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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Dodge Journey electrical problems
moderate 99 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
99
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
4fires
When does it fail?
Of the 99 electrical complaints filed for the 2012 Dodge Journey, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 99 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 12 model years of Dodge Journey in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗LAMP - DOME
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2012 Dodge Journey suffers from widespread electrical failures that recur even after repair attempts. Alternators fail repeatedly within 1–3 years of replacement, leaving owners stranded with dead batteries and loss of engine power while driving at highway speeds. The engine shuts down without warning during motion—one owner reports 30+ occurrences in months despite crankshaft sensor replacements—leaving drivers without brakes or steering in traffic.
Electrical gremlins plague nearly every system: radios change stations and play after ignition off, climate controls activate randomly, instrument panels go dark, door locks fail, and backup cameras malfunction. Many issues cannot be replicated by dealers even after multiple shop visits and video evidence, suggesting intermittent faults that dealers struggle to diagnose.
Water intrusion into the ABS module connector has caused brake warning light recurrence even in vehicles previously subject to recall. A few owners report severed wiring inside the rear hatch harness and a wire-harness fire during motion. Push-button start systems require multiple attempts or fail completely. One catastrophic electrical fire destroyed the vehicle when jumper cables were connected. Throughout these narratives, owners describe being stranded, unsafe to drive with children, and unable to get dealers to permanently fix anything.
Same Dodge Journey electrical reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Alternator failure with battery drain
Multiple reports of alternator defects causing chronic battery drain, vehicle stalling during motion, loss of electrical power while driving at highway speeds, and repeated premature failures. Owners report replacing alternators multiple times (often in 1-3 year intervals), often accompanied by simultaneous battery failures.
When: Variable; some occurring within first few years of ownership; owners report recurring failures within months of each replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Battery light illuminated; Vehicle loses all electrical power while driving; Engine stalls mid-motion on highway; Dashboard lights flicker and go dark; Vehicle will not start without jumper cable boost; RPM gauge spikes to 4000-5000 before shutdown; Radio and accessories shut off during power loss
Codes mentioned: Battery drain codes, Alternator failure codes, Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite alternator replacement costs recurring multiple times; battery replacement; some dealers unable to diagnose underlying cause; alternator replacements at approximately 1-3 year intervals for same vehicle
Engine stalling without warning while driving
Recurring unannounced engine shutdown during motion at highway and city speeds with no warning lights or prior symptoms. Vehicle loses power, steering locks, and brakes become inoperative. Owners report this happening multiple times (up to 30+ occurrences in some cases) despite sensor replacements.
When: Variable; can occur at any driving speed or traffic condition; one owner reports 30+ incidents within a few months
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off suddenly without warning while driving; Loss of power steering; Loss of power braking; Check engine light may appear after shutdown; Vehicle can be restarted after stalling; No warning prior to failure
Codes mentioned: Crankshaft position sensor codes, Camshaft position sensor codes, Engine misfire codes, Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite crankshaft position sensor replaced 3+ times in some vehicles; camshaft position sensor replacement; thermostat and cooling system repairs; ignition coil replacement; one owner reports crank sensor replacements did not resolve issue; $5,238.64 transmission rebuild cited in one case
Electrical system malfunctions affecting controls and comfort systems
Widespread electrical system failures affecting multiple components including radio, climate control (heating/AC), window/door locks, and instrument panel. Many issues cannot be duplicated by dealers despite video evidence and numerous shop visits. Owners report 'works when it wants to' behavior suggesting intermittent electrical faults.
When: Variable timing; some began 8 months into ownership; recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Radio changes stations randomly; Radio continues playing after vehicle is shut off; Rear air conditioning turns on randomly and cannot stay off; Front climate control randomly jumps to high setting; Instrument panel/touchscreen intermittently goes black and displays 'LOADING'; Air, radio, touchscreen, and lights activate and deactivate randomly; System does not respond even after vehicle shutdown and restart; Charging ports work intermittently
Codes mentioned: PCM-related codes, Electrical system codes
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite dealers unable to duplicate issues despite video evidence; one owner had vehicle in shop for 18 days with only 35 miles driven; issues persist after multiple shop visits; one owner replaced motor at 17,000 miles due to manufacturing defect but electrical problems began after that replacement
Rear hatch wiring harness severed inside rubber sleeve
Wiring harness exiting rear of vehicle into rear hatch is severed inside protective rubber sleeve despite no visible fatigue or damage to sleeve. Affects rear lighting circuits. Safety concern is potential for arcing and fire. Multiple owners report same issue.
When: Discovered during routine inspections; timing of initial failure unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Rear hatch brake light inoperative; License plate lights inoperative; Hatch dome light inoperative; Rear hatch lock works but lights do not; Multiple wires severed inside rubber sleeve
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers report no open recalls; repair involves wiring harness replacement; potential fire hazard noted by owners due to severed wires without blown fuses
Push-button start system failures
Push-button ignition system fails to start vehicle or requires multiple attempts. Also locks steering wheel and brake pedal preventing engine shutdown. Some vehicles fail to start entirely after sitting.
When: Variable; occurs after parking in some cases; recurring intermittently in others
Symptoms owners cite: Push button start requires multiple attempts (up to 4 attempts reported); Vehicle will not start despite good battery and alternator; No response on screen when push button pressed; Steering wheel locked when vehicle won't start; Brake pedal locked/hard to depress; Key fob detection fails; 'No key connection' warning illuminates
Codes mentioned: Electrical failure codes, PCM codes
Repairs/costs cited: One owner states battery replacement offered by dealer; mechanics unable to diagnose cause in several cases; YouTube videos cited by owners as temporary workaround; one dealer did not service vehicle after seeing owner's attempted YouTube repair
Vehicle jerking and power loss while accelerating
Jerking motions while driving on highway or neighborhood roads; vehicle loses acceleration power requiring foot to floor on throttle with no response; must pull over, shut off, and restart to regain power.
When: Intermittent; occurs approximately every 20 minutes in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerks during acceleration; Loss of power during acceleration; Throttle input does not produce acceleration response; Vehicle must be shut off and restarted to restore power; Check engine light may illuminate; Hard shifting into second gear
Codes mentioned: Engine misfire codes, Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: One owner initially suspected transmission but transmission tested fine; catalytic converter issues noted in one case with overheating smell from cabin
Brake system electrical failures (ABS and brake warning lights)
ABS and brake warning lights illuminate; brake pedal becomes extremely hard to depress; brakes exhibit intermittent grabbing and vibration. One recall addressed this issue but problem recurs in some vehicles. Loss of brake power during motion.
When: Intermittent; can occur while driving or at startup
Symptoms owners cite: ABS light illuminates; Brake warning light illuminates; Traction control light illuminates; Brake pedal extremely hard to depress; Brakes grab and vibrate without pedal input; No traction control; Loss of all electrical power including brakes during motion
Codes mentioned: ABS control module malfunction codes, Brake system electrical codes, Water in ABS module connector codes
Repairs/costs cited: Previous recall was performed on ABS control module in October 2015 but issue recurred; one owner found water in ABS module connector causing wire corrosion; Dodge refused coverage citing vehicle did not come from specific batch despite recall existing for same issue; brake caliper replacements cited
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall for ABS control module performed October 2015; Chrysler recall R61 referenced by one owner for water in ABS module
Rear door lock failure
Rear doors fail to open from inside or outside vehicle, trapping occupants. Often coincides with electrical system failures or start failures.
When: Intermittent; occurs when vehicle fails to start or during electrical events
Symptoms owners cite: Rear doors will not open from inside vehicle; Rear doors will not open from outside vehicle; Doors lock/unlock randomly when rear hatch opened
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had to call dealership for instructions on how to remove child from vehicle; vehicle not diagnosed or repaired
Windshield wiper and turn signal electrical interference
Windshield wipers activate when turn signals engaged or activate automatically on startup. Turn signals, high beam headlights, and blinkers stop functioning when wipers are active. Wipers cannot be turned off once activated.
When: Variable; automatic activation on startup; activation during light toggle operations
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield wipers activate when turn signals engaged; Turn signals lose functionality when wipers activated; High beams will not engage; Blinkers do not work when wipers active; Wipers activate automatically on engine startup; Wipers cannot be turned off once activated; Check engine, airbag, and traction control lights illuminate
Codes mentioned: Clockspring replacement indicated in one case, Check engine codes, Airbag codes, Traction control codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed need for clockspring replacement; vehicle not yet repaired
Airbag warning light illumination and sensor failures
Airbag warning light illuminates constantly or intermittently, especially during turns or backing up. Passenger seat occupancy sensor failures. Light comes on despite no passenger present or with passenger in seat.
When: Intermittent; triggered by certain driving maneuvers (turns, backing)
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag light comes on and dings constantly; Light illuminates during turns or backing up; Light stays on regardless of passenger presence; Passenger seat movement triggers light on/off cycling
Codes mentioned: B1C4E passenger positioner open circuit code, Airbag system codes, Takata inflator codes (mentioned in one recall narrative)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's motor was replaced at 17,000 miles due to manufacturing defect with holes in metal; airbag issues began after that replacement; passenger side wiring replacement needed for occupancy sensor
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Takata recall mentioned for airbags; one owner reports vehicle not listed on recall despite light issue
Backup camera and display malfunctions
Backup camera display goes dark or flips upside down during reversing, creating safety hazard for pedestrians and children behind vehicle.
When: Intermittent; occurs during backing operations
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera display goes dark; Backup camera display flips upside down; Safety hazard when backing due to impaired visibility
Codes mentioned: Software update indicated as solution by dealer
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer indicated software update would correct issue but owner would have to pay for it; also affects transmission shifting and tire pressure monitoring
Tire pressure monitoring and transmission shifting issues
Tire pressure sensors show low pressure warnings despite new sensors installed; automatic transmission will not shift into low gear on hills but shifts in manual mode; vehicle slows unexpectedly while in drive.
When: Intermittent; occurs during hill climbing and steady driving
Symptoms owners cite: Tire pressure warning light illuminates despite sensor replacement; Transmission will not downshift to low gear on hills in automatic mode; Transmission shifts properly in manual mode; Vehicle slows down unexpectedly while in drive; Nearly causes rear-end accidents due to unexpected slowdown
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Software update needed per dealer
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer states software update would resolve all issues (backup camera, transmission, tire sensors) but owner would have to pay for it
Vehicle fire during jumper cable connection
Complete vehicle fire with explosion when using jumper cables to start another vehicle. Hood vaporized, windshield blown out, flames reached 12 feet. Vehicle declared total loss. Fire also ignited the vehicle being jumped (Ford F-350), also a total loss.
When: During jumper cable connection attempt; fire captain's report indicated fire originated from 2012 Dodge Journey
Symptoms owners cite: Explosion and fire when jumper cables connected; Complete vehicle engulfment; Hood vaporized; Windshield blown out; Flames reached 12 feet high; Fire spread to vehicle being jumped
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle declared total loss by insurance; owner believes this issue has occurred before with other Journeys
Headlight and interior dome light electrical malfunctions
Headlights fail to remain illuminated or illuminate when not intended. Interior dome light illuminates when headlights activated in reverse. Right headlight has condensation inside.
When: Variable; prior to stalling events in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Headlamps fail to remain illuminated; Dome light illuminates when headlights activated in reverse; Condensation inside right headlight; Lights flicker or go out during motion
Codes mentioned: Electrical system codes
Keyless entry fob failure
Key fob fails to unlock car doors or unlock operation is intermittent. One fob works only intermittently despite new battery. Particularly problematic for passenger doors that cannot be unlocked from inside or outside.
