[Doug D]

Call Chrysler's Customer Assistance number and open a case number - 1-800-247-9753.

As far as brake issues, yes, I have had my fair share of problems. We bought a 2009 Journey SXT in March 2008. By 22K miles the front pads were worn out and I had to have them serviced. About a year later, I kept reading of recalls on the Caravans/T&C's which have the same brake set up. I contacted Chrysler and eventually they reimbursed me in full for the brake repair.

Our current 2010 Journey has 43K and is due for front brake service - barely passed state safety inspection. I sincerely doubt they are the original pads. We bought the 2010 last year (used) after our 2009 suffered a CAN C bus failure (Cabin Area Network) and we ended up trading it in for the 2010.

 

[Doug D]

On another note, I just wonder where Chrysler went wrong on the brakes with the Journey? I love just about everything about my Journey, but having to replace brakes so often can really sour a person....

A very good question. I'm beginning to think they are too small for the work they are expected to do. Haven't been able to confirm that. Like I posted the front pads on our '09 were replaced at 22K. After that I noticed a significant decrease in brake dust on the front wheels. So I'm pretty sure there was a change in the pads from the originals. Those pads had 25K miles on them and were working fine though I don't really know if they were wearing well or not. 43K on our '10 but I'm not so sure they are the original pads - I'd bet they aren't.

The service writer at Firestone said the average mileage on the Journey's he's serviced has been about 15K.

On a related note we had brake issues with our '00 T&C Ltd. Bought the van with 78K on it and for a while it seemed like I was only getting 25K out of the front pads. However, the last set (serviced at Firestone) had ~40K on them when I traded it in, but I don't remember what pads the shop installed. Then again, the T&C weighed in at a hefty 4,340 lbs (empty).

 

[Doug D]

$355? Find another dealer. He's a ripoff waiting to happen. I've had two Journey's (2009 & 2010) and neither one needed rotors at all though they both needed pads earlier than what I call "normal". The 2009 had the pads replaced, rotor turned at 22K miles - Chrysler eventually reimbursed me the total cost ($225). I just had the front pads replaced, rotor turned on the 2010 Journey we now have (long story) at 48K miles. I suspect, through, that these were not the original pads. Shop used Wagner Thermoquiets (lifetime warranty) so we shall see how they wear. Oh and I only paid ~$100 for this latest service at Firestone - had a coupon. Normally a $165 service.

As far as aftermarket, I'd go with Wagner or Raybestos. Try to get "Made in the USA" if you can, but almost all of them are going to Chinese manufacturers.

Good luck!

 

[Doug D]

It's a little more than a TSB - it's an extension of the brake warranty (normally brake components are only warranted for 12K miles on a new car).

You can join the line of Journey owners that have experienced brake issues. I would have thought it would have been solved by the 2012 model year. I could understand the first model year, but not the subsequent years. FWIW - the T&C/GC have the same brake issues - it's basically the same brake setup - in fact the brake warranty was initally extended on the minivans and then to the Journey's.

 

[Doug D]

My 2000 T&C Ltd AWD had brake issues to a dgree. It was chewing through brakes every 25K-30K miles, Finally found a that lasted longer though it was the pads from Firestone so I was not sure what they actually used. Those pads had 40K at the time we traded it in for our first Journey.

 

[Doug D]

The Journey may have brake issues but I think one of the problems is people's driving habits. I have a 2009 Journey with about 35K miles and the pads are just fine. But, I don't stomp on the gas and then slam on the brakes, stomp on the gas and slam on the brakes etc. If the light is red, there's no point in racing to it; take your foot off the accelerator and let it coast to slow down. If you're turning for an intersection, slow down ahead of time etc. That's free gas mileage too, BTW. I had over 100K miles on my Vison and the brake pads were still good but I had to replace them because the rivets had rusted out.

While in general I agree with that statement, just about every Journey owner I've run across (whether it be online or in person) has had some sort of brake issues. I drive very light on the brakes and even so, had to replace the front pads on our 2009 Journey at 22K miles. By comparison, my Ram, went nearly 70K miles before needing the front pads serviced.

I think the brake wear issue has to do with a few brake enhancements Chrysler has made - BAS & ESP :

Brake Assist System (BAS)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
system detects an emergency braking situation by sensing
the rate and amount of brake application and then
applies optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help
reduce braking distances. The BAS complements the
ABS. Applying the brakes very quickly results in the best
BAS assistance. To receive the benefit of the system, you
must apply continuous braking pressure during the
stopping sequence, (do not “pump” the brakes). Do not
reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking is no longer
desired. Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is
deactivated.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP corrects
for over-steering and under-steering the vehicle by
applying the brake of the appropriate wheel. Engine
power may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain
the desired path.
The ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the path
that the driver intends to steer the vehicle and compares
it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual path
does not match the intended path, the ESP applies the
brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting
the condition of over-steer or under-steer.
• Over-steer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
• Under-steer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.

Just another note - coworker of mine has a Pontiac G8 and his rear pads are wearing out faster than his fronts. Why? Because he drives just aggressive enough for the Traction Control to activate brakes on one side or the other.