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severe Owners of the 2012 Dodge Journey have filed 53 NHTSA complaints about the brakes, typically surfacing around 50,000 miles at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Journey | 290 |
| 2010 Journey | 102 |
| 2011 Journey | 37 |
| 2012 Journey (this page) | 53 |
| 2013 Journey | 29 |
| 2014 Journey | 36 |
| 2015 Journey | 38 |
| 2016 Journey | 15 |
Among the 10 model years of Dodge Journey in our records for brakes problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
This could lead to loss of braking ability increasing the risk of a crash.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes 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.
Antilock Brake System Control Module Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) control module on about 275,600 of the above vehicles may have a ground wire eyelet on the right front shock tower that allows water to wick through the ground wire case and into the ABS module. Moisture in the ABS module could disable the ABS and/or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system(s). The lack of a functioning ABS and/or ESC system(s) could change the braking and/or handling characteristics of the vehicle and cause a crash without warning.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: MIL Illumination P0108 - Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Circuit High And Transmission Shift Improvements This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. The customer may experience any of the following: 3.6L engine. MIL Illumination for P0108 - Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Circuit High affects only 2012 model year vehicles equipped with a 3.6L engine (sales code ERB). 2.4L & 3.6L engines 2.4L & 3.6L engines 2.4L & 3.6L engines 3.6L engine 3.6L engine 3.6L engine 2.4L & 3.6L engines 2.4L engine 2.4L engine 2.4L engine Improves the consistency of how shifts are controlled during upshifts ?torque management?. 3.6
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: MIL Illumination P0108 - Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Circuit High And Transmission Shift Improvements This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. The customer may experience any of the following: 3.6L engine. MIL Illumination for P0108 - Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Circuit High affects 2012 model year vehicles only. 2.4L & 3.6L engines 2.4L & 3.6L engines 2.4L & 3.6L engines 3.6L engine 3.6L engine 3.6L engine 2.4L & 3.6L engines 2.4L engine 2.4L engine 2.4L engine Improves the consistency of how shifts are controlled during upshifts ?torque management?Updating the software will correct the condition l
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
Owners describe a range of brake failures on the 2012 Dodge Journey, with the most common complaint being rapid pad and rotor wear requiring replacement at intervals far below normal—often by 25,000–50,000 miles. Multiple owners report replacing brake pads and rotors three to four times in 2–3 years of ownership, at costs exceeding $3,000 collectively. Grinding, squealing, and burning smells are frequent, with some reporting hot wheel areas and brake fluid contamination found upon inspection.
Caliper problems appear recurrent: owners cite stuck calipers (particularly rear) that fail to release, locking wheels and causing overheating. One owner's rear caliper needed replacement every 15,000 miles before eventually becoming frozen.
ABS and brake system electrical issues cluster around warning lights (ABS, brake, traction control, stability control) illuminating intermittently or permanently. Many failures coincide with water exposure—owners report loss of brakes after rain or water crossings. The ABS module is frequently implicated; some find water inside it, and dealers cite the module as needing replacement, though many parts are on backorder.
Brake pedal issues include pedal going to the floorboard, soft pedal feel, and complete brake failure while driving—one owner experienced brake failure at 25 mph resulting in a collision and injury. Brake lockup during normal driving has occurred multiple times per several owners.
Caliper fitment problems, contaminated brake fluid, and crushed/kinked brake hoses during manufacturing are noted as root causes by mechanics. One owner's parking brake cable severed at its connector. Uneven pad wear, rotor warping, and cable/hose degradation are also reported.
Same Dodge Journey brakes reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014
Brake pads and rotors wear out prematurely, requiring replacement at 16,000–50,000 miles. Owners report replacing pads and rotors multiple times in 2–3 years of ownership, far exceeding normal service intervals.
When: 16,000–50,000 miles; some owners cite replacements every 8,000–15,000 miles after initial service
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise during braking; Squealing or squeaking; Burning smell from brakes; Hot wheels and wheel area; Glazed pads after 4 months; Uneven pad wear (one side worn to metal while other remains)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite $270–$900+ per service for pad and rotor replacement; one owner spent $3,000+ over 2 years on brake repairs.