When: Intermittent; affects various fobs at different times
Symptoms owners cite: Keyless entry fob will not unlock doors; Fob works intermittently with new battery; Passenger door cannot be unlocked from inside or outside
Codes mentioned: Electrical codes related to fob receiver
Repairs/costs cited: Issue related to split wires in lift gate per dealer diagnosis
Heating and air conditioning system malfunctions
Heater works only intermittently or has failed completely. AC turns on randomly by itself multiple times per day. Heater only blows warm air on driver side while blowing cold on passenger side. Autostart feature fails in cold weather.
When: Intermittent; AC issues began suddenly and increase over time; heating issues developed progressively
Symptoms owners cite: Heater works only part of the time; Complete heater failure; Air conditioning activates randomly without user input; AC comes on 15+ times in one morning after being shut off; Heater warm on driver side, cold on passenger side; Autostart does not work in cold weather
Repairs/costs cited: Heater core installed at angle causing sludge drainage problems; radiator replaced due to small crack; owner suspects electronic control issue with AC
Instrument panel/touchscreen display failures
Instrument panel controlling radio, heating/AC, and other functions fails or goes dark. Touchscreen display becomes black and displays 'LOADING' then goes out repeatedly.
When: Variable; one occurrence in 2014, recurred intermittently afterward
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument panel goes out completely; Touchscreen displays 'LOADING' and then goes black; Unable to control radio, heat, or AC through panel; Screen remains black and unresponsive
Repairs/costs cited: Owner suspected glitch initially in 2014 but issue is ongoing
Electrical fire from wire harness
Wire harness caught fire and melted while vehicle was in motion with wipers and lights activated. Vehicle shut off and was towed to dealer.
When: During motion at 20 MPH; fire occurred after wipers were activated
Symptoms owners cite: Burning odor present; Windshield wipers activated; Vehicle lighting illuminated; Vehicle shut off; Wire harness fire and melting
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosed as wire harness fire and melt at dealer; vehicle not repaired
Driver seat power adjustment failure
Driver seat power adjustment switch fails intermittently. Seat only moves after wiggling switch.
When: Intermittent; occurs during attempt to adjust seat
Symptoms owners cite: Driver seat switch must be wiggled to make seat move; Seat does not respond to switch input without manipulation
All-wheel drive system warning light and park assist failure
Service all-wheel drive warning light comes on frequently. Park assist system stops functioning.
When: Service light comes on often; park assist stopped working
Symptoms owners cite: Service all-wheel drive light comes on frequently; Park assist system inoperative; Taillights flicker often
Repairs/costs cited: No shop willing to address these issues per owner
Synthesized from 99 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
2012 Dodge journey hero AWD hatchback showed a check engine light then lost all power and blacked out. Battery was replaced, check engine light again came on and in less than 24 hours blacked out (zero power) again. Vehicle was towed to Dodge and during a 2 week period in the shop the alternator, battery, two o2 sensors and the PCM were replaced in an attempt to fix the issue causing the check…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge journey. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start on the first attempt and the cargo door ajar warning light remained illuminated. In addition, the car alarm independently activated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 59,050.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge journey. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after multiple attempts. Upon exiting the vehicle, the contact attempted to remove her child from the vehicle, but neither of the rear doors would open on either side. The doors also failed to open from inside the vehicle. The contact called suburban Ford of sterling heights (40333 van dyke ave,…
While driving the car on a busy road it suddenly lost power and died while driving it, had it towed to a dealership and it was discovered that the fuel pump fuse had blown, the car is only 1yr old. The second time we were driving down a busy high way and the same thing happened this time it was determined that the fuel pump was bad the dealer replaced it, there have been a multitude of problems…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge journey. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. Prior to the failure, the headlamps failed to remain illuminated. While attempting to restart the vehicle, the "no key connection" warning indicator illuminated. The contact also stated that the hazard lights failed. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed, but the results of the diagnostic were…
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2012 Dodge Journey?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 99 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 68 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 50,000 and 110,000 miles, with the median around 85,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 110,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.