Makes›Dodge›Journey›2011

2011 Dodge Journey

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

Dodge Journey
Pictured: 2012 Dodge Journey -- NHTSA 3. Photo: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD Sxt/Crew/R/T, 4dr SUV FWD Canada Value Package/Se P, 4dr SUV FWD R/T, 4dr SUV FWD Sxt/Crew
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
22 combined · 19 city / 26 hwy
Length
192.5 in
Curb weight
3,796–4,229 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2011 Dodge Journey is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 193 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,229 lb (4dr SUV AWD Sxt/Crew/R/T).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 26 highway), 5% better than the 2011 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 110 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2011

  • Engine added: 3.6L 6-cyl
  • Engine dropped: 3.5L 6-cyl

Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Journey →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD Sxt/Crew/R/T192.5 in72 in66.9 in113.8 in61.8 / 62.2 in4,229 lb56/44
4dr SUV FWD Canada Value Package/Se P192.5 in72 in66.9 in113.8 in61.8 / 62.2 in3,796 lb56/44
4dr SUV FWD R/T192.5 in72 in66.9 in113.8 in61.8 / 62.2 in4,063 lb56/44
4dr SUV FWD Sxt/Crew192.5 in72 in66.9 in113.8 in61.8 / 62.2 in3,907 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Journey FWD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 22+5%$3,050404
Journey FWD FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20-4%$3,350444
Journey AWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 24 / 19+1%$3,550468
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.9 MPG2011 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Dodge Journey.

Similar 2011 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2011 Dodge Journey (this car)22 MPGNot rated4
2011 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated5
2011 Toyota 4Runner19 MPGNot rated10
2011 Ford Explorer20 MPGNot rated6
2011 Toyota Highlander28 MPGNot rated5
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee18 MPGNot rated6
2011 Chevrolet Tahoe21 MPGNot rated6

Recalls (4)

Air Bags › Frontal · Jul 7, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V432000 · 363,480 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.
Fix
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 · May 6, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V273000 · 8,569 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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 · Jul 7, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V431000 · 145,379 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
If the displaced engine cover contacts the exhaust manifold, there would be an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix
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 · Jun 8, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V315000 · 11,096 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2011 Dodge Journey is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

110Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
4Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
8Injuries reported
89,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System34
Engine24
Service Brakes22
Steering18
Unknown Or Other14
Air Bags13
Power Train12
Exterior Lighting7
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
19/04: 119/05: 219/06: 219/07: 219/10: 519/12: 220/01: 120/02: 120/05: 120/07: 320/08: 120/10: 220/12: 421/04: 121/08: 122/01: 222/04: 122/12: 124/04: 124/05: 124/06: 125/08: 126/01: 126/05: 119/0419/0720/0120/0720/1222/0124/0425/08max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2011 Dodge Journey buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 34 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 24 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Service Brakes — 22 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 89,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Dodge Journey. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Journey years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2020 Journey21192.5 in★★★★★166
2019 Journey21192.5 in★★★★★1102
2018 Journey21192.5 in★★★★★6237
2017 Journey21192.5 inNot rated2202
2016 Journey21192.5 inNot rated4389
2015 Journey21192.5 inNot rated6553
2014 Journey21192.5 inNot rated7396
2013 Journey21192.5 inNot rated4333
2012 Journey22192.5 inNot rated6317
2010 Journey21192.5 inNot rated4770
2009 Journey21192.5 inNot rated4876

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →