2010 Dodge Journey: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Still dominated by Totally Integrated Power Module electrical failures (no-start, stalling) with Takata airbag and ABS recalls. Better than 2009 but among the least reliable Journeys; budget for electrical repairs. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2010 Dodge Journey ranged from $20,845 to $27,020 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
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Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Still dominated by Totally Integrated Power Module electrical failures (no-start, stalling) with Takata airbag and ABS recalls. Better than 2009 but among the least reliable Journeys; budget for electrical repairs.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=journey…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/dodge/journey
- samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/journey.html
Known issues
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Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failures cause no-start, intermittent stalling, erratic electrical behavior (lights, gauges, door locks) and in rare cases underhood fires; the single most-reported defect on early Journeys.
widespread · 785 NHTSA complaints · electrical
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Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk; owners also report airbag and occupant-classification warning lights.
commonly reported · 174 NHTSA complaints · other
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Premature brake wear and ABS/brake-warning faults are commonly reported, including hydraulic-brake complaints.
commonly reported · 172 NHTSA complaints · brake
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (5)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=journey…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=journey…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/recall/13V282000
- cars.comhttps://www.cars.com/research/dodge-journey/recalls/
- dodgeproblems.comhttps://www.dodgeproblems.com/models/journey/
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Reclining second and third-row seats plus a hidden in-floor cargo compartment add unusual family practicality
- One of the most affordable three-row crossovers on the used market, with available 7-seat seating
Cons
- Cramped, hard-to-access third row best suited to small children, with little cargo room behind it
- The base 2.4L four-cylinder is underpowered and thirsty for the vehicle's size; no all-wheel drive on many trims
- Recurring electrical and wiring problems are the Journey signature complaint
- Poor resale value and a dated design even late in the run
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | $20,845 | discontinued | — | — |
| SXT | $23,990 | discontinued | — | — |
| R/T | $26,795 | discontinued | — | — |
| Crew | $27,020 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2010-dodge-journey-price
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $550–600/yr |
| Insurance (low tier) | ≈ $1,300–1,400/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~150k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/dodge/journey
- moneygeek.comhttps://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/dodge-journey-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2010 Dodge Journey have?
Documented issue patterns include: Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failures cause no-start, intermittent stalling, erratic electrical behavior (lights, gauges, door locks) and in rare cases underhood fires; the single most-reported defect on early Journeys; Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk; owners also report airbag and occupant-classification warning lights; Premature brake wear and ABS/brake-warning faults are commonly reported, including hydraulic-brake complaints. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2010 Dodge Journey reliable?
Still dominated by Totally Integrated Power Module electrical failures (no-start, stalling) with Takata airbag and ABS recalls. Better than 2009 but among the least reliable Journeys; budget for electrical repairs.
How much did the 2010 Dodge Journey cost new?
Between $20,845 and $27,020 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Dodge Journey expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $550–600/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.