2012 Dodge Journey powertrain problems

Cruise control fails to maintain set speed on inclines, dropping below target then over-accelerating to 5500–6000 RPM and overshooting speed by up to 12 mph before settling. Occurs repeatedly across multiple trips. One owner reported near-collision when vehicle over-accelerated to 77 mph from 45 mph set speed.

When: Early in ownership; repeatable across multiple test drives

Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control loses target speed on hills (drops 8–10 mph); Engine RPM spikes to 5500–6000+; Vehicle overshoots set speed by 8–12 mph before settling; Repeats multiple times per trip; Accompanied by low engine coolant warning (with orange residue in reservoir)

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer scheduled service 10 days out; owner reported no codes found at 1150 miles for coolant warning; dealer showed no concern

Vehicle shuts off abruptly while driving at highway and city speeds, with no check engine light before failure. Stalls occur in traffic, at stop lights, during acceleration, and on highways. Multiple owners report the car dies 'whenever it wants' and must be restarted manually. Some incidents occur after vehicle shows other electrical gremlins (radio changing channels, key-not-detected errors).

When: Varies; some early in ownership (1–3 months), others at higher mileage; one failure at 139,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine shutdown at 30–50 mph with no warning light beforehand; Occurs at traffic lights, during acceleration, and on highways; Stalling during or after transmission shift/stutter episodes; Vehicle must be restarted manually; Sometimes accompanied by 'key not detected' warning or other electrical anomalies; No restart ability; vehicle towed on at least one occasion

Codes mentioned: P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor malfunction), P0622 (Alternator output circuit)

Repairs/costs cited: One owner: PCM replaced at dealer (45,465 miles). Another: Wire shortage from PCM to MAP sensor found; manufacturer refused warranty coverage. Crankshaft position sensor replacements noted but not detailed in cost.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler referred one owner to NHTSA; dealer could not reproduce issue in some cases; one manufacturer told owner wiring not under warranty

Transmission exhibits shuddering, stuttering, or jerking during gear shifts, most commonly when coming to a stop, accelerating from a stop, or shifting between 2nd and 3rd gear. Owners report vibration and clunking. Multiple dealers report inability to reproduce or state the issue is 'normal.' One transmission opened by Chrysler at dealer for internal parts replacement; another owner found metal shavings inside transmission casing at 124,000 miles.

When: Begins early in ownership (some within first month); one failure at 124,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stutters or shudders when coming to a stop; Shuddering during acceleration from standstill; Vibration when shifting 2nd to 3rd gear; Clunking or loud noise during shifts; Vehicle rocks or shakes violently during downshift; Metal shavings found inside transmission casing (124k miles case)

Repairs/costs cited: One dealer opened transmission and replaced internal parts (2 weeks in shop, early ownership). Another owner parked car for nearly a year due to cost; new transmission installed then driveshaft broke. Driveshaft replaced twice, both broke again. Dealer at another location performed computer reprogramming; problem continued.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple dealers unable to reproduce in early stages; one told owner issue is 'normal.' Chrysler involved in one case for parts replacement at dealer. No TSB or recall cited for transmission shudder.

ABS light, brake warning light, and traction control light illuminate randomly or simultaneously. When ABS light is on, brake pedal may fail to engage or travel to floorboard. One owner's wife unable to stop at red light; another owner slid into gas pump protectors at 8 mph. Grinding noise reported when brakes fail. Owners report recall R61 (NHTSA 15V675000) exists but their VINs excluded due to manufacture date being 6 months prior to recall window.

When: Varies; one brake failure at 40 mph; ABS/light failures at 86,000 miles (manufacture date 10/2011); traction control incident on icy pavement

Symptoms owners cite: ABS, brake warning, and traction control lights come on randomly or all together; Brake pedal travels to floorboard with no stopping force; Grinding noise when brakes fail to engage; Vehicle unable to stop at traffic signal (went through red light); Loss of braking on wet/icy pavement; vehicle slides uncontrolled at ~8 mph; Vehicle makes 'weird noise' when ABS light is illuminated

Repairs/costs cited: One owner: no diagnosis performed; dealer refused to service without charging. Another: no repair attempted; vehicle operating normally at time of inspection.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall R61 (NHTSA 15V675000) exists but owner's VIN excluded due to manufacture date before recall window. Manufacturer refused to diagnose or service without charge, citing VIN exclusion. Owner notes safety items like ABS should be covered 5 years/100k miles; vehicle at 86k miles and manufacture date 10/2011.

Transfer case develops internal cracks, causing burning oil smell, wet spots under vehicle, and low growling noise. Two owners reported transfer case failure. Following repair or replacement, driveshaft breaks. One owner had driveshaft replaced twice; both replacements broke again. Vehicle stuck unable to reach dealer for other recalls.

When: Transfer case failure in early-to-mid ownership (before 100k miles on both cases); repeated driveshaft failures after repair

Symptoms owners cite: Burning oil or coolant smell (no warning lights); Small wet spots forming under vehicle; Low growling noise from drivetrain; Transmission/drivetrain performs normally until failure; Clicking sound after new transmission installed; Vehicle unable to drive; stuck in driveway for extended periods

Repairs/costs cited: Cracked transfer case diagnosed by mobile mechanic and independent shop. Owner #3: saved money for ~1 year, installed new transmission, then driveshaft broke immediately. Towed back; transmission shop found driveshaft broken. Dropped off replacement driveshaft; it also broke. Owner unable to reach dealer for airbag recall due to ongoing drivetrain issues. Owner #5: transfer case diagnosed by local shop; vehicle stalling also occurred.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented in narratives

Multiple electrical gremlins including radio changing channels on its own, headlights staying on when off, doors unlocking themselves, windows and locks not functioning, and battery drain requiring daily jump starts. One owner had alternator replaced, then battery replaced, then continued electrical draw; vehicle would not stay running. Diagnostic codes P0622 (alternator circuit) noted. TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) suspected in at least one case.

