2012 Dodge Journey Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 2%of 377 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2012 Dodge Journey, 2% of the 377 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Engine shut down while entering highway but all lights still work, I was barley able to coast to side. Electronic throttle control is the issue according to my dash symbols. I have looked online and see lots of these problems. This has now happened 3 time in 2 days. When I try to restart I get the etc error symbol on my dash, car just keeps trying to turn over but cannot. I have been able to start the engine usually after 15 min of sitting. I have not went to the dealer yet. I was hoping to find a recall since my warranty was only for 36000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10664182, filed 2014-12, 37,000 miles“A recall was submitted on july 28, 2015. I looked online today. I have been smelling a smoke smell, I received a recall notice in the mail august 15, 2015 stating the engine beauty cover on my vehicle may detach from the engine and come in contact with catalytic converter and start a fire without warning. The part to fix the problem is not available and I will be contacted at another time when a repair part is available. I am concerned for the safety of my small children and myself. I'm afraid to drive the vehicle. It is parked in the garage. ...updated 11/04/15”
NHTSA complaint #10762622, filed 2015-09“The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was white smoke coming from the vehicle, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 20 MPH while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 175,589.”
NHTSA complaint #11747621, filed 2026-07, 175,589 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle started to jerk. In addition, when the brake pedal was depressed it traveled to the floorboard. There was also a failure with the electric stability control failure; in addition to the headlights, visibility was dim. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76, 200”
NHTSA complaint #11471214, filed 2022-06, 76,200 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 20 MPH. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was purchased to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the head gasket and throttle body had failed. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and it was determined that the throttle body had failed and needed to be replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #11465100, filed 2022-05, 126,000 milesRelated recalls
- 15V431000Jul 7, 2015Chrysler (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…Covers: Dodge Journey 2011–2015
- 11V487000Sep 29, 2011Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2012 chrysler vehicles, including 200 and town and country models, dodge vehicles, including charger, durango, grand…Covers: Dodge Journey 2012, Grand Caravan 2012, Jeep Grand Cherokee 2012 +4 more
Related service bulletins
- 10236933Apr 15, 2023wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
- 10247906Feb 22, 2023ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY review and follow instructions from the latest STAR Online…
- 10234379Feb 22, 2023ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY review and follow instructions from the latest STAR Online…
- 10234378Feb 14, 2023ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY (with mileage above 30,000) review and follow instructions from…
- 10230438Nov 1, 2022Some of the above-involved vehicles may exceed NOx (Oxides of Nitrogen) emission level standards due to loss of catalytic converter efficiency
- 10227983Apr 2, 2022If a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils.
- 10230180Jul 6, 2021Issue involves overheating, running hot, coolant leaks and related symptoms after a Mopar replacement engine has been installed in the vehicle.
- 10221594Jul 6, 2021Issue involves overheating, running hot, coolant leaks and related symptoms after a Mopar replacement engine has been installed in the vehicle.
- 10221123Apr 1, 202162TE 6-Speed Transmission Cracked Torque Converter (TC) Piston Repair Index, To Aid In Diagnosis And Repair
- 10193976Apr 1, 202162TE 6-Speed Transmission Cracked Torque Converter (TC) Piston Repair Index, To Aid In Diagnosis And Repair
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 2% |
| 2018 | 3 | 1% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2016 | 10 | 3% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 | 5 | 1% |
| 2013 | 5 | 1% |
| 2012 | 9 | 2% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 24 | 2% |
| 2009 | 23 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2012 Dodge Journey
116 complaintsBrakes
107 complaintsEngine
97 complaintsOther or unknown
52 complaintsElectronic stability control
44 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
36 complaintsAir bags
29 complaintsSteering
23 complaintsVehicle speed control
20 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsWheels
13 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Dodge Journey
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology