULD BE PLACED IN THE BRAKE PETAL. THE CABLE APPEARS TO HAVE SEVERED AT THE ROUND PIECE(CONNECTOR) MAKING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE INOPERABLE. THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE ANY RUST BUT JUST SEVERED

NHTSA ODI 11428905

Jul 6, 2021Brakes

I messaged you the other day about my car losing it's brakes when it rains. I was wondering if you had any information for me about this problem. complaint # 11422687

NHTSA ODI 11423643

Jun 28, 2021Brakes

I have a 2012 Dodge Journey when it rains and I have to go through water on the roads my car will loose it's brakes, which is causing me to almost hit the person in front of me. I see that my car doesn't have a recall on it for this problem but it's to the point that I'm afraid to drive it in the rain. This is my only vehicle to drive back and forth to work. Please let me know what I should do. Thanks

NHTSA ODI 11422687

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Working with the data? Download all 375 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 20, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2012 Dodge Journey verdict →