Speed Control Operates Intermittently
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Dodge Journey cruise control problems
severe 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
2crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 11 cruise control complaints filed for the 2014 Dodge Journey, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 cruise control complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 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 cruise control 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.
Speed Control Operates Intermittently
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Adaptive Cruise Control Sensor 1) If you are replacing this part due to the cluster displaying Clean Radar Sensor in Front of Vehicle or DTC C1266 ACC Sensor Blinded, please verify that there is no blockage in front of the sensor. Blockage can occur from mud, ice, snow, front end damage, bracket damage, the sensor not attached to the bracket properly or an aftermarket fascia installed. This fault can occur intermittently in muddy or icy/snowy conditions and is considered normal operation. Under some circumstances, a misaligned sensor can also cause the C1266 DTC, please complete an alignment procedure. No replacement is required.~ 2) If you are replacing this part due to the cluster displayi
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a pattern of cruise control and electronic powertrain failures in the 2014 Journey. The cruise control either won't activate due to sensor failure (requiring repeated replacement, yet recurring within months) or becomes stuck on and accelerates the vehicle beyond the set speed—one owner reports jumping from 55 to 75 mph with no way to disengage the system. Another reports a strong jerk followed by continued acceleration despite hitting the cancel button, nearly causing a rear-end collision.
The electronic throttle control light flashes frequently, pushing the vehicle into limp mode that restricts acceleration. This happens intermittently—sometimes for days, sometimes disappearing for weeks—making dealer diagnosis difficult. Owners also report loss of power during acceleration (engine red-lining without pedal input) and rough idling that persists after refueling.
Brake issues include pedal unresponsiveness. One owner at 50 mph depressed the brake but the vehicle crashed into another vehicle; another's brake pedal sank to the floor without stopping. A third reports the vehicle slides uncontrollably on winter roads with ABS non-functional.
The electronic stability control and ABS lights activate intermittently and remain unresponsive to manual override. One owner suspects a wiring harness or speed sensor problem affecting the ABS system, noting that repeated cruise control sensor failures might signal a broader electrical defect. Dealers have been unable to diagnose or repair these issues despite multiple service visits.
Same Dodge Journey cruise control reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Cruise control won't deactivate; uncontrolled acceleration
Cruise control becomes locked on or accelerates the vehicle beyond the set speed without responding to attempts to disengage it. Owners report the system accelerating from 55 to 75 mph on its own, continuing to accelerate even after the driver tries to cancel cruise control, and forcing reliance on brake application.
When: Various speeds and road conditions; incidents reported across the ownership timeline
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control won't turn off; Vehicle accelerates beyond set speed without input; Unresponsive to cruise control cancel button; Strong jerk motion followed by unwanted acceleration; Continuous acceleration despite brake input on at least one occasion
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) applies to some model years; unclear if this specific failure was addressed.
Cruise control sensor failure; repeated replacement
The cruise control sensor stops activating and requires replacement. Even after sensor replacement, the problem recurs within months, suggesting either a systemic electrical issue or a defective replacement component.
When: Multiple failures within two years; last failure approximately 8 months before report
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control won't activate; Sensor ceases functioning after recent repair
Repairs/costs cited: Cruise control sensor replaced multiple times within two-year period; failure reoccurred within 3 months of last repair.
Electronic throttle control (ETC) malfunction; limp mode activation
The electronic throttle control sensor triggers warning lights and forces the vehicle into limp mode, restricting power and acceleration. The symptom occurs intermittently—sometimes for days, sometimes for weeks or months—making diagnosis difficult.
When: Intermittent; can persist for a day then disappear for days or months
Symptoms owners cite: Electronic throttle control light flashing; Vehicle enters limp mode and cannot accelerate normally; Check engine light illuminates alongside ETC light; Car slows from 60 mph on highway and cannot speed back up; Requires multiple engine restarts to restore normal function
Codes mentioned: ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle sensor diagnosed as failed at 54,000 miles in one case; replacement not completed at time of report.
Loss of power and hesitation during acceleration
The vehicle loses acceleration capability or hesitates to accelerate when the throttle is depressed. In one incident at 35 mph, power loss recurred twice; in another, the vehicle stopped accelerating on an on-ramp while the tachometer red-lined above 7,000 rpm without driver input.
When: Intermittent; reported at 27,000 and 54,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle hesitates to accelerate when pedal is pressed; Vehicle stops accelerating mid-maneuver; Engine races without corresponding speed increase; Tachometer red-lines without pedal input
Repairs/costs cited: One case attributed to throttle sensor failure; service unable to diagnose in another.
Brake pedal unresponsive; vehicle won't slow or stop
The brake system fails to slow the vehicle despite pedal depression. In one collision incident, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle struck another vehicle at 50 mph. In another case, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard but the vehicle continued moving. Separate reports describe brake hesitation and inability to stop on slippery roads.
When: At 14,500 and 40,000 miles; also reported as intermittent issue
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depressed but vehicle fails to slow; Brake pedal travels to floorboard without stopping vehicle; Vehicle hesitates to stop when brake is applied; Inability to stop on winter roads; continuous sliding
Repairs/costs cited: One collision occurred; vehicle towed to independent mechanic. ABS system and brake system not repaired in reported cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) issued; vehicle not repaired under this campaign.
Electronic stability control (ESC) and ABS malfunction
The ESC and ABS warning lights activate intermittently or remain illuminated. The ESC button becomes unresponsive—owners cannot turn the warning light on or off manually. ABS function is lost, leaving the vehicle without antilock brakes on winter roads.
When: Intermittent; lights come and go for days or months at a time
Symptoms owners cite: ESC off light comes on randomly; ESC button unresponsive when pressed; ABS light illuminates; ABS function lost; wheels lock on slippery surfaces
Codes mentioned: ESC off warning light, ABS warning light
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V675000 applies to model 2012–2015 Journey; wiring harness seal issue may prevent water intrusion into ABS/ETC systems, though this specific vehicle not confirmed as recalled or repaired.
Rough idle and engine racing after refueling
Shortly after refueling, the engine idles roughly at traffic lights and stop signs, then races unexpectedly. On one on-ramp, the vehicle stopped accelerating yet the tachometer exceeded 7,000 rpm with no driver input. The problem persists intermittently days after refueling despite multiple service visits.
When: Intermittent; occurs shortly after refueling
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle at stops after refueling; Engine races unexpectedly; Tachometer red-lines without pedal input; Vehicle unable to accelerate smoothly
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle serviced multiple times; service department unable to diagnose or repair.
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I have had my cruise control sensor replaced multiple times within the last two years due to it not activating. After the last repair within 3 months it again stopped acting ating. This was about 8 months ago. 3 weeks ago I went to release my parking brake and heard a loud thud sound. The foot pedal would no longer catch and simply made a clicking sound. I had already scheduled an appointment for…
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Dodge journey. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle hesitated to stop without warning. In addition, the contact stated that when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was unable to be diagnosed. It was unknown if the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer…
Had cruise control 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 cruise control problem on the 2014 Dodge Journey?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 27,000 and 63,000 miles, with the median around 54,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 27,000; a quarter make it past 63,000. 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 $600 for cruise control 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 cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control 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.