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 2011 Dodge Journey owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard with the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS brake module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the ABS brake module part had been discontinued. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
My husband and myself purchased our 2011 Dodge Journey rt 2 yrs ago and was sold on how great this truck was. Since then we have changed the rotors and brakes 6 times. We had our tires changed due to shaking while braking but the problem still existed. So the tires were not the problem. Recently 2 days ago my husband was driiving with my children in the truck and could not stop the truck due to the brakes. He pushed the brakes literally all the way to the floor and hardly stopped. My truck is now in a tow yard and luckily my husband and kids are safe. There is definite problem with these trucks and something need to be done before someone is seriously hurt. We r now without a vehicle due to this problem which I have called Dodge and complained about and was told it's a basic problem with the brakes and there is no official recall on them. Someone should be responsible for this problem!
Today 8-24-15 my 2011 Dodge Journey shut off as I was driving down a road. There was no prior indication the car all of the sudden would not steer , brake or do anything . The electric was still on but the car completely shut off . I had to use all my strength to maneuver it off the road and wait for it to slow down . My child was in the car . This is the second incident this has happened - 1st being in March 2015. Both have been reported to Chrysler . Both times I have brought to my local mechanic and it was set up for computerized diagnostic testing and both time threw no error codes. My mechanic believes it is an issue with the win module or something that is making the car ignition faulty and turning to accessory mode . It is unsafe to drive and I have contacted Chrysler because they need to stand behind their product . …
The vehicle completely shut down while driving down Ford road in dearborn mi. The steering would not move. The engine turned off. The brakes locked up. The car would not start to move out of oncoming traffic. It was towed to firstone complete autocare and serviced. Received the vehicle back on Saturday the 4th of August. Again drove the vehicle and on a bridge on ecorse rd in taylor mi. The vehicle did the exact thing. It was towed back to Firestone. Firestone returned the vehicle on August 6th and sent it to dealership for repair. Firestone said they saw no problem. Couldn't understand the problem. Both instances of stalling I had my 7 year old. Both instances we were nearly rear ended multiple times. Both times the vehicle shuts down with no steering, no breaks, and wont restart. It was a death trap. Firstone can verify my pick up locations both times. …
When driving this vehicle at highway speeds, when you have to push the brakes there was a pretty severe vibration. The vibration at times was almost bad enough to make you lose control depending on speed and how hard you have to apply the brakes. When I asked the dealership about this on more than one occasion they told me that this was a known problem with 2009 - 2011 model years but there was no recall. Then at 37,000 miles I had to take my car in for brake noise and they told me that all of my brakes were bad and that the rotors were worn unevenly and needed replaced. I said there is no way that a 37,000 mile car should have that bad of brakes and I reminded them of the previous complaints. It did no good and I had to pay $700. If you read online there are many complaints like mine and with the issue being something as important as brakes, this should be taken seriously.
1) cruise control not working and only works when it wants or refuses to turn off this happens sitting still, driving or even if I turn off and on the car for reset it still does not work. The web shows a recall but the Dodge dealership said no recall? This has been on going since we purchased the car and has been in the shop numerous times to get repaired and still not repaired. 2) wheels shake while applying the brakes I have replaced the rotters and brakes and it still does it I see a recall on this also but Dodge says no recall? Airbag deployment without cause the internet says recall and the Dodge house says no recall? This Dodge Journey has many problems and should be fixed by the company by recalls. They did not fix the 2010 and they found them selves in a lawsuit, maybe that is what it is going to take on the 2011 also.
The car has been shaking for a few months now, worse when braking. Twice now, we have had to stop abruptly and the front brakes did not work correctly. Once it did cause a minor accident. There is a loud grinding sound from the front wheel area and poor stopping and the steering wheel shakes. It has been to the dealer four times now for the same complaints. They replaced the rear rotors for some reason. Now they are replacing the front rotors. The dealer claimed there have been no reports of braking/steering problems for this year/model so they do not know what to do. The problem is much worse at interstate speeds of 60+. The dealer service center also advised us that after 12000 miles, the rotors/brakes/etc will not be covered by warranty although it has been a noticeable issue since within a few months of purchase.
Traveling northbound on 91st ave. Light changed to yellow. I applied brakes and a horrible grinding sound occured. The steering wheel shook and I was alarmed. I called the dealership requesting inspection. Was told it was normal ABS action. I disagreed. They insisted all is fine. Second occurence, had to brake to avoid collision and applied brake, again violent shaking to steering wheel. Upon regular maintenance with dealer they again said it was normal. I have never felt more unsafe. This still occurs today 3/2015. Has become progressivly worse over time. Unknown what components are involved... Selected possible parts requiring further investigation. Dealer insists there are no recalls in place for any part of this model year. I have asked them to check NHTSA website. They will not.
It has been about a month since my 2011 Dodge Journey had begun to shut off without warning while I was driving, and with nyc traffic in the city it became dangerous for me to drive. I took it to my own mechanic who said it could only be resolved by the dealership since it May be an electrical issue with the car's computer that only the service shop at the dealership has the tools to fix. I am not driving faster than 30 MPH when it happens, I'm unable to brake and the car shuts off automatically. I have begun to use the emergency brake, but if there is a car that is too close, in front or behind me, I can get into an accident. Thankfully, I have always been by the shoulder on the highway and am able to pull over.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Journey. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the ABS warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the wheel bearing and brakes were defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that water entered the wiring harness and the ABS module, headlamps, and dash wiring harness needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 15V675000 (service brakes), but the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Brake complaints in other Journey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2011 Dodge Journey?
NHTSA has 55 complaints about the brakes of the 2011 Dodge Journey, 33% of the model year's 169 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Dodge Journey brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2011 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 2011 Dodge Journey brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 21,000 miles, and 53% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries 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.