2012 Dodge Journey Engine Problems
Owners have filed 97 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the 2012 Dodge Journey, 26% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 89,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “engine cooling” (16% of reports).
- 97engine complaints
- 89,000median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 47%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Engine cooling: mentioned in 16 of 97 complaints (16%)
- Catalytic converter: mentioned in 6 of 97 complaints (6%)
- Heater core: mentioned in 5 of 97 complaints (5%)
- Chrysler jeep: mentioned in 5 of 97 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 63 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 97 complaints, 1 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 1 an injury.
Dodge Journey engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Journey | 8 | 12% | 57,800 |
| 2019 Journey | 9 | 9% | 38,000 |
| 2018 Journey | 30 | 13% | 15,000 |
| 2017 Journey | 43 | 22% | 48,900 |
| 2016 Journey | 113 | 29% | 64,244 |
| 2015 Journey | 135 | 24% | 56,798 |
| 2014 Journey | 98 | 24% | 55,194 |
| 2013 Journey | 72 | 20% | 82,000 |
| 2012 Journey | 97 | 26% | 89,000 |
| 2011 Journey | 29 | 17% | 89,000 |
| 2010 Journey | 164 | 17% | 80,000 |
| 2009 Journey | 149 | 10% | 82,000 |
| 2007 Journey | 2 | 50% | 36,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the displaced engine cover contacts the exhaust manifold, there would be an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix: 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.
Engine and engine cooling
Problem: 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 manufactured from august 31, 2011, through september 13, 2011, that are equipped with 3.6l engines. These engines may experience connecting rod bearing failure due to debris inside the engine block.
Risk: Connecting rod failure may lead to engine seizure which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners and replace the engine free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about november 18, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
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
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…
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…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2012 Dodge Journeys have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 97 owner complaints about engine for the 2012 Dodge Journey (26% of the 376 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2012 Dodge Journey engine?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do engine problems start?
The median reported mileage is 89,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about engine problems on the 2012 Dodge Journey?
The most frequent phrase is “engine cooling”, in 16 of 97 complaints, followed by “catalytic converter” (6).
Other 2012 Dodge Journey problems
See all 2012 Dodge Journey problems or engine problems across all Journey years.