When: Some issues from purchase (power windows, door locks, clock reset); others after 3+ years; battery drain issue ongoing at end of ownership

Symptoms owners cite: Radio turns on/off and changes channels by itself; static appears minutes after channel change; Headlights stay on even when off switch is used; flash on and off every 10–30 seconds after car shut off; Power windows and locks inoperative from new; Door locks unlock themselves despite manual locking; Clock and climate controls reset themselves; Battery dies overnight; vehicle requires jump start every morning; Battery light illuminates; engine revs high and low; A/C turns hot during cruise; Dash lights dim or illuminate randomly; 'Key not detected' warning appears when key is in vehicle

Codes mentioned: P0622 (Alternator output circuit)

Repairs/costs cited: One owner: alternator replaced 7/28/18; battery light returned 7/29/18. Battery replaced after 2 miles of driving; electrical issues continued. Headlight switch replaced; problem persisted. TIPM suspected by dealer but requires Dodge service. Battery replaced 3 times in one case.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; TIPM replacement requires dealer service per owner report

Engine knocking begins after second oil change and persists despite multiple dealer visits where technicians claimed 'everything is fine.' Years later, engine develops random misfires. Diagnosis reveals blown cams, non-functioning pistons, and bad lifters. Vehicle at risk of engine seizure. No recall cited.

When: Knocking starts after 2nd oil change (early in ownership); misfires and internal diagnosis at ~4 years old

Symptoms owners cite: Knocking noise from engine after 2nd oil change; Random misfires at ~4 years old; Check engine light (implied by misfire diagnosis); No power to engine; Possible engine seizure risk

Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosis at 4 years: blown cams, non-functional pistons, bad lifters. No repair documented.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer visited multiple times during 3-year period; stated 'everything was fine' each time despite owner requesting inspection

Crankshaft position sensor malfunction causes loss of engine power, steering, and braking while driving, creating severe safety hazard. Vehicle hesitates on restart. Check engine light illuminates. Owners report it is a 'super dangerous' failure with no warning before onset.

When: At least two incidents reported; one during traffic on arterial road; another on highway

Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Loss of engine power while driving; Loss of power steering while driving; Loss of power brakes while driving; Engine hesitation on restart attempt; Near-collision risk

Codes mentioned: P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor circuit malfunction)

Repairs/costs cited: One owner: Advanced Auto diagnosis confirmed P0335. No repair documented. Another owner found this issue listed in online forums as affecting 2012 Dodge Journey with 3.6L engine.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented

Check engine light illuminates multiple times. One owner researched online and found that FCA issues recalls for catalytic converter replacement and PCM software update, but the owner did not receive official recall notice. Recall numbers cited include T47, S08, R61, R32. Model-year 2012 cars covered in first quarter of 2019 recall wave. Catalytic converter has different precious metal mixture to reduce sulfur sensitivity.

When: Multiple illuminations; timing not specified for individual incidents

Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates multiple times; Engine runs but warning persists

Repairs/costs cited: FCA recall involves catalytic converter replacement and PCM software update. Owner found this online but did not receive official recall notice.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler recall numbers T47, S08, R61, R32 issued; recall rolled out in waves starting Q1 2019 for 2012 models; catalytic converter recycled for precious metals

Vehicle surges forward violently after being shifted into Park while still running. Owner exited vehicle, nearly pinned against fence, and had to circle back to driver side, re-enter, depress brake, and press ignition to stop it.

When: At 148,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle surges forward after shift to Park; Owner nearly pinned to fence; Vehicle does not stop when shifted to Park

Repairs/costs cited: No diagnosis or repair performed

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and manufacturer not contacted

Rear differential viscous coupler internal drum holding clutch packs together cracked and separated. Owner describes it as a 'known issue' with these vehicles. No parts available for repair other than full unit replacement from Dodge. Could cause rear differential to lock up.

When: Timing not specified; owner reports it as known issue

Symptoms owners cite: Cracked internal drum in viscous coupler; Separated clutch pack drum; Risk of rear differential lock-up

Repairs/costs cited: Only repair is whole unit replacement from Dodge; no individual part repair available

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented

PCM requires replacement, causing multiple warning lights to illuminate and engine stall. Vehicle unable to restart. Occurs at approximately 45,000 miles.

When: 45,465 miles

Symptoms owners cite: All warning indicators illuminate on instrument panel; Engine stalls at 30 mph; Engine does not restart after stall

Repairs/costs cited: PCM replaced at dealer

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not contacted

Transmission internal failure causes metal shavings to form inside transmission casing and vehicle unable to exceed ~10 mph despite engine RPM increasing to normal. Check engine light illuminates. Vehicle not repairable at independent shop; owner referred to NHTSA.

When: 124,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: RPM increases but vehicle can only reach ~10 mph; Check engine light illuminates; Metal shavings visible inside transmission casing; Vehicle unable to be driven

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; towed to independent mechanic; manufacturer case opened; owner referred to NHTSA Hotline

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; case opened; owner referred to NHTSA Hotline for assistance