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 ↗2013 Dodge Journey brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Dodge Journey have filed 29 NHTSA complaints about the brakes, typically surfacing around 80,000 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 →
Failure mileage
Complaints
29
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Journey | 290 |
| 2010 Journey | 102 |
| 2011 Journey | 37 |
| 2012 Journey | 53 |
| 2013 Journey (this page) | 29 |
| 2014 Journey | 36 |
| 2015 Journey | 38 |
| 2016 Journey | 15 |
| 2017 Journey | 4 |
2crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 29 brakes complaints filed for the 2013 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 29 brakes 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.
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 10 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 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.
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.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Dodge Journey brake system shows a pattern of pressure-loss failures and ABS module defects affecting owners from roughly 7,500 to 126,000 miles.
The most common issue is a spongy brake pedal that requires pushing to the floor, sometimes repeatedly, to achieve braking. This happens randomly during normal driving and may temporarily resolve if you shut off the vehicle and restart it, or by pumping the pedal hard. One owner experienced this condition over 20 times; another reports it started happening after the dealership replaced the master cylinder and booster for $982—only to fail again within three weeks.
ABS warning lights appear frequently, often paired with check engine and traction control lights. Dealerships have replaced ABS modules, but owners report the failures either recurred or the repaired module remained defective. One owner paid $766 for ABS module replacement at a dealership that failed to complete a recall and the vehicle still exhibited the original symptoms.
Two owners report complete brake failure resulting in crashes: one at 35 mph into a trailer (causing leg and back injuries), another at 5 mph into a tree. An independent mechanic diagnosed a failed brake master cylinder rod in one case.
Dodge issued NHTSA Campaign 15V675000 for electronic stability control and hydraulic brake issues, but multiple owners couldn't get repairs because parts remained unavailable for extended periods. Some VINs don't appear to be included in the recall eligibility list.
One owner reports replacing brake pads four times in six months despite light local driving, suggesting possible ABS system issues causing excess wear.
Same Dodge Journey brakes reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Brake pedal loss of pressure / spongy pedal with pedal-to-floor condition
Brake pedal becomes spongy or loses pressure, requiring the pedal to be depressed to the floor repeatedly to achieve braking. The condition often occurs randomly during normal driving and may resolve temporarily after turning the vehicle off and restarting, or by pumping the brake pedal.
When: 15,000 miles to 126,000 miles; occurs randomly and intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal travels to or near the floorboard; Spongy brake feel; Loss of braking pressure requiring multiple pumps to engage brakes; Brakes may work normally at other times; Condition may resolve temporarily after restart or pedal pumping
Repairs/costs cited: Master cylinder replacement reported ($982 at dealership in one case); independent mechanic diagnosed master cylinder failure; no repair completed in several cases; owners reported brakes failed again after repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control, Service Brakes, Hydraulic); parts unavailable for recall repairs causing delays; VINs may not be included in recall eligibility
ABS module / ABS warning light illumination
ABS warning light illuminates, sometimes accompanied by check engine and traction control lights. Owners report ABS module replacement but persistent or recurring failures; in one case the repaired module remained defective and the vehicle continued to exhibit the original symptoms.
When: 36,000 miles to 126,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illumination; Check engine light illumination; Traction control light illumination; Abnormal noise reported in one case; Grinding sound when braking in another case
Repairs/costs cited: ABS module replacement ($766 in one case); module replacement did not resolve the issue in at least one case; dealer charged owner for repair and did not complete recall; pump replacement diagnosed but not completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V675000; parts unavailable delays; manufacturer stated repairs had nothing to do with failures in one case; denial of reimbursement if repair over 2 years old and out of warranty
Master cylinder and brake booster failure
Master cylinder and booster failures causing brake fluid to leak into the driver's side interior and resulting in loss of braking ability. Failure recurred within three weeks after replacement.
When: Around 82,000 miles range
Symptoms owners cite: Brake warning light illumination (initially); Brake pedal goes to floor without engagement; Fluid leaking into driver's side interior; Recurrence of pedal-to-floor condition after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Master cylinder and booster replacement at dealership ($982); failure recurred three weeks after replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership serviced outstanding recalls; no manufacturer response documented
Brake failure causing vehicle crash / loss of braking
Complete brake failure during normal driving resulting in inability to stop the vehicle. Two collisions reported: one at 35 mph striking a trailer (driver injuries), one at 5 mph striking a tree.
When: 51,332 miles and 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes failed to stop vehicle; No warning indicators in one case; Brake master cylinder rod failure identified in one case
Repairs/costs cited: Brake master cylinder rod failure diagnosed by independent mechanic in one case; vehicles not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified in either case
Brake pedal stiffness / difficulty depressing brake pedal
Brake pedal becomes difficult or stiff to depress, delaying vehicle start or preventing start. Condition occurs randomly and could not be diagnosed at the dealership in one case.
When: 7,500 miles; failure mileage unknown in another case
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal difficult to depress; Added force required to depress pedal; Vehicle fails to start (push-to-start system); Firm brake pedal feel; Occurs randomly
Repairs/costs cited: ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) system failure diagnosed and repaired in one case; failure recurred; not repaired after recurrence
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified in one case
Traction control malfunction
Traction control failed to operate as designed when driving through slush or snow. 'Check all-wheel drive' message displayed. Owner related failure to recall 15V675000 but did not pursue diagnosis or repair.
When: 89,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control inoperative in winter conditions; Check all-wheel drive message displayed
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V675000 mentioned but not pursued
Brake pad wear (premature and repeated)
One owner reports brake pads required replacement four times in a six-month period despite primarily local, non-demanding driving (work and school commute). Another owner reports the vehicle has been problematic since purchase.
When: Early in ownership (6-month period for brake service cycle)
Symptoms owners cite: Repeated brake pad wear requiring multiple replacements; Uncommon wear pattern given driving usage
Repairs/costs cited: Brake service completed 4 times in 6 months; no specific repair cost cited
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Synthesized from 29 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge journey. The contact stated that on several occasions, the brake pedal was difficult to depress which delayed the vehicle to start. The failure occurred randomly. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v675000 (electrical stability…
Had brakes trouble with your 2013 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 brakes problem on the 2013 Dodge Journey?
It's a meaningful issue. 29 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 34,000 and 101,500 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 34,000; a quarter make it past 101,500. 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 $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.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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/2013/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.