116 of the 623 complaints about the 2012 Dodge Journey are about the electrical system — 19% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 85,000 miles.
116
Complaints
1
Crashes
4
Fires
0
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11755599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11718174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Component/System That Failed or Malfunctioned & Availability for Inspection I have experienced multiple safety-critical failures in my 2012 Dodge Journey, including transmission failure, catalytic converter defects, engine repairs, electrical malfunctions, and brake system issues. Pattern of Recalls Across Dodge Journey Models & Lack of Recall for My Vehicle There have been numerous recalls across multiple model years (2009-2020) for the exact same failures my vehicle is experiencing, including: Transmission failures and defects Engine problems requiring major repairs Catalytic converter and exhaust failures Brake system failures and premature caliper wear Electrical malfunctions affecting windows, wiring, and power systems Despite this clear pattern of defects in Dodge Journey models, my specific vehicle has not been recalled for these issues. Dodge/Stellantis needs to explain why these defects are not being covered under existing recalls when the same problems have been recognized in other model years. How My Safety & Others’ Safety Was Put at Risk 1. Transmission Failure & Unsafe Driving Conditions My transmission failed completely, causing high RPM revving, and loss of acceleration. My vehicle essentially stalled out on the highway. Now, the transmission requires a full rebuild costing over $5,238.64. Dodge has issued recalls for transmission defects in other Journey model years, but mine is excluded despite experiencing identical failures. 2. Engine Repairs & Performance Failures My vehicle has required major engine repairs, including: Camshaft and rocker arm replacements Ignition coil replacements Thermostat and cooling system repairs Dodge has issued engine-related recalls for other Journey models, including crankshaft/camshaft sensor failures, engine stalling, and overheating risks. My vehicle suffers from the same defects but has not been recalled. These engine issues pose a major safety hazard by increasing the risk of engine stalling, loss of power, and
NHTSA complaint #11648187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Abs, brake, and traction light coming on coded c2200-49 told there was a recall and when I called the dealership they said it wasn't for my vehicle but they couldn't even order the part because they're having to replace them on so many and they are not in stock anywhere until after April 15th. If this has been an issue with other vehicles and is currently an issue with mine why is it not under the recall??? 2012 Dodge Journey sxt
NHTSA complaint #11576362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Airbag light is on. P06DD Engine oil pressure control circuit performance /stuck off
NHTSA complaint #11573440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
March 10th 2023 . Driver side door panel Caught on fire. The panel has was replaced by National Auto Sales 3 times. It renders me (the owner) of 2012 dodge journey not to able to open the driver side door & all the windows. I think this is very dangerous & a safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11569624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The car shifts super hard into second gear. The inside smells like the car is over heating,driving down the interstate the car losses power,you can push your foot to the floor and nothing,the car will not excelerate at all.It's extremely dangerous. You have to pull over turn the car off and then on again to get it to go. This happens about every 20 minutes or so,the heat only works in the driver vent and the smell gives you a headache and makes you sick to your stomach. The vehicle is not safe at all. The catalytic converter gives gas off into the cabin.
NHTSA complaint #11554706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The electrical is so messed up the battery drains within hours, I have shorts in all aspects of this car(Bluetooth, navigation, clicking relays nonstop, heat goes out intermittently, power switches on doors. I saw my headlights surging in power in the middle of nowhere, they would get bright, then go dim, then a battery icon illuminated on my dashboard before my car downshifted so hard I almost lost control of the car. The dealer replaced my motor mounts and my alternator, after calling to say my battery is bad and then turned around and said it wasn’t. Not to mention my brakes locked up in a little rain and I couldn’t stop crashing through a wall. Replaced my rear light turning bulb and it exploded with fire when I went to change it. The suspension is horrible and I am pretty sure my cv axles are all broken. Everything keeps breaking. Lifter Taps intermittently, rough idling and hard shifting. Key fob doesn’t start car or is recognized with fresh batteries in it. When I jump start it sometimes the horn goes off for a minute. The reverse camera goes out for days and randomly comes on again. Under the hood feels so extremely hot and for some reason it doesn’t register as overheating. Even when I check fluids and for the coolant levels are low for some reason. There is an actuator That constantly is going off under the dash. Airbags didn’t deploy when i hit the wall at all. The limp mode has come on and gone off a few times. Only codes I have is for tps and an outdoor ambient temperature sensor that says it’s either negative 40 degrees or 122 degrees. Which won’t let me clear nor allow me to remote start. Warranty is gone and when you take the fuse box cover off under the hood(just the cover) it goes haywire shaking and lights all over the dash and I have to shut the car off. Yes somebody please inspect this vehicle. The absolute worst vehicle I owe 12k on and I can’t afford to fix all of this that’s shutting down at the same time
NHTSA complaint #11553890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
So I the wiring harness in the hatch needed replaced. So we replaced it and a year later the interior light would come on randomly, then my rear wiper stopped working, all my rear light are messed up sometimes they work sometimes they don't. And not the computer says don't ajar so I can't lock my 2012 journey and the alarm goes of randomly... I'm afraid it's gonna catch fire like I have been reading online.
