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).
Stirring wheel fluid hose has burst during cold weather, and will lose control of wheel. My car wasn't listed in the recall for that said issue for other dodge journey's. I had it repair ones and now its doing it again.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving about 35 MPH, the contact saw smoke emitting from the hood without warning. The contact pulled to the side and added some coolant but the failure recurred after driving 5 more minutes. The vehicle lost power and the contact saw flames from the engine. The fire momentarily extinguished itself. The steering wheel then could not turn and the vehicle shut down. The contact mentioned that the alternator and wiring were damaged sue to the failure. There was no report filed and there were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to the contact's resident. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the failure was known but the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
I was driving on the freeway to work and the engine shut off. I lost power steering, power braking, ability to accelerate or really drive the car at all. All I could do was try to safely navigate an uncontrollable vehicle to the shoulder and hope I wasn't hit in the process. The check engine light came on, in addition to other warning lights (I think they were the tire pressure light, the vehicle traction control light and another indicator that looks like a lightning bolt). The car eventually restarted, but had problems driving and would start to cut out when it idled. We took it back to Dodge, they ran diagnostics but couldn't find any issues. After a lot of pressure, they replaced the main computer chip in the system. This was after replacing another minor part that didn't change the issue. This seemed to work for a few months, but then the problem began happening again. …
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. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Journey. While driving 70 MPH, the steering wheel failed to turn left or right without warning. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer (harry's tire service; 1604 20th ave se, minot, nd 58701; [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the power steering return hoses and the steering oil cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also stated that the same failure recurred after a year. While driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel failed to turn left or right without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (minot automotive center; 3615 s broadway st, minot, nd 58701; [phone]) where it was determined that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V273000 (steering); therefore, the contact would had to pay for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. …
When I start my Journey, the power steering goes out and there is a huge puddle of fluid under my car. I've looked on line and the exact same problem is happening and being recalled, yet my car hasn't been. I don't understand that if the leaking is a safety problem, why my car is not included. The leaking occurs in extreme cold weather, which is what wisconsin has been having. I haven't been able to use my car for a month, or more, unless I fill it up with power steering fluid every time! My Journey has the block heater that is part of the problem of the leaking, I guess. Either way, the recall should include all journeys with this same exact problem! We have used all kinds of clamps to hold the hose on, but it still happens. This isn't just a one date that this has happened, its been 17 times in the last two months, if not more.
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.
My wife was driving our 2011 Dodge Journey to work on city streets the steering suddenly became very stiff. Hard to turn. Looking at the power steering fluid reservoir it was empty and fluid still dripping out from under the car near the passenger side door. After towing the car to dealership and a $1000 repair bill problem fixed. I was told the power steering hose had ruptured and had to replace the pump as it had run dry. Dodge says recall s08 does not apply as this model does not have a block heater. (what would that have to do with the power steering?) I noticed later on the same city street where I had traveled a large rainbow oil slick. May have been where the line ruptured.
"Takata recall": local Dodge dealer, inspected the vehicle and replaced the defective part(s), then told my wife the 'actual steering wheel airbag' wasn't working and diagnosed the issue as the electrical connector. They said they would not repair, replace or fix unless we paid the cost for a new airbag,why isn't the airbag part of the recall? We haven't had any accidents in this vehicle nor anything that would, could damage the airbag.. Since the dealer is stating the problem is electrical, in the safety system, should this be classed as a 'safety' issue and repaired by the dealer..
Related recalls
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.
Steering › Column
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011dodge journey, Jeep wrangler, Chrysler 200, Chrysler 200 convertible, Dodge avenger, Dodge nitro, Jeep liberty, Dodge caliber, Jeep compass, Jeep patriot, Dodge grand caravan and Chrysler town & country vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on July 4, 2011. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Steering complaints in other Journey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2011 Dodge Journey?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the steering of the 2011 Dodge Journey, 14% of the model year's 169 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Dodge Journey steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 16V-273 (hose, piping, and connections, May 6, 2016); NHTSA recall 11V-315 (column, Jun 8, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2011 Dodge Journey steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to steering 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.