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Vehicle safety record

2018 Dodge Journey Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 237 complaints about the 2018 Dodge Journey with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (72) and the engine & cooling (33). Those complaints describe 7 crashes, 2 fires and 7 injuries. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in September 2022 for the exterior lighting. For comparison, the 2017 has 202 and the 2019 has 103.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical Journey year, for its age

#40 most complained-about 2018 vehicle

Complaints
237
Recalls
6
Crashes
7
Fires
2
Injuries
7
Deaths
0

Most common 2018 Dodge Journey problems

Share of all 237 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2018 Dodge Journey recalls 6

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Exterior lighting

22V72300083,453 vehicles affected

The problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Dodge Journey vehicles. The amber side reflex reflector assembled into the headlamp may not reflect brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk
A dim reflector may reduce the visibility of the vehicle to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 16, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z99.

Electrical system: front underhood

18V52400012,779 vehicles affected

The problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
The risk
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

Service brakes: caliper

18V523000154,335 vehicles affected

The problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
The risk
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U86.

Back over prevention: camera

18V3980001,837 vehicles affected

The problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Journey and RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The backup camera may experience a loss of image display while backing up. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
The risk
A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview mirror, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U56.

Visibility: rearview mirrors / devices

18V3960001,741 vehicles affected

The problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Journey vehicles. When reverse gear has been selected, the rear camera view may not be fully visible within two seconds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
The risk
If the full camera view is delayed and the driver does not check their surroundings before backing up, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview mirror, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U58.

Electrical system: wiring

18V3320004,815,661 vehicles affected

The problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
The risk
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

What owners say

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237 complaints about the 2018 Dodge Journey

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 10.

Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine shut off without warning, causing an immediate loss of power steering and power brake functionality. The contact maintained control and guided the vehicle to a stop safely. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11771670
Driver assistance

I own a 2018 Dodge Journey Crossroad V6. I am submitting this complaint because I have experienced multiple serious and recurring problems with the vehicle. The vehicle has had multiple transmission repairs/replacements. I have spent a significant amount of money addressing transmission problems, yet I continue to have major mechanical issues with the vehicle. The vehicle is also experiencing catalytic-converter/emissions-system problems. The check-engine light is on and the vehicle has produced diagnostic...

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trouble codes P0420 and P0430, indicating catalyst-system efficiency problems affecting both banks. I am concerned about the reliability and safety of continuing to operate the vehicle with these issues, particularly given the repeated mechanical problems I have already experienced. Another significant safety concern is the factory backup camera. The camera intermittently glitches and the image can suddenly appear upside down. This makes the rear-view display unreliable and potentially prevents the driver from accurately seeing people, vehicles, or objects behind the vehicle while backing up. The problem is intermittent, which makes it especially concerning because the driver cannot reliably know when the camera will malfunction. I am requesting that NHTSA document these problems and investigate whether there are known defects or safety issues affecting 2018 Dodge Journey vehicles, particularly regarding the transmission, catalytic-converter/catalyst-system problems, and malfunctioning backup camera.

Filed Incident Back over preventionNHTSA 11769027
Driver assistance

My rear view back up camera flipped upside down.. then it would have lines in it like an old tv.. now it's just black and doesn't work at all. There is a recall for my model just 1 year newer than mine. Can you help me!

Filed Incident Back over preventionNHTSA 11768658
Lights

Technician notes exterior headlight assembly is defective and not reflecting bright.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11765367
Airbags

Air Bag in the steering wheel. we took it back to the dealership for them to fix or do something about it and they refused to. No warning at all.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11764844
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFire

Sitting at red light and with out warning car turns off I place it in park and try to start car again as soon as I push the ignition to crank the car a huge explosion from under the hood blew the hood backwards striking the a-piler to the driver's door trapping me inside the car as flames were observed coming through the dashboard had to forcefully kick driver side window out of frame to dive out of the car because the door being jammed shut

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11761448
LightsAirbags

First Complain is that I was driving my 2018 Dodge Journey SE 2.4L across the interstate in [[redacted]]. My friend was sitting in the Passenger's seat when all of a sudden a loud popping noise happened and the airbag in the headrest popped out and almost hit my friend in the head. The second issue is that the headlight assemblies that was replaced under a recall in 2022-2023 due to a reflective issue. Well the the recall assemblies are now collecting moisture bad and are blowing my headlight bulbs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · Air bagsNHTSA 11759321
Driver assistance

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank image. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not inspected. The contact was informed that an unknown recall was not associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact later received an unknown recall notification with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Filed Incident Back over preventionNHTSA 11757898
Other & unknown

The factory-installed ParkView rear backup camera on my 2018 Dodge Journey is suffering from an intermittent, severe component failure. The video display randomly flips completely upside down while reversing. Frequently, the system fails entirely, leaving a completely blank or black screen on the center infotainment console.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11757288
Wheels & tiresBrakesVisibility & wipers

The brake calipers and brake rotators in the front are a safety concern. In other recalls the rear calipers and rotors have been flagged for recall. The front also has the same issue. Unrelated the visibility of the front windshield is extremely obstructed by the plastic body that surrounds the windshield. It is over 6 in wide and very unsafe when trying to exit Ally's or before turning at traffic lights.

Filed Incident Wheels · Service brakes · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11756534
Driver assistance

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera image was inverted. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25E052000 (Back Over Prevention), and the vehicle was taken to a dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and scheduled an appointment with the dealer on the contact's...