NHTSA complaint #11525194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Abs light and show it and I have proof cost back up cam don't work and going cost me more 1500.00 on the repair check and recall
NHTSA complaint #11519914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY FAMILY AND I ,WAS GOING THROUGH ANINTERSECTION WHEN SOMEONE RAN RED LIGTH WE PERFORMED AN EMERGENCY STOP APPLYING BRAKE PEDAL WHERE ABS KICKED IN ,NO COLLISON ACCURED BUT THE ABS AND BRAKE PEDAL SYSTEM "DID NOT'' RECOVER WITH THE PEDAL CONTINUE TO FADE TO FLOOR AFTERWARDS ..... THERE ARE NO CURRENTLY NO VISIABLE LEAKS ON BRAKING SYSTEM AND BRAKE PADS BOTH FRONT AND REAR ARE 8-10 MM IN THICKNESS
NHTSA complaint #11519289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
As I was braking to enter the on-ramp of Hwy 1923 from Asheville, I noticed for the second time, my brakes were not slowing me down as usual, instead, they acted as if they were slowly grabbing. As I speed up to the correct speed limit, It seemed as though my brakes started to grab again without me depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle made a throbbing, and vibrating sound. All this after just having taken the vehicle to my mechanic for the same problem two days prior. The back brakes were replaced, the front brakes looked fine, and everything was checked out. Two days later brakes started acting up again, not working normally and acting as if thay are grabbing and vibrating the vehicle! No warning lights were shown. Next step is the Dodge Dealer. Another very aggravating glitch that the Dodge Dealer said that didn see, is the fact that every time I park the vehicle, I have to turn the sterring wheel a certain way before the battery will shut off, if not the battery will be drained!
NHTSA complaint #11508174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery drain when car turned off
NHTSA complaint #11503447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The clvehicke will stall at slow motion and on highway dash lights will flicker and eventually shut off … only thing that helps is to wiggle the wiring harness until dash comes back on
NHTSA complaint #11493479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The battery and traction control lights went on. A smell like nail polish remover followed by white smoke came from under the hood. After pulling over, the hood was opened and white smoke came from the passenger side, not the drivers side where the batter is located. After cooling down for about 45 minutes, the car had now power. The fob, power locks, lights, everything was dead. Unknown cause, need to have the car towed for an estimate and cause.
NHTSA complaint #11491421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The check engine light came on a few days ago and now the battery light came on. The right headlight has condensation in it and the heat slowly has gone out across the front panel. The touch screen sometimes works but sometimes malfunctions. I have to get my car changed from Michigan to Virginia and it will require an inspection How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The car slows down or electrical goes wired while I’m the car and I have 2 children under the age of 2. So if it catches fire due to an electrical problem or the engine fails while driving because of the check engine light or battery light it could cause a serious problem Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No they just started a few days ago the check engine light came on and now the battery light came on. It’s been a great car but I’m not sure what’s happening now because it’s nothing I did.
NHTSA complaint #11491082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Anti lock system engage comes on while driving , causing vehicle to shut down was informed by dealership ( where diagnostic was done )to take vehicle to manufacturer this has been ongoing issue for months. I have paid money on serveral tow bills (stuck on roads )and numerous out of pocket expenses. I am paying car notes but “ walk “ or pay for alternative transportation for safety for “ myself “ and children
NHTSA complaint #11485781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electrical - the vehicle while driving just shut off. No power, no lights, the engine died. The vehicle was brought to a stop, placed in park and then restarted without issue. The ABS system - the brakes failed to work. While at a stop light, brakes depressed, the vehicle began rolling backwards.
NHTSA complaint #11483040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Having to jump vehicle every morning something draining battery Ive replaced battery 3 times
NHTSA complaint #11475204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Total loss of power while driving. Clock resets to noon. Gas Guage shows over filled once vehicle gets put in park and gets turned back on. No codes on the dash. Touchscreen normally red. Turns to blue for duration of vehicle trip. Then back to red next trips. Can't be duplicated by mechanic. Wierd fuel odor coming from vehicle. Steering locks up after total loss of power. No problems with not starting so far. But driving with 3 yr old on busy streets is dangerous now
NHTSA complaint #11472483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My safety was at risk and I put others at risk when my vehicle lost power in the middle of a busy highway and almost caused an accident with my 2 young children in the car. It would not accelerate and we got stuck in the middle of the rode. The ABS light came on when it happened. I took it to my local dealer to diagnose and was told there was water in the ABS module connector which caused the wires to corrode. Chrysler had a recall on this specific issue for my model but because my vehicle didn't come out of a specific batch, they won't cover it. This is a safety issue and if other vehicles of this make and model were recalled for this specific issue, they should fix mine. I have attached the R61 recall from Chrysler for this issue
NHTSA complaint #11434076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE ACTIVATED, THE TURN SIGNALS WOULD LOSE FUNCTIONALITY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE, AIR BAGS, AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER MAX CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM BELTON (7820 E. 171ST ST, BELTON, MO 64012, (816)331-4300) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE CLOCKSPRING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 173,000.
NHTSA complaint #11408035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE RADIO/THERMOSTAT WINDOW POWER LOCKS AND USB SLOWLY STARTED TO MALFUNCTION. NOW THE SCREEN TO THE RADIO AND THERMOSTAT DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. THE WIRING HARNESSES LOCATED AT THE REAR HATCH WHICH HAS NO VISIBLE OUTSIDE DAMAGE, YES ALL THE WIRING INSIDE IS PINCHED AND EXPOSED. THE ONLY WAY WE DISCOVERED IT WAS BECAUSE THE BACK WIPER BLADE WENT OUT.
NHTSA complaint #11397023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH HEAT EVERY WINTER FOR THE PAST FOUR YEARS. I HAVE PAID THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON THIS EVERY WINTER AND WILL WORK FOR THAT SEASON ONLY.
NHTSA complaint #11394637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
NHTSA ID NUMBER:11258769 ENGINE LIGHT MULTIPLE TIMES- EMISSIONS CONTROL - FOUND ONLINE BUT DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL: IN AFFECTED CARS, FCA WILL REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND UPDATE SOFTWARE FOR THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE — THAT IS, YOUR CAR’S PRIMARY DRIVETRAIN COMPUTER. FCA WILL RECYCLE THE OLD CATALYTIC CONVERTER TO REMOVE THE PRECIOUS METALS COMMON IN SUCH DEVICES, A USUAL PRACTICE. “OBVIOUSLY THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, THAT’S THE BIGGEST PART OF THIS,” CHERNOBY SAID. THE REPLACEMENT CONVERTER HAS A “DIFFERENT MIXTURE OF PRECIOUS METALS … TO BE LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO SULFUR IN THE FUEL,” HE ADDED. DUE TO THE NUMBER OF REPLACEMENT CATALYTIC CONVERTERS NEEDED, THE AUTOMAKER IS RECALLING CARS IN WAVES. MODEL-YEAR 2011 CARS: FIRST QUARTER OF 2019 MODEL-YEAR 2012 CARS: SECOND QUARTER OF 2019 MODEL-YEAR 2013-14 CARS: THIRD QUARTER OF 2019 MODEL-YEAR 2015-16 CARS: FOURTH QUARTER OF 2019
NHTSA complaint #11373223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE 2012 DODGE JOURNEY SUV WIRING HARNESS IN THE REAR HATCH IF USED REGULARLY THE WIRES WILL BRAKE AND CAUSE NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES. RANGING FROM NO REAR LIGHTS, WINDSHIELD WIPER, THE REAR LOCK BUTTON WILL ALSO MALFUNCTION. SOMETIMES AS IN MY CASE IT HAS CAUSE ALTERNATOR ISSUES. I AM NOW BROKE DOWN DUE TO WHAT WILL NOW BE MY 3RD ALTERNATOR IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS. I FEEL THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO RECALLED.
NHTSA complaint #11372379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE THERMAL STAT HOUSING HAS BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES. THE OIL PAN GASKET DOES LOT LAST. THE ALTERNATOR HAS BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES. THE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE IN THE SB PORT BUT ONLY SEEMED TO WORKED WHEN IT WAS TAKEN TO DEALER. THE HEAD REST DEPLOYED WHEN NO ONE WAS IN THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11354051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY TWO KIDS WHEN I HAD TURNED MY BRIGHT LIGHTS ON THEN OFF AGAIN AS CARS WERE COMING WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURNED ON. THEY WILL NOT TURN OFF, THE HIGH BEAMS WON'T TURN ON AND MY BLINKERS DO NOT WORK AS WELL. EVERYTIME I START THE VEHICLE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURN ON AND CANNOT BE TURNED OFF AGAIN. EVERYTHING IN THE SWITCH THAT CONTROLS ALL OF THESE FEATURES IS USELESS AND A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. LUCKILY WE WERE NOT HIT TURNING OFF THE HIGHWAY HEADED HOME.
NHTSA complaint #11328791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE BEEN READING ABOUT MY ISSUE ALL TOO OFTEN ONLINE AND HAVE YET TO SEE ANY RESOLUTION AT ALL. I HAVE A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY AND HONESTLY IT IS SCARY DRIVING IT! THE CAR ACTUALLY SHUTS OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT WARNING. THE ISSUE IT KEEPS SHOWING IS A CRANK SENSOR CODE. THE SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES NOW! IT IS ALSO NOT AN EASY JOB SINCE ON AN ALL WHEEL DRIVE MODEL, THERE ARE MANY HOURS INVOLVED TO REPLACE IT. BUT IF YOU'RE ON THE HIGHWAY AND DRIVING NORMALLY THE CAR WILL DIE AT ANY MOMENTS NOTICE AND GIVE NO WARNING. SEEMS LIKE THERE ARE MANY MANY OTHERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. IF YOU DO A QUICK SEARCH AND TYPE DODGE JOURNEY DIES WHILE DRIVING YOU WILL EASILY FIND MANY PEOPLE WITH SAME ISSUE. MANY PEOPLE SPENDING THEIR HARD EARNED MONEY ON REPAIRS THAT GET THEM NOWHERE! THIS REALLY IS SAD AND DODGE HAS DONE NOTHING TO HELP EXCEPT CONTINUE TO PUT PEOPLES LIVES AT RISK AND TAKING THEIR MONEY FOR REPAIRS! PLEASE HELP! I HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS ISSUE OVER 30 TIMES IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS! THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE
NHTSA complaint #11307399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY TRUCK FIRST STARTED WITH MY DRIVERS SIDE TAILLIGHT GOING OUT. IT DON'T WORK WHEN MY LIGHTS ARE OFF, BUT WHEN MY LIGHT OUT ON IT WORKS PREFECT FINE. WHEN I FIRST NOTICE THIS WAS WHEN I WENT TO GET IN MY CAR DURING THE DAY AND MY NEIGHBORS WHO WAS PARKED BEHIND ME TOLD ME MY TAILLIGHT WAS OUT AND WAS THE LED TAILLIGHT. I BELIEVE THERE IS AS ELECTRICAL ISSUES THERE. AND SECONDLY, MY AIRBAG LIGHT COME ON. THE VEHICLE WAS ON A CITY STREET AND ALL I DID WAS TURNING A CORNER AND IT CAME ON AND STILL ON. THIRDLY, WHEN IT RAINING OUTSIDE DRIVING AND STOP AT A RED LIGHT, WHEN IT TURNS GREEN AND I PROCEED TO GO AND MY TIRES SLIDE MY RADIO WOULD RESTART LIKE I JUST CUT MY TRUCK ON. EVERYTHING HAPPENED AT DIFFERENT TIMES, BUT THE MOST RECENT IS THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMING ON.
NHTSA complaint #11302585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.