Used 2012 Dodge Journey Consumer Reviews
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(2012 SXT) Took a While, but ...
june_g, 06/08/2016
2012 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
98 of 102 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle used with 111, 000 miles on it and I have to say that I didn't love it at first. I bought it because it was priced right and it was practical, but I did like the interior a lot and it has since grown on me. I have owned my Journey for 1 year now and I had to put some money into it -- mostly because of sticky calipers. Other than that I have no major complaints. It has been a very comfortable ride and I like the quality of the interior finishes much more than any of the Chevys, Hondas or Kias that I have driven. Handles very well in snow and on icy roads.
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A different perspective
mitomom, 08/19/2012
2012 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
69 of 72 people found this review helpful
I am a mother with a child with a life threatening disease. I traded in my Grand Caravan for a 2012 Journey and love it. I honestly hated the owning a minivan (even with ALL the options we had). The only downside to the Journey is lack of TVs, which is easily fixed with her Ipad and her portable DVD player. The wheelchair fits wonderfully in the back with the 3rd row folded down. The emegency medical supplies fit perfectly in the storage area in the back. I drive to our local children's hospital 2-3 times a week (40 miles one way) and our mpg is averaging 21.5. The interior is beautiful. The details are great!
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UPSET!!!!
atsieb, 07/23/2012
2012 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
61 of 66 people found this review helpful
I purchased a 2012 Dodge Journey SXT. I drove it off the lot with 200 miles on the odometer. At 1600 miles the transmission began to shutter! I took it to the dealership and the computer was flashed. This did NOT help. We have set up a case with Chrysler, but have been told that the shuttering is a characteristic of the vehicle per Chryslers engineering dept. WHAT! This is the stupidest thing that I have ever heard. IF that was the case then WHY did it not show up until 1600 miles. I am so unhappy and disappointed with Chrysler and this Journey. Chrysler has put all of their dealerships in a very bad position. With Chrysler not acknowledging that there is an issue with the 3.6 liter engines.
Extended Warranty 3.6L 2011-2013 Journey to 10yr 150,000 miles on left cylinder head
vadogwood, 07/23/2014
2012 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
68 of 76 people found this review helpful
Last week my check engine light came on. We coded it to find it was due to a misfire. The following day we received this letter with this information. The problem is not only the Journey but also Grand Cherokee, Durango, Minivan, 200, Avenger, Journey, 300, Charger, Challenger and/or Wrangler from 2011-2013. This is the letter in summary: 3.6L ENGINE LEFT CYLINDER HEAD EXTENDED WARRANTY This letter is to inform you that the warranty period (5 years or 100,000 miles) on the 3.6 engine left Cylinder head on select vehicles has been extended to 10 years or 150,000 miles. Contact Chrysler Customer Assistance Center: PO Box 21-8004: Auburn Hills, MI 48321-8004. or call 1-800-423-6343.
Disappointed!!!
azme44, 06/26/2012
2012 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
48 of 54 people found this review helpful
I purchaced my 2012 Journey in April. A little over a week later it (transmission) began shuttering/jerking when upshifting or downshifting. I took it to one dealership and they said that they "reset the computer chip because it was off" and that was suppose to fix the problem. It DID NOT!! I took it in to a different dealership and took the service director/ex-master tech for a test drive and he told me that there was nothing he could do. He said that the transmission shuttering/jerking is normal for the transmissions in the Journeys and that most people don't notice it until about 3000-3500 miles... WHAT!!!!!! How can that possibly be NORMAL for ANY vehicle.
sxt fwd 3.6 6 speed auto
dipstick5, 12/16/2012
2012 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
34 of 38 people found this review helpful
bought car last month and love it! quiet smooth ride with plenty of power when needed. not a grocery getter but a highway cruiser capable of towing 2500 lbs. great features inside especially the 8" screen for sat radio / climate control, LED interior lighting. went 100 miles in the rain yesterday and was really impressed with the handling and control of the road conditions while getting almost 30 MPG on the highway. after driving this car i would never consider honda or toyota again; dodge did a great job building this car!
