DODGE JOURNEY · model year

2010 DODGE JOURNEY

1473 NHTSA complaints, 27 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2010DODGEJOURNEY carries 1473 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 27 crashes, 23 fires, 24 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2010 JOURNEY is electrical system with 573 filings, followed by engine (163) and unknown or other (108). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 3 investigation files overlapping the 2010 JOURNEY, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

1473
Complaints
27
Crashes
23
Fires
24
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

1473 filings

Crashes Reported

27 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM573
ENGINE163
UNKNOWN OR OTHER108
SERVICE BRAKES100
AIR BAGS87
STEERING66
POWER TRAIN43
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)40
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC33
EXTERIOR LIGHTING33
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL25
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN25
SEATS22
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING19
VISIBILITY/WIPER16

Recalls (3)

14V37300026/06/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling

10V47500007/10/2010

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING, 300, CHARGER (LX) AND DODGE CHALLENGER (LC), AVENGER (JS), AND JOURNEY (JC), AS WELL AS MODEL YEAR 2011 DODGE RAM LIGHT DUTY PICKUP (DS) VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A SEPARATION AT THE CRIMPED END OF THE POWER STEER

16V27300006/05/2016

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.

Recent Complaints

20260131UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The ignition fob messed up on me and won’t start the key fobs not reading it shuts off

20260121ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the horn engaged unintendedly while driving. The contact stated that the failure persisted even while the vehicle was parked and turned off. The vehicle was taken to AAA several times, and the battery and the battery terminals were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

20251022CrashELECTRICAL SYSTEM

vehicle repeatedly fails to start because of ignition system defect I have to wiggle or finesse the key fob in the ignition slot to get the car to start. The problem has happened many times. The first time I crashed into my shed I was so scared. and now the vehicle will not start at all leaving me in my family straight on the roadside I am aware of existing recall RO3 for the ignition switch wind module on this model year my vehicle either was not repaired or still exhibiting the same defect after prior service. This is a safety issue because it leaves driver stranded unexpectedly and may also cause the ignition to shut off while driving I request an HSTSA investigate further or ensure the manufacturer repair repairs this issue under recall.

20250917AIR BAGS

Faulty active head restraints in both front driver and passenger seats, causing both units to deploy while driving, causing my driver to temporarily lose control of the vehicle.

20250830AIR BAGS

I was sitting, idling in my car when my active headrest restrain system in my passenger seat suddenly went off. I am lucky no one was in my passenger seat and that I wasn't driving at that time. I looked more into it and it looks like the plastic encasing the metal bar which holds the headrest together snapped. Googling online I saw that this is a common issue with dodge, jeep, and Chrysler cars. I am now worried my driver side active headrest restraint system could go off while I am driving and cause an accident, as the passenger one definitely flew forward fast when it snapped.

20250830SEATS

I was sitting, idling in my car when my active headrest restrain system in my passenger seat suddenly went off. I am lucky no one was in my passenger seat and that I wasn't driving at that time. I looked more into it and it looks like the plastic encasing the metal bar which holds the headrest together snapped. Googling online I saw that this is a common issue with dodge, jeep, and Chrysler cars. I am now worried my driver side active headrest restraint system could go off while I am driving and cause an accident, as the passenger one definitely flew forward fast when it snapped.

20250624ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 ?

20250624ENGINE

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 ?

20250624VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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 ?

20250531ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Since buying my car, it has completely shut off while driving down the street 3 times with the key still in the run/on position. When it has done this I've lost power steering, power braking and complete power loss. The 3rd time this happened while I was taking my children to school and almost caused us to crash so I called a local locksmith, because I thought it was my key because the remote functions (lock, unlock, panic, and remote start) had stopped working also, paid for a new key and programming, only to find out it wasn't just the key, it was also the wireless ignition node module was defective too so I had to have it replaced and programmed as well. The locksmith asked my permission to disassemble the WIN module to inspect it for the cause of the problem and he said that there was a bad contact point inside that was breaking connection and causing the shutdown. I had to pay $1000.00 for these parts and service and I no longer have access to the module that was originally in my

20250110SERVICE BRAKES

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Journey. The contact sated while driving 15 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact made a left turn and the brakes seized. The contact stated that the ECS, engine check, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics where it was determined that the brake hose was leaking, and an unknown hose had detached. The vehicle was repaired for the most recent failure. The remained at the residence and had not been driven since. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

20241220STEERING

I went to go start my vehicle to commute home from work and had no power steering. I did some research and saw that my vehicle model from 2007-2016 was recalled for this issue

20241022SEATS

My active headrests on the front seats have suddenly sprung, i.e. they have opened up. The car was parked in my yard, no other vehicles around, no accident/fender bender. I went out one day and the headrests were both opened up. This is a known problem for Dodge (at the time it happened, I researched) and they did extend the warranty for ten years; however, my vehicle is a 2010 so past that extended warranty. This is an expensive fix. I am a senior on a fixed income and wonder if there is any way to remedy this problem?

20240805ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the horn inadvertently honked. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Mileage: 140,000

20240717UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1. Driver headrest was broken while car was in driveway. I found the headrest broken and then reported to nhtsa. org after reading some Dodge forums

20240712SERVICE BRAKES

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

20240712ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

20240712ENGINE

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

20240509ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Fuse box is going bad. Rear windows, front mirrors don’t let up or down. 12V doesn’t work. Horn went out. Automatic key lock doesn’t work. Fuse will completely go out soon.

20240509FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Fuse box is going bad. Rear windows, front mirrors don’t let up or down. 12V doesn’t work. Horn went out. Automatic key lock doesn’t work. Fuse will completely go out soon.

Compare 2010DODGEJOURNEY to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2010 DODGE JOURNEY have?
The 2010 DODGE JOURNEY has 1473 NHTSA complaints, 27 crashes, 23 fires, 24 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2010 DODGE JOURNEY?
Yes, the 2010 DODGE JOURNEY has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 DODGE JOURNEY?
The most-complained component for the 2010 DODGE JOURNEY is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 573 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2010 DODGE JOURNEY safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.