Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2010 Dodge JourneyRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 1,085 owner complaints for the 2010 Dodge Journey. Most complaints involve electrical system (653) and engine (178). The EPA rates it 18–21 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
18–21mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest May 2016
Owner complaints
1,085
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Steering: hose, piping, and connections

Free remedy

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.

SteeringReported May 6, 2016NHTSA 16V273000

Electrical system: switch

Free remedy

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured June 29, 2007, to June 17, 2010, and 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, to June 17, 2010. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Electrical systemReported Jun 26, 2014NHTSA 14V373000

Steering: electric power assist system

Free remedy

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING, 300, CHARGER (LX) AND DODGE CHALLENGER (LC), AVENGER (JS), AND JOURNEY (JC), AS WELL AS MODEL YEAR 2011 DODGE RAM LIGHT DUTY PICKUP (DS) VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A SEPARATION AT THE CRIMPED END OF THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE ASSEMBLY.

SteeringReported Oct 7, 2010NHTSA 10V475000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1,085 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2010 – Aug 2026
  1. Electrical system653
  2. Engine178
  3. Service brakes116
  4. Air bags95
  5. Steering83
  6. Power train53
  7. Electronic stability control (esc)49
  8. Exterior lighting42
  9. Service brakes, hydraulic40

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Journey model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20091,594
20101,085
2011169
2012376
2013353
2014416
2015554
2016389
2017202
2018237
2019102
202066
Crashes reported
18
Fires reported
17
Injuries reported
19
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

653 reports4 crashes8 fires
“On two separate occasions my doors have locked on there own while I was inside the car and I was not able to open the doors or manually unlock the door. My front lock levers are long enough that you can get a decent grip to pull them up and in normal cases they unlock pretty easy. But when they lock on your own I don't think you get pul) them up with a pair of vice grips. Both levers on the back doors drop almost all the way into the door panel. Most people probably can't open them even without them being glitched.. The only way I was able to unlock them was by the key fob. The unlock switches are useless as well. The changes of it happening are slim but if it happened during a flood or fire and I didn't know to use the key fob. There was no threat to me either time it happened and I still somewhat panicked. Lucky or I guess unlucky for me I knew it was probably a electrical problem since I also have some electric problems that happen as long as the main battery is connected. Key fob and key could be in another universe and my wipers will move, my horn will randomly go off. I've not had a horn since my mother bought me the vehicle. There is more and these seem…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 18, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Unknown or otherODI 11757835

Engine

178 reports3 crashes3 fires
“Car since bought either won't start or fails to come out of gear then stalls out in reverse or randomly in intersections I have small children and it's dangerous and several mechanic cant figure it out. Replaced batteries starters and issue continues”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 18, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11744916

Service brakes

116 reports1 crash1 fire
“The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Journey. The contact sated while driving 15 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact made a left turn and the brakes seized. The contact stated that the ECS, engine check, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics where it was determined that the brake hose was leaking, and an unknown hose had detached. The vehicle was repaired for the most recent failure. The remained at the residence and had not been driven since. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 10, 2025Service brakesODI 11635339
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 4-spd · Automatic 6-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Journey 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
192521$2,950423
Journey 2WD
Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
162419$3,300468
Journey AWD
Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
152318$3,450494
  • Journey 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    19 city · 25 hwy · $2,950/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Journey 2WD
    Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    16 city · 24 hwy · $3,300/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Journey AWD
    Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    15 city · 23 hwy · $3,450/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 Dodge Journey as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026Vehicle 5631
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2010 Journey questions

How many recalls does the 2010 Dodge Journey have?

3 safety recalls as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2010 Dodge Journey problems?

Owners filed 1,085 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (653), engine (178), service brakes (116). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2010 Dodge Journey get?

The EPA rates the 2010 Dodge Journey at 18–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026