2018 Dodge Journey

Above average

Owners filed 237 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 6 times.

One of the better Dodge Journey years: fewer complaints than most, without an unusual share of serious ones. Which Dodge Journey years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
26,000 milesMedian miles at failure

95 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2018 Dodge Journey problems

60 of the 237 complaints (25%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System60
010
Unknown or Other26
010
Service Brakes · brakes18
100
Engine17
000
Exterior Lighting · headlights14
100
Seats11
000
Power Train · transmission10
000
Back Over Prevention · backup camera10
000
Air Bags · airbags10
305
Steering7
000

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting22V723000
Filed Sep 29, 202283,453 vehiclesChrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Defect. 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.

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.

Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood18V524000
Filed Aug 9, 201812,779 vehiclesChrysler (FCA US LLC)

Defect. 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.

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper18V523000
Filed Aug 9, 2018154,335 vehiclesChrysler (FCA US LLC)

Defect. 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.

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.

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera18V398000
Filed Jun 14, 20181,837 vehiclesChrysler (FCA US LLC)

Defect. 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.

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.

Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices18V396000
Filed Jun 14, 20181,741 vehiclesChrysler (FCA US LLC)

Defect. 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.

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.

Electrical System › Software18V332000
Filed May 17, 20184,815,661 vehiclesChrysler (FCA US LLC)

Defect. 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.

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. 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.

All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Oct 16, 2026100,000 milesMI

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.

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera
Filed Oct 5, 2026CA

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 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 ma

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera
Filed Oct 3, 2026CA

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!

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 18, 2026PA

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

Air Bags
Filed Sep 16, 2026IA

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.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 1, 2026GA

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

Air Bags
Filed Aug 25, 2026KY

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)

Back Over Prevention
Filed Aug 19, 202680,000 milesFL

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 16, 2026PA

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.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Aug 12, 202668,000 milesTX

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 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.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 12, 2026ID

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 7, 2026TX

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.

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera
Filed Aug 5, 2026GA

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

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera
Filed Jul 27, 2026FL

Back up camera stopped working 3 years ago.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 22, 2026110,000 milesOH

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.

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera
Filed Jul 15, 2026GA

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

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera
Filed Jul 15, 2026TX

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 13, 2026TX

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.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 8, 2026NM

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

Electrical System
Filed Jun 24, 2026PA

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

Electrical System
Filed May 23, 2026AR

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

Back Over Prevention
Filed May 1, 202684,000 milesNY

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.

Visibility
Filed Apr 6, 2026140,000 milesCA

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.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 13, 2026LA

I am reporting a safety concern involving a 2018 Dodge Journey SE (VIN: [XXX] ) 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 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 [XXX] infant and a [XXX] 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 [XXX] 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 the

Electrical System
Filed Mar 7, 2026CA

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

Back Over Prevention
Filed Feb 18, 2026132,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that occasionally the rearview camera image appeared upside down or distorted. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25E052 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the rearview camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed that the contact that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 132,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 18, 2026CA

CarMax sold me a vehicle with a Cracked & Leaking Exhaust Manifold & Catylic Converter & its causing Exhaust Fumes to come up inside vehicle & is getting worse as I drive it.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 16, 2026TX

Backup camera displays upside down and blurry. There is a current recall for this issue, but it doesn't include the 2018 models.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 16, 2026SC

The backup camera displays upside down. Talking to other Dodge owners this seems to be a common problem. I Seema to me this is a defect that has the potential to be a safety hazard because it gives a distorted review

Seats
Filed Jan 30, 2026FL

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.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 27, 2026TX

Back up camera failure cutting off and on. Could cause wreck. Dull headlights. Could cause a wreck.Leak in firewall driver floor wet. Could short out electrical system, cause shock, cause a wreck. No accident to report. This is ongoing since purchase in 2023.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 16, 2025MI

There were no incidents, My backup camera was working. And now it’s not . When I go to backup the rear view mirror is somewhat dark making is difficult to see, especially at night.If possible I try no to backup. I did notice when I googled in recalls on the 2018 journey backup camera, there was a recall. Thanking you in advance. [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Electrical System
Filed Dec 11, 2025OH

I received a card from NHTSA about two years ago on this issue possibly due to NHTSA Action Number: EA24003. I am still having this issue and now it is worse. 2 years ago, it started with the driver side window not opening intermittently. Then the door locks would not operate from the driver side controls. Now every window will not open and the driver door is not recognized by the car. When opening or closing the driver door, nothing happens. In the past, if I turned off the car left my key fob in the car and closed the door when it would lock, the horn would sound, and the doors would unlock. When getting out of the car, I would open the door, and the radio display panel would turn off. Now, it stays on with the engine off. Thankfully there is a delay and eventually turns off. It may be the driver's door harness as it can be easily searched on the internet as a faulty product. Again, NHSTA originally approached me two years ago and the issue has not gotten worse. $800 minimum to replace the door harness. Hopefully that fixes it temporarily. Start date given is an estimate on when I received a card from NHSTA on this issue.

