The 2010 Dodge Journey has 1,085 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 605 complaints (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2010 Journey?
Avoid — the engine
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced.
7 fire-related complaints and 4 crash-related complaints on the electrical system
Engine: 75 complaints, classified severe
Powertrain: 42 complaints, classified severe
Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2010 Dodge Journey? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
electrical — 605 owner reports
· ~$850 to fix
brakes — 102 owner reports
· ~$450 to fix
steering — 83 owner reports
· ~$700 to fix
engine — 75 owner reports
· ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: engine is flagged
severe on this model
.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 3 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2010 Journey· electrical
When I go to start ITIT's sometimes shut itself off or just doesn't wanna start all the way And the killing mission seem to be loose I can wiggle it around power in then we'll around and get nothing at all Ignition seems to we have an issues and sometimes when I have started and…
Horn blew intermittently at first when shutting doors, and occasionally for no reason. Windows would go down part way when doors were shut. Ignition would sometimes just click click when key is turned, wipers would move when not engaged to be on. Battery would go complexly dead…
While sitting in the yard, locked ....my 2010 Dodge journey just randomly starts blowing the horn. This is happening on a daily basis for the last few days and even during the middle of the night. There is something wrong with there electrical system because sometimes the radio…
When braking at speeds above 50 MPH, there is a violent shake in the vehicle. Vehicle is only 5 years old, and now needs a third set of brake pads and rotors. This is a clear and well known problem with the 2009 and 2010 journeys, yet the dealer (and Chrysler) refuses to…
Had a problem with your 2010 Dodge Journey?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 31, 2007, to November 12, 2016
A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and 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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S08.
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system
If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R03. Note: This is an expansion of recall 11V-139.
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
Leaked power steering fluid onto hot engine components could cause a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary the power steering pressure hoses free of charge. The safety recall began on december 20, 2010. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Under investigation
1 open at NHTSA
EALatches/Locks/Linkages · opened August 2024
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA24003 on NHTSA →
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10 based on 1,085 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Dodge Journey has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2010 Dodge Journey?
On the NHTSA data, the 2010 Dodge Journey is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 7 fire-related complaints and 4 crash-related complaints on the electrical system; Engine: 75 complaints, classified severe; Powertrain: 42 complaints, classified severe; Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2010 Dodge Journey?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 605 owner complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2010 Dodge Journey a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 1,085 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2010 Dodge Journey?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 605 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Dodge Journey has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2010 Dodge Journey?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,085 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Dodge/Journey.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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