Speed Control Operates Intermittently
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Dodge Journey cruise control problems
severe 15 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
1crash
What stands out
Of the 10 model years of Dodge Journey we track for cruise control problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 15.
No new NHTSA cruise control 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 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 ↗Accelerator Pedal Before replacing accelerator pedal, be sure to follow fault code diagnostic procedures in service manual. Make sure to check wiring and connectors. P2122 and P2127 will set if accelerator pedal connector is disconnected during diagnosis. Make sure codes are active before replacing pedal. DTC P2299 is usually caused by a two footed driver and accelerator pedal should not be replaced for this fault.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Accelerator Pedal Before replacing accelerator pedal, be sure to follow fault code diagnostic procedures in service manual. Make sure to check wiring and connectors. P2122 and P2127 will set if accelerator pedal connector is disconnected during diagnosis. Make sure codes are active before replacing pedal. DTC P2299 is usually caused by a two footed driver and accelerator pedal should not be replaced for this fault.
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 report cruise control fails to disengage when the brake pedal is pressed, causing unwanted acceleration. This happens intermittently and at various speeds. Some drivers had to apply brakes multiple times before the cruise control would finally shut off—a dangerous situation at highway speeds or in traffic.
Cruise control also fails to activate or display as active, especially during wet weather or when ABS and traction control lights come on. Dealers have diagnosed a corroded ABS module as the root cause, which shorts out and disables the ABS system, speed sensors, traction control, and cruise control all together. The corrosion issue appears tied to wet conditions.
Owners also report unintended acceleration at low mileage—the vehicle accelerates on its own, shifts gears without input, or surges when trying to accelerate. One owner had the vehicle independently accelerate backward and crash into a garage door. Brake response is delayed or completely absent in several cases, with one driver experiencing total brake failure at 60 mph.
NHTSA Campaign 15V675000 covers electronic stability control and hydraulic brake failures for some 2015 Journey vehicles, but owners report inconsistent recall eligibility determinations—some with identical problems say dealers denied their VINs were covered. Dealers have been unable to diagnose many of these failures despite multiple diagnostic attempts.
Same Dodge Journey cruise control reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2014 · 2016 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Cruise control fails to disengage when brake pedal pressed
Cruise control remains engaged when driver depresses brake pedal, causing unintended vehicle acceleration. Drivers report needing to apply brake pressure multiple times before cruise control disengages.
When: 3,900 miles reported in one case; intermittent across speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control stays active despite brake application; Vehicle accelerates when brakes are applied; Failure occurs intermittently at various speeds
Cruise control inoperative or does not activate
Cruise control system fails to turn on or does not display as active when commanded. Related to ABS module and stability control failures.
When: Occurs in wet conditions and intermittently during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control does not engage or activate; No display indication of active cruise control; Failure coincides with ABS/traction control light illumination; Malfunction occurs especially during rain or wet road conditions
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) addresses related failures; some owners report their VINs stated as not covered by recall despite identical symptoms in same model year
ABS module corrosion causing system failures
ABS module develops corrosion and shorts out, disabling the ABS system and affecting speed sensors, traction control, and cruise control operation. Dealer diagnostic confirms corrosion as root cause.
When: At low mileage (6,500-8,904 miles); failures occur during wet weather conditions
Symptoms owners cite: ABS light illuminates; Traction control light comes on; Cruise control fails to function; Speedometer does not register; Automatic door locks malfunction; Brake pulsing or grinding noise; System failures triggered by wet conditions
Codes mentioned: ABS module failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnostic identified ABS module corrosion as cause; specific repair or replacement cost not reported by owners
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V675000 covers some vehicles; owners report inconsistent application of recall to identical model-year vehicles with same symptoms
Brake system unresponsive or delayed engagement
Brake pedal press does not produce immediate braking response. Vehicle accelerates instead of braking, or brakes engage only after delay. In one case, brake system failed completely at highway speed.
When: Low mileage (6,600-8,904 miles); one case at 60 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depression causes acceleration instead of braking; Multiple brake pedal applications required to engage brakes; Complete brake system failure; Temporary acceleration before brakes engage; Vehicle coasts to roadside after brake failure
Repairs/costs cited: One incident mentioned temporary acceleration before brake engagement; dealers unable to diagnose failures in most cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V675000 relates to electronic stability control and hydraulic service brake failures
Unintended acceleration or vehicle surging
Vehicle accelerates on its own, shifts gears without driver input, or surges when driver attempts acceleration. In reversing, vehicle independently accelerated and crashed into garage door.
When: Various speeds (25-60 mph); during acceleration; at low mileage (6,500 miles); intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without pedal input; Vehicle shifts gears on its own; Vehicle moves at various speeds autonomously; Jerking before moving forward when accelerating; Fuel surging or cutting out during acceleration; Independent acceleration while reversing
Repairs/costs cited: No successful repairs documented; dealers found no failures in diagnostic testing
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V675000 identified as related to electronic stability control and brake failures
Vehicle stalling and loss of steering control
Vehicle engine shuts off while driving, locking steering wheel and leaving driver unable to control vehicle direction.
When: Occurs during busy intersection driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while vehicle is in motion; Steering wheel locks up; Complete loss of vehicle control; Driver unable to restart until vehicle comes to complete stop
Engine hesitation, shaking, and misfire
Vehicle shakes at steady speeds, engine light illuminates, and engine hesitates during acceleration attempts. Owner reports this as dangerous misfire condition.
When: Occurs at approximately 50 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Constant shaking at 50 mph; Engine check light illumination; Hesitation to accelerate; Suspected misfire condition
Synthesized from 15 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 2015 Dodge journey. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle began to shake. In order to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal needed to be depressed several times. When the vehicle began to accelerate, the vehicle would jerk before moving forward. The contact stated that the vehicle would switch gears and move various speeds on its own. The vehicle was taken to the…
Had cruise control trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Dodge Journey?
It's a meaningful issue. 15 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 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 8,904 and 78,800 miles, with the median around 68,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 8,904; a quarter make it past 78,800. 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/2015/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.