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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Dodge Journey powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2011 Dodge Journey have filed 17 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 85,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Journey | 111 |
| 2010 Journey | 42 |
| 2011 Journey (this page) | 17 |
| 2012 Journey | 32 |
| 2013 Journey | 28 |
| 2014 Journey | 31 |
| 2015 Journey | 69 |
1crash
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 17 powertrain complaints filed for the 2011 Dodge Journey, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - Feb 28, 2019 VF. - Only use R8453637
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - 2018 VF. - Only use R8453637A$ for 2
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - 2018 VF. - Only use R8453637A$ for 2
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - 2018 VF. - Only use R8453637A$ for 2
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a pattern of cascading powertrain failures that persist even after dealer repairs. The most common complaint is transmission failure before 60,000 miles, with one owner facing a rebuild at 30,000 and another at 53,000. When transmissions do fail, the vehicle either won't move, won't stay in gear while driving, or won't hold park—creating hazardous conditions on busy highways.
Powertrain control modules (PCM) malfunction repeatedly: warning lights illuminate (ESC, throttle control, check engine, ABS, airbag simultaneously), the engine shakes, and throttle becomes unresponsive. Dealer software updates and PCM replacements don't stick; the same failure reoccurs days or weeks later.
Alternator failures cause sudden loss of electrical power while driving at highway speeds, leaving the driver unable to accelerate and forcing emergency maneuvers. One owner replaced both alternator and battery four times in four months with the same result.
A few early-ownership complaints (under 5,000 miles) report harsh transmission clunking/jolting during shifts and the vehicle rolling backward on inclines, with dealers offering no fix. The all-wheel drive system in at least one AWD model failed in winter conditions and remained undiagnosed after multiple shop visits.
Cylinder head and torque converter failures also appear at higher mileage (85,000–89,000 miles), and one transmission cooler line leaked enough to prevent operation.
Same Dodge Journey powertrain reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Control Module / Powertrain Control Module (PCM/ECM) Failure
Multiple warning lights (ESC, throttle control, check engine) illuminate simultaneously; vehicle enters limp mode, loses power response, and shakes. Failures recur even after PCM software updates or PCM replacement. Dealer diagnostics often inconclusive or parts unavailable.
When: 14,000 miles and recurring; also reported at 138,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ESC and throttle control warning lights illuminate; Vehicle shakes continuously; No accelerator response when engaging pedal; Check engine light illuminates; Vehicle enters limp mode; Multiple sensor codes fire simultaneously (ABS, airbag, anti-traction); Camshaft position sensor codes and stalling at highway speeds
Codes mentioned: P0100 series (mass airflow/engine control), Camshaft position sensor codes, Multiple simultaneous fault codes, Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Software updates attempted; PCM replacement performed in one case but problem recurred; parts unavailable in another case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: PCM software updates offered; one case involved PCM replacement; dealer unable to provide permanent fix in multiple cases
Transmission Failure (Rebuild/Replacement Required)
Transmission loses ability to engage gears, vehicle unable to accelerate, transmission slips out of gear while driving. Multiple transmissions rebuilt or replaced but failures recur. One owner reports transmission rebuilt twice by 53,000 miles.
When: 53,000 miles, 50,000 miles, 100,000 miles; some failures very early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission will not engage or feel out of gear while driving; Vehicle will not accelerate despite pressing gas pedal; Transmission will not shift into park; Vehicle drifts backward when in park; Transmission warning light illuminates; Inability to move when shifted into drive; Jerking sensation when shifting
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Transmission warning light
Repairs/costs cited: One transmission rebuilt before 30,000 miles, then rebuilt again at 53,000 miles; multiple transmission replacements performed; repairs did not resolve issue in several cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Transmissions rebuilt or replaced; no recall mentioned; one case indicates dealer had no solution despite multiple visits (four visits recorded in one case)
Torque Converter Failure
Torque converter fails internally, preventing transmission engagement. Warning light illuminates when attempting to shift. Occurs at high mileage but still within warranty period on similar model year.
When: 89,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission warning light illuminates during gear changes; Difficulty shifting gears
Codes mentioned: Transmission warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement needed; vehicle not repaired at time of complaint
Alternator Failure with Cascading Electrical Failures
Alternator fails, causing loss of electrical power to vehicle systems. Multiple warning lights illuminate (battery, ABS, airbag, anti-traction); vehicle loses power and cannot accelerate on highway. One owner replaced alternator and battery four times in four months with same problem recurring.
When: Midnight highway drive; recurring at <91,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Battery warning light illuminates; Multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously (ABS, airbag, anti-traction); Loss of power/acceleration on highway; Vehicle will not crank or start; Battery light repeatedly comes on after replacement; Vehicle runs at high RPM but cannot exceed 20 mph, then stalls
Codes mentioned: Battery warning light, ABS warning light, Airbag warning light, Anti-traction control warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replaced; battery replaced (four replacements in one case); problem recurred in alternator case
Cylinder Head Failure
Cylinder head cracks or fails, causing repeated check engine light illumination and transmission issues at high mileage. Repair attempted but failure recurred.
When: 85,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Squeaking noise from brakes; Knocking/kicking noise in reverse; Transmission failure secondary to cylinder head issue
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Cylinder head and transmission replaced; failure recurred after repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Cylinder head and transmission replaced under dealer warranty
Transmission Cooler Line Leakage
Transmission fluid leaks from cooler lines, rendering vehicle unable to drive. Simple fluid loss but prevents operation.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle unable to drive due to transmission fluid loss
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission cooler lines require replacement
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System Malfunction
AWD system fails to engage, leaving vehicle without traction in snow and ice. Multiple diagnostics performed but problem unresolved. Dealer repeatedly sends owner out in unsafe vehicle without repair.
When: Winter conditions; multiple diagnostic attempts through January 2013
Symptoms owners cite: AWD will not engage in snow/cold weather; Loss of traction in snow and ice; No response to multiple diagnostics
Repairs/costs cited: Three diagnostics run with no resolution; vehicle remains unfixed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No solution provided by dealership despite multiple visits
Transmission Shift Quality / Clunking and Jolting
Vehicle exhibits loud clunking noise and jolts when shifting gears. Early occurrence (4,400 miles) suggests assembly or software issue. Dealer suggested software update but vehicle not repaired. Independent mechanic claimed all new Journeys drive this way.
When: 4,400 miles (very early in ownership)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunking noise when shifting gears; Vehicle jolts in any direction when shifting; Rough gear engagement
Repairs/costs cited: Software update suggested but not performed; vehicle not repaired despite three dealer visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer suggested software update; manufacturer contacted and offered no assistance
Vehicle Rollback on Incline
Vehicle rolls backward abnormally when on an incline, likely due to transmission holding failure or brake issue. Occurs at very low mileage. Neither dealer nor manufacturer offered assistance.
When: 1,159 miles (extremely early in ownership)
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal backward rolling on incline
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Both dealer and manufacturer offered no assistance
Transmission Driveline Issues (Click and Slowing Noise)
Transmission makes clicking sound and exhibits unusual slowing noise at high mileage. Owner has maintained vehicle but cannot identify cause.
When: 91,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Click sound from transmission; Unusual slowing noise
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
My car has only 91000 miles and there is a click from the transmission and a weird slowing noise have no clue why done all the maintenance one it
Had powertrain trouble with your 2011 Dodge Journey?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2011 Dodge Journey?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 14,285 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 85,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 14,285; a quarter make it past 100,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Dodge/Journey.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.