Vehicle report

2018 Dodge Journey

Free recalls, owner complaints, and NHTSA safety ratings for the 2018 Dodge Journey, plus how to check this specific vehicle before you buy.

The 2018 Dodge Journey has 6 NHTSA recalls on record and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Its overall NHTSA crash-test rating is 4 out of 5. Below is the full breakdown, plus how to check this specific vehicle by VIN before you buy in Alberta.

6

Open recalls

15

Complaints

4

Overall safety

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2018 Dodge Journey recalls (6)

  • 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."

    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.

  • 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."

    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.

  • 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.

    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.

  • 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.

    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.

  • 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.

    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.

  • 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."

    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.

2018 Dodge Journey safety ratings

4

Overall

4

Front

5

Side

4

Rollover

Source: NHTSA NCAP ratings.

2018 Dodge Journey owner complaints (15)

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    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

    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

    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,BACK OVER PREVENTION

    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,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

    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 these health issues. In addition, adult occupants have reported feeling unusually tired or fatigued after longer car rides in the vehicle, which raises additional concerns about potential exposure to exhaust gases inside the cabin. Because catalytic converter failures can allow harmful exhaust gases such as carbon monoxide and other pollutants to pass through the exhaust system improperly, we believe this issue presents a potential safety risk to vehicle occupants, p INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  • POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

    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

    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

    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

    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,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    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

    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,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    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

    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

    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

    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.

Checking a used Dodge Journey before you buy

The recall, complaint, and safety data above describes the 2018 Journey in general. To know the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're looking at, check it by VIN. A VIN check shows whether this particular Journey's recalls are still outstanding, and a full history report adds accident, title, and ownership records the data above can't show.

Before you buy a 2018 Dodge Journey in Alberta:

See other model years of the Dodge Journey, or browse more Dodge models.

2018 Dodge Journey — questions and answers

Does the 2018 Dodge Journey have any recalls?+

Our check found 6 NHTSA recalls associated with the 2018 Dodge Journey. Check the specific vehicle by VIN to see which remain outstanding, since some may already have been repaired. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

How many complaints does the 2018 Dodge Journey have?+

NHTSA lists 15 owner complaints for the 2018 Dodge Journey in our results. Complaints are problems reported by owners and don't always lead to a recall, but a pattern of similar complaints is worth weighing before you buy.

Is the 2018 Dodge Journey safe?+

The 2018 Dodge Journey has an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of 4. Review the front-crash, side-crash, and rollover ratings above, and pair safety ratings with a mechanical inspection of the specific vehicle.

How do I check a 2018 Dodge Journey VIN?+

Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN into our free VIN check to see recalls, complaints, and safety ratings for that exact vehicle, then run an Alberta Personal Property Registry (PPR) lien search before you pay.

Are recall repairs on a Dodge free?+

Yes. Safety recall repairs are performed at no cost by a franchised Dodge dealer, even for a used vehicle and even if you're not the original owner. Confirm the required parts are in stock before relying on the fix.

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