2010 Dodge Journey AWD: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2010 Dodge Journey AWD
On the 2010 Dodge Journey AWD, the failure owners report most often is other electrical problem, and the reports cluster around 70,000 miles. The earliest to appear is other brake problem, reported by a median of 15,000 miles. Overall it scores 65 out of 100, high risk for a 2010.
High risk for a 2010 — 250th riskiest of the 275 2010 vehicles we can rate. 163 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
The failures owners actually file about
Owners have reported 31 named failure modes on the 2010 Dodge Journey AWD, and the three most-reported carry 39% of everything filed.
Other electrical problem leads with 30 reports, about 0.5 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 48k to 100,000 miles.
Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure follows with 18 reports, usually reported between 1k to 45,000 miles.
No-start or intermittent start failure follows with 16 reports, usually reported between 30k to 80,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into electrical (57), engine (28) and brakes (18).
The mileage the reports cluster at
135 of the reports on the 2010 Dodge Journey AWD came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 55,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 44% by 50,000 miles, 77% by 100,000 miles and 96% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed.
The busiest stretch is between 20,000 and 30,000 miles, which alone holds 12% of the dated reports.
32% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.
In the order they tend to show up: other brake problem around 15k, ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure around 20k, no-start or intermittent start failure around 59k and other electrical problem around 71k.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 31. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
What happens when these parts fail
Across the named modes, 1 a fire. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 3.31, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other electrical problem at $250–$2,000, ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure at $250–$1,500, no-start or intermittent start failure at $200–$1,800 and other brake problem at $300–$1,800. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
20% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 30 | 25 | 48k | 71k | 100k | 0.5 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure | electrical | 18 | 16 | 1k | 20k | 44k | 0.3 | $250–$1,500 | High |
| No-start or intermittent start failure | engine | 16 | 15 | 30k | 59k | 78k | 0.2 | $200–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 13 | 11 | 11k | 15k | 29k | 0.2 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Other engine problem | engine | 9 | 8 | 37k | 90k | 105k | 0.1 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Other steering problem | steering | 9 | 8 | 55k | 117k | 157k | 0.1 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Alternator or charging system failure | electrical | 8 | 4 | — | 93k | — | 0.1 | $450–$1,600 | High |
| Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault | airbag | 6 | 6 | — | 68k | — | 0.1 | $300–$1,600 | High |
| Other driver assistance problem | adas | 6 | 4 | — | 62k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,800 | High |
| Stalling while driving | engine | 3 | 3 | — | 111k | — | 0.0 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Premature brake pad or rotor wear | brakes | 3 | 3 | — | 16k | — | 0.0 | $300–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 3 | 3 | — | 86k | — | 0.0 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Other lighting problem | lighting | 3 | 3 | — | 42k | — | 0.0 | $120–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Overheating | cooling | 2 | 2 | — | 72k | — | 0.0 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Instrument cluster or gauge failure | infotainment | 2 | 2 | — | 28k | — | 0.0 | $350–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Airbag inflator rupture | airbag | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $0–$0 | Critical |
| Tire blowout or tread separation | wheels | 2 | 2 | — | 43k | — | 0.0 | $200–$1,500 | Critical |
| Tire pressure monitor failure | wheels | 2 | 2 | — | 41k | — | 0.0 | $80–$600 | Low |
| Exhaust leak or fumes in the cabin | emissions | 2 | 2 | — | 96k | — | 0.0 | $250–$2,000 | High |
| Headlight failure or clouding | lighting | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $150–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 2 | 2 | — | 62k | — | 0.0 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Other visibility problem | glass | 2 | 2 | — | 37k | — | 0.0 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure | fuel | 1 | 1 | — | 68k | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $700–$3,000 | High |
| Loss of braking | brakes | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $400–$3,000 | Critical |
| Master cylinder or brake booster failure | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 56k | — | 0.0 | $450–$2,200 | Critical |
| Cruise control failure | adas | 1 | 1 | — | 7k | — | 0.0 | $200–$1,400 | High |
| Loss of power steering | steering | 1 | 1 | — | 104k | — | 0.0 | $600–$2,800 | Critical |
| Tail light, brake light or signal failure | lighting | 1 | 1 | — | 110k | — | 0.0 | $100–$900 | Moderate |
| Other suspension problem | suspension | 1 | 1 | — | 23k | — | 0.0 | $350–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 1 | 1 | — | 23k | — | 0.0 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Unclassified problem | other | 9 | 5 | — | 110k | — | 0.1 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2010 Dodge Journey AWD draws about 2.5 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 85th percentile of complaint rates among 2010 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 65,266 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2010 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Other electrical problem
On march 18, 2007 while being driven on a secondary road, our 2010 dodge journey, class 1b3h80100, began having some sort of electrical problem, dashboard warning lights came on, interior light started going off and on, and then the vehicle cut off entirely. In addition, the brakes don't seem to be functioning correctly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer with 3 separate recall/warranty notices found which appear to cover brakes, dashboard lights and most importantly, the starter issue. The dealer stated they were aware of only 1 recall. They indicated that since it was near closing time, they could not address the issues until monday. My daughter and her 2 infants use this car. When I purchased it, the dealer mentioned it had been 'returned' and had very low mileage. When asked why it was returned, they stated that the previous owner bought many vehicles from them, and just needed something different. The potential danger of an accident resulting from the vehicle shutting off while in motion needs to be addressed so that no one is seriously injured. Thank you. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 dodge journey AWD. The contact stated that while driving apparoximately 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they were unable to diagnose the failure. A few weeks later, the contact received a recall notice in regards to NHTSA campaign id number 11v139000 (electrical system:ignition). An authorized dealer was notified and stated that the parts were not available, and they were unsure as to when they would become available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileages were approximately 36,000.
Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure
While driving along, navigational systems went blank, radio/phone/etc went dead, and turn signals became inoperable (was able to use emergency flashers to warn other drivers while changing lanes). Brought to dealer, was found to be ignition module does not work properly so key ends up in invalid position - causing system functions to not operate. There was a recall for this ignition switch, in which they p,laced spacers to keep the switch from actually turning the car off, but apparently, it does not actually fix the problem of the key going into the wrong position, just reduces it's range. The manufacturer charged to replace the defective ignition module. *tr
While driving along, navigational systems went blank, radio/phone/etc went dead, and turn signals became inoperable (was able to use emergency flashers to warn other drivers while changing lanes). Brought to dealer, was found to be ignition module does not work properly so key ends up in invalid position - causing system functions to not operate. There was a recall for this ignition switch, in which they p,laced spacers to keep the switch from actually turning the car off, but apparently, it does not actually fix the problem of the key going into the wrong position, just reduces it's range. The manufacturer charged to replace the defective ignition module. *tr
No-start or intermittent start failure
I was traveling 70 MPH and engine just stopped running no power steering brakes I was able to get to side of highway without accident. Car would not start again until 20minutes later then car has run fine *tr
I was traveling 70 MPH and engine just stopped running no power steering brakes I was able to get to side of highway without accident. Car would not start again until 20minutes later then car has run fine *tr
Recalls on the 2010 model year
NHTSA has issued 1 recall campaign covering the 2010 Dodge Journey AWD, affecting an estimated 65,266 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover electrical system:ignition. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
195,798 vehicles 2011-03-01- Defect
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 dodge journey, grand caravan, and chrysler town & country vehicles manufacturer from august 3, 2009, through june 17, 2010. Some vehicles may experience inadvertent ignition key displacement from the run to accessory position while driving causing the engine to shut off.
- Consequence
- Engine shut off while driving could increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the win modules free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during july 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2010 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
How 2010 compares with the other years
High risk for a 2010 — 250th riskiest of the 275 2010 vehicles we can rate. Because the ranking is against the same model year only, age cancels out of it.
Within the 2009–2010 generation specifically, 2010 is the strongest year at 65 and 2009 the weakest at 67.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Within the 2009-2010 generation, 2010 Dodge Journey AWD scores best at 65 and 2009 Dodge Journey AWD worst at 67.
What to look at before buying one
The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure from about 1k, other brake problem from about 11k, no-start or intermittent start failure from about 30k and other engine problem from about 37k.
On a 2010 Dodge Journey AWD with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.
None of this is a diagnosis. It is a list of what other owners of the same model year reported, ordered by when they reported it, which is a good place to point an inspection and a poor place to stop.
The limits of complaint data
163 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 163 reports, 135 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 83% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Dodge Journey AWD?
The most-reported failures are other electrical problem (30 reports, median 70,000 miles), ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure (18 reports, median 20,000 miles) and no-start or intermittent start failure (16 reports, median 60,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
At what mileage do 2010 Dodge Journey AWD problems start?
Other brake problem is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 15,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 10,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 55,000 miles.
Is the 2010 Dodge Journey AWD reliable?
It scores 65 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 250th riskiest of the 275 2010 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2010 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Dodge Journey AWD is best?
Within the 2009–2010 generation, 2010 scores best at 65 out of 100 and 2009 worst at 67. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed