FaultScore

2012 Dodge Journey engine problems

106 of the 623 complaints about the 2012 Dodge Journey are about the engine — 17% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 89,000 miles.

C

106

Complaints

1

Crashes

8

Fires

1

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Engine 97 91.5%
Engine AND Engine Cooling 3 2.8%
Radiator Assembly 1 0.9%
Cooling System 1 0.9%
Catalytic Convertor 1 0.9%
FAN 1 0.9%
Seals/Gaskets 1 0.9%
Crank/Camshaft Position Sensor 1 0.9%

Engine & Cooling across every Dodge Journey year

2009 173 17.0%
2010 188 18.5%
2011 34 3.3%
2012 106 10.4%
2013 77 7.6%
2014 102 10.0%
2015 138 13.6%
2016 123 12.1%
2017 45 4.4%
2018 32 3.1%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 175,589 miles Sheboygan, WI

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was white smoke coming from the vehicle, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 20 MPH while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 175,589.

NHTSA complaint #11747621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Foley, AL

ENGINE

No compression head gasket prob not running hot or water being used but cylinder test shows no compression and combustion leak detector test shows leak

NHTSA complaint #11718001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Riverton, IL Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owned a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that upon her daughter starting the vehicle, an abnormal popping noise was emitted from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle caught fire as the contact's daughter exited the vehicle. The fire department was called to the scene of the incident, where they extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported, and a police report was not filed. A corner of the contact's home caught fire, melting the home's siding. Two other vehicles also caught fire, which melted the front ends of those vehicles. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard, where the vehicle was destroyed. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had yet been notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that there was a recall on the vehicle for NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V431000(Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11716777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Overland Park, KS

ENGINE

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 parts off of Amazon in the oil panel he purchased it I don't know why this b**** you want to f*** with me my kids are gone and that was a second opinion they also pulled my vehicle over and ran my VIN number and that is on my kids and my life and my soul the detective said I don't have alternative email

NHTSA complaint #11712588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

La Salle, CO

ENGINE

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.

Birmingham, AL

ENGINE

Engine problems

NHTSA complaint #11607037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Tan Valley, AZ

ENGINE

We've owned this vehiclenot even 4 years. It had an engine recall that it was part of. It says it was repaired, however it never recieved a new engine. Now I just spent $9,000+ to replace the entire engine because of the exact issue of the recall: metal fragments in the engine. Why did I pay for this recall problem? Did dodge replace the engine during the recall? Paperwork says no, but shows it was "repaired". If it was replaced, why did I replace it again for the exact same issue? Dodge has financially ruined our family. Besides this $9k we've spent $6k on engine work before the new engine, $4,500 on transmission work (with more to come as we're currently experiencing transmission issues) and $6k + on all kinds of issues that has never occurred on any vehicles I have owned in the last 30 years. And we've spent all this in under 4 years. This is unacceptable! For an american auto maker to produce and sell vehicles like this. This is why we people buy foreign. This dodge IS NOT a well built, trustworthy and dependable car. You won't believe how many times we've had to miss school and work because the car was broken down or being repaired. Our Honda civic was 20 years old, ran better and was 100% dependable. I never had to replace the engine, do ANY transmission work or have had half the problems with my civic than I have had and currently have with this "american" car that is only 11 years old. As a 1 income family with 2 kids in college and one still in high school, this is completely devastating to us. Trying to save money and get ahead and ALL OF IT has been spent fixing this vehicle. Dodge has completely devastated our family. How can an American auto maker be allowed to get away with producing vehicles like this? Why should I have to go bankrupt owning a dodge? Why won't they accept responsibility for their defective product? I've spent $25,000 fixing this dodge in 4 years. I can't afford to fix it or buy a new car. We're ruined

NHTSA complaint #11605949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Newark, DE

ENGINE

Airbag light is on. P06DD Engine oil pressure control circuit performance /stuck off

NHTSA complaint #11573440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Keokuk, IA

ENGINE

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.

Plainwell, MI

ENGINE

On vehicles with the 3.6l Pentastar engine, the oil pump fails before 150,000 miles causing DTC P06DD to trip which instantly puts the vehicle into "Limp Mode". This immediately cuts down the power to the engine which slows everything down potentially causing you to be hit by other traffic. It also causes a hefty repair bill. This is a very common issue known to the repair shops and dealers. My family has a 2012 Dodge Journey with this engine. A local and well known mechanic shop performed extensive diagnostics and confirmed this issue. The repair took hours to complete. The repair shop did replace other parts that could potentially cause this problem, however, it did not resolve the issue. There were/are no warning signs; simply the engine light comes on and the vehicle goes straight into limp mode with immediate decline in power.

NHTSA complaint #11546258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Temperance, MI

ENGINE

Oil filter housing broken internally

NHTSA complaint #11526469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Antonio, TX

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11518190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

South Bay Fl, FL

ENGINE

Engine shut off and wouldn’t start up again

NHTSA complaint #11517485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Jacksonville, FL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light and the traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the driver's side wheel sensor, the passenger's side wheel sensor, and the crank position sensor were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control, Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Darcars Orange Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (7233 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32244) for recall repair; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #11513184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bonne Terre, MO

ENGINE

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.

