Owner complaint record
2010 Dodge Journey Problems and Recalls: What Owners Report
This page shows the problems 2010 Dodge Journey owners reported to NHTSA, the federal agency that tracks car safety: 988 complaints sorted by system, the mileage they started at, and the recalls to check before you buy.
NHTSA owner complaintsChecked Oct 3, 2026988 complaintsFederal file of Aug 25, 2026
Model year2010
- 202064No page yet
- 2019100No page yet
- 2018230No page yet
- 2017196No page yet
- 2016385No page yet
- 2015552No page yet
- 2014410No page yet
- 2013352No page yet
- 2012376No page yet
- 2011169No page yet
- 2010988
, most of any Journey year
577 complaints, 58% of the total
half of the electrical system reports that give a mileage came before this
15 mention an injury, 16 a fire
The electrical system leads the 2010 Dodge Journey record at 58%, with engine next at 17%. Of the electrical system reports that give a mileage, half came before 78,800 miles. The costliest part on our cost list is the brake rotor, $19 to $127 for the part alone.
It's a count of reports, not a failure rate. Use it to decide what to inspect before buying, not to grade the car.
Electrical complaints lead the file by far, many about the key and ignition, stalling and a dead battery. On the 2009 and 2010 Journey, a jolt can knock the ignition switch out of Run and shut the engine off; recall 14V-373 replaces the switch and key fobs free.
Recall 16V-273 covers a power steering return hose that can burst at a cold start and cut the steering assist, and the dealer replaces the hose free.
2010 Dodge Journey overview
The 2010 Journey came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a four-speed automatic, or a 3.5-liter V6 and a six-speed automatic, in front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
The 2011 drew 169, with braking system named most.
- Power
- 235 hp
- Torque
- 232 lb-ft
- Gearbox
- 6-speed automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Not direct
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
- Power
- 173 hp
- Torque
- 166 lb-ft
- Gearbox
- 4-speed automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Not direct
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
Fuel economy from EPA fueleconomy.gov; power and torque from Dodge's 2009 Journey launch release (Stellantis, Wayback copy), the same engines as the 2010, read 3 Oct 2026.
Is the 2010 Dodge Journey reliable?
Owners filed more complaints about the 2010 Dodge Journey than about any other Journey year, and most of them are about the electrical system. The four checks below are what the federal record can say; none of them is a reliability score.
- 1stCompared with other Journey years988 complaints, the most of 11 model years (next is 2015 with 552).By model year
- 58%The system named mostElectrical system, in 577 complaints. Half of the electrical system reports that give a mileage came before 78,800 miles.Problems by system
- 3Recalls3 recall campaigns cover the 2010 Dodge Journey.Recalls
- 18Crashes, injuries, fires18 complaints mention a crash, 15 an injury and 16 a fire.
A complaint count is not a failure rate: the record doesn't say how many were sold, so a popular year draws more reports.
2010 Dodge Journey problems by system
Every complaint to NHTSA names the part of the car that gave the owner trouble, such as the engine or the steering. The cards below sort the 988 complaints about the 2010 Dodge Journey that way, largest first: open one to read what owners wrote, when it usually starts, and what to check.
Electrical system58%577 complaintsIgnition key, stalling, dead battery
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What owners describe
2010 dodge journey, shut down twice while driving. Once in the neighborhood going 20mph, once on a highway going 60. Wife had to pull off onto grass while cars almost run her over. Car restarts fine. Nothing replaced yet as we thought the first time was just a hiccup, taking to dealer tomorrow.
Driving at 15 mph all of a sudden panel lights turned off, speed and rpm indicators turned off, air conditioner off, power windows would not work. Turn signals, headlamps and brake lamps did not work. Engine was still on so I pulled to the side and restarted the car a few times until all power was restored.
ILINFLILRead 4 more owner reports+4
On numerous occasions, my 2010 dodge journey looses wipers, radio, air conditioning, heat lights and on two occasions the motor shuts off. Both times on an interstate highway. Very scary! I had all my grandchildren with me on one occasion. My dealership told me to jiggle the key to make it stop. That was there "easy fix".
While driving at approx. 55 mph dash lights came on, gauges went to 0, and windshield wipers turned on. Vehicle never lost acceleration, but turn signals and brake lights would not work. This has happened at least once for the last three days. This is very dangerous especially with children in vehicle.
Driving down the road car stop running horn start blowing at any time sometimes cannot get in the car locks wont work gas padel sick wide open when driving I called the bank to let them know on the 31st of may today they tock the car never mist a payment what do I do
Car will not start. Just clicking noise in gear shifter and near glove box. After about 50 times trying then vehicle starts and is fine until next time which may be weeks, months or days.
When it starts
Usually starts around 78,780 miles. Half of owners reported it between 51,000 and 106,000.
What to do
Drive over a rough road with the key ring as you use it and watch that the engine keeps running.
