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2012 Dodge Journey problems: engine and transmission complaints and recalls
41% of relevant owner complaints filed with NHTSA on the 2012 Dodge Journey are about the engine, transmission or fuel system. That is a model-level pattern, not bad luck.
Better than 52% of the 1,790 model years we track (2010–2023).
Excludes 39 airbag, lighting and seat-belt recall complaints that would otherwise mask the signal (unadjusted: 37%).
Does the 2012 Dodge Journey have engine problems?
Owner complaints say yes, as a model-year pattern. 138 of 337 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2012 Dodge Journey concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (41%), and the largest group is filed under engine (97). For comparison, the 2011 scores 34% and the 2013 scores 32%. On a test drive, check for stalling, loss of power, rough idle, oil consumption or a check-engine light. This describes the model year, not any one car: a well-maintained or already-repaired example can be fine, and a clean model year can still have a bad car in it.
Complaints by component
The years either side
Manufacturers fix things mid-generation. A bad year next to a clean one is common; the fix usually arrived in between.
How the 2012 compares with other Dodge Journey years
Of the 11 Dodge Journey years with enough complaints to score, the 2012 is the 4th-worst on engine and transmission share (41%). The worst is the 2016 (57%), the best the 2020 (18%). By volume, the 2012 drew 376 complaints (138 drivetrain), against 169 for the 2011 and 353 for the 2013.
Dodge Journey years to avoid and best years →
2010 Journey problems · 2011 Journey problems · 2012 · 2013 Journey problems · 2014 Journey problems · 2015 Journey problems · 2016 Journey problems · 2017 Journey problems · 2018 Journey problems · 2019 Journey problems · 2020 Journey problems
The rest of the picture on the 2012 Dodge Journey
- The mileage where it happens. When owners of the 2012 Dodge Journey said the problem showed up, and the range most of them fell in.
- What the repair costs. Typical engine repair ranges, to price into your offer.
- Cleaner alternatives. Similar cars and nearby years with a better record.
- Up to 15 owner reports, with the ones about your car's own engine first.
- What to ask the seller and what to check on the test drive, for this car.
- Two cars side by side, if you are deciding between them.
What one owner reported
One of 138 drivetrain complaints. The full report shows up to 15, with quotes about the engine in the car you are looking at first.
2012 Dodge Journey engine recalls
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns on the 2012 Dodge Journey involving the engine, transmission or fuel system, out of 6 in total. A recall is the manufacturer admitting a defect and paying to fix it; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN, which the full report checks. The owner complaints above are a separate record and often point at problems that never became a recall.
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…
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.
4 other recalls on this model year (airbags, lighting, brakes and the rest)
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns filed against this year, make and model. Checked October 3, 2026.
Checking one particular 2012 Dodge Journey? This page is about the model year. Accidents, title brands and odometer records belong to the individual car, and that is what a vehicle history report covers.
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Does the 2012 Dodge Journey have engine problems?
Owner complaints say yes, as a model-year pattern. 138 of 337 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2012 Dodge Journey concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (41%). Before buying one, have an independent mechanic check the engine and ask the seller whether it has been repaired or replaced.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Dodge Journey?
Going by NHTSA owner complaints, the most common problem filed against the 2012 Dodge Journey is electrical system: 116 of 376 complaints (31%) name it, followed by service brakes (106) and engine (97). A complaint can name more than one component, so these overlap. Engine, transmission and fuel-system complaints together make up 41% of the relevant total.
Is the 2012 Dodge Journey reliable?
On the engine and transmission, owner complaints point to a weak spot: 41% of relevant complaints filed with NHTSA concern the drivetrain (high signal). That is better than 52% of the 1,790 model years we track. Among the 11 Dodge Journey years we score, it ranks 4th-worst. Complaint data describes the model year, not one car, and it says nothing about trim, paint or electronics outside the drivetrain; an independent inspection still decides it.
Are there engine or transmission recalls on the 2012 Dodge Journey?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns on the 2012 Dodge Journey involving the engine, transmission or fuel system, out of 6 in total: 15V431000 (engine and engine cooling: engine), 11V487000 (engine and engine cooling). Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
Which Dodge Journey years are better?
Among the Dodge Journey years we track, the 2020 (18%), the 2019 (19%) and the 2010 (26%) have a lower engine and transmission complaint share than the 2012 (41%). Manufacturers fix things mid-generation, so the year before or after can be a different car. Every year side by side: https://thelanecheck.com/cars/dodge-journey
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Check a VINExperimental model-level information. This is not a vehicle inspection, vehicle-history report, financial advice or purchase recommendation. It describes patterns across a model year, not the condition of any individual vehicle.