Best value in America
mikeyinthed, 08/14/2012
2012 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
20 of 22 people found this review helpful
I got a great deal on my 2012 Dodge Journey after the $4,500 in rebates currently offered. This is the best value in America. Great gas mileage for the size of the vehicle, good performace from the 3.6L engine, quiet, smooth, refined interior compared to Chrysler products from the past, exterior styling offers some spice to a bland category. There is nothing I would change about my Journey. The Safe & Sound package is a must on the SXT models. It adds the rear parking sensors, rear camera, and the 8.4" screen. The screen is amazing and the interface with Apple products is my favorite feature. The other options I added was the 19" wheels and the perferred package.
Wasted our money on this car
tparktrash, 03/25/2013
2012 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
19 of 22 people found this review helpful
Journey with 5900 miles has been in the Dodge shop four times this month due to oil seapage from the transaxle output seal and differential cover. Back in the shop this morning due to likely leakage from the output seal on the passenger side. Last month it was the BCM that needed replacement. Dealership has been accomodating but this issue needs to be corrected.
Best Blend of Performance and Size
lightaddict08, 11/07/2012
2012 Dodge Journey Crew 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
22 of 26 people found this review helpful
2012 3.6L Crew AWD w/Heated Seats. Although I do work for Chrysler I found the Journey to be the best choice for my lifestyle. As a young adult I was looking for something sporty, but cargo space was a must after my previous coupe. Looking for a blend of fuel economy, performance, and interior space the 3.6L AWD Journey fit the bill perfectly. Coming from a 5.7L F-Body I was very pleased with the acceleration and handling the Journey offered with much better fuel economy. Additionally I am now able to fit a whole bedroom furniture set in the back. The dynamics of the vehicle hold the tires firm to the ground even in the tightest turns. Overall I am very pleased with the vehicle.
Never Again
Nicole64, 06/22/2019
2012 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
I wanted to love this car because it's actually nice to drive but I have had nothing but problems with it since day one. Google "Dodge Journey problems" and you will find just about every single thing I encountered with this car. First, it really burns through brakes at a ridiculous rate -- prepare to replace them often. The sticky caliper thing is a real problem. I had to replace mine several times. If you like living on the edge and not knowing when your wheels are literally going to start smoking, then this is the car for you. Add to that: electrical problems, the body being prone to rust, starting issues and finally premature engine failure due to camshaft sensor issues and metal shavings (I can't even begin to explain that one) in the engine, then all you are left with is a vehicle with a reasonably nice and comfortable interior that is completely unreliable, will cost you a ton of money to maintain and will have a short life. This vehicle convinced me never to buy any Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep product ever again.
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The RIGHT-SIZED Crossover!
misterfusion, 05/01/2012
2012 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Do not overlook this gem when cross-shopping! The 2012 Journey hits a sweet-spot in terms of size: Smaller than a Traverse/Highlander, but bigger than an Equinox/RAV4. Put another way, this is the smallest CUV with a usable 3rd row (unlike the Mazda5 or Mitsu Outlander for example). Interior quality cannot be overstated -- class-leading in many ways. Highly versatile interior configurations, if you get the right packages (see Edmunds review). I did my research and did not even consider the 4-cyl, especially since the mileage with the V6 is about the same! Ride & handling are great for a vehicle this size/weight. Mileage is right on the EPA for city/hwy. 9 months, 17k flawless miles!
I think i got the lemon
Nicholas Burke, 04/15/2015
2012 Dodge Journey R/T 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
18 of 22 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Dodge journey used, it hat 29,000KM on it in march of 2013. Since then it's been to the shop more times than I can count. The transmission has been rebuilt twice, had two gears replaced, all seals replaced in the front axle, rear axle and rear dif. The front bearings have been replaced both left and right. Radio, power steering pump, and reservoir have been replaced. It's currently in for an exhaust leak. There is only 66,000KM on the car, it's not even 4 years old yet. In service date is November of 2011. I still have issues with the transmission hard shifting or just not finding the right gear to be in.
2012 dodge journey rt
Don Stafford, 03/11/2015
updated 03/14/2018
2012 Dodge Journey R/T 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
will buy another.Love this vehicle 8.4 inch screen with Nav is so easy to use . Other vehicles I tried had too many buttons ride is great and leather finish are top of the line quality
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Good family car
Mr Gilbert J Heroux, 03/10/2016
2012 Dodge Journey American Value Package 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
Good view all around. Lots of storage space. Good mileage. Handles nice on the open highway.
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At 100K rebuild the engine
Aaron Howard, 05/21/2017
2012 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
11 of 13 people found this review helpful
My wife drives this and babies it. At almost 100K lifters started ticking loud. One lifter replaced by power trane. 4K miles later more lifter tick noise. Transmission also starting slaming into place around 80K. Had to replace a wheel speed sensor at 55K. Not very happy considering my other car has 160K miles without a problem yet.
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Great family car for little kids
Jeff, 12/03/2017
updated 06/09/2022
2012 Dodge Journey Crew 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
17 of 21 people found this review helpful
[2022 Update] Still chugging, 151K miles :) No major issues to note. Replaced the alternator, but I would expect that around 150K. Fuel milage hasn't really changed at all. We're still getting around 25mph on the highway (at 60mph), and 14-16 in the city. Combined floats between 16-18 depending on the highway miles. Also worth noting, we tow a small travel trailer for camping and the Journey does pretty well. Obviously not a heavy-hauler, but it does fine. We've put several thousand towing miles on it, and the only real issue is that it heats up on steep passes when the outside air temps get into the 90's. If we have to tow in the heat, we take it slow and let the car cool down a little before hitting the big passes. [2020 Update] We've now had the Journey for 6 years, and it's been a great car. 120K miles, with 10K road trip miles of 300-500 miles/day most of which towing a small travel trailer. The Journey keeps taking the hits in stride :) Originally I recall seeing some complaints on here around resell value, but the longer we own the Journey the more the depreciation curve starts to flatten out. We currently have 120K miles, and looks like our trim resells for $9-10K private sale. For comparison, a Honda Pilot with 120K resells for $12-13K so all things considered they're much closer in price now (when we bought our Journey for $20K in 2014, comparable Pilot's were going for $30-35K). We've had a few issues, but nothing major. Bluetooth module had to be replaced in 2016, but no problems since. The Journey died on the freeway and we had to get a tow, but then it started the next day at the dealership's shop. They said it was a fluke, but blamed the fuel system and replaced the fuel pump under warranty. It was 110-degrees in Phoenix, so I suspect something in the ECU/electronics overheated. Again, probably a fluke but Dodge took care of us with with the warranty. Only other issue was the outside-air blender door stopped actuating in 2017, but that was also repaired free of charge (except for $100 deductible) as part of our extended warranty. So all told with the warranty we paid $22.5K for our Journey and all repairs thus far have been covered under warranty. If you plan on keeping your Journey past 100K miles, then I don't think the depreciation & maintenance will bother you. Only one major break for us that was covered under warranty. Upon browsing the most negative reviews, people are mostly upset about the drop in resale value after a new purchase. That is totally a bummer, but that's part of what makes the Journey such an amazing used car :) You can get a TON of car for your dollar with the Journey. Also, something dealer won't tell you... YOU CAN STILL GET AMAZING EXTENDED WARRANTIES DIRECTY THROUGH DODGE ON USED CARS! I'm sure there are limits on how old, but we got an extended full-coverage plan for a great price on a two year old Journey with 40k miles. After out $100 deductible, nearly everything else is covered! So take advantage the drop in resale value, and get a warranty through Dodge! We're 3 years into owning a 2012 and had very few issues outside of regular maintenance.
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Its a Lemon!!!!
court90, 09/19/2014
2012 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
17 of 22 people found this review helpful
In June of 2014 I bought the used 2012 Dodge Journey with 24,000 miles on it I thought it would be great. I had a 2009 Kia Spectra that was starting to have problems and I wanted an SUV Chrisler were the only ones to take me with my credit so I bought this car. within 1 week of having it the breaks were bad they got replaced then it started having a strut problem so I took it back. they keep putting new things in it to stop the noise but it hasn't helped. The car goes back to the dealership everyweek its there more then I have it. Finally this week has been the last straw they don't know whats wrong with it so tomorrow I am going there and they are taking it back either way!! dissatisfied!!!
