LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Dodge Journey suspension problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Dodge Journey have filed 6 NHTSA complaints about the suspension at roughly $900 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See suspension across all vehicles →
Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
| Model year | suspension complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Journey | 18 |
| 2010 Journey | 13 |
| 2011 Journey | 5 |
| 2012 Journey (this page) | 6 |
| 2013 Journey | 7 |
| 2014 Journey | 5 |
| 2015 Journey | 4 |
| 2016 Journey | 4 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 6 suspension complaints filed for the 2012 Dodge Journey, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ 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 suspension 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 suspension 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.
Air Suspension Components Star Parts Catalog has been updated to show individual service parts for the compressor assembly. This will allow service technicians to repair the root cause without over repairing the system. Replace only the part deemed failed by the diagnostics performed. Individual parts include: - Compressor - Valve block - Individual hoses - Temp sensor - Shield - Air line clips NOTE: in most situations when a new compressor is needed, the compressor as a separate part is the correct repair, and the assembly would not be required.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Wheel Assy - steel When servicing a JOURNEY (JC) vehicle with steel wheels (WFU code) with or without a shake or vibration complaint; please review the 4 wheel assemblies in order to detect any witness mark of a missing/misplaced wheel weight. Also please try to remove the weights with hand force only. Please inform Karla De La Rosa Munive (karla.delarosa@fcagroup.com) how many witness marks were seen, and how many weights were able to be removed with force hand,on each wheel assembly. ~ Please contact karla.delarosa@fcagroup.com for feedback related ONLY.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Noise From Front Of Vehicle Over Bumps Or When Turning This bulletin involves replacing the upper front strut bearing to correct the noise. The customer may experience a noise from the front upper strut mount going over bumps or when turning.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
My AWD light is on and when I was driving my SUV rear wheels spin my SUV around in the middle of the highway and I almost caused an accident. On highway 84 going toward mississippi.
Had suspension 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 suspension problem on the 2012 Dodge Journey?
It's a meaningful issue. 6 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $900.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Based on the 6 complaints filed, suspension issues most often appear around 61,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $900 for suspension 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 suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension 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.