2011 Dodge Journey: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 169 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes (22% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2017
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 169 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Power steering starts leaking in cold climates resulting in tightness and difficulty in steering wheel . recall code s08”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2025
“The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard with the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS brake module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the ABS brake module part had been discontinued. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2025
“Stirring wheel fluid hose has burst during cold weather, and will lose control of wheel. My car wasn't listed in the recall for that said issue for other dodge journey's. I had it repair ones and now its doing it again.”Owner report · Steering · May 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“Defrost doesn't work due to no heat on passenger side. Heater core replaced and has to be flushed out every year. Research on the internet says this is a common issue but no recall.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Dec 2022
“You can read online anywhere that the ECU is a MAJOR problem. My car battery dies everytime i shut it off. Ive replace the battery 8 times, the alternator 4 times. Had countless amout of diagnostic tests done on it. Still nothing. Come to find out its the ECU which i cant afford to replace as its over $800 to repair. Look online and you'll see almost everyone with a journey has this problem. When it causes my car to shut off while driving, it becomes a serious safety issue as i always have 4 small children with me. 3 three year olds and a 6 year old. Nobody wants a dodge because of the problems associated with it. Please fix this. Please.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2022
“The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the transmission warning light would illuminate while attempted to change gears. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic and was informed that the torque converter failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2022
“There are many many as in huge multiple complaints of this journey vehicle not starting because keeping a charge. We have had to buy and have dealer install three batteries in the last four years. Found one problem, leaving a cd in the player causes the battery to drain. Cannot find any other. Please help.”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2020
“The vehicle suddenly shuts off at highway speeds and has significant trouble restarting. The vehicle has been inspected over 10 times by an asc certified mechanic for this issue and there hasn't been a check engine code present that would cause this issue.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 dodge journey. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, brake and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to community motors chrysler dodge jeep ram (500 westin oaks dr, hammond, la 70403, (985) 345-0401) and diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the part wass no longer being manufactured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 67,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2020
“Battery light came on many times over a couple weeks. Then it went into battery saver mode. The radio stopped working, air conditioning, lights and the dash board had every check light come on. It then would not shift and rpms went to 4 and 5 but only would do around 20 mph. Battery thrn died. After charging battery then replacing it with a new battery and the alternater and all wiring checked out just fine. No other problems could be found but still the battery saver mode is on and my journey wont hold a charge. This all happened while I was driving with my childern in town going at a speed of 20-30 mph.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2020
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 10 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 31, 2007, to November 12, 2016. After exposure to cold temperatures, the power steering return hose may rupture at engine start-up causing a loss of power steering assist.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler, free of charge. The recall began on May 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S08.
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED STEERING COLUMN PIVOT RIVET.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR RIVET PRESENCE AND ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN PIVOT AS REQUIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may unexpectedly deploy if the air bag wiring harness gets chafed within the steering wheel and short circuits.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag wiring within the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary. A protective cover will also be installed. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T47.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 19, 2010, to May 26, 2015 and equipped with 2.4L engines. In the affected vehicles, the engine cover may detach from the engine and contact the exhaust manifold.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install an improved mounting system for the engine cover, free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R32.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2011 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Journey by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Dodge Journey reliable?
NHTSA has 169 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 Dodge Journey. The most complained-about area is service brakes (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2011 Dodge Journey problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 65,000 miles or less.
Does the 2011 Dodge Journey have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.