dodgefan

check out the "replacing Rotors" thread in the TBS, Recalls and Main section. This is an ongoing issues with this crossover. Many including myself have had nothing but problems with rotors. Mine....going in again today for the same thing....all under warranty. this is under warranty because every time they fix them there is a 1 year parts and labor warranty. Simply the brakes and rotors are to small, which is why Dodge enlarged them half way through the 2012 model year.

Had my 2011 R/T at the dealer yesterday. As suspected warpped rotors AGAIN. So this makes 1. the original set of rotors and pads, 2. front and back rotors and pads at 19 000kms, 3. front rotors at 29 000kms and 4. rear rotors at 35 000kms. In total with 35 000 kms...3 full sets or rotors all around and two full sets of pads all around (they have now refused to replace the pads even due to the warpped rotors and the uneven wear that is caused on pads) and believe me I argued. The dealer (which has been great over all) is saying the pads are still like new so they can't justify replacing. Interestingly enough in that comment with the pads still looking like new proves it is not ones driving habits but VERY VERY poor manufactured parts whomever they supplier is. I have mentioned before that I had the same issues with my 2007 Dodge Avenger SXT until I finally had enpough of running back to the dealerand put out the expense myself to have aftermarket rotors and pads put on all around. After doing so, never a problem in 45 000kms at which point I turned in the car due to lease being up (bought my 2011 Journey R/T)....rotors were fine and pads had 70%. left on them. I have only owed Dodge or Chrysler vehicals for the last 20 years and get a new one every 3 -4 years. Before my 2007 Avenger I have never had rotor, or break issues with any of my previous Chrysler/Dodge vehicals. I called Customer serice to finally complain yesterday, and all they said was they will document and give me a file number (wow thanks for the help...great service????). The girl I spoke with kind of laughed (in surprise) when she pulled my file and saw how many times and at the kms my rotors and pads were being done in the last year. So my thought on these replacement parts are of no better quality. You would think that they would eat the cost and put the new larger rotors and pads (and whatever other parts needed to accomidat them) on the 2011's...the cost of repalcing all these parts under warranty with the what seems to be same bad quality parts is surly costing them much more in the end. I think it is proven the the original size clearly were not large enough for this vehical, what other reason would they have upgraded/enlarged them, especially on the heavier AWD R/T vertion such as mine. I'd love to hear from Dodgecares if he is still monitoring this site...I have yet to catch any feedback from him on this issue, maybe I have missed it. He seems to be very helpful with uinsight etc...again a response form him would be nice. Having said all this, I still love my Journey...especially when it stops smoothly...well at least for another few more months

Well here I am again. Back in August Chrysler finally authorized the dealer to replace anything they felt need to be done. Result: Replace rear rotor and brake pads with new parts from thei new supplier. I was told that the fron were "ok" as in really not needed at the time. I raised hell but lost. I pick up the vehical and sure enough new parts I have not seen previously used on the rear...VERY HAPPY to see. Driving hime on the hwy what happens when I hit the brakes...yup..shuddering! Call the dealer and speak to the service guy and was told that they think I "might" have a wheel out of balance. I asked then why they did not rebalance it, why did they not call and tell me that as I would have paid to have that done. I was told, that he did not know, but if I bring it back in, he would have it done N/C. Great, but now another trip back to the dealer. Long story short I did not go back to have it done as I decided I was going to replace the tires. Ntohing wrong with them other than I hate the Kumho tires. I replace the tires in October the garage did everything, alignment was not necessary as they said everything was perfect witht he alignment. However still shuddering in the break pedal when I hit the breaks. I finally took in in yesteday and as I expected the front breaks and rotors they refused to replace 6000km ago...not thy tell me they are warpped and need to be replace? I said yes, they should have been done when you did the back as the problem has not gone away. Anyway they call me last night said it is all done, but they did not change the pads...again as they feel they are "OK". At this point I think they are all just stupid. Third set of rotors without changing the pads. My issue is that when your rotors warp they cause uneven break pad wear (three times now on these pads). The pads have lots of life so it is not an issue of trying to get something for free. With all the issues with these breaks they should simple put on the new $50.00 pads so that all is new and we go from there to hopfully have this problem solved. Car is now sitting at the dealership as after my conversation with the service manager today he needs to speak with his district manager. Chrysler Canada which I called again yeterday was of no help. The lady I spoke with simply wanted off the phone and not to deal with this at all saying there isnothe they can do to help, it is all up to the dealership. Funny last time they did get involved, now they say they don't do that, yet the dealership says it is up to them. Im a long time Chrysler/Dodge buyer....not sure if that will continue once time comes to upgrade to something new...and for me that is sad.

