NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 169 owner complaints for the 2011 Dodge Journey. Most complaints involve service brakes (47) and electrical system (43). The EPA rates it 19–22 mpg combined.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“I REPLACED MY CALIBER AND BRAKES LESS THEN A YEAR AGO. SINCE THEN I HAVE BEEN REPLACING MY BRAKES EVERY 3 MONTHS I HAVE TO REPLACE MY BRAKES AND ROTORS. I KEEP SMELLING METAL BURNING PLUS THE BRAKES LIGHT IS STAYING ON.”
“THERE ARE MANY MANY AS IN HUGE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS OF THIS JOURNEY VEHICLE NOT STARTING BECAUSE KEEPING A CHARGE. WE HAVE HAD TO BUY AND HAVE DEALER INSTALL THREE BATTERIES IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS. FOUND ONE PROBLEM, LEAVING A CD IN THE PLAYER CAUSES THE BATTERY TO DRAIN. CANNOT FIND ANY OTHER. PLEASE HELP.”
“BOTH CATALYST CONVERTS WENT OUT AT THE SAME TIME AND FAILED MY GA EMISSIONS TEST. THERE IS A PERMANENT CODE. I ONLY HAD THIS SUV A YEAR AND HAVE ALREADY REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION, ALONG WITH CALIBER ISSUES. I WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN DIDN'T MATCH THE U67 CATALYST EMISSION RECALL THAT INCLUDED MY VEHICLE DESCRIPTION, TRIM, MAKE AND MODEL. THE RECALL SHOULD HAVE EXPANDED TO 3.6 LITERS AS WELL, CONSIDERING THE PROBLEM IS AN EXACT MATCH. I EXPECT DODGE WILL RECTIFY THIS EMISSIONS PROBLEM, CONSIDERING THAT GA RESIDENTS WILL FIND THIS SUV USELESS IN SUCH A STRICT EMISSION STATE.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journey FWD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
| Journey FWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| Journey AWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
4 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 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.
Owners filed 169 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (47), electrical system (43), engine (29). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2011 Dodge Journey at 19–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).