Dodge Journey Electronic Stability Control (esc) Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 6, 2026 · 275 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 275 complaints with NHTSA about electronic stability control (esc) problems on the Dodge Journey across 12 model years. The 2015 model year has the most (51). The words owners use most often: “control service brakes” (28% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Control service brakes: mentioned in 78 of 275 complaints (28%)
  • ABS traction: mentioned in 17 of 275 complaints (6%)
  • Chrysler jeep ram: mentioned in 14 of 275 complaints (5%)

At what mileage do electronic stability control (esc) problems happen?

Based on 196 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles16 · 8%
10k–25k miles14 · 7%
25k–50k miles37 · 19%
50k–75k miles33 · 17%
75k–100k miles40 · 20%
100k–150k miles42 · 21%
150k+ miles14 · 7%

How serious are the reports?

Of 275 complaints, 11 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 7 an injury.

Dodge Journey electronic stability control (esc) complaints by model year

Peak: 2015, with 51 complaints
2007: 1200712009: 232009232010: 402010402011: 7201172012: 442012442013: 442013442014: 412014412015: 512015512016: 182016182017: 3201732018: 2201822019: 120191

n = 275 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearElectronic Stability Control (esc) complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2019 Journey11%1,750
2018 Journey21%4,323
2017 Journey32%5,000
2016 Journey185%49,642
2015 Journey519%45,000
2014 Journey4110%46,000
2013 Journey4412%61,627
2012 Journey4412%99,892
2011 Journey74%69,656
2010 Journey404%90,015
2009 Journey232%97,000
2007 Journey125%—

When owners reported it

Peak: 2019, with 66 complaints
2009: 1200912010: 222011: 2201122012: 112013: 1201312014: 662015: 282015282016: 63632017: 242017242018: 45452019: 662019662020: 24242021: 1202112022: 112023: 2202322024: 662025: 1202512026: 11

n = 275 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (1)

Electronic stability control (esc); service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipOct 19, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V675000 · 275,187 vehicles

Model years: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured April 21, 2012, to April 14, 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.

Risk: If the ABS or ESC is disabled, a loss of vehicle stability could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will seal the ABS wiring harness to prevent water from entering and will replace the ABS module and repair the headlamp and dash wiring harness, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R61.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving, the ABS, brake, and traction control warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ABS module had failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was not…

Received Aug 27, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11759940

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the part was on back order. The contact stated that after severe weather, the…

Received Jul 29, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11676986

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS module was failing and needed to…

Received Nov 13, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11624957

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that after it rained, the ABS warning light illuminated, and the speedometer gauge dropped to "0 MPH”. The contact stated that the warning lights illuminated after it rained; additionally, the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) warning…

Received Oct 2, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11617767

The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Journey. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, the stability-track, check brakes, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the ABS module needed to be…

Received Apr 2, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11580740
Dodge Journey
Second generation Dodge Journey based on the second generation GAC GS5 (GAC GS4 Plus) in Playa del Carmen. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Cannonball walk, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Dodge Journeys have electronic stability control (esc) problems?

No. NHTSA has 275 owner complaints about electronic stability control (esc) for the Dodge Journey. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Dodge Journey electronic stability control (esc)?

Yes: 1 safety recall list electronic stability control (esc). Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

What do owners say about electronic stability control (esc) problems on the Dodge Journey?

The most frequent phrase is “control service brakes”, in 78 of 275 complaints, followed by “abs traction” (17).

Other Dodge Journey problems

See all Dodge Journey problems.