Dodge’s affordable midsize SUV, the Journey has gone through its mid-life (presumably) refresh for the 2011 model year. The basic attire may do little to excite most but the $22,245 base price is something that attracts a decent number of eyes. Sporting the same mechanicals as other Dodge/Jeep vehicles we’ve seen in the past, the 2011 Dodge Journey does come out to be a dependable vehicle in general. Coming in reworked this year, the 162 user complaints and 4 recalls against the SUV might be a bit on the concerning side here, but Dodge has been doing a pretty decent job of putting the hassles on a leash, at least for now. However, a few faults could show up during ownership and the most probable ones have been discussed in this section. At the stated base pricing, the 2011 Dodge Journey would be sharing space with the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Kia Sorento, and the Chevrolet Equinox.
2011 Dodge Journey User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine problems- Throttle body issue is something to watch out for on the 2011 Dodge Journey. There is no specific mileage to this failure as NHTSA has reports of it occurring even at low mileages as well. Rough idling, loss of power, intermittent jerks, and stall are primary indications of a faulty throttle body in this case. The codes usually diagnosed on this issue are P2110 and P2112. Since the complaint has been traced to faults with the internal electronics of the sensor unit, cleaning the throttle body would not solve the issue and a complete unit replacement would become necessary with repair costs estimated between $430 and $450. Thermostat failures are also common, which can lead to increased idling times and engine overheating. The thermostat along with the housing is replaced in this case and the estimated cost is around $900.
- Transmission Problems- Though not inherently troublesome, the 6-speed automatic on the 2011 Dodge Journey can develop a variety of problems. Shift delays, shuddering, grinding noise, lurching, and stalling are problems that arise due to minor problems like TCU software, clutch solenoid or and bad fluid, or major ones like torque converter failure, valve body issues, or internal clutch pack wear. A few transmission rebuilds and replacements have been reported by NHTSA with the lowest failure mileage of around 37,000 miles.
- Service brake – Excessive/premature front brake pad and disc wear has been a common problem on the 2011 Dodge Journey. Though the automaker has been made aware of this issue, no support has been made available. However, Dodge does have a technical service bulleting on the same issue for some previous model years which extends the warranty on the brakes to 3 years/ 36,000 miles from the standard policy.
Electric System complaints
- Battery/ Alternator issues- Premature battery drain has been a topic of discussion on the 2011 Dodge Journey. Though this model is known to face parasitic battery drain issues, the manufacturer has not released a statement on this. The current assumptions do point to a faulty media system, defective alternator wiring, or a damaged brake light switch to be the primary cause of this battery drain.
- A/C / heater core Issues- The 2011 Dodge Journey is known to throw a few issues with the HVAC unit. The most common problem reported is the failure of the blend door actuator. When this happens, any one or more of the A/C starts blowing colder or warmer air than what is set at the controlled. The complete unit does need replacement when this happens. The second issue is a clogged or faulty heater core on the passenger side as seen with many Jeep/Dodge vehicles from this generation. The users are required to flush or replace (if flushing doesn’t help) the heater core to rectify this issue.
Structural Complaints
- Steering Problems- The power steering cooler lines on the 2011 Dodge Journey are known to crack and fail in low-temperature conditions. Multiple owners have reported the loss of power steering and leaking steering fluid. This issue has been considered under a recall (ID-16V273000) by the manufacturer and the affected vehicle will receive a replacement of damaged parts including the cooler.
2011 Dodge Journey Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
7th July 2017 |
17V432000 |
Inadvertent airbag deployment due to chafed wire |
The driver's frontal air bag may unexpectedly deploy if the air bag wiring harness gets chafed within the steering wheel and short circuits, increasing the risk of a crash or driver injury. |
The dealers will inspect the air bag wiring within the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary. A protective cover will also be installed. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2017. |
|
2 |
6th May 2016 |
16V273000 |
The power steering return hose may rupture |
After exposure to cold temperatures, the power steering return hose may rupture at engine start-up causing a loss of power steering assist, increasing steering effort, and the possibility of a crash. |
The 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. |
|
3 |
7th July 2015 |
15V431000 |
The engine cover may contact the exhaust manifold |
In vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines, the engine cover may detach from the engine and contact the exhaust manifold, increasing the risk of a fire. |
The dealers will install an improved mounting system for the engine cover, free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2015. |
|
4 |
8th June 2011 |
11V315000 |
Steering column |
Affected vehicles may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet which can reduce the effectiveness of the frontal crash protection systems, increasing the risk of injury to the driver. |
The 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. |
Should you buy a used 2011 Dodge Journey?
Even though the Dodge Journey places itself at the uninteresting end of the midsize SUV spectrum, it does come out as a modest option for those looking for a roomy vehicle with decent economy and reliability. It might throw at you a few hiccups now and then, but nothing that we would classify as a deal breaker for this class. Transmission woes like any vehicle are an expensive affair here, but when maintained well, there are limited chances that you come across something like that at low mileages. In all, the Dodge Journey might not look all that appealing from the outside, but for those who value utility more than outright bling, this SUV might do it all the more affordably.
