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2018 Dodge Journey: problems, recalls and fuel economy
Owners filed 237 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Dodge Journey[1], and the model year has 6 recalls[2]. If you are shopping for one, check every recall against the exact VIN and look closely at the electrical system, stalling and the backup camera.
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 237 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Seven mention a crash[1]. Two mention a fire[1]. The complaints report 7 injuries in total[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part.
The biggest groups by complaint count:
| Component group | Complaints | Median mileage at failure |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system[5] | 72 | 22,000 |
| Unknown or other[6] | 45 | 8,000 |
| Engine[7] | 33 | 20,050 |
| Exterior lighting[8] | 27 | 35,784 |
| Brakes[9] | 25 | 40,000 |
| Back over prevention[10] | 25 | 68,000 |
| Speed control[11] | 21 | 26,000 |
| Power train[12] | 18 | 22,735 |
We read a small sample of complaint texts for four of these groups. The counts below say how many of 12 sampled texts show each theme[5][7][8][10]. They do not tell you how common a problem is among all owners.
- Electrical system. In a sample of complaints we read, at least 6 of 12 describe warning lights, gauges, the radio or the display acting up[5].
- Engine. Owners describe the car losing power or stalling while driving in 6 of 12 sampled texts[7]. Some also lost power steering[7]. A check engine light that returned or was never diagnosed shows up in 4 of 12[7].
- Exterior lighting. Moisture or condensation inside the headlight housings appears in 5 of 12 sampled texts[8]. Some also report bulbs burning out[8]. Another 4 of 12 are owners who say parts for the headlamp recall were not yet available[8].
- Back over prevention. Owners describe a backup camera that goes black, shows a delayed image, fades or shows static in 10 of 12 sampled texts[10].
Speed control stands out for crashes: 2 of its 21 complaints mention one[11]. Brakes, exterior lighting and the unknown or other group have 1 crash each[6][8][9]. The electrical system group has 1 fire, and so do engine and unknown or other[5][6][7].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for this model year[2]. Newest first:
- Headlamp reflector (22V723). Announced 2022-09-29[13]. The amber side reflector in the headlamp may not reflect brightly enough, which breaks a federal lighting standard. A dim reflector can make the car harder for other drivers to see and raises crash risk. Dealers replace the headlamp assemblies at no charge[13]. It covers 83,453 vehicles[13].
- Powertrain control module (18V524). Announced 2018-08-09[14]. A voltage regulator chip on the module's circuit board may fail and cause a stall or a no-start. A stall raises crash risk. Dealers replace the module at no charge[14]. It covers 12,779 vehicles and several other Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Fiat models[14].
- Rear brake calipers (18V523). Announced 2018-08-09[15]. The coating on the rear caliper pistons may be insufficient, so gas pockets can form and reduce rear braking. That raises crash risk. Dealers bleed the brake system at no charge[15]. It covers 154,335 vehicles across several models[15].
- Rear camera image loss (18V398). Announced 2018-06-14[16]. The backup camera may lose its image while backing up, which fails a federal rearview standard and raises crash risk. Dealers replace the rearview mirror at no charge[16]. It covers 1,837 vehicles[16].
- Rear camera delay (18V396). Announced 2018-06-14[17]. When reverse is selected, the full camera view may take more than two seconds to appear. A driver who does not look around before backing up faces more crash risk. Dealers replace the rearview mirror at no charge[17]. It covers 1,741 vehicles[17].
- Cruise control may not turn off (18V332). Announced 2018-05-17[18]. A short circuit in the wiring could keep cruise control engaged, so the driver may not be able to cancel it with the brake or the switch. The car could hold its speed or speed up, which raises crash risk. Dealers inspect the software and flash the engine or powertrain control module at no charge[18]. It covers 4,815,661 vehicles across many models[18]. Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the update is done. If it will not disengage, the advice is to brake firmly and steadily, shift to neutral and park once stopped[18].
Some owners in our complaint sample say the VIN was not included in a recall they expected to apply, or that headlamp parts were not available[8][10]. Check each recall on the exact VIN at NHTSA before you rely on a seller's word.
Fuel economy
EPA lists three versions:
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, front-wheel drive[3] | 19 / 25 / 21 | $3,200 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, front-wheel drive, gasoline or E85[19] | 17 / 25 / 19 | $3,550 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, all-wheel drive[20] | 16 / 24 / 19 | $3,550 |
EPA's annual cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the all-wheel-drive Journey 4 stars overall[4]. It scores 4 stars for frontal, 5 for side and 4 for rollover[4]. Its rollover risk is 17.9%[4]. The front-wheel-drive version has the same star ratings, with a rollover risk of 18.5%[21].
Engine and size
EPA's test car list gives 283 hp for the 3.6L 6-cylinder[22]. It also lists a 2018 Dodge Journey "with electric motor" at 173 hp[23].
Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models. All three versions share the same size[24][25][26].
- Length: 193 in
- Width: 72 in
- Height: 67 in
- Wheelbase: 114 in
How 2018 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1,594 | 8 |
| 2010 | 1,085 | 4 |
| 2011 | 169 | 4 |
| 2012 | 376 | 6 |
| 2013 | 353 | 4 |
| 2014 | 416 | 7 |
| 2015 | 554 | 6 |
| 2016 | 389 | 4 |
| 2017 | 201 | 2 |
| 2018 | 237 | 6 |
| 2019 | 102 | 1 |
| 2020 | 66 | 1 |
With 237 complaints, 2018 ranks 8th of the 12 Journey model years in NHTSA's data[2]. Seven years have more[2]: 2009 (1,594), 2010 (1,085), 2015 (554), 2014 (416), 2016 (389), 2012 (376) and 2013 (353)[2]. Four have fewer: 2017 (201), 2011 (169), 2019 (102) and 2020 (66)[2].
Its 6 recalls tie 2012 and 2015 for third most[2]. Only 2009 (8) and 2014 (7) have more[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so read them as a rough guide only.
Should you buy a used 2018 Journey?
The complaint count (237) is below the middle of the Journey model years[2], but the six recalls mean the paperwork matters[2]. Ask for proof that each recall was done on the exact VIN, especially cruise control (18V332), the powertrain control module (18V524) and the rear brakes (18V523)[18][14][15]. Test the backup camera and watch for warning lights, since owners in our sample describe both[5][10]. Look inside the headlights for moisture too[8]. Our data cannot tell you about repair costs or how long the car will last.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Dodge Journey?
- By complaint count, the electrical system leads with 72 of 237 complaints, then unknown or other with 45 and engine with 33[1][5][6][7]. In a small sample we read, owners describe erratic warning lights and displays, stalling, headlight moisture and a failing backup camera[5][7][8][10].
- Does the 2018 Dodge Journey have any recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 6, covering cruise control, the powertrain control module, rear brake calipers, the backup camera (two recalls) and a headlamp reflector[13][14][15][17][16][18].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2018 Dodge Journey?
- EPA rates the 2.4L at 19 city, 25 highway and 21 combined MPG[3]. The 3.6L is rated 17/25/19 in front-wheel drive[19] and 16/24/19 in all-wheel drive[20].
- How safe is the 2018 Dodge Journey?
- NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall in both all-wheel and front-wheel drive, with 5 stars for side impact[4][21].
- Is 2018 a good year for the Dodge Journey?
- Seven of the other 11 model years have more complaints, but its 6 recalls tie for third most[2]. Check recall completion on the VIN before buying.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 237 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Dodge Journey (7 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 7 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Dodge Journey model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Journey, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 72 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 22,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 45 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 8,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 33 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,050). NHTSA vehicle records
- 27 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 35,784). NHTSA vehicle records
- 25 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 25 complaints name the back over prevention component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 21 complaints name the speed control component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 26,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 18 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 22,735). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 22V723, filed September 29, 2022: Exterior Lighting. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V524, filed August 9, 2018: Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V523, filed August 9, 2018: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V398, filed June 14, 2018: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V396, filed June 14, 2018: Visibility › Rearview Mirrors / Devices. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V332, filed May 17, 2018: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Journey, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Journey AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 18.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2018 Dodge Journey with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 283 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2018 Dodge Journey with electric motor: rated 173 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, JOURNEY 4DR SUV AWD V6: length 193 in, width 72 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 4,246 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, JOURNEY 4DR SUV FWD I4: length 193 in, width 72 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 3,825 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, JOURNEY 4DR SUV FWD V6: length 193 in, width 72 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 4,043 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov