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2018 Dodge Journey problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2018 Dodge Journey has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 6safety recalls
- 237owner complaints
- 7crash reports
- 2fire reports
- 7injuries reported
237 complaints, against an average of 307 for the other 8 Dodge Journey model years.
Every Dodge Journey model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2018 Dodge Journey?
The components named most often in the 237 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2018 Dodge Journey owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 237 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does the backup camera not work on my 2018 Dodge Journey?30 owners · 12.7% · Recall 18V396000
- Why does my 2018 Dodge Journey stall, lose power or shut off while driving?15 owners · 6.3% · Recall 18V524000
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2018 Dodge Journey?13 owners · 5.5%
- Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2018 Dodge Journey?11 owners · 4.6% · Recall 22V723000
- Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2018 Dodge Journey?10 owners · 4.2%
Has the 2018 Dodge Journey been recalled?
6 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: A dim reflector may reduce the visibility of the vehicle to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Foundation Components: Disc: Caliper 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.
Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Electrical System: Wiring: Front Underhood 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.
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Visibility: Rearview Mirrors/Devices 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."
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.
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.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 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."
Risk: A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Electrical System: Wiring 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.
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.
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 do 2018 Dodge Journey owners report?
12 of the 237 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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.
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 trouble codes P0420 and P0430, indicating catalyst-system efficiency problems affecting…
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!
Technician notes exterior headlight assembly is defective and not reflecting bright.
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
First Complain is that I was driving my 2018 Dodge Journey SE 2.4L across the interstate in [XXX]. 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)
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.
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
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
The drivers side active headrest deployed while the vehicle was unoccupied. It is not electronically controlled, so no warning lamps were illuminated. This appears to be a known issue with FCA but they offer no assistance with correcting the known safety defect.
Stated having coolant issues in 2023. September 2025 Engine light Started blinking and Started running rough at 65 mph. Stopped the vehicle and you could see the whole car shaking from the motor running so rough. Fueled up kept going and it kept doing it. Eventually dying at a stop light and I couldn't get it to fire back up. Ended up needing a tow since it wouldn't stay running. White smoke coming from tailpipe. Cracked cylinder head. $3000 repair with a USED PART.
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle with the cruise control activated, the cruise control failed to immediately deactivate, and the vehicle failed to decelerate while depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the rear-view mirror and back-over prevention camera failed and displayed a black screen, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The cause of the failure has not yet been determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not contacted…
2018 Dodge Journey: questions owners ask
Is the 2018 Dodge Journey reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 237 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Dodge Journey; the most common categories were electrical system (72, 30.4%), engine (31, 13.1%), exterior lighting (27, 11.4%). There are 6 safety recalls. 7 complaints mention a crash, 2 mention a fire, 7 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Dodge Journey?
Across 237 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (30.4% of complaints), engine (13.1% of complaints), exterior lighting (11.4% of complaints), back over prevention (10.5% of complaints), service brakes (10.5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2018 Dodge Journey have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2018 Dodge Journey; the most recent (campaign 22V723000, 2022-09-29) concerns Exterior Lighting. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does the backup camera not work on my 2018 Dodge Journey?
30 of the 237 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Dodge Journey (12.7%) describe the rearview or backup camera failing or showing a blank screen. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 18V396000 (visibility: rearview mirrors/devices). The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview mirror, free of charge. One owner wrote: "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" (NHTSA complaint 11750522, July 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2018 Dodge Journey stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
15 of the 237 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Dodge Journey (6.3%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. A related recall exists: campaign 18V524000 (electrical system: wiring: front underhood). The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Car shuddered while driving, started making metal clanging noises’ and stalled in the middle of an intersection. I just had it worked on and had to fully replace the transmission (approximately $4000) due to the torque converter shredded metal in the…" (NHTSA complaint 11555540, November 2023). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2018 Dodge Journey?
13 of the 237 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Dodge Journey (5.5%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "The cruise control has stopped working. And there is faulty wiring in the hood making the check engine light come on. And a huge water and oil leak we just got the vehicle Friday 2/21" (NHTSA complaint 11644390, February 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2018 Dodge Journey?
11 of the 237 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Dodge Journey (4.6%) describe headlights, taillights or brake lights failing or condensation in the lamps. A related recall exists: campaign 22V723000 (exterior lighting). The fix: Dealers will replace the headlamp assemblies, free of charge. One owner wrote: "It started with third brake light out, then,tail wipers intermittenly work, then camera not working- had to have someone watch the back of car to see also right inside light out AND Tailgate wont lock with rest of doors After looking on YOUTUBE this has been…" (NHTSA complaint 11672554, July 2025). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2018 Dodge Journey?
10 of the 237 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Dodge Journey (4.2%) describe ABS, traction or stability control warnings or faults. One owner wrote: "Rear wheel bearing is bad after only 35,000 miles causing the speed sensor to fail which causes the cruise control to fail." (NHTSA complaint 11470418, June 2022). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Journey
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2018 only.