Our guideCar Shuts Off While Idling or Driving? Causes and What to DoEngine17%164 complaintsStalling, warning lights
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What owners describe
While car is running it just stops. Has done it at least 10 times on freeway and on surface streets car just stops running. Have to put in neutral and re start it. Very dangerous. Vehicle is not safe. Have taken it to dealer but they tell me they can find nothing wrong with vehicle.
Driving down the road car stop running horn start blowing at any time sometimes cannot get in the car locks wont work gas padel sick wide open when driving I called the bank to let them know on the 31st of may today they tock the car never mist a payment what do I do
AEMIGANCRead 4 more owner reports+4
Vehicle has intermittent issue with starting once vehicle has been turned off. This has been going on for about 8 months, I have changed the starter, alternator and battery. The vehicle has has a electrical ground placed from the negative terminal to the engine block and still has issues will starting.
Just purchased 2010 journey with 102,000 miles. 3rd day of ownership, vehicle stalled 6 times in a 15 minute drive. Stalled while slowing to stop and while accelerating. No warning liguys, just lost power steering and realized it stalled. 6 times in 15 minutes. Engine code says o2 sensor failure
As I left work tonight at 8:30 pm I made it 4 block when my car cut off again it took me a extra hour driving with my hazard lights when are you going to replace my recall part I hate for my engine to become damaged, I need a rental until you can replace my parts please.
My 2010 dodge journey sxt shut down on me 5 time on the highway. At diffent time I took it to the dodge dealer in wilmington nc but they said that nothing is wrong with if nothing wrong with it why did it shut down on me.
When it starts
Usually starts around 80,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 57,500 and 104,500.
What to do
Let the engine idle warm and watch for a check engine light.
Our guideCheck Engine Light Meaning: The Test Your Car Failed TwiceBraking system10%100 complaintsRotors and pads, shaking when braking
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What owners describe
Rotors on these vehicles are failing, causing steering wheel to shake and vehicle to leave lane of travel. Dealer replaced rotors and brake pads. In august 2013 vehicle started doing the same thing. Vehicle was brought back to dealer and rotors were failing again. The rotors on this vehicle are designed to small for the weight of the vehicle and is only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt.
Vehicle has been in the shop 4 times for uneven braking and premature brake wear. Braking becomes difficult and unsafe after 10-12k miles. We are on our 3rd set of brakes and rotors in 35k miles. Vehicle shutters and braking distances become significantly higher than normal after a short time.
OHMIIAMSRead 4 more owner reports+4
I have had my front brakes replace and back brakes and rotors replaced twice an only have 37,300 miles on my car I am scared that my brakes would fails transporting my 3 kids how the brakes and rotors wear this quick.
Rear brakes and rotors need to be replaced at 25,119 miles dodge extended the warranty for the front brakes only. Cost to replace rear brakes and rotors is $370.00 brakes should not go bad after 25k miles dodge appears to be aware of the problem but refuses to extend the warranty for the rear brakes.
Dodge journey brake system is undersized for vehicle size and weight. Brake pads and rotors are needing full changeout after approx 25k miles. Vehicle has less than 60k miles on odometer, and brake system again must be repaired prematurely. I believe this is the reason dodge increased the rotor size on 2011 models.
I have a 2010 dodge journey that we have replaced the brake pads at least 3 times since december we have replaced the master cylinder and calipers. The brake continue to heat up and cause issues. We have also replaced both the driver and passenger side brake hoses.
When it starts
Usually starts around 37,727 miles. Half of owners reported it between 25,000 and 63,562.
What to do
Brake firmly from highway speed and feel for a shake in the wheel or pedal.
Our guideWarped Rotors: One Word, Three Faults, Three BillsMore: Brake warning light · ABS light on
Airbag system9%88 complaintsAirbag warning light
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What owners describe
Tamara recall... Since I got the car I have been having issues, first air bags, reactions and fuel system and today august 18, 2017 at 4:38am my car shut off while in the high way.
The headrest on our 2010 dodge journey popped open as we were driving down I-20. No accident, no bump in the road, no sudden stop... It just sprung open and smacked my husband in the back of the head.
MNINRead 2 more owner reports+2
Power steering return hose broke off causing no steering. Clock spring in steering wheel broke causing horn to go off by itself and air bag warning light to stay on.
I just purchased a 2010 dodge journey. It has not been in an accident. This morning when getting in my car, I noticed the active headrest restraint has been deployed. I was not in an accident. The car with sitting in my driveway overnight.
When it starts
Usually starts around 92,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 72,890 and 133,500.
What to do
Check that the airbag light goes out a few seconds after start.
Steering7%67 complaintsLoss of power assist
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What owners describe
2010 dodge journey. 19600 km (12179 miles)when work done by dealer. Brake shudder and steering wheel shake. Dealer replaced warped front rotors under warranty. No further shudder or shaking to date.
I have had my tires replace about every 25,000 miles the are wearing really bad on the inside I have had alignments done and there is no issue with the alignment I have spent over $1000 on tires not sure if it is caused by the brakes and rotors being bad. I've had them replaced twice also.