Fan,

I agree with all you have said here and do not understand why it took so long to identify and solve the issue. If I had the answer to that question I would post it but I do not. If I was you I would ask for some type of additional protection such as a service contract, or an authorization to install upgraded pads and rotors and be reimbursed when you contact the Assistance Center again or when they call you back. If you want to PM me your VIN I would like to follow the case. I will be out till Thursday of next week but I will take a look at it when I return.

Thank you Dodgecares for a fast reply. I have pvt you my vin and file number with customer service.

They were enlarged for 2012 model year... from other posts on here what I understand is after the other parts on hand were used up. In regards to retrofitting, I have no idea but it must be possible and should be done under warranty for those experiancing as many problems like myself. In my opionon of course.

You think after years of brake issues and only now finally they have upgraded to larger rotors and pads...they would switch out these sub par parts as good will. ESPECIALLY for those still under warranty. It is a real pain going back for brake service every few months!

I had my car at at the dealershipo yesterday. They are replcing the window weather stripping around the drivers window under warranty of course. Parts ordered yesterday and they are in today, appointment booked to have to done on Tuesday

...super fast.

Had my 2011 R/T at the dealer yesterday. As suspected warpped rotors AGAIN. So this makes 1. the original set of rotors and pads, 2. front and back rotors and pads at 19 000kms, 3. front rotors at 29 000kms and 4. rear rotors at 35 000kms. In total with 35 000 kms...3 full sets or rotors all around and two full sets of pads all around (they have now refused to replace the pads even due to the warpped rotors and the uneven wear that is caused on pads) and believe me I argued. The dealer (which has been great over all) is saying the pads are still like new so they can't justify replacing. Interestingly enough in that comment with the pads still looking like new proves it is not ones driving habits but VERY VERY poor manufactured parts whomever they supplier is. I have mentioned before that I had the same issues with my 2007 Dodge Avenger SXT until I finally had enpough of running back to the dealerand put out the expense myself to have aftermarket rotors and pads put on all around. After doing so, never a problem in 45 000kms at which point I turned in the car due to lease being up (bought my 2011 Journey R/T)....rotors were fine and pads had 70%. left on them. I have only owed Dodge or Chrysler vehicals for the last 20 years and get a new one every 3 -4 years. Before my 2007 Avenger I have never had rotor, or break issues with any of my previous Chrysler/Dodge vehicals. I called Customer serice to finally complain yesterday, and all they said was they will document and give me a file number (wow thanks for the help...great service????). The girl I spoke with kind of laughed (in surprise) when she pulled my file and saw how many times and at the kms my rotors and pads were being done in the last year. So my thought on these replacement parts are of no better quality. You would think that they would eat the cost and put the new larger rotors and pads (and whatever other parts needed to accomidat them) on the 2011's...the cost of repalcing all these parts under warranty with the what seems to be same bad quality parts is surly costing them much more in the end. I think it is proven the the original size clearly were not large enough for this vehical, what other reason would they have upgraded/enlarged them, especially on the heavier AWD R/T vertion such as mine. I'd love to hear from Dodgecares if he is still monitoring this site...I have yet to catch any feedback from him on this issue, maybe I have missed it. He seems to be very helpful with uinsight etc...again a response form him would be nice. Having said all this, I still love my Journey...especially when it stops smoothly...well at least for another few more months

I had the same issue back in November 2011...they replaced the weather stipping on the drivers window and it solved the problem. About two weeks ago the drivers window has again started to squeek again, so back I go.

Well I had my 2011 Journey R/T in today due to a grinding sound I noticed coming from the front brakes over the last few weeks. I have 19 000 km on it most of which is HWY driving. Dealer just put on new brakes and rotors all around no questions asked, THANKFULLY all was covered under warranty. My concern is that I thought they had changed the brake supplier or whatever due to all the issuses they had previously. This concernes me as my car before a 2008 Avenger R/T, I went through 3 sets of brakes and rotors onand I am not hard on the brakes or a hard driver. The first set being replaced on my Avenger at 22 000km (dealer installed) and not covered by warranty, second at 46 000 km (dealer installed) and the last set (aftermarket and installed myself) at 69 000 km. The last set when I turned in the car still had 60% of the pads left. When I turned in my Avenger it hadd 99 000 kms on it, which means 30 000 kms on the last set of brakes that I put on it...and they still had 60% left on the pads (again these were after market pads). All my other cars I have owned over the years (mostly Dodge or Chrysler) I would get 60 000km out of the breaks...and my driving habits have not changed, well maybe I've calmed down over the years...LOL. Dont get me wrong, I have not had any other problems with my Journey and I love this car. I only hope there will not be continued brake issues with this vehical.

