Most common 2010 Dodge Journey problems
Share of the 1,085 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Journey complaints by model year
Best Journey years: 2008, 2020, 2019. Years to avoid: 2009, 2010, 2015. Compare all years →
2010 Dodge Journey recalls (4)
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.
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.
Air bags
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.
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.
Electrical system › Ignition
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 Dodge journey, grand caravan, and Chrysler town & country vehicles manufacturer from August 3, 2009, through June 17, 2010. Some vehicles May experience inadvertent ignition key displacement from the run to accessory position while driving causing the engine to shut off.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the win modules free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during July 2011. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
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.
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
Federal safety investigators have looked into 4 possible defects involving the 2010 Dodge Journey:
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…
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…
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.
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.
What 2010 Dodge Journey owners say
Electrical system all 653 →
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the horn would engage independently while the vehicle was turned off and parked in the garage. The contact stated that she would disconnect the horn fuse per the Owner's Manual. However, the failure would reoccur whenever the fuse was reconnected. The contact stated that the failure was draining the battery and the battery was replaced several times. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and shut off while driving on three different occasions. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and jumpstarted the vehicle with assistance. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred increasingly and the vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) module was replaced. …
The contact called on behalf of his mother-in-law who owns a 2010 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the vehicle was displaying erroneous electrical functions. The contact stated that the windows would roll up and down, the windshield wipers would suddenly activate, the exterior lights would illuminate, the doors would lock and unlock, and the horn would sound. The vehicle also suddenly stalled while driving at various speeds and while also while idling. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the key fob however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted and offered to change the fuse box; however, the repair was not performed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,199.
Engine & cooling all 204 →
While driving my engine caught on fire. My safety was put at risk because I had to pull over and get out the car. Flames started coming from the hood of the car. I just dropped my newborn baby off 10 minutes prior and was around the corner from picking up my other child. I had to call 911 and wait for the fire department to come. I tried to put it out myself but the fire was too great and I was afraid it would explode. My check engine light was on but I was told it was for an old misfire. I haven't not had any issues with my vehicle, I drive it to work everyday. Vehicle has not been inspected by insurance as I do not currently have active insurance on vehicle. Chrysler customer service states because vehicle is 13 years old they are not liable. No dodge dealership will look at vehicle because it will be difficult to find issue alas the vehicle is totaled. …
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering was inoperable. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the steering failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. Additionally, the contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the failures had been intermittent for the past two years. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Brakes all 159 →
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Journey. The contact sated while driving 15 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact made a left turn and the brakes seized. The contact stated that the ECS, engine check, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics where it was determined that the brake hose was leaking, and an unknown hose had detached. The vehicle was repaired for the most recent failure. The remained at the residence and had not been driven since. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Brake system has ongoing and continuous defects, malfunctions and failure. I have had calipers fall off and pr stick causing the wheel to overheat and melt the tire rim. Replaced all that. Brakes never seem strong enough to properly stop this vehicle safely. Brake lights stay off and on light a Christmas tree. Had several inspections for code errors. Replace entire system in January of 2023. $1,800. Less than 500 miles later, another caliper sticks, then snaps causing entire break assembly to move, damaging yet another wheel rim. I love this vehicle. The room, style. But it's not safe. I've almost caused an accident on the road 3 times due to this useless brake system. This last incident put me in a ditch. It's still in the mechanics shoo. Severe wheel damage this time.
2010 Dodge Journey engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 25 / 21 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 24 / 19 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Dodge Journey a good car?
Based on 1,085 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Journey rates avoid: 2.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the Journey at the same age. It is one of the Journey years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2010 Dodge Journey?
The electrical system — 653 complaints, 60% of all complaints for this model year, most often about horn. Next are the engine & cooling (204) and brakes (159).
How many recalls does the 2010 Dodge Journey have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2010 Dodge Journey, the most recent from May 6, 2016 (hose, piping, and connections). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Journey?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2008, 2020 and 2019. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2009, 2010 and 2015. See the full Dodge Journey years comparison.
At what mileage do 2010 Dodge Journey problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 71,000 miles; 31% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.