Dodge Journey Steering Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 6, 2026 · 339 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 339 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Dodge Journey across 12 model years. The 2009 model year has the most (72). The words owners use most often: “steering hose” (9% of reports).

What owners describe

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

  • Steering hose: mentioned in 30 of 339 complaints (9%)
  • Cold weather: mentioned in 20 of 339 complaints (6%)

At what mileage do steering problems happen?

Based on 249 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles36 · 14%
10k–25k miles25 · 10%
25k–50k miles38 · 15%
50k–75k miles44 · 18%
75k–100k miles36 · 14%
100k–150k miles43 · 17%
150k+ miles27 · 11%

How serious are the reports?

Of 339 complaints, 17 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 9 an injury.

Dodge Journey steering complaints by model year

Peak: 2009, with 72 complaints
2009: 722009722010: 692010692011: 232011232012: 232012232013: 202013202014: 282014282015: 392015392016: 342016342017: 152017152018: 112018112019: 2201922020: 320203

n = 339 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearSteering complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2020 Journey35%100
2019 Journey22%—
2018 Journey115%25,050
2017 Journey158%27,993
2016 Journey349%34,000
2015 Journey397%65,500
2014 Journey287%42,200
2013 Journey206%74,000
2012 Journey236%87,756
2011 Journey2314%70,500
2010 Journey697%82,319
2009 Journey725%95,508

When owners reported it

Peak: 2019, with 58 complaints
2008: 3200832009: 332010: 6201062011: 992012: 5201252013: 14142014: 132014132015: 28282016: 262016262017: 30302018: 552018552019: 58582020: 242020242021: 16162022: 112022112023: 442024: 172024172025: 992026: 820268

n = 339 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (3)

Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connectionsMay 6, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V273000 · 8,569 vehicles

Model years: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

Problem: 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.

Risk: A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler, free of charge. The recall began on May 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S08.

Steering:columnJun 8, 2011 · NHTSA campaign 11V315000 · 11,096 vehicles

Model years: 2011

Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011dodge journey, jeep wrangler, chrysler 200, chrysler 200 convertible, dodge avenger, dodge nitro, jeep liberty, dodge caliber, jeep compass, jeep patriot, dodge grand caravan and chrysler town & country vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet.

Risk: A missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. As a result, the condition may increase the potential for injury in a frontal crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on july 4, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Steering:electric power assist systemOct 7, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V475000 · 23,237 vehicles

Model years: 2010

Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 chrysler sebring, 300, charger (lx) and dodge challenger (lc), avenger (js), and journey (jc), as well as model year 2011 dodge ram light duty pickup (ds) vehicles. Some of these vehicles may experience a separation at the crimped end of the power steering pressure hose assembly.

Risk: Leaked power steering fluid onto hot engine components could cause a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary the power steering pressure hoses free of charge. The safety recall began on december 20, 2010. 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.

Power steering starts leaking in cold climates resulting in tightness and difficulty in steering wheel . recall code s08

Received May 22, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11739493

My horn started to honk on its own the front windshield wipers will not stop and the turn signals does not work anymore I was told the clock spring needs replaced there is a recall on google but now showing with my vehicle

Received Mar 26, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11727297

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH and turning left, the steering wheel was extremely stiff. The contact stopped, exited the vehicle, opened the hood, and became aware that the power steering hoses were disconnected. The vehicle was towed to a…

Received Feb 24, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11720186

Power steering hose ruptured after a few days of snow and ice. I went to drive to the store but was unable to turn out of the driveway due to no power steering. I done some research to where I found out there was a recall for this same issue but evidently my VIN # isn't included in this recall as…

Received Feb 4, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11715663

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while reversing in cold weather, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the power steering hose was leaking fluid and had detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The…

Received Feb 2, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11714906
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 steering problems?

No. NHTSA has 339 owner complaints about steering 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 steering?

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

What do owners say about steering problems on the Dodge Journey?

The most frequent phrase is “steering hose”, in 30 of 339 complaints, followed by “cold weather” (20).

Other Dodge Journey problems

See all Dodge Journey problems.