2012 Dodge Journey: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Dodge Journey: 6 recalls, 376 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #11V487000 · 2011 · 667 vehicles
What's wrong: 6l engines. These engines May experience connecting rod bearing failure due to debris inside the engine block.
Why it matters: Connecting rod failure May lead to engine seizure which May increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners and replace the engine free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about November 18, 2011.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #11V550000 · 2011 · 340 vehicles
What's wrong: Some vehicles were assembled with contaminated brake fluid and May experience a degradation of the sealing components within the brake system.
Why it matters: This could lead to loss of braking ability increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #15V431000 · 2015 · 145,379 vehicles
What's wrong: 4l engines. In the affected vehicles, the engine cover May detach from the engine and contact the exhaust manifold.
Why it matters: If the displaced engine cover contacts the exhaust manifold, there would be an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
The fix: 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.
Stability control, Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #15V675000 · 2015 · 275,187 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the ABS or esc is disabled, a loss of vehicle stability could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Steering Vehicle recall #16V273000 · 2016 · 8,569 vehicles
What's wrong: After exposure to cold temperatures, the power steering return hose May rupture at engine start-up causing a loss of power steering assist.
Why it matters: A loss of power steering assist May require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #17V432000 · 2017 · 363,480 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag wiring within the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary. A protective cover will also be installed. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2017.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 13 mention a fire, 24 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (116): the most common themes are electrical failure (58), stalls / loses power (33), door / lock issues (30).
- Engine (97): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (29), warning light on (18), electrical failure (15).
- Brakes (95): the most common themes are noise or vibration (22), warning light on (22), brake failure / soft pedal (13).
- Other / unknown (48): the most common themes are electrical failure (11), warning light on (8).
The 2012 Dodge Journey has 376 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 14 Journey model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 378). Complaints peaked in 2019 (63 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 78,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (169 complaints, 4 recalls), 2013 (353 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Dodge Journey.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 Dodge Journey have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Dodge Journey. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Dodge Journey problems?
Owners have filed 376 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (116), engine (97), brakes (95).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Dodge Journey get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Dodge Journey repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.