The 2011 Journey is Chrysler's budget crossover with chronic powertrain reliability issues, particularly the 2.4L four-cylinder paired with the 62TE automatic transmission. Major engine and transmission failures are common enough that repair costs often exceed vehicle value.
Symptoms: Harsh shifting or delayed engagement from Park to Drive, Transmission slipping between gears, especially 2nd to 3rd, Check engine light with P0750/P0734 solenoid codes, Complete loss of forward gears, stuck in limp mode
Fix: Transmission rebuild or replacement required. Factory reman units have poor longevity. Expect 12-16 hours labor for R&R plus internal rebuild work. External cooler and filter mandatory during replacement.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500
2.4L World Engine Cylinder Head Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Overheating with no external leaks visible, White smoke from exhaust, coolant consumption, Rough idle, misfires on multiple cylinders, Milky oil from coolant intrusion into crankcase
Fix: Cylinder head gasket failure or cracked head between cylinders. Requires head removal, resurfacing, and often full head replacement. 14-18 hours labor. Timing chain components typically replaced during repair.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800
Crankshaft and Rod Bearing Wear (2.4L)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Loud knocking from bottom end, worsens with RPM, Low oil pressure warning at idle when hot, Metal shavings in oil during changes, Catastrophic engine failure if ignored
Fix: Engine teardown reveals undersized or spun rod/main bearings. Full rebuild with crankshaft machining or short-block replacement required. 20-26 hours labor. Often not economical to repair.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,000
Fuel Pump and Sender Assembly Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: No-start condition, cranks but won't fire, Erratic fuel gauge readings, often stuck on full or empty, Engine stalling at operating temperature, Fuel pump whine audible from rear seat area
Fix: Complete pump/sender module replacement. Tank must be dropped. 3-4 hours labor. Use OE Mopar unit; aftermarket pumps fail prematurely on this platform.
Estimated cost: $650-950
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Red transmission fluid pooling under front of vehicle, Transmission overheating warnings on dash, Fluid level drops rapidly, burnt smell, Corrosion visible on steel cooler lines near radiator
Fix: Cooler lines rust through where they contact subframe. Replace all lines as a set, not individually. 2-3 hours labor. Flush transmission system and verify no internal damage from running low on fluid.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Deterioration
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front suspension, Steering wander, vehicle pulls to one side, Excessive inner tire wear, Visible cracking in rubber bushings during inspection
Fix: Replace lower control arms as complete assemblies; bushings not serviceable separately on this platform. 2.5-3.5 hours for both sides including alignment. Aftermarket arms acceptable.
Estimated cost: $550-850
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failures
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Fuel pump not priming, no start with good pump, Wipers, windows, or gauges operate intermittently, Warning lights illuminate randomly, Horn honks on its own, door locks cycle
Fix: TIPM located under hood controls multiple circuits; internal relay/circuit failures common. Replacement required, no reliable repair. 1.5-2 hours labor. Must be programmed to VIN.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid every 50,000 miles with Mopar ATF+4 only; 62TE is highly fluid-sensitive
Monitor oil consumption on 2.4L engines closely; 1 quart per 1,000 miles indicates imminent failure
Avoid extended idling; inadequate oil circulation accelerates bearing wear on World Engine
Budget $500-800/year for deferred maintenance issues beyond normal service
Hard pass unless under $4,000 with full service records and low miles; catastrophic powertrain failures make this a financial trap for most used buyers.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Standard top post terminals; battery located in front engine compartment
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Control Modules — 2011 Dodge Journey
Every control module on the 2011-2020 Dodge Journey — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Electric Power Steering Module (EPS)2.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may unexpectedly deploy if the air bag wiring harness gets chafed within the steering wheel and short circuits.
Consequence: Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag wiring within the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary. A protective cover will also be installed. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T47.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS · 16V273000
2016-05-06
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 31, 2007, to November 12, 2016. After exposure to cold temperatures, the power steering return hose may rupture at engine start-up causing a loss of power steering assist.
Consequence: A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler, free of charge. The recall began on May 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S08.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · 15V431000
2015-07-07
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 19, 2010, to May 26, 2015 and equipped with 2.4L engines. In the affected vehicles, the engine cover may detach from the engine and contact the exhaust manifold.
Consequence: If the displaced engine cover contacts the exhaust manifold, there would be an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install an improved mounting system for the engine cover, free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R32.
STEERING:COLUMN · 11V315000
2011-06-08
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED STEERING COLUMN PIVOT RIVET.
Consequence: A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED RIVET COULD COMPROMISE THE ABILITY OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT LOADS IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, DECREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FRONTAL IMPACT SAFETY SYSTEM. AS A RESULT, THE CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR RIVET PRESENCE AND ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN PIVOT AS REQUIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2011 Dodge Journey 3.6L V6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.