2010 Dodge Journey problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 137 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Dodge Journey, most often about electrical system. There are 3 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
137
Recalls
3
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
8
Median mileage
120,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Electrical System is the most-reported problem area, named in 76 of 137 complaints (55%).
  • Engine (23) and airbags (17) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 120,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 2 crashes, 1 fire and 8 injuries.
  • The 2010 Dodge Journey has 3 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 4 defect investigations covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 6th of 13 Dodge Journey model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 96% more complaints than the 2009 model year (70).

2010 Dodge Journey problems by category

  • 76 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 1 crash
    30 complaints
  • 23 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    17 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    16 complaints
  • Steering
    12 complaints
  • Brakes
    9 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    7 complaints
  • Lighting
    7 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    6 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    4 complaints
  • Suspension
    3 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    1 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Electrical system73
Unknown or other30
Engine23
Air bags17
Seats15
Steering12
Service brakes9
Exterior lighting7

When problems happen (mileage)

1Under 10k310k–30k330k–60k2260k–100k26100k–150k22150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2010 Dodge Journey complaints that list mileage.

2010 Dodge Journey recalls (3)

  • Recall 16V273000May 6, 20168,569 vehicles
    STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  • Recall 14V373000Jun 26, 2014722,705 vehicles
    AIR BAGS · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

    This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured June 29, 2007, to June 17, 2010, and 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, to June 17, 2010. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

    Risk: If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R03. Note: This is an expansion of recall 11V-139.

  • Recall 10V475000Oct 7, 201023,237 vehicles
    STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • EA24003Opened Aug 1, 2024Open

    Vehicle entrapment

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-008 on May 1, 2023 to investigate an incident involving a 2009 Dodge Journey alleging occupant entrapment during a vehicle fire that resulted in a fatality. During the investigation, ODI collected information from the manufacturer and involved parties to confirm or refute the defect allegation. ODI has determined that additional reports of vehicle entrapment exist for other model year Dodge Journey vehicles. ODI continues to explore the cause of the thermal event and its potential effect on the actuation of the door locks. ODI also continue…

  • PE19014Opened Sep 9, 2019Closed Feb 25, 2026

    Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments in…

  • DP14004Opened Sep 25, 2014Closed Jul 24, 2015

    Totally Integrated Power Module Failure

    In a letter dated August 21, 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged failures associated with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) installed in Chrysler SUV?s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year. The petitioner alleges that TIPM defects may result in engine stall, airbag non-deployment, failure of fuel pump shutoff resulting in unintended acceleration, fire, and other symptoms. On September 25, 2014, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened DP14-004 to…

  • RQ14002Opened Jun 16, 2014Closed Mar 2, 2015led to recall 14V373000

    Air Bag Non-Deployment/Engine Stall

    In March 2011 Chrysler submitted a defect information report for NHTSA Recall No. 11V139 declaring a defect condition that could cause the ignition key to inadvertently move from the RUN to the ACC position on model year (MY) 2010 Dodge Journey, Grand Caravan, and Chrysler Town and Country.The report identified engine stalling as the defect consequence and cited customer complaints and warranty claims, as well as two rear-end collisions, as leading to the recall action.Chrysler determined that a defective WIN module, which is effectively the equivalent of the ignition switch, was the cause of …

Recent 2010 Dodge Journey complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Aug 18, 2026MOElectrical SystemLightingOther / Unknown
    On two separate occasions my doors have locked on there own while I was inside the car and I was not able to open the doors or manually unlock the door. My front lock levers are long enough that you can get a decent grip to pull them up and in normal cases they unlock pretty easy. But when they lock on your own I don't think you get pul) them up with a pair of vice grips. Both levers on the back doors drop almost all the way into the door panel. Most people probably can't…
    NHTSA complaint #11757835 · source
  2. Filed Jul 9, 2026OH1 injuredOther / Unknown
    I was backing out of the driveway. Pulled forward to a two-way stop and my driver side headrest exploded and shot my head forward and I almost went in a two-way traffic. Now I have whiplash
    NHTSA complaint #11749246 · source
  3. Filed Jun 18, 2026NJTowedElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
    Car since bought either won't start or fails to come out of gear then stalls out in reverse or randomly in intersections I have small children and it's dangerous and several mechanic cant figure it out. Replaced batteries starters and issue continues
    NHTSA complaint #11744916 · source
  4. Filed Apr 20, 2026NYAirbagsElectrical System
    This situation is occurring more and more often with this vehicle. The vehicle will be in drive, moving, and in the middle of a road or highway just shutdown completely. It happened 4 times 2 weeks ago. Brought to a auto mechanic and nothing could be discovered to be malfunctioning.
    NHTSA complaint #11732518 · source
  5. Filed Mar 26, 2026OHElectrical SystemSteering
    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
    NHTSA complaint #11727297 · source
  6. Filed Jan 21, 2026200,000 miDEElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the horn engaged unintendedly while driving. The contact stated that the failure persisted even while the vehicle was parked and turned off. The vehicle was taken to AAA several times, and the battery and the battery terminals were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11712439 · source
  7. Filed Oct 22, 2025ILCrashElectrical System
    vehicle repeatedly fails to start because of ignition system defect I have to wiggle or finesse the key fob in the ignition slot to get the car to start. The problem has happened many times. The first time I crashed into my shed I was so scared. and now the vehicle will not start at all leaving me in my family straight on the roadside I am aware of existing recall RO3 for the ignition switch wind module on this model year my vehicle either was not repaired or still…
    NHTSA complaint #11695022 · source
  8. Filed Sep 17, 2025FLAirbags
    Faulty active head restraints in both front driver and passenger seats, causing both units to deploy while driving, causing my driver to temporarily lose control of the vehicle.
    NHTSA complaint #11687796 · source

Compare the 2010 Dodge Journey with another vehicle →

Other 2010 Dodge models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology