Problems · NHTSA complaints

2012 Dodge Journey problems

Owners filed 377 complaints about the 2012 Dodge Journey with NHTSA between May 2012 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (116).

Complaints
377
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
21
Reported by owners
Fires
13
Reported by owners
Injuries
24
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system116
  2. Engine97
  3. Service brakes96
  4. Electronic stability control (esc)44
  5. Power train36
  6. Air bags29
  7. Steering23
  8. Vehicle speed control20
  9. Fuel/propulsion system14
  10. Wheels13
  11. Exterior lighting12
  12. Service brakes, hydraulic11
  13. Seats10
  14. Suspension10

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20129
201319
201432
201548
201634
201737
201844
201963
202020
202116
202212
202315
202412
20257
20269

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

116 reports1 crash4 fires
“The car says something like Vin number bot recognized. The windshield wipers start going crazy all the exterior and interior lights start going crazy the steering will locks the brakes lock and the car shuts off no accident”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 8, 2026Electrical systemODI 11755599

Engine

97 reports1 crash7 fires
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 22, 2026Air bags, Service brakes, EngineODI 11712588

Service brakes

96 reports6 crashes2 fires
“Code c2200-48 anti-loc brake module internal supervision failure is a recall for my 2012 Dodge journey if the recall was completed it was not it was not a full recall fix so as of Oct/25/26 this code shows recall”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 25, 2026Service brakesODI 11773455

Electronic stability control (esc)

44 reports1 crash1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 29, 2025Service brakes, hydraulic, Electronic stability control (esc)ODI 11676986

Power train

36 reports3 crashes
“My 2012 dodge journey suddenly and violently stalled in the middle of crossing a green light. no check engine lights prior to this only thing that happened a few days before was car wouldn’t start said to press clutch and start button I have an automatic engine, and kept saying keys lefts vehicle even though keys where in the car. This was very scary because it gave me no problems before we could have been on the freeway when this happened thankfully not but this needs to be looked into.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 15, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11718174

Air bags

29 reports14 crashes1 related recall
“The crankshaft position sensor as well as a oil leak from the motor and has intermittent start delays these failures I found on this sight that affects my vehicle make & model year my engine 3.6 when I accelerate the overdrive doesn't engage and i took it to Nyle Maxwell in San Antonio where it's at now I also have the diagnosis that matches what is posted here on this site & 3 open recalls that suggest other years may be affected.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 21, 2023Power train, Air bags, EngineODI 11518190
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

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