2012 Dodge Journey Problems Involve Recalls and Complaints with Electrical Components, Faulty Brakes, and Engine Stalling

Geoffrey Piehl
May 16, 2022

The 2012 Dodge Journey is an inexpensive SUV. But in this case, affordability is a trade-off for reliability. The 2012 Journey has several problems that range from annoying to hazardous, like malfunctioning wipers, faulty brake components, and engines that stall while driving.

2012 Dodge Journey - Photo by Stellantis

Key Points

  • The 2012 Dodge Journey has six recalls on record with the NHTSA. The most severe recalls involve defective electrical components that impact the brakes and airbags. Also, a recall for the 2.4-liter engine involves a potential fire hazard.
  • The 2012 Journey’s 324 complaints filed with the NHTSA include many for electrical malfunctions. The battery, alternator, and wiring harnesses appear to be faulty.
  • Complaints about the brake related-recall are numerous, but premature brake wear is also an issue, with many owners having to replace them as early as 15,000 miles.
  • The engine tends to stall, but no definitive cause has been identified. Several engine components were singled out as problematic.
  • A used 2012 Journey is pretty affordable with many examples found under $10,000. However, it may cost you in average annual repair expenses, approximately $581.

The 2012 Dodge Journey Has Been Recalled Six Times, but the Recalls for the Airbags, Brakes, and Engine are the Most Severe

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2012 Dodge Journey has been recalled six times. Recalls involving the brakes, airbags, and engine are the most severe.

Dodge recalled the 2012 Journey for a serious issue with the driver’s front airbag, which may unexpectedly deploy due to a wire rubbing within the steering wheel. As a result, the wire could cause a short circuit.

Another recall involves the anti-lock brake system (ABS). Water could leak into the wiring harness and disable the ABS and/or the electronic stability control system. The automaker will seal the ABS wiring harness to prevent further water damage.

Journeys from 2012 with the 2.4-liter engine were recalled for an issue with its engine cover, which may have a cover that could easily detach. If this happens, the cover could make contact with the vehicle’s exhaust manifold, increasing the risk of a fire.

2012 Dodge Journey

Malfunctioning Electronics Make Up Most of the Owner Complaints About the 2012 Dodge Journey

There are nearly 325 complaints on file with the NHTSA for the 2012 Dodge Journey. Of these, almost 100 are for electrical malfunctions. Owners describe a variety of issues with the electronics. Common complaints include windshield wipers malfunctioning, interior lights and headlights illuminating unprompted, and the radio or backup camera not working. Most severe is the vehicle losing power while driving.

Upon consulting a mechanic, many owners report that most of these issues involve a battery, alternator, or wiring harnesses that went bad. Many of the affected vehicles had 100,000 miles on them. However, many 2012 Dodge Journey drivers reported to Car Complaints of electrical issues occurring with 50,000 miles or less.

Some owners mention replacing the alternator more than once. Unfortunately, the cost to replace any of the mentioned components can be costly.

2012 Dodge Journey

Brake Issues Relating to the ABS Recall As Well As Premature Brake Wear are Also Problems

Nearly a quarter of the 2012 Journey’s NHTSA complaints relate to brake problems, including the ABS module recall mentioned above. But, owners also have issues with the brakes prematurely wearing.

Owners describe instances of the ABS and ESC lights illuminating, and a delay in braking. Some reports state the brake pedal went to the floor when attempting to stop. In some of these cases, the ABS module malfunctioned as described in the recall mentioned above.

Premature brake wear also is an issue with the 2012 Journey. An owner’s complaint to the NHTSA mentioned one of the calipers started sticking at 15,000 miles. Thus, the owner ended up replacing the calipers and rotors twice, and still, the issue persisted. In another instance, the brakes were replaced as well as the brake line.

Owners in a thread on All Par discuss their frustrations with brake issues beginning with only a few thousand miles on their then-new 2012 Journeys. When the brakes wear, noises tend to get worse and eventually lead to the vehicle shaking when applying brake pressure.

2012 Dodge Journey

Complaints From Owners About the 2012 Journey Stalling are Common, and Several Engine Components Could Be the Cause

The 2012 Dodge Journey’s engine has also been problematic for owners. Another quarter of NHTSA complaints about the 2012 Journey relate to the engine.

Most owners report the engine stalls while driving. While no specific cause has been identified, multiple engine components seem to have issues. These include failure of the camshaft and crankshaft, cylinder heads, and the catalytic converter.

Some of these issues could be attributed to the vehicle’s age. An owner’s experience reported on Car Complaints described needing a new engine after 100,000 miles. In this case, the owner was on the hook for a new engine costing $4,500. However, some owners experienced issues with their 2012 Journey well before 100,000 miles.