Read the full complaint

behalf. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who declined to perform the recall repair because the VIN was not included in the recall. However, the contact stated that the recall indicated that the recall was part-specific rather than VIN-specific. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

Filed Incident Back over preventionNHTSA 11756433
Other & unknown

The backup camera went off for several days. There was an error message on the rearview mirror. The camera picture eventually came back on, but the camera is now pointing at my bumper. I cannot see behind my car anymore and I can no longer use it to see while backing up.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11755529
Driver assistance

Loss of Visibility in Backup Camera When in reverses the camera will come on then go fuzzy then go out and displays a camera in orange with an orange line going though it

Filed Incident Back over preventionNHTSA 11754897
Driver assistance

Back up camera stopped working 3 years ago.

Filed Incident Back over preventionNHTSA 11753182
Brakes

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and failed to stop immediately. The traction control, ABS, and brake warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the calipers, rotors, and brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V523000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 11752059
Driver assistance

The rearview backup camera intermittently fails to display an image when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. The camera occasionally works, but most of the time the screen is blank or the image does not appear. I understand that similar 2018 Dodge Journey vehicles were recalled for this exact defect, but my VIN was excluded even though it exhibits the same symptoms. This creates a significant safety hazard because the vehicle does not consistently comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111.

Filed Incident Back over preventionNHTSA 11750685
Driver assistance

Back up camera works sometimes and sometimes it doesn't. The screen is either black with a orange camera with a orange line going through it or it works and the picture of blinking then goes black

Filed Incident Back over preventionNHTSA 11750522
Other & unknown

There is a leak somewhere on my driver's side of my 2018 Dodge Journey. The water is coming up from the floor. The wetness caused my foot to slip off the pedal initially. A mechanic has determined that there is a leak, but can't determine how to fix it. I've seen other people complain about the same issue, without any definitive fixes.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11750130
Visibility & wipers

My backup camera doesn't work sometimes and it says that my camera is upside down but it's not.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11749044
Electrical system

Was driving when power saver mode came on then died on the road. Charged the battery and it died 1 minute later checked the voltage and it appears the pump voltage regulator stopped working

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11746171
Electrical system

The wires that control my windows no longer work because the wires are in my door jam and after years of opening and closing the door on the wires they are worn out

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11739675
Driver assistance

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera occasionally displayed a brief intermittent image, an inverted image, or the camera was inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V398000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who confirmed that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

Filed Incident Back over preventionNHTSA 11735092
Visibility & wipersDriver assistance

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the back over prevention camera was foggy or the image was displayed upside down. An independent mechanic was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the back over prevention camera wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V396000 (VISIBILITY); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Filed Incident Visibility · Back over preventionNHTSA 11729403
Electrical systemFuel system

I am reporting a safety concern involving a 2018 Dodge Journey SE (VIN: [[redacted]] ) related to a failure in the vehicle's emissions control system, specifically the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors. On January 13, 2026, the vehicle began producing a strong sulfur or "rotten egg" odor while driving, and shortly afterward the check engine light illuminated. Diagnostic testing revealed trouble code P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold - Bank 1). This code indicates that the catalytic converter is...

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not properly converting exhaust gases, which can result in increased emissions and potential exposure to exhaust fumes. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram dealership in Maurice, Louisiana, which confirmed that the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors are failing and must be replaced. The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request. This vehicle was purchased for our growing family and is regularly used to transport our children, including a [[redacted]] infant and a [[redacted]] child. Since the emissions system issue began, occupants have noticed persistent exhaust-like fumes and strong sulfur odors while the vehicle is operating. Our infant has experienced recurring respiratory issues, and our [[redacted]] began experiencing respiratory symptoms after we purchased this vehicle. While we cannot definitively determine the cause, we are concerned that exposure to exhaust fumes from the malfunctioning emissions system may be contributing to these health issues. In addition, adult occupants have reported feeling unusually tired or fatigued after longer car rides in the vehicle, which raises additional concerns about potential exposure to exhaust gases inside the cabin. Because catalytic converter failures can allow harmful exhaust gases such as carbon monoxide and other pollutants to pass through the exhaust system improperly, we believe this issue presents a potential safety risk to vehicle occupants, p INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11724215
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

I replaced the alternator and battery, 3 months later I was told I have an issue with the pcm which was similar with the recall for the same vehicle I drove. My vehicle was not part of the recall. Tbs Recall tv-u87-18

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11722733

Dodge Journey: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
202066111Electrical systemA
2019103170Electrical systemA
2018237672Electrical systemC
20172022127Electrical systemB
20163894194Engine & coolingC
20155546309Engine & coolingD
20144167269Electrical systemD
All Journey years

2018 Dodge Journey vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2018 Dodge Journey

Does the 2018 Dodge Journey have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2018 Dodge Journey: exterior lighting (September 2022); front underhood (August 2018); caliper (August 2018); camera (June 2018) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Dodge Journey?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (72), engine & cooling (33), driver assistance (31).

How many complaints has the 2018 Dodge Journey had?

237 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 4, 2018 and the latest on October 16, 2026. Of these, 7 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 7 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2018 Dodge Journey a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 58 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Dodge Journey year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Dodge Journey years have the most complaints?

2009 (1,594), 2010 (1,085), 2015 (554). See every Dodge Journey year compared.

What should I do if my 2018 Dodge Journey has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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