"Mommy's New Car!"
mommy_hiccup, 07/31/2012
2012 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
This was our first "family" car, though we'd had an SUV prior to this purchase. It's been a small adjustment, getting used to being lower to the ground and in a smaller vehicle (narrower than our old vehicle.) The price... it's so-so for what you get.
update from july 2017
dipstick5, 07/25/2013
updated 07/25/2017
2012 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
20 of 29 people found this review helpful
have installed the Mopar backup camera and it shows perfectly on the 8.4 inch screen. my drivers side window was scratched and the dealer replaced worn track guides and glass free under warranty. bought a Thule cargo system and have enjoyed traveling to upper peninsula Michigan and Williamsburg Virginia without any mishaps. the vehicle still rides smooth and plan to replace the tires within the next year. all in all, a worthy investment.
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2012 w/190k miles
Trz12, 11/27/2020
2012 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
So its not the most exciting cuv, but the interior holds up well we bought a 2012 Se 4cyl fwd with 4 miles on it in 2011. We have traveled all over in this car through snow, rain, wind, and hail. 190k miles and the car still runs great. Sadly due to hail damage and a front end accident this suv has probably seen the end of its journey. Its been a great value, super reliable and easy to live with. Yes it looks like a van, sure the 4 cyl is a lil weak and the 4 spd trans is lacking about 2-4 more gears but 9 yrs, 190k miles all for under $24k new.
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So many issues!!!
Kim, 09/12/2019
2012 Dodge Journey American Value Package 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
I wish I could love this car, I really wanted to. Size, comfort, all of it was so good but with 60k miles I have broken down 3 times in 2 months, 4 times in the past 4 years. On our way home from SUV shopping now
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Two days old, but love it
aliciakay, 11/11/2011
2012 Dodge Journey American Value Package 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
107 of 200 people found this review helpful
We just purchased the 2012 Journey American Package. The adjustable seating arrangements are so fun and convenient. The middle row can be adjusted in two parts! So, the single seat with the car seat can stay in the further position, so my chair won't be kicked, and then the other two seats can scoot up, to make more room for the third row. All seats recline, which is great for long rides. I enjoy the middle and third row vents being in the overhead, so it's out of the way. Speakers are heard from all rows, gets up to speed fast getting on the fwy. I feel in control when driving. All parts feel solid, well made. Easy entry is awesome. So far....very good, we love it!
LOVE IT! one weird, dangerous flaw
aoneil, 01/19/2012
2012 Dodge Journey Crew 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
36 of 67 people found this review helpful
this thing is really fun to drive, maybe a little too much fun. it only took a day, maybe a total of an hour's worth of driving, to figure out the controls and set everything to my liking. the acceleration is pretty good, really smooth when you hit it. Mind you I'm one of those people with 2 speeds - on and off, but she not jarring and very responsive.
Worst vehicle ever!!
Danielc, 09/15/2020
2012 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
Do not buy this vehicle, I owned a 2012 journey sxt 3.6L for 5 years. Worse vehicle ever!! I've had nothing but electrical problems with it since I first purchased it. I would step on the brake pedal and all the lights in the SUV would turn on. Took it to get checked out and found out that every time I opened my trunk door it was pulling the wires for the brake lights in the back apart. The steering wheel controls work every now and then. The suspension would make a really annoying crunching sound when going over bumps like pulling out/in a drive way. Was told that was normal. One if the happiest days of my life was trading that pos to a dealership.