MINDRead 2 more owner reports+2
Just purchased 2010 journey with 102,000 miles. 3rd day of ownership, vehicle stalled 6 times in a 15 minute drive. Stalled while slowing to stop and while accelerating. No warning liguys, just lost power steering and realized it stalled. 6 times in 15 minutes. Engine code says o2 sensor failure
This is the second year in a row we have to replace the power steering lines. Last year the return line burst while driving. Now just yesterday ( 02/09/2021) a line burst again while driving.the vehicle only has this issue in the winter. It started to be almost impossible to steer. It felt like the power steering pump was locking up.
When it starts
Usually starts around 82,319 miles. Half of owners reported it between 36,500 and 121,247.
What to do
Start the engine cold and turn the wheel; look for fluid under the front.
What repairs cost on the 2010 Dodge Journey
Part prices for the problems 2010 Journey owners report most. They are shelf and mail-order prices for the part alone, so a shop bill adds labor and its own markup.
Nineteen brands, from ProSpec up to Power Stop, front and rear, priced per rotor.
Check brake rotorsPrices on this page are our own research, not the store’s, and store prices change daily.
Prices read on RockAuto on Oct 3, 2026, for the parts listed as fitting this car; regular stock only, closeouts left out.
When problems show up on the odometer
Braking system complaints start earliest, typically around 37,700 miles. Airbag system complaints start latest, around 92,000 miles.
Dot: typical mileage. Bar: the middle half of reports. From the mileage owners wrote on the form.
Dodge Journey complaints by model year
2010 has the most complaints of any Journey year. The electrical system is named most in 5 other Journey years.
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2010 has the most complaints of any Journey year. The electrical system is named most in 5 other Journey years.
When owners filed
Complaints about the 2010 Dodge Journey have kept arriving since 2010, with peaks in 2015 and 2016. A peak often follows a recall or a news story, not a new fault.
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2010 Dodge Journey recalls
3 recall campaigns cover the 2010 Dodge Journey. A recall list is by model year; whether one car had the work done is in its VIN record.
2010 Dodge Journey crash tests and investigations
NHTSA has no overall star rating on file for the 2010 Dodge Journey, only the single tests below. Its defect office has opened four investigations that cover this model year.
Ratings run from 1 to 5 stars: 5 is the safest result, 1 the least safe.
Rollover stars show how top-heavy the car is: NHTSA puts the 2010 Dodge Journey’s chance of rolling over in a single-car crash at 18%.
Safety equipment NHTSA recommends
Federal investigations
Before you buy a used 2010 Dodge Journey
These checks follow what 2010 Journey owners reported most: ignition and stalling trouble, then brakes that shake and airbag warnings. Run the VIN before you pay, because this crossover has ignition switch and power steering recalls.
- 1Run the VIN for the ignition switch recall
Only the VIN shows whether it was done.
- 2Watch that the engine keeps running on a rough road
Stalling leads the electrical complaints.
- 3Brake firmly from speed
Brake complaints describe a shake.
- 4Check that the airbag light goes out
Airbag warnings show up often.
- 5Start it cold and turn the wheel
A power steering hose recall covers cold starts.
Oil and service for the 2010 Dodge Journey
This is what Dodge's manual says the 2010 Journey needs: which oil to use and how much, the fluids for the transmission and the cooling system, and when each job is due. The vehicle tracks oil wear itself and shows an oil change message, but Dodge says never to go past a set number of miles or months.
- Engine oil
- 10W-30
- Oil capacity, with filter
- 5.5 US quarts
- Transmission fluid
- Mopar ATF+4
- Coolant
- Mopar 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT
- Engine oil
- 5W-20
- Oil capacity, with filter
- 4.5 US quarts
- Transmission fluid
- Mopar ATF+4
- Coolant
- Mopar 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT
Service schedule
From the Dodge 2010 Journey Owner's Manual, read Oct 3, 2026. Normal schedule.
Common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Dodge Journey?
Owners name the electrical system most (577 complaints), then engine (164) and braking system (100).
Is 2010 a good year for the Dodge Journey?
The complaint record can't grade a car, but it shows what to check: the electrical system complaints that lead this year, the mileage they start at, and whether the recall repairs were done.
Was there a recall on the 2010 Dodge Journey?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2010 Dodge Journey: steering (2), electrical system. A dealer can tell from the VIN whether one car got the repairs.
At what mileage do 2010 Dodge Journey problems start?
Braking system complaints start earliest, around 37,700 miles. Airbag system complaints come later, around 92,000 miles.
Which Journey years have the most and fewest complaints?
The 2010 and 2015 model years have the most in the file, and the 2020 and 2019 the fewest, though newer cars have had less time to collect complaints.
Other 2010 crossovers to compare
What the complaint record can't tell you
Sources
Show all 8 sources
Owner quotes are changed from all capitals to normal case only. Counts by system and year cover vehicles with at least 10 complaints.