Dodge Journey Service Brakes, Hydraulic Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 13, 2026 · 282 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 282 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Dodge Journey across 12 model years. The 2009 model year has the most (195). The words owners use most often: “brake pads” (27% of reports).

What owners describe

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

  • Brake pads: mentioned in 76 of 282 complaints (27%)
  • Brakes rotors: mentioned in 52 of 282 complaints (18%)
  • Stability control: mentioned in 19 of 282 complaints (7%)

How much does it cost to fix?

Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical service brakes, hydraulic repair on the Dodge Journey at $740, and half of them between $530 and $1,050.

Based on 13 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2010–2014), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.

At what mileage do service brakes, hydraulic problems happen?

Based on 250 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles23 · 9%
10k–25k miles128 · 51%
25k–50k miles55 · 22%
50k–75k miles17 · 7%
75k–100k miles11 · 4%
100k–150k miles11 · 4%
150k+ miles5 · 2%

How serious are the reports?

Of 282 complaints, 6 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury.

Dodge Journey service brakes, hydraulic complaints by model year

Peak: 2009, with 195 complaints
2009: 19520091952010: 342010342011: 8201182012: 112012112013: 112013112014: 4201442015: 9201592016: 3201632017: 1201712018: 4201842019: 1201912020: 120201

n = 282 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearService Brakes, Hydraulic complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2020 Journey12%34,294
2019 Journey11%47,000
2018 Journey42%63,100
2017 Journey11%—
2016 Journey31%118,575
2015 Journey92%78,500
2014 Journey41%142,500
2013 Journey113%85,500
2012 Journey113%85,600
2011 Journey85%14,500
2010 Journey343%14,581
2009 Journey19514%20,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2010, with 105 complaints
2009: 6200962010: 1051052011: 872011872012: 27272013: 4201342014: 442015: 3201532016: 552018: 5201852019: 222020: 2202022021: 112022: 4202242023: 442024: 9202492025: 882026: 620266

n = 282 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (3)

Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliperAug 9, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V523000 · 154,335 vehicles

Model years: 2018

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U86.

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.

Service brakes, hydraulic:fluidNov 10, 2011 · NHTSA campaign 11V550000 · 340 vehicles

Model years: 2012

Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2012 dodge journey and fiat 500 vehicles manufactured from october 24, 2011, through october 26, 2011. Some vehicles were assembled with contaminated brake fluid and may experience a degradation of the sealing components within the brake system.

Risk: This could lead to loss of braking ability increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners and replace all brake components that come in contact with hydraulic brake fluid. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on march 1, 2012. 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.

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 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the air bag and ABS warning lights illuminated, and the cruise control feature became inoperable. The contact received notifications for Manufacturer Recalls: R61 and T47; and the…

Received Aug 12, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11756515

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and failed to stop immediately. The traction control, ABS, and brake warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who…

Received Jul 22, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11752059

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-30 MPH, the engine made an abnormally loud sound. The check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had progressively worsened. The vehicle was taken to an…

Received Jul 2, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11748020

The traction control light, the service AWD light and the abs light are all on, the horn stopped working, the buttons on the steering wheel stopped working, the backup camera stopped working, the air in the back portion of the vehicle turns on randomly-and the temp to the back randomly adjusts on…

Received Apr 22, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11732945
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 service brakes, hydraulic problems?

No. NHTSA has 282 owner complaints about service brakes, hydraulic 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 service brakes, hydraulic?

Yes: 3 safety recalls list service brakes, hydraulic. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

How much does it cost to fix service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Dodge Journey?

Owners report a typical cost of $740 (half paid between $530 and $1,050), from 13 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.

What do owners say about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Dodge Journey?

The most frequent phrase is “brake pads”, in 76 of 282 complaints, followed by “brakes rotors” (52).

Other Dodge Journey problems

See all Dodge Journey problems.