2012 Dodge Journey: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

A weaker post-refresh year: ABS/ESC brake-module faults (recalled) plus electrical and engine complaints. The Pentastar V6 is solid; the base 2.4L four-cylinder is slow and thirsty. Often cited as a year to avoid. 5 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2012 Dodge Journey ranged from $18,995 to $29,995 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

4/10

Troubled track record

Sources (3)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=journey…
repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/dodge/journey
samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/journey.html

Known issues

Active head restraints can deploy spontaneously without a crash, striking occupants in the head and neck; subject to a Chrysler safety recall to reprogram the power module or replace the occupant-restraint control module.

commonly reported · 150 NHTSA complaints · other
ABS / electronic-stability-control module faults trigger warning lights and, in some cases, unexpected brake behavior; covered by recall on the 2012-2015 models.

commonly reported · 66 NHTSA complaints · brake
Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk on many model years; confirm the recall was completed before purchase.

commonly reported · other
The base 2.4L four-cylinder draws complaints of power loss, stalling and overheating, and is underpowered and thirsty for the vehicle's size.

commonly reported · 60 NHTSA complaints · engine
Electrical and wiring problems (no-start, warning lights, accessory and lighting failures) persist across the production run, the recurring Journey complaint.

commonly reported · electrical

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (6)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=journey…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=journey…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=journey…
repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/recall/13V282000
cars.comhttps://www.cars.com/research/dodge-journey/recalls/
dodgeproblems.comhttps://www.dodgeproblems.com/models/journey/

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

Reclining second and third-row seats plus a hidden in-floor cargo compartment add unusual family practicality
One of the most affordable three-row crossovers on the used market, with available 7-seat seating

Cons

Cramped, hard-to-access third row best suited to small children, with little cargo room behind it
The base 2.4L four-cylinder is underpowered and thirsty for the vehicle's size; no all-wheel drive on many trims
Recurring electrical and wiring problems are the Journey signature complaint
Poor resale value and a dated design even late in the run

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
American Value Package	$18,995	discontinued	—	—
SE	$20,995	discontinued	—	—
SXT	$22,995	discontinued	—	—
Crew	$28,195	discontinued	—	—
R/T	$29,995	discontinued	—	—

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2012-dodge-journey-price

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)	≈ $550–600/yr
Insurance (low tier)	≈ $1,300–1,400/yr
Expected lifespan	~150k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (2)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/dodge/journey
moneygeek.comhttps://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/dodge-journey-insurance/

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2012 Dodge Journey have?

Documented issue patterns include: Active head restraints can deploy spontaneously without a crash, striking occupants in the head and neck; subject to a Chrysler safety recall to reprogram the power module or replace the occupant-restraint control module; ABS / electronic-stability-control module faults trigger warning lights and, in some cases, unexpected brake behavior; covered by recall on the 2012-2015 models; Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk on many model years; confirm the recall was completed before purchase; The base 2.4L four-cylinder draws complaints of power loss, stalling and overheating, and is underpowered and thirsty for the vehicle's size. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2012 Dodge Journey reliable?

How much did the 2012 Dodge Journey cost new?

Between $18,995 and $29,995 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Dodge Journey expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $550–600/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.