2018 Dodge Journey

▲ Better than typical
2018 Dodge Journey
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Dodge Journey Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2018 highlighted. 2007: 4 complaints 2007 2008: 8 complaints 2009: 1433 complaints 2009 2010: 986 complaints 2011: 169 complaints 2011 2012: 375 complaints 2013: 351 complaints 2013 2014: 408 complaints 2015: 548 complaints 2015 2016: 383 complaints 2017: 196 complaints 2017 2018: 219 complaints 2018 2019: 92 complaints 2019 2020: 61 complaints 2020
2018: 219 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20074
20088
20091433
2010986
2011169
2012375
2013351
2014408
2015548
2016383
2017196
2018219
201992
202061

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 32%

32% of complaints: electrical system — 71 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE 13%

13% of complaints: engine — 29 distinct reports on file.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 11%

11% of complaints: exterior lighting — 23 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Reflectors are critical for visibility especially when it is foggy outside.

NHTSA ODI report, 20241223

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 9%

9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 19 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN MY BRAND NEW DODGE JOURNEY THAT WAS PURCHASED LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AGO, ALL THE VEHICLES CAME TO A STOP AND WERE STATIONARY. MY CAR INCLUDED WAS STATIONARY OR STOPPED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20181212

SERVICE BRAKES 9%

9% of complaints: service brakes — 19 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN MY BRAND NEW DODGE JOURNEY THAT WAS PURCHASED LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AGO, ALL THE VEHICLES CAME TO A STOP AND WERE STATIONARY. MY CAR INCLUDED WAS STATIONARY OR STOPPED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20181212

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20180604 — electrical system, vehicle speed control

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...

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 18V332000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20180802 — visibility

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 18V396000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20180802 — back over prevention

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 18V398000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20180829 — service brakes, hydraulic

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 18V523000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20181002 — electrical system

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...

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 18V524000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20190909 — PE (closed 20260225)

Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment

R 20230216 — exterior lighting

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 22V723000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20240227 — PE (closed 20250926)

Back up camera failure

I 20240801 — EA (open)

Vehicle entrapment

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2018 Dodge Journey — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (71 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (29 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (23 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 18V332000 (electrical system, vehicle speed control) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 18V396000 (visibility) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 18V398000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 18V523000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 18V524000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V723000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2020 ▲ 2019 ▲ 2011

WORST YEARS

■ 2009 ■ 2010 ◆ 2015

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2018 Dodge Journey reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Dodge Journey is rated "better than typical".

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

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2018 Dodge Journey have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.