2010 Dodge Journey
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.

- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD Rt, 4dr SUV FWD Se, 4dr SUV FWD Sxt
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 19 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 192.5 in
- Curb weight
- 3,781–4,240 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints770 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 83 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2010 Dodge Journey is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,240 lb (4dr SUV AWD Rt).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 25 highway), 1% better than the 2010 SUV - average of 20.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 770 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2010
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2009 Journey — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 Journey →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD Rt | 192.5 in | 72 in | 66.9 in | 113.8 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 4,240 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV FWD Se | 192.5 in | 72 in | 66.9 in | 113.8 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,781 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV FWD Sxt | 192.5 in | 72 in | 66.9 in | 113.8 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,907 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journey 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +1% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Journey 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -8% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Journey AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -2% | $3,700 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Dodge Journey under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2010 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Dodge Journey (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2010 Toyota 4Runner | 20 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2010 Toyota Highlander | 26 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 18 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (4)
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.
Air Bags · Jun 26, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V373000 · 722,705 vehicles
- Problem
- This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured June 29, 2007, to June 17, 2010, and 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, to June 17, 2010. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
- Risk
- 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. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R03. Note: This is an expansion of recall 11V-139.
Electrical System › Ignition · Mar 1, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V139000 · 195,798 vehicles
- Problem
- CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 DODGE JOURNEY, GRAND CARAVAN, AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES MANUFACTURER FROM AUGUST 3, 2009, THROUGH JUNE 17, 2010. SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE INADVERTENT IGNITION KEY DISPLACEMENT FROM THE RUN TO ACCESSORY POSITION WHILE DRIVING CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SHUT OFF.
- Risk
- ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIN MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Oct 7, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V475000 · 23,237 vehicles
- Problem
- CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING, 300, CHARGER (LX) AND DODGE CHALLENGER (LC), AVENGER (JS), AND JOURNEY (JC), AS WELL AS MODEL YEAR 2011 DODGE RAM LIGHT DUTY PICKUP (DS) VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A SEPARATION AT THE CRIMPED END OF THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE ASSEMBLY.
- Risk
- LEAKED POWER STEERING FLUID ONTO HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS COULD CAUSE A FIRE.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE AS NECESSARY THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Not every 2010 Dodge Journey is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2010 Dodge Journey buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 507 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 123 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 88 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 85,675 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 Dodge Journey. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Journey years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 66 |
| 2019 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 102 |
| 2018 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 237 |
| 2017 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 2 | 202 |
| 2016 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 389 |
| 2015 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 6 | 553 |
| 2014 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 7 | 396 |
| 2013 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 333 |
| 2012 Journey | 22 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 6 | 317 |
| 2011 Journey | 22 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 110 |
| 2009 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 876 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →