Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
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.
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that when he started the vehicle, the speed odometer was flickering. The contact stated that the interior of the vehicle had an unusual burning odor. The contact stated that he drove the vehicle to a safe spot and opened the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that when he opened the hood some parts in the engine were melted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Drove to the park, parked the car. Went for a walk, came back 20 minutes later, car would not start. Turn the key, no sound, all dash light come one, car will not crank, no sound at all. towed the car to my house, and charged battery for a full day. Car same issue, will not crank, no noise. I turn the key to on, press on the brake and move to neutral, and car still no start. I use the remote starter, and car just clicks a few times and does not start. Basically turning the key to start, lights come on as usual, then no noise no crank no start. this is third day of trying to start this car, never had issues with it for over a year, and never with starting car. No warnings at all, no lights on to show anything bad before this, and no warning after it happened, scanner show no faulty codes detected. …
Vehicle loses power while driving. Sometimes it will not start being stranded with kids as this vehicle was produced as a family car. Had battery, alternator, starter replaced. Have read numerous reports from google about vehicle not starting due to safety security features, problems with the fuse box, needing a yellow wire grounded that is located under the hood, and so on. If this is a know issue with these vehicles for over 10yrs why has it not been recalled to be fixed. As I drive the vehicle on the freeway with MY KIDS in it endaragering our lives and the many others who are on the road with me and the countless other dodge journey drivers. FIX THIS ISSUE. MAKE DODGE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR MISTAKE AS THEY KNOW WHAT THEY DID.
It all started with no starts and had starter replaced and then charging problem had new battery and alternator replaced . Then driving to work all the dashboard lights lit up like a Christmas tree and died a couple of times once in the middle of the road . Even when the car was in park and key out of the ignition the lights on dashboard would light up , like the car never totally shut off?Replaced ecm afterwards thinking that was the problem but wasn't the case (I still have the original ecm unit ) and still there was a battery drain , driving it and the lights lit up the dashboard and stalled out . You can here a buzzing sound after the car if off and key is removed ?
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
There is a lighting bolt that repeatedly pops up on dashboard and the car cuts off immediately in mid drive !! I have been to the dealership spent $3200 plus and it just keeps coming back on . Also all the lights flicker on and off while driving or when you hit the turning signals this is ridiculous!! It's 2022, these issues should had been recalled !!! This is horrible and unsafe especially when driving with children!
Unknown. This vehicle is great if it would stay running. I drive it about 15 min than it just shuts off and won't restart until it cools down . I've had it checked and replaced camshaft and crankshaft and the throttle potionsensor and it continues to shut off while driving. It's very irritating it could cause a accident and also leave someone stranded. No codes pop up anymore but it still has that problem
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
Engine complaints in other Journey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2010 Dodge Journey?
NHTSA has 204 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2010 Dodge Journey, 19% of the model year's 1,085 complaints. The component named most often is engine (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Dodge Journey engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 7 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling 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.