Right rear caliper (most commonly reported) fails to release after braking, locking the wheel and causing excessive overheating. Pattern repeats at regular intervals (every 15,000 miles in one case) until caliper becomes permanently frozen.
When: As early as 35,000–40,000 miles; recurring every 15,000–25,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from rear wheel; Overheating wheel and brake area; Burning smell; Wheel lock during light driving; Rotor grooves and scoring; Brake pads destroyed
Repairs/costs cited: Requires full brake component replacement (calipers, pads, rotors). One owner replaced the same caliper and rotors three times in 60,000 miles.
ABS module fails, often with water found inside. Failure occurs with or without warning light; many dealers have parts on backorder. Related to NHTSA Campaign 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control, Service Brakes, Hydraulic), though many vehicles are denied coverage.
When: 11,000–150,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminated (constant or intermittent); Traction control light illuminated; Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light; Brake light illuminated; Speedometer drops to 0 MPH; Loss of warning lights after rain or water exposure; Vehicle stalls after weather exposure
Repairs/costs cited: ABS module replacement; parts often unavailable (backorder). Estimated costs not specified by owners but repair delays extended months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control, Service Brakes, Hydraulic); many VINs excluded or parts unavailable; manufacturers state 'no recall' or provide no assistance.
Brake pedal loses pressure or goes completely to the floorboard, requiring excessive pedal force to stop the vehicle or stopping completely. Occurs intermittently or during emergency braking.
When: 7,000–141,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Soft brake pedal feel; Pedal travels to floorboard; Vehicle fails to stop or slows inadequately; Brake failure during rain/water exposure; Intermittent failures over weeks, then repeats; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced brake fluid; no leakage found. Mechanics suspect ABS or brake module failure, but diagnosis inconclusive.
Brakes lock up unexpectedly during normal driving, causing vehicle to become uncontrollable. Multiple owners report locking at various speeds.
When: 25–120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Wheels lock during forward motion or reverse; Uncontrolled vehicle motion; One owner crashed into another vehicle after brake lock and pedal failure; Brake, ABS, and traction control lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: One owner experienced brake lock during reverse at dealership; dealership charged $300 for service. Accident victim awaited manufacturer investigation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalled under Campaign 15V675000 in at least one case; manufacturer to investigate.
Brake fluid found contaminated during service, causing poor braking performance, smoke, and discoloration. Mechanics suspect contamination present at assembly.
When: 20–62,600 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke idling at traffic light; Brake fluid flush needed; Reduced braking response; Glazed pads
Repairs/costs cited: Full brake system component replacement (rotors, pads, calipers) required; brake fluid flush needed. One repair estimate exceeded $900.
Front brake lines are crushed or kinked during manufacturing, reducing internal diameter to about 20% of intended size. Brake cable severed at connector. Over time, hose deterioration worsens blockage, preventing proper caliper retraction and brake fluid backflow.
When: Manufacturing defect; failure emerges over time (observed at 36,974 miles and 62,600 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Brake failure requiring full pedal depression; Brake line failure with smoke from wheel; Excessive brake overheating; Loose brake cable under vehicle; Parking brake cable severed at tether connector; Cable unable to be engaged
Repairs/costs cited: Brake line and cable replacement required. One owner reported manufacturer issue where lines were severely crushed by retaining brackets during assembly.
Rotors warp at low mileage; brake pads do not fit calipers correctly, causing grinding and poor braking. Surface rust and scoring accumulate prematurely.
When: 16,000–99,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise during braking; Vibration during braking; Vehicle does not stop properly; Rotor scoring and grooves; Pads not seated correctly on calipers; Rotors appear warped
Repairs/costs cited: Rotor and pad replacement; pads may require custom fitment. One owner's front brake dysfunction persisted even after new rotors, pads, and calipers installed.
Synthesized from 53 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
It's a meaningful issue. 53 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
Across the 39 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 25,000 and 95,000 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 25,000; a quarter make it past 95,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes 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.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover brakes issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.