2011 Dodge Journey — Known Issues & Recalls

Your brake calipers are locking up while you're driving, which causes the brakes to grab and hold. You've already had them replaced once, but the problem keeps happening. This could indicate an issue with the brake lines, master cylinder, or a related component that's causing pressure to build up abnormally. A mechanic will need to diagnose why the replacement calipers are still locking to identify the underlying cause.

Your car's ABS (anti-lock brake) module has failed and is no longer available from the manufacturer. This means your anti-lock braking system won't function properly. You'll need to find a replacement ABS module, which may require sourcing a used part or an aftermarket alternative since Dodge no longer makes this component.

Your brake pads and rotors are wearing out unusually fast—you've had to replace them every 3 months since installing new ones less than a year ago. You're noticing a burning metal smell and your brake warning light stays on. This likely indicates a brake system issue such as a stuck caliper, uneven brake pad wear, or a problem with the brake fluid system that's causing excessive friction and heat.

Your vehicle suddenly lost all power while driving at around 138,000 miles. An independent mechanic initially diagnosed a failed head gasket, but the dealer found the real issue was a faulty powertrain control module (PCM). Even after the dealer updated the PCM software, the power loss happened again. The vehicle was never successfully repaired.

Your transmission warning light comes on when you try to shift gears. A mechanic diagnosed that your torque converter has failed and needs to be replaced. This happened at around 89,000 miles. Fixing this will require removing and replacing the torque converter, which is a major transmission component.

Your brake pedal sank to the floor when you pressed it, and your ABS warning light came on. A mechanic found that your ABS brake module had failed and needed replacement, but the dealer told you this part has been discontinued and couldn't repair it. The fix would involve replacing the ABS brake module, though you may need to source a used or aftermarket unit since Dodge no longer makes this part.

While driving your 2011 Dodge Journey, the ABS, brake, and traction control warning lights came on. A dealership diagnosed that your ABS module needs to be replaced, but the part is no longer manufactured, so the repair couldn't be completed. The issue occurred at 67,000 miles. Fixing this will require sourcing and installing a replacement ABS module, which may involve finding a used part or aftermarket alternative since the original is discontinued.

Your Journey won't start because the battery keeps losing its charge. You've had to replace the battery three times in four years. You've found that leaving a CD in the player causes the battery to drain, but haven't identified other causes. The dealer may need to diagnose the electrical system for parasitic drain or a faulty alternator.

Your battery warning light came on repeatedly over a couple weeks, then your car entered battery saver mode and lost power to the radio, air conditioning, and lights while all dashboard warning lights turned on. Your car wouldn't shift properly and was limited to about 20 mph even with high engine RPMs, and eventually the battery died. Even after replacing the battery and alternator and checking all wiring (which came back fine), your car still stays in battery saver mode and won't hold a charge. The fix will likely involve diagnosing the vehicle's charging system, possibly replacing additional electrical components, or addressing a deeper electrical fault that prevents the battery from charging properly while driving.

Your steering wheel's fluid hose burst during cold weather, causing you to lose control of the steering. Even though your car wasn't included in the recall issued for this problem on other Dodge Journeys, you've had it repaired once and it's happening again. The repair will likely involve replacing the burst hose and possibly inspecting the entire steering fluid system for weakness or design defects.

Your 2011 Dodge Journey experienced an engine fire while stopped at a stop sign, even after being repaired for a known engine cooling issue (NHTSA Campaign 15V431000). You saw flames coming from under the hood and safely exited the vehicle before the fire department extinguished the fire. The fire started in the engine manifold area and the vehicle was a total loss. The repair involved addressing the recalled engine and cooling system components to prevent future manifold fires.

Your daughter was rear-ended while stopping at a stop sign, but the airbags didn't deploy even though the impact was significant enough to total the vehicle. She suffered a concussion and a knee injury requiring surgery. No warning lights appeared before the crash, and the manufacturer did not provide assistance after being notified.

Your car's battery drains completely every time you shut off the engine, even after replacing the battery multiple times and having the alternator serviced repeatedly. The problem appears to be the engine control unit (ECU), which is expensive to replace. In the most concerning cases, this has caused the engine to shut down while driving, creating a serious safety risk, especially with passengers in the vehicle.

Your vehicle suddenly shuts off while driving on the highway and then has difficulty restarting. This has happened repeatedly, and despite more than 10 inspections by a certified mechanic, no check engine codes appear that would explain the problem. The issue may involve the electrical system or airbag system components that aren't triggering diagnostic codes. A thorough electrical system diagnosis, fuel system check, or replacement of ignition and starter components may be needed to identify and fix the underlying cause.

Your vehicle stalls while driving at various speeds and won't restart afterward. A mechanic diagnosed a faulty fuel pump and replaced it, but the stalling continued even after multiple fuel pump replacements. The dealer later identified that either the fuel pump or the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) sensor might be the actual problem. The fix will likely involve replacing the fuel pump again or diagnosing and replacing the TIPM sensor that controls fuel system power.

Your tire pressure warning system is triggering alerts about tire pressure issues, and you're experiencing binding or resistance in your driveline that causes jerking or hesitation when driving. This combination of problems suggests issues with both your tire pressure sensors and potentially the transmission or axle components. A mechanic will need to diagnose the tire pressure sensor function and inspect the driveline for binding points.

Your car's acceleration and speed performance is severely limited, making it difficult to drive normally. The problem involves multiple systems working together—the electrical system, engine, and fuel system—so diagnosis will require a mechanic to check all three areas. A full diagnostic scan should help pinpoint whether it's a fuel delivery issue, engine sensor problem, or electrical malfunction.

Your 2011 Dodge Journey is making a clicking noise from the transmission and a strange slowing sound, despite having only 91,000 miles and regular maintenance. You're unsure what's causing these noises. The transmission may need inspection for internal wear or fluid issues, which could require servicing or replacement of transmission components.

Your car's defroster isn't working because the passenger side isn't getting hot air. Even after replacing the heater core, you have to flush it out every year to keep it functioning. This appears to be a recurring issue with this model that hasn't been recalled. The fix will likely involve inspecting the heating system's coolant flow, blend door actuator, or heater core passages to ensure proper heat distribution to the passenger side.

Your sound system stopped working after the vehicle reached 200,848 miles, and the next day the LED hatch light also stopped working. When you tried to turn on the vehicle, it didn't work. This may indicate an electrical issue affecting multiple systems in your car, which could involve checking the battery, electrical connections, or a faulty control module.