Is the 2010 Dodge Journey a bad year?
1,085 owner complaints to NHTSA. Engine complaints: 204, 6.2× a quiet Journey year.
Keep it, but watch the engine
Half of the engine complaints for this year were filed at 46k–100k miles, where you are now. Few of them say the car was towed: 4 of 101 filed since 2016.
The verdict moves with mileage: the same car reads differently at 30,000 and at 150,000 miles.
What 2010 Journey owners report, by mileage
Each system owners named in five or more complaints, with the mileage range where the middle half of those complaints were filed. Read at 74,000 miles.
| SYSTEM | COMPLAINTS | MIDDLE HALF FILED AT | TYPICAL US REPAIR BILLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical systemSTANDS OUT | 653 (60%) | 51k–105k miles · around this mileage | 12-volt battery replacement $100–$400 · Starter motor replacement $350–$1,200 |
| EngineSTANDS OUT | 203 (19%) | 46k–100k miles · around this mileage | Valve cover gasket replacement $110–$500 · Timing chain replacement $1,000–$4,000 |
| Stability controlSTANDS OUT | 49 (5%) | 61k–117k miles · around this mileage | — |
| Exterior lightingSTANDS OUT | 42 (4%) | 40k–100k miles · around this mileage | — |
| Air bags | 95 (9%) | 69k–130k miles · around this mileage | — |
| Steering | 83 (8%) | 53k–121k miles · around this mileage | Steering rack and pinion replacement $700–$2,100 |
| Transmission and drivetrain | 53 (5%) | 39k–111k miles · around this mileage | CV axle / CV joint replacement (one side) $300–$1,500 · Automatic transmission replacement $2,500–$7,000 |
| Speed control | 29 (3%) | 34k–98k miles · around this mileage | — |
| Seats | 24 (2%) | 10k–109k miles · around this mileage | — |
| Visibility and wipers | 22 (2%) | 49k–86k miles · around this mileage | — |
| Suspension | 16 (1%) | 20k–80k miles · around this mileage | Ball joint replacement (one joint) $200–$500 · Control arm replacement (one arm) $200–$900 |
| Fuel system | 12 (1%) | 62k–102k miles · around this mileage | Fuel pump replacement $220–$1,500 · Fuel injector replacement (one injector) $300–$1,200 |
| BrakesSTANDS OUT | 159 (15%) | 16k–56k miles · mostly behind | Brake pad replacement (one axle) $115–$390 · Brake pads and rotors replacement (one axle) $200–$1,084 |
| Wheels | 15 (1%) | 34k–65k miles · mostly behind | — |
Bills are typical US ranges from the sources named in the tool (J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, CarParts.com and others), printed only for systems that stand out or sit at or ahead of 74,000 miles. Not a quote.
What owners reported alongside their complaints
Of 1,085 complaints: 18 mention a crash · 17 mention a fire · 15 report an injury · 14 say the car was towed.
7 complaints were filed in the last 12 months, the newest in Aug 2026.
Counts of what owners wrote in their complaints, not verified by anyone.
In owners' own words
When I turned off the engine and removed the key and stepped outside the vehicle I noticed the engine was still running.
Getting on ramp to expressway. Heard s tapping. Engine light didn't come on til I ewas going round 70. Now I heard tapping every time I put my foot on gas pedal.
I purchased a 2010 Dodge journey (Used) in september, 2010. My problem first occurred in may, 2011. I went out to my car leaving work, and it would not start.
Unedited excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, chosen by mileage (nearest 74,000 miles), not by content. Unverified.
Recalls for the 2010 Dodge Journey: 4
After exposure to cold temperatures, the power steering return hose may rupture at engine start-up causing a loss of power steering assist. A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking.
Some vehicles may experience inadvertent ignition key displacement from the run to accessory position while driving causing the engine to shut off. Engine shut off while driving could increase the risk of a crash.
Some of these vehicles may experience a separation at the crimped end of the power steering pressure hose assembly. Leaked power steering fluid onto hot engine components could cause a fire.
A recall may cover only some cars of a model year; the campaign size counts every model and year it lists. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls: dealers fix open recalls free.
Service bulletins from Dodge: 39
Repair instructions Dodge sent its dealers for symptoms seen in the shop on the 2010 Dodge Journey. Ask a dealer or mechanic for a bulletin by its number.
Vehicle Exhibits Vibration From The Transmission During Vehicle Launch (X43 Warranty Extension 5 Years 160,000 KMS)
Chrysler/dodge/jeep: transfer gear bearing noise
Active Head Restraint (AHR) Inadvertent Deployment - X91 Warranty Extension
Cargo and floor cargo organizer storage bin and latch
NHTSA defect investigations: 4
Vehicle entrapment
Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
Totally Integrated Power Module Failure
Air Bag Non-Deployment/Engine Stall
Neighbouring years
2009 Journey: 1,594 complaints, keep it · 2011 Journey: 169 complaints, keep it.
Every Dodge Journey year
2007 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020 · All Journey years side by side
Other Dodge models: Dodge Avenger · Dodge Caliber · Dodge Caravan · Dodge Challenger · Dodge Charger · Dodge Dakota · Dodge Dart · Dodge Durango · Dodge Grand Caravan · Dodge Intrepid · Dodge Magnum · Dodge Neon · Dodge Nitro · Dodge Ram · Dodge Ram Quad Cab · Dodge Sprinter 2500 · Dodge Stratus. All makes and models.
Questions
Is the 2010 Dodge Journey a bad year?
1,085 owner complaints to NHTSA. Engine complaints: 204, 6.2× a quiet Journey year. At 74,000 miles the tool says: Keep it, but watch the engine. Half of the engine complaints for this year were filed at 46k–100k miles, where you are now. Few of them say the car was towed: 4 of 101 filed since 2016.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Dodge Journey?
By owner complaints to NHTSA: electrical system (653), engine (203), stability control (49), exterior lighting (42), air bags (95). Half of the engine complaints were filed between 46k–100k miles.
How many recalls does the 2010 Dodge Journey have?
4 recall campaigns list this model year: Steering (NHTSA 16V-273), Electrical system (NHTSA 14V-373), Electrical system (NHTSA 11V-139), Steering (NHTSA 10V-475). A recall may cover only some cars; check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Method: counts of unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA, compared only with other years of the same model (sales volumes are unknown, so no failure rate is computed). A system stands out at 40+ complaints and at least twice the model's quiet (lower-quartile) year, or twice the share across every vehicle of that model year. The mileage range is the 25th to 75th percentile of the mileages owners reported. Data received by NHTSA through November 5, 2026. Repair prices are typical US ranges from named sources, not quotes. Not a diagnosis and not financial advice. PulsCar is not affiliated with NHTSA. Check this car at your own mileage.