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

- 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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD Sxt/Crew/R/T | 192.5 in | 72 in | 66.9 in | 113.8 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 4,229 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV FWD Canada Value Package/Se P | 192.5 in | 72 in | 66.9 in | 113.8 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,796 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV FWD R/T | 192.5 in | 72 in | 66.9 in | 113.8 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 4,063 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV FWD Sxt/Crew | 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 FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +5% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Journey FWD FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -4% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Journey AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | +1% | $3,550 | 468 |
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
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Dodge Journey (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2011 Ford Explorer | 20 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2011 Toyota Highlander | 28 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 18 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
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.
Not every 2011 Dodge Journey is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Dodge Journey buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 34 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 24 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 22 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 89,000 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 2011 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 |
| 2010 Journey | 21 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 770 |
| 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 →