2012 Dodge Journey — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Dodge Journey is an SUV offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 26 mpg (UK) / 22 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 23–26 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Dodge Journey workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Dodge Journey: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 26 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It holds a 4★ overall NHTSA rating (none is on record for the 2011 model).
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.4L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.4L 4-cyl · 3.6L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic 4-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 26 combined / 23 urban / 31 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 22 combined / 19 city / 26 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 251 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,050 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2012 Dodge Journey across 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 19 to 22 mpg (US), or 23 to 26 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (19/26) | 251 | $3,050 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 19 (16/24) | 291 | $3,550 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (17/25) | 276 | $3,350 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Dodge Journey
Running Costs: 2012 Dodge Journey
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Dodge Journey at 26 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,399 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,050 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Dodge Journey Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 6 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Dodge Journey (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Engine and engine cooling (2), Air bags (1), Steering (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Air bags — campaign 17V432000, reported 7 July 2017. Risk: Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.
- Steering — campaign 16V273000, reported 6 May 2016. Risk: A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Electronic stability control (esc) — campaign 15V675000, reported 19 October 2015. Risk: If the ABS or ESC is disabled, a loss of vehicle stability could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Engine and engine cooling — campaign 15V431000, reported 7 July 2015. Risk: If the displaced engine cover contacts the exhaust manifold, there would be an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
Showing the 4 most recent of 6 campaigns.
Owners have filed 376 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Dodge Journey. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (116), Engine (97), Service brakes (95). Complaints include 21 reported crashes, 13 reported fires, 24 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 353 complaints across the 11 Dodge Journey model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Dodge Journey
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Electrical system (116 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Engine (97 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Brakes (95 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Engine cooling (2 recall campaigns) — Check coolant level, look for leaks and make sure the temperature stays steady in traffic.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Dodge Journey compare to similar SUVs? SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model sits close to that average, within 1 mpg. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
At 26 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 25 mpg average for Dodge models in our database. Its 251 g/km CO₂ figure is 18 g/km lower than the 269 g/km Dodge average.
Of the 11 Dodge Journey model years we cover, the 2012 is the most economical on its best configuration (26 mpg UK combined). See every Dodge Journey year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Dodge Journey
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Dodge Journey have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2012 Dodge Journey: 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.4L 4-cyl with a automatic 4-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Dodge Journey?
The most efficient configuration returns around 26 mpg (UK) combined, or 22 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 23 to 26 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Dodge Journey cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,050 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Dodge Journey have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2012 Dodge Journey have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 6 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Dodge Journey (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Engine and engine cooling (2), Air bags (1), Steering (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Dodge Journey?
Among the 376 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (116 complaints), Engine (97 complaints), Service brakes (95 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Dodge Journey's fuel economy good for an SUV?
It returns around 26 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.