Seats
Filed Nov 22, 2025FL

I was driving home in the dark and I heard a loud bang pop! It scared me at first I didn't see anything wrong but when I got home to looked I notice the passenger head rest popped out! I am happy that no one was sitting next to me. That could have been so scary. I have uploaded a picture of it not extended out. I was driving 70 mph going home on the interstate. No accident nothing. Just came out of no where. This was scary.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 21, 2025FL

I have a 2018 Dodge Journey SE with currently 70,000 miles. I'm the second owner & purchased it with only 11,000 miles on it. The front brakes | anti-lock braking system (ABS) experienced failure when I needed to stop the vehicle. I was approaching a 4-way intersection and had the green light ahead of me not knowing that a semi truck was entering the intersection due to other vehicles in left turn lane blocking my view momentarily, when I realized/saw it, immediately I hit brake pedal, the front brakes produced a grinding noise, and grinding was also felt in/on brake pedal. VEHICLE DIDN'T STOP IN TIME, I SKID/SLID DIRECTLY IN THE SEMI'S PATH & INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION ALMOST CRASHING INTO THE FRONT/SIDE OF IT, BEFORE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED! GOD SAVED ME FROM WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN A TERRIBLE LIFE THREATENING CRASH DUE TO CATASTROPHIC FAILURE! Vehicle has been inspected by local service/repair shop prior to this event/failure for the same exact failure. They said nothing could be determined, located or seen that would indicate why such a failure occurs on and off. ABSOLUTELY ZERO warning indicators of any kind occurred before, during or after failure. Prior to this event and on multiple occasions the same exact failure type has happened, but during a rain storm or after one when the road is still wet thus the reason I took it to shop previously. I only have this one vehicle and rely on it heavily to get myself and kids to and from work and school etc daily. With a ca

Back Over Prevention
Filed Nov 20, 202511,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while in reverse, the digital screen failed to display a rearview image as intended, and the image was distorted, flickered a black screen, or a signal error was displayed. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Nov 15, 2025KY

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? ANSWER: The middle seat belt in the 2nd row back seat does NOT lock. (It buckles into the buckle fine) 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? ANSWER: I cannot have my children or anyone else ride in the back middle seat due to it not locking. If we were in a wreck, the seat belt would not lock. I also cannot put a car seat in the middle. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? ANSWER: I can go get it checked out by a dodge dealer. However, I have read that other people have the same issue. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? ANSWER: The vehicle was repaired after I was hit back in June 2024. I do not believe the seat belt itself was inspected. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? ANSWER: No, there were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms. I noticed it when I was switching my carseat around. I feel this is a major safety issue and it needs to be reported and resolved.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 6, 2025AZ

The back up camera intermittently comes on when vehicle in reverse. Sometimes it shows a camera with a line, sometimes an image then it disappears and sometimes the image is hazy or distorted. It is never consistent nor reliable. The rear view mirror cannot be used to its full size because of the image of the failed camera.

Power Train
Filed Oct 30, 2025GA

10.17.25 Vehicle started making tapping noise under the hood. I wasn’t able to identify the problem. I took it to the dealership and they found noise coming from the transmission and stated possible front pump, but wasn’t for sure. They wanted to do an additional diagnostic after I had already paid $197.27, for 3 more hours at $200 per hour. I took vehicle to another company who found noise was coming from the transmission and stated that the transmission will need to be replaced as they found metal shavings in the pan. They flushed the fluid, replaced the filter, test drove noise went away. They advised that I would make it back to Georgia but definitely suggested to get transmission checked. I made it 107 miles from home when it stalled out in 5 o’clock traffic. I tried to accelerate and but it lost motive power. I tapped the breaks tried again after 2 attempts I was able to get to the right shoulder out of the heavy traffic without incident. I was on the side of the road for 4hrs before an older man pulled up to assist. I had to be pushed 2 exits to a gas station. We added more transmission fluid still no motive power it stalled again. Got it towed to a shop to be checked for 3rd time was told it’s the transmission and as of this morning it has been towed to a 4th shop who handles transmission. In my online search for recalls I noticed the same thing happened with the 2016 Dodge Journey as well. I’ve had this vehicle just over a year. I received it with 42k miles on it, aw

Engine
Filed Oct 13, 2025AL

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.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Oct 6, 202583,258 milesFL

The contact's husband owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rear-view camera image was either blank or upside-down. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the camera was repaired. Despite the repair, the contact stated that the failure had recently recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the recent failure, but informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V398000 (Back Over Prevention) which was linked to the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 83,258

Electrical System
Filed Sep 16, 2025AL

***Radio system not working properly no longer connecting properly to phone, sounds muffled to the receiver on the other end of call, audio connect is not allowing me to be heard and I got a brand new updated phone! Thinking that was the issue. It wasn’t the phone, there was a precious recall regarding system updates issues, that I saw on here, but I was never notified about it!! *Audio hands free won’t map my iphone, to the car Bluetooth system will not connect at times, ****instrument panel lights are not showing, Radio goes off while driving often, not working properly, *****BACK UP CAMERA NOT WORKING PROPERLY: *Back up camera not working properly, noticed blurry, not able to see properly at night. ****Back up parking assist lines are not as bright and clear when backing up, image is no longer vivid! *Difficulty seeing behind you at night when Backing up, looks like snow on a tv screen ! ***off road system comes on by its self and stays on at times, car is serviced regularly!

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 10, 2025GA

My back up camera goes black or it has lines all over it, sometimes it works out times i can't see nothing, have to stick my head out to back up.

Seats
Filed Jul 25, 2025AZ

WHILE DRIVING, WITHOUT ANY WARNING,THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HEADREST EXPLODED, HIT MY WIFE IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD AND SNAPPED HER NECK FORWARD, ALMOST KNOCKED HER OUT. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF THIS EXPLODED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT (I'LL BET THIS HAS HAPPENED BUT WAS OVERLOOKED). I CONTACTED THE LOCAL DODGE DEALER AND THEY CLAIMED THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS ISSUE BEFORE...I ADVISED THEM TO DO SOME ONLINE RESEARCH...IT HAS HAPPENED THOUSANDS OF TIMES! THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT COST ABOUT $1000 TO REPLACE (TIMES TWO FOR THE DRIVERS SIDE AS WELL). NOW WE ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AS WE HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING WHEN THE DRIVERS SEAT HEADREST WILL EXPLODE! AS FOR THIS BEING A SAFETY FEATURE TO PROTECT AGAINST A REAR END COLLISION, IT IS NOT, AND THERE IS NO INDICATION OF SOMEONE HITTING THE REAR END OF THIS VEHICLE. I SPOKE TO A MECHANIC I KNOW AND HE HAS NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING.

Seats
Filed Jul 22, 2025TX

The passengers side head rest came apart. It came apart so fast it was like it exploded. It was almost like it had an air bag on the inside of it. I just started the unit in our drive way, went to back out, and it came apart. I tried to reset the head rest but the plastic locking tabs on the inside no longer work. This needs to be a recall!

Steering
Filed Jul 19, 2025ND

Power steering leak, started in cold weather. Found other 2018 models have had a recall for the same issue - but my vin is not listed. Yes the vehicle can be inspected. No I’ve not had it looked at, I’ve been refilling the power steering fluid regularly and it leaks out. If the leak persists and the power steering goes completely out while operating it could put myself, passengers and others at risk. No warning lamps. I just noticed the steering was difficult.

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Jul 19, 2025AZ

I was driving in the vehicle to put gas in, all of the sudden, i heard something snap and felt something hit the back of my head really hard. I felt disoriented as I didn't know what had happened. When I stopped and look at the seat, I noticed that head rest had deployed suddenly without warning and hit the back of my head. There was no accident that should have caused the head rest deployment. I sat there disoriented and started getting a headache and my neck started getting stiff. It's been a week since it happened, if it doesn't go away , I will be seeing a doctor as the pain comes and goes.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 14, 2025FL

There are known recalls on 2018 Dodge Journeys. For some reason my VIN [XXX] doesn't show on the list. 1) back up camera shows a black screen or a blurry dark picture (on going issue for over a year) 2) electrical system sometimes refuses to acknowledge the key fob and or won't start due to it thinking it has a dead battery. (on going issue for almost two years) 3) when braking in an emergency situation, heavy vibration from the rear of vehicle (on going issue for a few years when hard braking rarely occurs) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Power Train
Filed Jul 13, 2025AL

Car trys to start, it turns over but doesn't start. When it does start the red lightening bold is illuminated. Motor runs rough and shaky has ZERO POWER to accelerate. On going since 2024

Electrical System
Filed Jul 10, 2025CT

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 going on since 2012

Complaints 1-50 of 237, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2009
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202066110Routine
2019102100Routine
2018 — this page237620Above average
2017202270Above average
2016389440Above average
2015554690Above average
2014416790Above average
2013353490Above average
20123776130Above average
2011169440Routine
20109883160Above average
20091,4338301Fatalities reported
20088000Routine
20074000Routine

Compare every Journey year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Sep 29, 2022. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.