The 2012 Dodge Journey is Affordable, but There are Some Reliability Issues to Consider

The 2012 Dodge Journey is affordable and can generally be found used for under $10,000, but that’s really the best thing about the vehicle.

The 2012 Journey has nearly 325 complaints of annoying electrical malfunctions, with some involving safety recalls. Other complaints about bad brakes and engine stalling are also common.

Because of these issues, it’s best to do a bit more research on the 2012 Dodge Journey if it’s on your shopping list.

Photos: Dodge

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Steven Tilley on December 16, 2023
Battery dying because of handsfree Bluetooth
My battery would die every day or two couldn't find what the draw was then eventually read about an issue with the hands-free Bluetooth module mine stopped working and paid any attention but apparently the module was still activated trying to search for a phone if you remove the fuse it will solve the issue... Another crazy issue that I'm having is the battery saver mode coming on it happens when my AC compressor starts or when I'm running my heat also speaking of heat my passenger side stop working one winner and I found out that there is a little The voice under the glove box that turns a flap on and off for heat or cold that apparently broke many mechanics out there saying it's the heater core just to get an expensive job I would check the little device under the glove box first
accountCircle Mike Perry on April 14, 2023
2012 dodge journey II will be driving speedometer quit working wipers start coming on for no reasona gas gauge quit working brake light comes on it’s still running, but if you shut it off, doesn’t start back up if anybody’s had this problem and know what it could be. Please write a comment back. Thank you.
While driving my 2012, dodge journey, speedometer quit working wipers come on cascades quit working brake light comes on turn signals don’t work, but the car still running but whenWhile driving my 2012, dodge journey speedometer quit working wipers come on cascades quit working brake light comes on turn signals don’t work, but the car still running but when I turn it off, it will not start back up when it’s in the mood and if I have any ideas write a comment and let me know
accountCircle Brandi Brizo on August 19, 2023
Fire resulting in total loss
I have (had) a 2012 Dodge journey and JUST reached 80,000 miles. The electrical in the door and canter console were off and on meaning they would short out randomly but not for long periods of time. Yesterday the door caught fire, emergency responders suspect the master panel shorted out causing said fire.between the fire damage, smoke damage, and chemical damage, my car is totaled. It is currently being investigated by my insurance company so I might have more information later
accountCircle Grace Matthews on October 30, 2023
Heating, wiring
My 2012 journey has had the engine lifters replaced. Earlier models including 2010 and 2011 have been recalled, why hasn't the 2012? Very expensive repair. My ABS light came on and had to pay for a fix. My camera light shows everything upside down. Car heating does not work every winter until I take it to garage. This car is an owners nightmare!
accountCircle L. Watmough on March 2, 2023
Battery will not hold a charge
I have a Dodge Journey that I bought, new, in Truro, N.S. It has UNDER 100,00 klm's on it and I am the only driver. I LOVE THIS CAR! Lately it has a MAJOR problem holding a charge. I am told it is a problem with the FACTORY INSTALLED COMMAND START.????? Any comments/suggestions watmough@gmail.com Thankyou
accountCircle Hubbell, T. on January 1, 2023
ABSSystem wiring harness
The vehicles a 2012, crew v-6, nothing but trouble. ABS wiring harness allows moisture into electrical components,water in headlight,heat doesn't work.Should have been great vehicle, but isn't worth it.Would be $1000's to repair, will not recommend Dodge.
accountCircle Missy on September 10, 2022
2012 Dodge Journey electrical
I can't believe how much electrical problems with starting my car. At first I thought it was my battery, I got a battery charger put it on and says it's fully charge, but car will not start. What a piece of garbage.
accountCircle Leona on January 23, 2024
Battery and alternator problems
My vehicle won't start. There is a new battery in my vehicle and when I got boost it was ok. But as soon as the booster cables were removed it staring losing power. The screen n fanturned off and then shut off
accountCircle Harold Hall on January 4, 2024
Low compressions on one cylinder, took to the shop with engine lite on , have spent hundreds of dollars on repairs that didn’t lake care of the engine problem, spoke to shop attendant and asked to speak with manager and was referred to a supervisor, ask forsera representatives and was denied wouldn’t give me a name or contact number. I think they didn’t
Lack of knowledge in services development
avatar Geoffrey Piehl
Geoff Piehl has been covering industry trends for many popular automotive websites for over two years. He is a longtime content creator for the IB Auto Group, and in addition to contributing to Vehicle History his byline can be found on Club Lexus and Ford Trucks.
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