Winchester, VA

ENGINE

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.

at 76,200 miles Ocoee, FL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle started to jerk. In addition, when the brake pedal was depressed it traveled to the floorboard. There was also a failure with the electric stability control failure; in addition to the headlights, visibility was dim. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76, 200

NHTSA complaint #11471214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 126,000 miles Fort Myers, FL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:SEALS/GASKETS

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 20 MPH. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was purchased to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the head gasket and throttle body had failed. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and it was determined that the throttle body had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer towed the vehicle to an unknown authorized Dodge dealer who repaired the vehicle however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

NHTSA complaint #11465100 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

New Orleans, LA

ENGINE

As I am drive my car will slow down almost as if it’s gonna shut off then began to rev up and feel as if it’s jumps back into gear. I been looking through issues with this car and I see the transmission solenoid has been a problem. Seems as if this is the issue with my vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11419831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Chester, PA

ENGINE

Vehicle stalls intermittently, when coming to a stop at a light or Stop Sign.This has occurred on multiple occasions and could result in serious injury or Death. The latest date was yesterday May 31,2021.

NHTSA complaint #11419156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 21,000 miles Burlington, MA

ENGINE

VEHICLE TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT WARNING, EVEN AT FULL SPEED. THIS HAPPENS WHILE I AM DRVING ANYWHERE INCLUDING THE HIGHWAY

NHTSA complaint #11413075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LAS Vegas, NV Crash 3 injured

ENGINE

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 CHRYSLER'S NUMBER FOR THIS RECALL IS T47 CHRYSLER'S NUMBER FOR THIS RECALL IS S08 CHRYSLER'S NUMBER FOR THIS RECALL IS R61 CHRYSLER'S NUMBER FOR THIS RECALL IS R32

NHTSA complaint #11388246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 149,103 miles LAS Vegas, NV

ENGINE

MY CAR IS THROWING OFF A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AN IT INDICATES IT'S MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER, MY ENGINE HAS AN KNOCKING SOUND ALSO, AND WHEN I APPLY PRESSURE ON MY BRAKES THERE'S A DELAY OF STOPPING. WHILE I'M DRIVING CITY/HIGHWAY.

NHTSA complaint #11386563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LAS Vegas, NV

ENGINE

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.

at 110,000 miles Dallas, NC

ENGINE

OVER HEATING AND RUNNING HOTTER THAN USUAL. UNUSUAL SMELL FROM ENGINE WHEN ACCELERATING QUICKLY. POPPING WHEN MAKING SHARP TURNS. AIR CONDITIONER TURNING ON AND OFF OR UP AND DOWN RANDONLY

NHTSA complaint #11366914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50,000 miles LOS Angeles, CA

ENGINE

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.

at 80,000 miles Madison Heights, MI

ENGINE

THE PASSENGER SIDE HEAT STOPPED BLOWING WARM AND BECAME ONLY COLD AIR. FOUND OUT BY HAVING HEATER CORE REPLACED THAT ITS BECAUSE OF CASTING SAND LEFT OVER ON ENGINE BLOCK AND THE ANGLE OF HEATER CORE CAUSES IT TO BUILDUP AND PREVENT THE HEAT FROM THE CORE INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE. NEW HEATER CORE ALREADY CLOGGED NO HEAT ON EITHER SIDE. WHEN THEY REPLACED IT WAS DODGE DEALER AND THEY FLUSHED EVERYTHING THEY SAID.

NHTSA complaint #11341459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 149,000 miles North Wales, PA

ENGINE

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.

at 96,500 miles Harrisburg, PA

ENGINE

COOLANT WAS LOW SO IT WAS FILLED WITH COOLANT. THE RESERVOIR WAS LOW AGAIN THE VERY SAME DAY AND THE CAR WAS OVERHEATING (AS WELL AS THE AC NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND BLEW HOT AIR EVEN WHEN USING COLD) ON THE HIGHWAY, BARELY MAKING IT TO DESTINATION. THE FIRST DIAGNOSIS WAS AN AIR VACUUM CAUSED A LEAK. THE PROBLEM KEEPS REOCCURRING AFTER THE SUPPOSED FIX.

NHTSA complaint #11298918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 89,000 miles Aliquippa, PA

ENGINE

PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE HAD NO HEAT JUST COOL AIR COMING OUT OF VENTS. DRIVERS SIDE HAD HEAT COMING OUT OF VENTS. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT FACILITY TO HAVE COOLING SYSTEM AND HEATER CORE FLUSHED. WAS TOLD BY INDEPENDENT SHOP IF PROBLEM COMES BACK TO TAKE VEHICLE TO DEALER AND HAVE HEATER CORE REPLACED. AFTER ABOUT 2 MONTHS PROBLEM CAME BACK. TOOK TO DEALER AND FOUND SAME PROBLEM, A CLOGGED HEATER CORE. THEY REACED HEATER CORE IN DECEMBER OF 2018, ALL WAS GOOD TILL NOVEMBER OF 2019. NO HEAT ON PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. TOOK BACK TO DEALER AND THEY FLUSHED HEATER CORE. DECEMBER OF 2019 ONCE AGAIN NO HEAT ON PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. THEY REFLUSHED HEATER CORE AND TOLD US IF PROBLEM COMES BACK TO HAVE RADIATOR REPLACED AND COOLING SYSTEM FLUSHED. THIS IS TURNING INTO A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM DUE TO THE WINDOW KEEP FOGGING UP IN MY WIFES CAR MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR HER TO SEE CLEARLY AND SAFELY WHILE DRIVING. WE HAVE SPENT MORE THAN $2000.00 IN REPAIRS AND NOW THEY WANT $700.00+ AND SAID THERE IS NO GUARANTEE IT WILL WORK.

NHTSA complaint #11292020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2012 Dodge Journey problems

← Full 2012 Dodge Journey report