2012 Dodge Journey Problems: 12 Known Issues
2012 model year · 2,685+ owner reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 2,685+ owner reports, the 2012 Dodge Journey has 12 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are Premature Brake and Rotor Wear ($300-$600 repair), 62TE Transmission Slipping and Solenoid Failure ($300-$4,500 repair), Fuel Pump/Relay Failure (TIPM-Related) ($50-$1,200 repair), Power Steering Hose Rupture - Recall ($0-$800 repair), 3.6L Pentastar V6 Left Cylinder Head Failure (Misfire on Cylinders 2/4/6) and TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure Causing Widespread Electrical Faults ($600-$1,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Premature Brake and Rotor Wear with 850 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 12 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls10 recalls
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster and 2019-2020 Dodge Journey vehicles. Cracks in the microprocessor may cause the vehicle's rearview camera image not to display properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to April 18, 2016, 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2015, to January 29, 2016, and 2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured August 15, 2016, to April 15, 2016. The transmission pump may seize causing a loss of hydraulic pressure.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
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.
+ 5 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Dodge Journey problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 2,685+ owner reports, the 2012 Dodge Journey has 12 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Premature Brake and Rotor Wear, 62TE Transmission Slipping and Solenoid Failure, Fuel Pump/Relay Failure (TIPM-Related). Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Dodge Journey reliable?
The 2012 Dodge Journey has 12 known issues documented across 2,685+ owner reports. 6 issues are rated critical: Premature Brake and Rotor Wear and 62TE Transmission Slipping and Solenoid Failure and Fuel Pump/Relay Failure (TIPM-Related) and Power Steering Hose Rupture - Recall and 3.6L Pentastar V6 Left Cylinder Head Failure (Misfire on Cylinders 2/4/6) and TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure Causing Widespread Electrical Faults. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Dodge Journey problems?
Repair costs for known Dodge Journey issues range from $0 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Premature Brake and Rotor Wear, typically costs $300-$600 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2009-2013 Dodge Journey Premature Brake and Rotor Wear?
Owners allege Dodge installed undersized braking components on the 2-ton Journey, resulting in severe premature wear. Owners report needing brake replacement at 12,000-32,000 miles instead of typical 50,000+ miles. A 2010 class-action lawsuit over 2009-2010 Journeys (Tatum v. Chr… Repairs typically run $300-$600. Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2020 Dodge Journey 62TE Transmission Slipping and Solenoid Failure?
The 62TE 6-speed automatic experiences solenoid pack failures and worn sealing rings. The transmission can slip during the 1-2 or 2-3 shift, engage late, or unexpectedly shift to neutral. It can also enter "limp mode" and lock in 3rd gear. Repairs typically run $300-$4,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2015 Dodge Journey Fuel Pump/Relay Failure (TIPM-Related)?
The fuel pump relay is built into the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module). When it fails, the fuel pump either will not turn on or runs continuously. A failure while driving cuts fuel pressure and stalls the engine. This is the most common TIPM failure mode and can strand driv… Repairs typically run $50-$1,200. Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2016 Dodge Journey Power Steering Hose Rupture - Recall?
Power steering return hose ruptures upon engine start-up in extremely cold temperatures. Affects vehicles with engine block heaters in cold climates. Causes rapid fluid loss and heavy steering creating crash risk. Repairs typically run $0-$800. Severity: high.
What is the 2011-2013 Dodge Journey 3.6L Pentastar V6 Left Cylinder Head Failure (Misfire on Cylinders 2/4/6)?
Selected early 3.6L Journey vehicles have a documented left-cylinder-head valve guide/seat condition associated with misfire. Codes and ticking alone do not establish that diagnosis. This is separate from rocker-arm wear and does not apply to the 2.4L engine. Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2013 Dodge Journey TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure Causing Widespread Electrical Faults?
The under-hood TIPM (a fuse/relay/computer combo) is a known failure point on early Journeys, causing a wide array of erratic electrical behavior. Owners report random horn honking, no-start or hard-start conditions, windows and door locks operating on their own, premature batter… Repairs typically run $600-$1,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2020 Dodge Journey AC Compressor Failure and Evaporator Leaks?
AC compressor fails due to inadequate lubrication, leaky seals, and internal mechanical failure. Evaporator develops leaks from age and moisture. Condenser prone to damage from road debris. Lack of lubrication from leaks causes compressor seizure. Repairs typically run $500-$1,800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2009-2020 Dodge Journey Alternator Failure?
Alternators fail prematurely due to bearing wear, voltage regulator failure, and internal diode damage. A failing alternator stops charging the battery properly, causing electrical problems and eventually a dead battery. Sometimes it overcharges instead, damaging electrical compo… Repairs typically run $375-$1,100. Severity: medium.
What is the 2011-2020 Dodge Journey 3.6L Oil Filter Housing Leak?
Plastic oil filter housing on 3.6L Pentastar warps, cracks, and leaks due to heat exposure. Housing located under intake manifold, making leaks difficult to detect until severe. Heat degradation causes plastic to become brittle and crack. Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2009-2013 Dodge Journey Premature Brake Pad and Rotor Wear?
Owners and a 2010 class action allege Dodge fitted undersized front brakes to the relatively heavy 2009-2010 Journey, leading to abnormally fast pad and rotor wear. Owners commonly report needing new pads and rotors at 12,000-32,000 miles, far earlier than expected, often accompa… Repairs typically run $250-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2009-2014 Dodge Journey Rear Liftgate Wiring Harness Chafing / Charging and Rear Electrical Faults?
The wiring harness running through the rear liftgate hinge area can chafe and break from repeated opening and closing, exposing and severing wires. This causes intermittent rear-light, rear-wiper, and other electrical faults, and owners report it occasionally cascading into charg… Repairs typically run $100-$500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2009-2018 Dodge Journey HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure (Clicking Behind Dash / No Heat or AC on One Side)?
The plastic gears inside the HVAC blend door actuator strip out, a very common failure across 2009-2018 Journeys. This produces a repetitive clicking or ticking noise behind the dash and causes air to blow only hot or only cold, or different temperatures on the driver vs. passeng… Repairs typically run $150-$450. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.