Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with head gasket failure. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer and diagnosed with powertrain control module (PCM) failure. The dealer updated the PCM software; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the transmission warning light would illuminate while attempted to change gears. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic and was informed that the torque converter failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Journey. While driving 65 MPH, the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the check engine light illuminated due to a low battery. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. In addition, while driving 25 MPH, there where a squeaking noise coming from the brakes. When the vehicle was in reverse, it made a knocking/kicking noise and failed to operate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer a second time where it was diagnosed that the transmission and a faulty cylinder head failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
MIL illuminates indicating cam shaft position senor and multiple other codes at start up or highway speeds. This also cuts off the stability control and puts the car in ,imp mode. The car will also stall without warning at highway speeds creating an unsafe condition. Dealership currently evaluating issue for cam shaft phaser failure. This occurs at least once a week however the most recent incidence on 6/14/2019 resulted in the car stalling while turning resulting in loss of power steering and braking. The code always resets after a driving cycle is completed but comes back in a day or so. It is my understanding that early 3.6 l engines for 2011 had an issue with cam shaft phaser but no recall has been issued for my vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Journey. While driving at an unknown speed, the check engine light illuminated. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer four times; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the engine overheated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was previously taken to kelly Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram 501 state avenue, emmaus, pa 180449, [phone] where the transmission, the engine, engine solenoids and engine coils were replaced prior to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Journey. While driving approximately 20 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that the drivetrain and suspension needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Journey. While starting the vehicle, the gear shifter was placed in drive; however, the vehicle failed to move and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that there was an unknown transmission failure. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 100,000.
My cars battery light keeps coming on and then it starts going over the 4000 RPM point and not going more than 20mph and then dies...I've replaced alternator and battery both 4 times in 4 months and it keeps happening.
Pressure sensors saying there's an issue with your tire pressure and you have binding in your drive line
Transmission complaints in other Journey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2011 Dodge Journey?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2011 Dodge Journey, 12% of the model year's 169 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Dodge Journey transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 35% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.