Well at 29000 km on my R/T and 10000km after Dodge replaced all four rotors and brakes under warrany they again have rplaced my front rotors due to them again being warpped. Dealer said they still have brake issues with 2011 and up. I am certianly not impressed and I was specifically told when I ordered this vehical that all brake issues had been corrected, by using a new supplier. Apparantly not the case. Anyone else having their brakes replaced at such low mileage intervals? Again I am not hard on brakes and most my travel is HWY.

Well I had my 2011 Journey R/T in today due to a grinding sound I noticed coming from the front brakes over the last few weeks. I have 19 000 km on it most of which is HWY driving. Dealer just put on new brakes and rotors all around no questions asked, THANKFULLY all was covered under warranty. My concern is that I thought they had changed the brake supplier or whatever due to all the issuses they had previously. This concernes me as my car before a 2008 Avenger R/T, I went through 3 sets of brakes and rotors onand I am not hard on the brakes or a hard driver. The first set being replaced on my Avenger at 22 000km (dealer installed) and not covered by warranty, second at 46 000 km (dealer installed) and the last set (aftermarket and installed myself) at 69 000 km. The last set when I turned in the car still had 60% of the pads left. When I turned in my Avenger it hadd 99 000 kms on it, which means 30 000 kms on the last set of brakes that I put on it...and they still had 60% left on the pads (again these were after market pads). All my other cars I have owned over the years (mostly Dodge or Chrysler) I would get 60 000km out of the breaks...and my driving habits have not changed, well maybe I've calmed down over the years...LOL. Dont get me wrong, I have not had any other problems with my Journey and I love this car. I only hope there will not be continued brake issues with this vehical.

Does anyone know if you can replace the grey part of the new 2011 front fascia? My wife hit a little something and it may need replacing.

I am quite sure you can't. I looked at mine and it is one solid peice. It would either be repairable, or you'd need to replace the entire bumper cover.

We took the extended warranty on our Crew as well. In the long run, the extra $$$ will be well worth it seeing as how many issue's i had with the breaks already lol. I didn't get any sweet deal that includes the oil change and tire work though, i wish they had offered me that lol.

It was their "Gold Package", they had three to chose from. I'd have thought all dealer have the same packages avalible?

I did go with the extended warrany from the dealer. It was about $2200.00 which extended by 3yr 60 000 km bumper to bumper warranty to 5 yrs/100 000 bumper to bumper (GOLD PACKAGE). It also includes all oil changes and tire rotations for the 5 yrs AND if the car is in for service of any kind they will supply me with a car at no cost to me. If you plan on keeping the car for a long time, I'd suggest going with the extended warranty. For me with my R/T being fully loadedmy thought was if something goes after the inital warranty is done, any parts will likely be pretty expensive such as the touch screen, AWD etc.

For replacemnet insurance, my insurance company (TD) included full replacemnet cost of the current model year for the first 3 yrs at N/C. After that there will be a charge for it. If I recall correctly it would be approx $300.00 to keep that option after the 3 yrs at N/C.

Just my two cents, but I am very comfortable feeling fully covered for the ownership of my vehical. After a 100 000 km I trade them in anyways.

I just got my SE Plus and am wondering whether I should pop for an extended warranty and replacement cost insurance. And if I do, should I go with what the dealer is offering or go to the aftermarket?

I have owned just one Chrysler before now, always having had either Japanese, European or GM vehicles - the GMs always had manufacturer's extended warranties and I took my chances with the foreign cars - to my serious detriment in the case of a BMW.

The LHS was quite reliable until the dealer misdiagnosed a blown head gasket as a leaking water pump and then debnied there was a problem until the car overheated and cracked the head a week after they 'fixed' it. The third party warranty (PPP) had paid for the pump repair, but (not necessarily incorrectly) claimed that they pay once and that the issue was due to a dealer error. The dealer denied all responsibility and both went to great lengths to try and blame me for the problem in spite of the fact that the car was a low mileage unit had been exclusively serviced, more often than the schedule called for, and only by the servicing dealer. (Guess who I DIDN'T buy my Journey from?)

In the end I wound up in small claims court to get back the almost $4,000 I laid out putting my car back on the road - the judge made the dealer and the warranty company split the costs - but my complaint was really with the dealer, rather than the warranty company, strangely enough.

I tend to keep my vehicles a long time and I did do well financially with almost every plan I bought, though cars have gotten better lately.

Then there is replacement cost insurance . . . the dealer wants a LOT of money (almost $2K for 5 years) while my insurance company wants $900 - the insurance broker offers up to 7 years for an extra $500.

