Speed Control Operates Intermittently
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Dodge Journey cruise control problems
moderate 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control 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.
Speed Control Operates Intermittently
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Adaptive Cruise Control Sensor 1) If you are replacing this part due to the cluster displaying Clean Radar Sensor in Front of Vehicle or DTC C1266 ACC Sensor Blinded, please verify that there is no blockage in front of the sensor. Blockage can occur from mud, ice, snow, front end damage, bracket damage, the sensor not attached to the bracket properly or an aftermarket fascia installed. This fault can occur intermittently in muddy or icy/snowy conditions and is considered normal operation. Under some circumstances, a misaligned sensor can also cause the C1266 DTC, please complete an alignment procedure. No replacement is required.~ 2) If you are replacing this part due to the cluster displayi
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: Lack Of Acceleration Performance With The Accelerator Pedal Fully Pressed This bulletin involves flash reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. Derate at wide open throttle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Cruise control on the 2012 Dodge Journey has two distinct failure patterns. First, the button doesn't work—owners press it and nothing happens, requiring a restart to reset the system. Second, the system engages on its own at 30 mph and causes rapid acceleration; drivers have to brake to stop it.
More serious are the cascading failures tied to the ABS and traction control system. When the ABS and traction control lights come on, cruise control stops working entirely. Owners report this around 100,000 miles. Some vehicles fall outside the VIN range of NHTSA campaign 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and dealers deny recall coverage despite owners having the identical symptoms their neighbors with in-range VINs are having fixed.
Acceleration hesitation and power loss run through multiple complaints. The vehicle won't pick up speed, the ESC light flashes, and sometimes the car stalls. One owner had a catalytic converter replaced; the problem came back. Another car was limited to 20 mph after an event on the highway and made a loud humming sound. Dealers cannot always replicate the failures when plugging in diagnostic computers.
One owner reported the vehicle stalls randomly and accelerates on its own without pedal input—both unsafe conditions.
Same Dodge Journey cruise control reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Cruise control will not engage or engage erratically
Cruise control button does not respond when pressed, or in one case engages automatically without input and causes rapid acceleration. Owners report intermittent failure requiring car restarts or brake intervention to disengage.
When: Various mileages; narratives do not specify consistent timing
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control button unresponsive when pressed; Cruise control engages automatically at 30 mph without driver input; Rapid acceleration when cruise control engages; Intermittent operation requiring vehicle restart or brake pressure to reset
ABS and traction control light illumination with loss of cruise control function
ABS and traction control warning lights illuminate on the dashboard, and cruise control stops working. Owners report this occurs alongside brake sensor issues. Some vehicles exhibit this despite not falling within the VIN range of existing recalls, leaving owners unable to access warranty repair.
When: At or above 100,000 miles reported in two narratives; one at 107,000 miles, one at 110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminates and stays on; Traction control light comes on and remains on; Cruise control becomes non-functional when ABS/traction lights activate; Electronic stability control light flashing
Codes mentioned: ABS warning, Traction control warning, Electronic stability control (ESC) warning
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report brake sensor implicated as root cause in some cases; however, repair attempts have not resolved the issue in all narratives
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA campaign 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) exists but does not cover all affected vehicles based on manufacturing date; some owners denied recall coverage despite identical symptoms
Hesitation and loss of power under acceleration with warning light activation
Vehicle hesitates or fails to accelerate when pedal is depressed, sometimes to the point of complete loss of power on highway entrance ramps. ESC and ETC warning lights illuminate. Vehicle may stall at stops following the loss of power event. Condition occasionally resolves after restart but reoccurs.
When: One case at 86,269 miles; most narratives do not specify mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle hesitates during acceleration; Failure to accelerate despite pedal depression; Rapid deceleration on highway; Electronic stability control light flashing; ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) light illuminated; Vehicle stalls after loss of power event; Air conditioner failure accompanying acceleration loss; Vehicle speed limited to 20 mph after event; Loud abnormal humming sound from vehicle
Codes mentioned: ESC (Electronic Stability Control) warning, ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) warning
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle diagnosed with catalytic converter failure and repaired; failure recurred and vehicle developed abnormal humming sound; another replaced catalytic converter but issue persisted
Intermittent stalling and unintended acceleration
Vehicle stalls out unexpectedly while in motion and also experiences random speed increases without driver input to the accelerator. Owner reports unsafe driving conditions and inability to use the vehicle.
When: Not specified in narrative
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while in motion; Unintended acceleration without pedal input; Random speed increases
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had cruise control trouble with your 2012 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 cruise control problem on the 2012 Dodge Journey?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 11 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $600 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 90,180 and 130,000 miles, with the median around 102,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 90,180; a quarter make it past 130,000. 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 $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.
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/2012/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.