The Lemon Index2012 Dodge Journey.
The 2012 Dodge Journey is worse than average by owner complaints: 108 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 125, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 19 to 22 mpg combined. The best Dodge Journey year is 2020.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 376 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Dodge Journey year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 32K to 110K miles on the car (269 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 48K–110K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 50K–116K miles
- brakes complaints mostly came at 25K–107K miles
Recalls 6
- airbags 2017
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.
- steering 2016
After exposure to cold temperatures, the power steering return hose may rupture at engine start-up causing a loss of power steering assist.
- stability control 2015
In the affected vehicles, water may enter the wiring harness for the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module and leak into the module, disabling the ABS and/or the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
Show all 6 recalls
- engine 2015
In the affected vehicles, the engine cover may detach from the engine and contact the exhaust manifold.
- brakes 2011
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 DODGE JOURNEY AND FIAT 500 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 24, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 26, 2011.
- engine 2011
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHRYSLER VEHICLES, INCLUDING 200 AND TOWN AND COUNTRY MODELS, DODGE VEHICLES, INCLUDING CHARGER, DURANGO, GRAND CARAVAN AND JOURNEY MODELS AND JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES MA…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Dodge told dealers about
Dodge sent dealers 224 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Fuel gauge fails to register full after fuel tank has been filled
- Hard Contact Knocking Noise In Engine Compartment Primarily While Turning Left This bulletin…
- MIL Illumination: P0300, P0302, P0304 or P0306 (X56 Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenVehicle entrapment2024
- ClosedActive head rest inadvertent deployment2019–2026
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge Journey SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Dodge Journey SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2900–3400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Had my brakes checked at my mechanic because they were grabbing. He said the rotors were warped. My vehicle only has 25,000 miles on it. Called Dodge they said too bad you bought it used it is your problem.
2012 Dodge Journey owner · NHTSA complaint 10532903
More owner reports
Had rear brakes pads and rotors replaced because of frozen calipers. Took to dealer and said that caliper pin needed to be greased.
NHTSA complaint 10748881
Had to replace at 16,000 mile not good for normal driving dealer said its normal ware bull------ 25,000 for a car and this is whit you get
NHTSA complaint 10565433
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Dodge Journey reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.2× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 125; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Dodge Journey year by this measure is 2020.
What are the most common 2012 Dodge Journey problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (25%), engine (25%) and electrical (23%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Dodge Journey have?
6 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Dodge Journey get?
19 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Dodge Journey safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 Dodge Journey problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 32,500 and 110,000 miles. The middle report was at 78,000 miles, from 269 complaints.
Does the 2012 Dodge Journey have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 11% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2012 Dodge Journey cost in fuel a year?
About $2900 to $3400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Dodge Journey have?
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What Dodge Journey year is better than the 2012?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2020, 2019 and 2011.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works