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 ↗2014 Dodge Journey brakes problems
severe 35 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
35
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
3crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 35 brakes complaints filed for the 2014 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 35 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 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 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.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Dodge Journey has a brake system with two connected problem zones. The first centers on the ABS module: water enters via corroded ground wire eyelets, disabling ABS and Electronic Stability Control. Dodge issued recall R61 in 2015 to clean connectors and add heat shrink, but owners report modules that fail again after the fix, requiring replacement (part 68194693AF). That replacement part has been on backorder for years—one owner waited over a year, another said the dealership had other customers waiting six months or more. Dealers told owners they had parts for new vehicles but not for warranty repairs on used ones.
The second issue is brake failure: pedal goes to the floor without stopping the vehicle, or pedal seizes entirely. These events happen without warning, sometimes at highway speeds. At least one owner struck a tree after losing brakes in rain; another used the emergency brake five times and hit his head on the door frame while his pregnant wife was in the passenger seat. Dealers cannot diagnose or replicate the failures, and mechanics have told owners not to drive the vehicles.
Owners also report intermittent ABS and Traction Control lights, often tied to wet weather or cold, plus unintended brake engagement that stops the vehicle without command. Brake rotors warp early—by 13 months and 27k miles in one case—and calipers show persistent discoloration.
Same Dodge Journey brakes reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
ABS Module Corrosion / Water Intrusion
Water ingress through corroded ground wire eyelets allows moisture to enter ABS module, disabling ABS and/or ESC. Narratives describe modules cleaned but failing again, or requiring replacement after corrosion.
When: Throughout ownership; some detected during recall work (2015-2016), recurrence later at 100k–230k miles
Symptoms owners cite: ABS light illuminated; Traction Control light illuminated; Electronic Stability Control (ESC) shutting down and restarting without warning; Module internally corroded or wet; Loss of ABS/ESC function
Codes mentioned: Water/moisture in ABS module (diagnostic finding, not DTC), ABS module internal fault
Repairs/costs cited: Cleaning connector and applying heat shrink (recall R61 fix); full ABS module replacement (part 68194693AF reported). Long backorder delays; some owners waited 6+ months. Dealer said modules available for new vehicles but unavailable for warranty repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall R61 (15V675000): Ground wire corrosion remedy. Recall warranty allegedly limited to 2 years per one owner. Parts unavailable / on indefinite backorder despite active recall.
Brake Pedal Loss of Pressure / Failure to Stop
Brake pedal goes to floor without stopping vehicle, or pedal seizes and will not move. Occurs at low to highway speeds without warning.
When: Various mileages from 17k to 110k miles; events separated by weeks or occurring once at higher speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal travels to floor; Vehicle fails to slow or stop; Brake pedal seized / stuck and will not depress; Grinding sound from brakes after incident; Driver must use emergency brake or coast to stop
Codes mentioned: ABS module fault (underlying), Undetermined brake failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose or replicate failures; some vehicles declared unsafe by mechanics. No parts or repairs documented in most cases. One instance: emergency brake used 5 times to stop, occupant struck door frame.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No warranty coverage or assistance documented for brake-failure incidents. Recall R61 parts unavailable.
ABS / Traction Control Warning Lights Intermittent or Persistent
ABS and/or Traction Control lights come on and off intermittently, or stay on permanently. Often triggered by rain, cold weather, or sensor corrosion.
When: Low mileage (18k reported) to higher mileage (160k+); weather-dependent in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light on/off; Traction Control light on/off; Brake light or parking brake warning illuminated; Lights correlate with rain or cold weather in some cases; Cruise control disabled when lights on
Codes mentioned: Right front wheel speed sensor fault (one case), ABS sensor corroded, Steering angle sensor (SAS) to ABS module communication fault
Repairs/costs cited: Speed sensor replacement attempted (owner did one repair); ABS sensor replacement recommended but not completed. Corrosion cleaning cited in dealer diagnostics. Most vehicles not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall R61 applies but parts on backorder. No alternative remedy for persistent warning lights.
Unintended Brake Application / Vehicle Stops Abruptly
Brakes engage or ABS activates on its own, stopping vehicle suddenly without driver command. Occurs at low speeds and in parking situations.
When: Low mileage instances around 55k miles; recurrence after repair
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle brakes engage without driver action; Sudden stop while accelerating; All-Wheel Drive warning light illuminates; ABS warning light on; Vehicle will not accelerate when lights are active
Codes mentioned: ABS system malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer repaired ABS; failure recurred three times at same location. No permanent fix identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance documented beyond initial repair attempt.
Warped Rotors and Brake Discoloration
Brake rotors warp prematurely; brake calipers discolored despite new vehicle. Discoloration persists even after service inspection.
When: Early ownership: rotors warped by 13 months (27k miles); discoloration present from new or very early (owner bought at 16k, warping by 27k)
Symptoms owners cite: Brake caliper discoloration on all four wheels; Warped front rotors; Brake noise or reduced braking performance (implied)
Repairs/costs cited: Rotors resurfaced at 13 months for $125 (out of pocket; one-year warranty expired). Calipers remain discolored; dealer found 'nothing wrong.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint submitted to Dodge.com; no recall or registration of complaint received by owner.
Brake Pulsation at Low Speed
Brake pedal pulsates and prevents proper braking at low speed.
When: At 23k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes pulsate; Inability to stop vehicle properly
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer notification or response.
Vehicle Stall with Brake and ABS Failure
Vehicle stalls without warning at highway speed; brakes fail simultaneously. Vehicle restarts but backfires continuously.
When: At 32,513 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls at 60 mph; Brakes fail when stalling; Continuous backfiring after restart; No prior warning signs
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired at dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; no repair or assistance offered.
Synthesized from 35 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Earlier this year, my ABS light came on in my car. I scanned it and pulled a code indicating that that right front wheel speed sensor had gone bad. I replaced the sensor, and cleared the code. A few months later, while driving during a thunderstorm, the light came back on. I scanned my car again, and the same code came up. The next day, after the weather was clear, the light had gone back off.…
no accident but around 3 months ago my abs lights and traction control lights came on took it to my dealership and they scanned it and said abs module internal fault and said to me well that part is on backorder, at least till jan 1 2023, went by there yesterday and they said parts still not in and it might might not never come in.... so much for safety and what good is a warranty if they wont…
I received recall notice r61/NHTSA 15v-675 regarding my vehicle's anti-lock break system control module. The notice states that the electronic stability control system could be affected. This month I was driving with my 2 young children, stopped at a red light when my electronic control system shut down in my car unannounced, then suddenly turned itself back on. I was nervous because I was…
Had brakes trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Dodge Journey?
It's a meaningful issue. 35 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 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 23,000 and 125,000 miles, with the median around 83,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 23,000; a quarter make it past 125,000. 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 $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/2014/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.