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.
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.
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.
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.
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