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Piece of utter crap
Sandy, 03/16/2016
updated 03/23/2017
2012 Dodge Journey American Value Package 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
11 of 22 people found this review helpful
I bought this car brand new in late 2011, so far it has had 2 repairs for the seat, the engine is extremely underpowered while getting very poor fuel economy. I mean how in hell can a four cylinder engine get 16 miles per gallon on average. Very jerky transmission, I just passed 50,000 miles and it is the worst car I have ever owned and the resale value of these things is in the toilet so basically I'm screwed. Now the light for the trunk light will turn off if it is more than half way open, apparently this is a defect that has been overlooked but each time the liftgate is closed and opened it pinches wires in the top part and frays them big safety issue!
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Vibration in the rear end
dodgejourney, 03/06/2013
2012 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
5 of 11 people found this review helpful
We have a 2012 dodge journey bought it December 2012 we have at it at the shop 7+ times with a vibration in the rear end. If anyone can have someone drive them ride in the back and you will feel it. Starts around 40 and gets worse around 46. They don't want to fix it. So please if you have this problem go to dodge and complain. They have gave us the run around. If we can get a case against them then let's do it. We have drove a 2010, 2012, and 2013 they all do it. Time for them to have a recall.
I hate this thing.
Roo, 10/08/2019
2012 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought it pre-owned off a lot and immediately started having parts go out, including a head gasket issue that kept it at the Dodge service center for three months! It's one thing after another and with no warranty left on it, it's just become a money pit. I'd sell it if I didn't owe on it! The seats are comfy, though.
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Read
3814815, 05/10/2012
2012 Dodge Journey R/T 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 5 people found this review helpful
Wow right off the bat I loved this car, there Are too many things to say and only 616 characters remaining to type, this car is not on Y a great selling car but is Canada best selling crossover under 35k
Journey
Andy, 05/23/2017
2012 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
3 of 10 people found this review helpful
Good
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engine rebuilt @76,000 miles
jim bodkin, 07/08/2019
2012 Dodge Journey Crew 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
nice car. Lots of room. Leather interior. AM/FM/Sirius/Disc player w/ Top sound package. Gets great 25 MPG loaded on the road. New Pirelli tires. 19 inch rims. Sharp look.
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It only looks better than 09 (in my opinion)
ebonydm, 03/30/2012
2012 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 18 people found this review helpful
I previously owned the 2009 Journey SXT. i thought I was upgrading getting the 2012. The sound system is not as good, the way the have it setup you have to keep factory radio & can not buy something better. It's definitely smaller on the inside. I miss little features like 1 touch up AND down window, the flashlight in the back, the aux jack being on radio, the extra leg room. And the plug on the back of the armrest is now cigarette lighter charger I hate that.
mpg sucks, not what they tell you
hare8221, 02/02/2012
2012 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
7 of 64 people found this review helpful
ya,i have one with 1600 miles on it and the mpg i get is 12.2 on the freeway and 11.6 in the city. it's back at the dealeship for the second time. i got better mpg with my 2004 yukon v8 with 120000 miles on it, when i traded it in for the journey i was getting 11 in the city and 17 on the freeway, i thought i was coming out ahead but not. 2012 journey 3.6 fwd
Promise but failed expectation
Primoo357, 03/12/2025
2012 Dodge Journey R/T 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car over the course of your ownership is going to take a big chunk out of your wallet. Transfer case issues, oil cooler leaks dude to poor plastic design. Transmission oil leaks, weak fuel purge valves. Rear wiper motor dying. Everything bad can happen will happen to this car. It’s not recommended. Save your hard earned money and buy a better car
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I made the worst choice when buying this car
Nicole , 07/28/2022
2012 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have had nothing but problems since 2 days after I bought it I have spent every pay check fixing something to the point now my car don't reverse and the housing is leaking its been one thing after another I am a single mother and no it's not even drivable wish I never wasted all this money on it highly disappointed
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don't get a journey
rg ryder, 05/10/2021
2012 Dodge Journey R/T 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
bought a 2012 new after 1yr the alternator failed.took it to the dealer and fixed under the warranty.2yrs later another alternator went.we had the extended 7yr warranty and lucky we did in the 6th yr brakes and motor work needed to be done.if it wasn't for the longer warranty would have been $6,200 for the work.the car only driven 5200miles a year.not a good suv.
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