Dodge Journey 2018 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls issued for the Dodge Journey 2018 and 236 complaints filed by owners. It has 19% more complaints than the average Dodge Journey from 2016–2020 (198 per year).
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Dodge Journey 2018? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Dodge Journey 2018
Exterior lighting
NHTSA campaign 22V723000 · 2022-09-29
What happens
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."
Consequence
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Brakes (hydraulic)
NHTSA campaign 18V523000 · 2018-08-09
What happens
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.
Consequence
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Electrical system
NHTSA campaign 18V524000 · 2018-08-09
What happens
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.
Consequence
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Visibility (glass and mirrors)
NHTSA campaign 18V396000 · 2018-06-14
What happens
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."
Consequence
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Backup camera and sensors
NHTSA campaign 18V398000 · 2018-06-14
What happens
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."
Consequence
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Electrical system
NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · 2018-05-17
What happens
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.
Consequence
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
236 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
7 with a crash · 2 with a fire · 7 injuries
Most reported problems on the Dodge Journey 2018
- Electrical system: 71 (30% of complaints)
- Engine: 30 (13% of complaints)
- Backup camera and sensors: 25 (11% of complaints)
- Exterior lighting: 25 (11% of complaints)
- Throttle and cruise control: 21 (9% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Dodge Journey 2018
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
- Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
- Shift into reverse several times and make sure the camera always displays.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Dodge Journey SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2018 Dodge Journey SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Dodge Journey recalls by year
- 2016 : 4 recalls · 389 complaints
- 2017 : 2 recalls · 199 complaints
- 2018 : 6 recalls · 236 complaints
- 2019 : 1 recall · 102 complaints
- 2020 : 1 recall · 66 complaints
Guides for this check
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Dodge Journey 2018 have?
NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls issued for the Dodge Journey 2018. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Dodge Journey 2018?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: electrical system (71 of 236 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 20, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).