Model year
2012 Dodge Journey
NHTSA lists 6 recalls and 376 complaints for the 2012 Dodge Journey (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (114), ENGINE (97), SERVICE BRAKES (95). NHTSA lists 2 investigations, including 1 investigation with no close date in the file. NHTSA rated 2 variants 4 stars overall. EPA rates it 19–22 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $3,050–$3,550, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2009 1,433 complaints
- 2010 988 complaints
- 2011 169 complaints
- 2012 376 complaints
- 2013 353 complaints
- 2014 416 complaints
- 2015 554 complaints
- 2016 389 complaints
- 2017 201 complaints
- 2018 237 complaints
- 2019 102 complaints
- 2020 66 complaints
Recalls
17V432000 · Jul 7, 2017
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.
16V273000 · May 6, 2016
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.
15V675000 · Oct 19, 2015
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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…
15V431000 · Jul 7, 2015
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.
11V550000 · Nov 10, 2011
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…
11V487000 · Sep 29, 2011
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,…
Complaints
376 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 21, fire flag on 13, injury field 24, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE19014 | Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment · SEATS; SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT | Sep 9, 2019 | Feb 25, 2026 |
| EA24003 | Vehicle entrapment · LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | Aug 1, 2024 | No close date in the file |
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUV 4WD | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 · possibility 0.179 | NHTSA photo |
| SUV FWD | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 · possibility 0.185 | NHTSA photo |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journey FWD · 2.4L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 19 | 26 | 22 | — | — | $3,050 |
| Journey FWD · 3.6L · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline · FFV | 17 | 25 | 20 | — | — | $3,350 |
| Journey AWD · 3.6L · Automatic 6-spd · All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 16 | 24 | 19 | — | — | $3,550 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2012 Dodge Journey at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.