Is the 2011 Dodge JOURNEY reliable?

The 2011 Dodge JOURNEY has 253 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: BRAKES problems.

What are common problems with the 2011 Dodge JOURNEY?

Top problems: BRAKES (55 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (43 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (34 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2011 Dodge JOURNEY?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE, STEERING:COLUMN. Contact any Dodge dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2011 Dodge JOURNEY?

The 2011 Dodge JOURNEY gets 19 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2526. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2011 Dodge JOURNEY?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2011 Dodge JOURNEY is approximately $1,494/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2011 Dodge JOURNEY

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2011 Dodge JOURNEY has 253 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.5x the segment average of 503. The most common issue is brakes problems (22% of all complaints), specifically: at approximately 5000 miles, and less than 5 months old, my 2011 dodge journey, began to shake violently (steering wheel) when i slowed down. at first, it began at approx 52 miles an hour, and was noticeable going down small hills. it has progressively become worse; violently shaking anywhere from 3. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 4 fire reports filed.

4 fire reports 10 crash reports 16 injuries

253

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

BRAKES

55 complaints

22%

• AT APPROXIMATELY 5000 MILES, AND LESS THAN 5 MONTHS OLD, MY 2011 DODGE JOURNEY, BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY (STEERING WHEEL) WHEN I SLOWED DOWN. AT FIRST, IT BEGAN AT APPROX 52 MILES AN HOUR, AND WAS NOTICEABLE GOING DOWN SMALL HILLS. IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY BECOME WORSE; VIOLENTLY SHAKING ANYWHERE FROM 3
• THE CAR HAS BEEN SHAKING FOR A FEW MONTHS NOW, WORSE WHEN BRAKING. TWICE NOW, WE HAVE HAD TO STOP ABRUPTLY AND THE FRONT BRAKES DID NOT WORK CORRECTLY. ONCE IT DID CAUSE A MINOR ACCIDENT. THERE IS A LOUD GRINDING SOUND FROM THE FRONT WHEEL AREA AND POOR STOPPING AND THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES. IT HAS
• HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER 4 TIMES FOR GRINDING SOUND WHEN BRAKING. HAVE BEEN TOLD IT COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. TOLD ROTOR AND PADS ARE GOOD. LOOKING AT PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS, REALIZED DEALER IS PLAYING A GAME ( AFTER 12000MILES) ROTORS NOT COVERED. I PRESENTLY HAVE 11000 MILES. GREAT BUSINESS PRACT

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 3 crashes

“AT APPROXIMATELY 5000 MILES, AND LESS THAN 5 MONTHS OLD, MY 2011 DODGE JOURNEY, BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY (STEERING WHEEL) WHEN I SLOWED DOWN. AT FIRST, IT BEGAN AT APPROX 52 MILES AN HOUR, AND WAS NOTICEABLE GOING DOWN SMALL HILLS. IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY BECOME WORSE; VIOLENTLY SHAKING ANYWHERE FROM 3”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2011 Dodge JOURNEY

Based on 204 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 67K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 21K mi · 49 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 85K mi · 17 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 58K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

In line with typicalmedian 70K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

In line with typicalmedian 40K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SUSPENSION

In line with typicalmedian 62K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (4)

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL07/07/2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may unexpectedly deploy if the air bag wiring harness gets chafed within the steering wheel and short circuits.

Risk: Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and 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 August 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T47.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2011 Dodge JOURNEY

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,527

Per month

$211

Per mile

21.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,001/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,001/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Dodge JOURNEY

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,494

Full coverage / month

$125

Liability only / year

$639

vs US avg

-11%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1494

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Dodge New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Dodge. If you're buying a used 2011 JOURNEY, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Dodge dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 253 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
BRAKES: AT APPROXIMATELY 5000 MILES, AND LESS THAN 5 MONTHS OLD, MY 2011 DODGE JOURNEY, BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY (STEERING WHEEL) WHEN I SLOWED DOWN. AT FIRST, IT BEGAN AT APPROX 52 MILES AN HOUR, AND WAS NOTICEABLE GOING DOWN SMALL HILLS. IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY BECOME WORSE; VIOLENTLY SHAKING ANYWHERE FROM 3
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: THIS IS THE FIRST INCIDENT 2 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED THIS BRAND NEW TRUCK. THE CAR HAD NO POWER AT ALL. IT WOULD NOT START. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED FROM MY DRIVEWAY. ABOUT 6 MONTHS LATER THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR THE HEAD OR BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: THIS IS THE FIRST INCIDENT 2 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED THIS BRAND NEW TRUCK. THE CAR HAD NO POWER AT ALL. IT WOULD NOT START. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED FROM MY DRIVEWAY. ABOUT 6 MONTHS LATER THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR THE HEAD OR BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: THE CAR HAS BEEN SHAKING FOR A FEW MONTHS NOW, WORSE WHEN BRAKING. TWICE NOW, WE HAVE HAD TO STOP ABRUPTLY AND THE FRONT BRAKES DID NOT WORK CORRECTLY. ONCE IT DID CAUSE A MINOR ACCIDENT. THERE IS A LOUD GRINDING SOUND FROM THE FRONT WHEEL AREA AND POOR STOPPING AND THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES. IT HAS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Dodge dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)