I figure that the longer you own a vehicle, the more likely it is to be involved in an event that will get it written off, or at the very least to require some non-trivial work to be done that would be nice to have done with new parts.

So, what is the collective opinion about these two insurance programs? And would you go with the dealer's or the 3rd party's offering in each case? The questions to answer:

Extended warranty,

- Yes or no?

If yes:

- Dealer or 3rd party?

- How long (years/kilometrage)?

- Deductible?

Replacement cost

- Yes or no?

If yes:

- Dealer or insurance company (dealer is a lot more expensive)?

- How long (5 or 7 years)?

There are no right or wrong answers, but I am looking for some perspective.

Thanks in advance

I picked up the car from the dealer yesterday, they had to replace the amp. Apparantly the wires were "pinched" under the seat and cause it to short out. Installed new amp and all it is good.

Well I took the car to the dealer today, they need to replace the amp, and is no order. They just called and said I should have it back tomorrow. Glad I have the gold service plan as they brought a rental car to me at the dealer...free of charge, which was a nice surprise.

Yes, mine did this yesterday no radio, no phone sound, and no back up sensor beeps either....and still nothing today. I did it once before but after I restarted thae car the radio came back on...off to the dealer I go.

Yes, mine did this yesterday no radio, no phone sound, and no back up sensor beeps either....and still nothing today. I did it once before but after I restarted thae car the radio came back on...off to the dealer I go.

You mention that it works for changing radio stations, etc. and the phone. That part has always worked for me too.

The problem I and many others are having is when you are playing music via SD Card or USB, commands like "Play the artist xyz", "Play the album xyz" or "Play the song xyz" always result in an error that the command was not recognized. Have you tried these commands?

Using the SD Card or USB, I have not tried. I will and let you know.

Congrats!

Do you have the Uconnect Voice Command w/Bluetooth option? Can you select different songs, artists, albums using the voice command?

Yes I have the Uconnect with Vice Command. It works perfect for changing the raido stations etc...and works great for the phone. i picks up every name EVERYTIME. I honestly have no problems with it. I wll try post pictures tomorrow.

Well after just a few days shy of 12 weeks my 2011 Journey R/T arrived and I picked it up yesterday. IT HAS THE NEW STYLE BUMPERS front and back. I am so happy it came with the news ones,they look great! Old ones are nice but change is good. Inside is beautiful...what a change from the 2008 Avenger interior I had, was a nice car...but so placsticy inside. Also so everyone knows, all mentioned issues with the Blue tooth, voice command, and KMS/MPH settings are all corrected in mine. EVERYTHING works perfectly. Ride is smooth and so quite. WEhen I say quite I mean it, I honked the horn and thought it was broken, until I loward the window....LOL. Will post pics soon.

I will look that up. However, in my experience, the car cannot be driven with the back windows down. I am not talking about annoying, I am talking about painful for the ears, and as to the shaking, it felt like it was shaking the car apart!!! I cannot believe this is a simple wind buffeting problem. This is a serious design flaw, with some lipstick!

Hey there, just my two cents ALL vehicals do this, it is not a design flaw, simply the movment of the wind. All of my vehicals (differant manufactuers)I have owned over the years have done this at some time or another which I will list below.

88 Chrysler LeBaron GTS

93 Toyota Celica - sometime with the sunroof open

95 Ford taurus

97 Dodge Dakota Crew cab

97 Dodge Intrepid

99 Potiac Sunfire

01 GMC Jimmy

08 Avenger

and likely my soon to arrive next week 2011 Dodge Journey.

Just to update this. My wife called Chrysler Canada as well and the person she spoke with said she will have to look into it. She did follow up with us few days later (today) and said that every Journey built after February 28th will have the new bumpers.

Thanks for all the digging and update on this. I ordered my 2011 R/T on February 4 and it was built on March 24, shipped out March 29. It should reach Toronto, on buy April 14, 2011 according to my truly amazing dealer/sales rep (they have been great so far). Once I receive it I will update which bumpers came with it. Hopefully the new ones...and thank goodness it was painted BEFORE the paint shortage...Blackberry .

You wil be waiting a while yet!! I ordered my R/T on Feb.2nd

I just got back from checking with my dealer, its only now being loaded on to the train, and it's a long haul from Mexico! Supposed to be here in Winnipeg the first week of April.

So you can probably anticipate late April/ early May delivery.

I've got my VIN the other day. Mine is supposed to be shipping toda, then a 2.5 week shipping from Mexico. I should have it first week of April. A liitle over two months so not too bad!

From what I have read and heard in many articles, the new bumpers were not to start into the production line until late February/earily March 2011. I think they were waiting until afte tthe "R/T" offical release. The base modles will still use the older bumpers.