Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Dodge Journey owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
I have been stranded in this vehicle to many times to count. Mostly I had to get a jump to get it back home or keep it running until I returned home. Within the last 30 days I have installed a new alternator and starter. Walmart has installed 4 new batteries due to it being under warranty. So as of today I can't start my car. All the interior lights come on and radio but won't turn over. I tried to get a jump 3 times but still nothing. I am disabled and can't get on public transportation or barely walk up stairs. I'm at zero income and awaiting approval from SSI. So I need someone to assist with this nightmare please. I honestly don't know what else to do
COMPONENT malfunction: ABS control module (module is part of the Electronic Stability Program and Traction Control System). Available for inspection: Upon Request. Safety risk: Random locking of front abs system at speeds of 20mph or less (GREAT concern for event happening at a greater speed ). Vehicle Manufacturer: admits known risk and problem w/ the Abs control module and traction control system and is researching problem-matic modules, but will they not issue a recall. part is not available . Warning lamps were after the first event (3-13-24): ESP and Traction control. videos are difficult to catch do to the random nature of the problem.
I was driving at the speed limit on interstate 5, (california) when a vehicle in front of me swerved partially into my lane. In order to avoid hitting said vehicle, I swerved to the right slightly, at that time I believe engine died, as I had no control over said vehicle I could not steer or maneuver my vehicle at all. Thus it was continuing on the path of the swerve and hit the wall on the passenger side of the highway. I at no time had any control over the vehicle, the car started spinning from the impact of the wall and sent me across 3 lanes of traffic and I was hit by 2 cars. The only airbag that deployed was the front passenger side airbag. (there was no passenger in that position.) I was in the driver seat, and my son (was 9 years of age at the time of the incident) was sitting directly behind me. …
Brakes have been a major issue on this vehicle. We have had to replace brakes, rotors and calipers multiple times since the vehicle was purchased not to mention the tires also. The first time they were replaced, the car had less than 36,000 miles. Since that time they have been replaced multiple times, with the last time being in the last 30 days. It is like there is some type of design flaw in the braking system, that causes the brakes and tires to both wear out quickly. Last night the braking system caught fire on this vehicle, lucky I had just pulled in my parking spot when they started burning and didn't have my children with me. Fire department was notified and the fire was put out by them. I have noticed that I am not the only person with the Journey that has had brake and tire issues. …
Came off highway, stopped at post office, smelled like something burning. Left post office 2 minutes later, no smell. Drove 1/2 mile home, parked in garage, walked around car to get out of garage, felt extreme heat from rear passenger wheel. Brake disc was glowing red. Pulled car out of garage, towed to performance Dodge (where purchased brand new) brake caliper had locked up. Had all replaced. This is the same car I have complained about not starting, bright lights coming on by themselves. I have had it towed, waited for an hour for it start, pulled off the highway in tears because the "strobe light effect" when the bright lights(high beams) act up. …
In June 2016 I took my car to bettehausen Dodge in tinley park, il. They did some repairs and since then the horn goes off by itself. The car can be parked with the motor off or you could be driving in traffic and the horn will blow. I took the car back to bettenhausen in August 2016 they did another computer update and the horn is still going off by itself. The horn was find until I took it to bettenhausen in June. Once they finished working on it they horn blows sporadically. Again in August 2016 I had my car towed to bettenhausen because the car broke down. Upon bettenhausen reviewing my car they stated it was the heater hose, a gasket and the anti freeze bottle had a hole in it. It cost me $582.00 for that repair. …
Shortly after beginning to drive the car, the traction control light comes on, the steering tightens up and the brakes freeze up. This happens on completely dry roads. This happened 2 times within 1 mile of each time. The first time I almost went through an intersection because I couldn't get stopped, and the second time I almost rear ended a car. I had both of my children who are 7 and 10 in the vehicle. This is not the first time this issue has happened. It happened 6 months ago, and my mechanic said the code was a faulty tpm which was replaced. It then happened a month ago, and the most recent time which was last week. I've been researching this issue and it seems that the Dodge Journey has had this issue, among others. It seems as if this vehicle needs a complete recall. Somebody is going to end up seriously injured or dead. …
Breaks have to be replaced at least every 2 months. My car continues to overheat and we have the thermostat 5 different times. We have to keep turning the key off and on til the car decides to start. I have contacted the people about this and they keep telling me that there is no recall for my VIN number. It needs to be added because it is obviously an issue with more than just my car. I will contact an attorney because now that it is out of warranty they tell me I will have to pay to have the issues resolved the start issue is of course stationary the break problem is while driving and so is the over heating issue was driving down the road heard a scraping noise and the front bumper was talking off and the bumper bar was loose. These are apparently very dangerous cars and all should be recalled
Brake complaints in other Journey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2010 Dodge Journey?
NHTSA has 159 complaints about the brakes of the 2010 Dodge Journey, 15% of the model year's 1,085 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Dodge Journey brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2010 Dodge Journey, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2010 Dodge Journey brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles, and 42% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.