2010 Dodge Journey cruise control problems
severe Owners of the 2010 Dodge Journey have filed 15 NHTSA complaints about the cruise control, typically surfacing around 52,019 miles at roughly $600 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See cruise control across all vehicles →
| Model year | cruise control complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Journey | 13 |
| 2010 Journey (this page) | 15 |
| 2011 Journey | 4 |
| 2012 Journey | 11 |
| 2013 Journey | 6 |
| 2014 Journey | 11 |
Among the 10 model years of Dodge Journey in our records for cruise control problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2010 Dodge Journey describe a known cruise control defect: when the system is engaged going downhill, the transmission downshifts violently, engine RPMs spike to 5000 or higher, and the vehicle lurches forward. This happens consistently across multiple owners at various mileages starting as low as 500 miles. Multiple dealers told owners there is "no fix" available and advised against using cruise control on hilly terrain. Owners report concerns about loss of vehicle control, especially on wet or slippery roads.
Separately, the accelerator pedal fails by breaking at the attachment point where the shaft meets the firewall, occurring during normal driving at highway speeds. One owner's pedal snapped during rush hour on I-55, forcing emergency roadside assistance.
Transmission problems also appear throughout these narratives: vehicles exhibit uncontrolled downshifting, stay locked in low gears limiting speed to 35 MPH, slip out of gear repeatedly, or fail completely. Check engine lights accompany these failures. Owners report being unable to reach highway speeds on some days while driving normally on others. One transmission failed roadside despite regular fluid service.
One owner also reported sudden acceleration while attempting to shift to Park, resulting in collision with a building, with no dashboard lights functional at the time.
Same Dodge Journey cruise control reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Cruise control surges and engine over-revs on downhill grades
When cruise control is engaged and the vehicle travels downhill, the transmission downshifts violently, engine RPMs spike to 5000+ RPM (sometimes 2500-4000 range initially), and the vehicle lurches forward. On flat terrain, cruise control functions normally. The issue occurs when vehicle speed increases 5+ MPH over the set cruise control speed on grades. Multiple owners report the problem happens consistently on inclines.
When: Occurs on downhill grades; one owner at 30,000 miles, another at 33,000 miles, one at 500 miles, another at unspecified mileage on recent trips
Symptoms owners cite: violent downshift when cruise control engaged on downhill; RPM spike to 5000+ RPM; engine sounds like it's in neutral; vehicle lurches forward; vehicle may lose control on wet or slippery surfaces due to violent nature of downshift; problem increases over time in at least one case
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers consistently stated there is 'NO FIX' available for this defect. Owners advised not to use cruise control in hilly areas or in non-dry conditions
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No fixes available per dealer advisories; owners told to avoid cruise control on hills
Accelerator pedal breaks at attachment point
The plastic accelerator pedal snaps or breaks at the attachment point where the shaft meets the firewall, rendering the pedal inoperable. One owner reported this occurred during highway acceleration at approximately 97,000-98,000 miles. Another owner reported breakage during a turn. A third noted the plastic material broke easily under normal driving conditions.
When: One owner at 97,000-98,000 miles during rush hour on I-55 Illinois; another at unspecified mileage during turn; third at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: accelerator pedal snaps off completely; pedal breaks at firewall attachment; loss of throttle control while driving; pedal material (plastic) fractures under normal driving conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Pedal replacement required; one owner's vehicle was towed after pedal failed on interstate highway
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge refused to send tow truck for out-of-warranty vehicle (97,000+ miles); supervisor declined to speak with stranded family
Transmission downshifts and surges independent of cruise control
Vehicle exhibits uncontrolled downshifting and RPM surges during normal driving, separate from cruise-control-related incidents. One owner reported transmission staying in 1st and 2nd gear, preventing speeds over 35 MPH on some days while driving normally on others. Another reported transmission slipping out of gear repeatedly since purchase. One owner's transmission failed completely roadside.
When: Ongoing throughout ownership; one owner first notice at 68,700 miles; another reported problem from purchase with cumulative failures
Symptoms owners cite: uncontrolled RPM increases up to 5000+ RPM; transmission locked in low gears (1st, 2nd); inability to exceed 35 MPH on some occasions; transmission slipping out of gear intermittently; complete transmission failure requiring roadside assistance; check engine light illuminates
Codes mentioned: P0792, P0734, P0733
Repairs/costs cited: One owner told transmission is sealed and requires specialist; no successful repairs documented across all narratives. Another owner serviced transmission fluid regularly but still experienced failure
Check engine light with loss of power and stalling
Check engine warning light illuminates and vehicle loses power or stalls during acceleration. Vehicle may recover and run normally after restart, but the check engine light persists. One owner experienced multiple loss-of-power events while driving, others noted the light came on intermittently.
When: One owner at 68,700 miles; others at unspecified mileage; complaint indicates recurring issue over time
Symptoms owners cite: check engine light illuminates and stays on; loss of power during driving or acceleration; vehicle stalls completely; vehicle may run normally after restart but light remains; problem occurs intermittently
Codes mentioned: P0792, P0734, P0733
Repairs/costs cited: One independent mechanic unable to diagnose cause; no successful repairs documented
Sudden acceleration and loss of dashboard controls
Vehicle exhibits sudden uncontrolled acceleration while brake is depressed and attempting to shift to Park. One incident resulted in vehicle lunging forward and crashing into building. Another incident involved RPM gauge jumping to 5.0 and vehicle losing power on freeway. One unconfirmed narrative mentions cruise-control-related sudden acceleration but primarily reports transmission issues.
When: One confirmed at July 8, 2019 in parking lot; another while crossing San Francisco Bay Bridge at highway speed (60 MPH)
Symptoms owners cite: sudden RPM increase to over 5000 RPM or gauge reading near 5.0; vehicle lunges forward uncontrollably; loss of power and engine loudness; loss of dashboard lights and radio controls; brake pedal depressed but vehicle accelerates
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle declared total loss; no repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler dealer showed no interest in investigating; no recalls issued for sudden acceleration problem per owner report
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2010 Dodge Journey?
It's a meaningful issue. 15 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 30,000 and 95,688 miles, with the median around 52,019. A quarter of owners report trouble before 30,000; a quarter make it past 95,688. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.