2018 Dodge Journey Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
40/100
#7 most-complained of 11 Journey years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2018 Dodge Journey has a Complaint Index of 40, ranking 7th out of 11 model years, and NHTSA labels it 'Good' relative to other Journey years. It has 234 complaints, 6 recalls, and no do-not-drive recalls, with Electrical System issues topping the list at 40% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 234
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 7 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 18 city / 25 hwy
Top 2018 Dodge Journey problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System93 (40%)
- Engine49 (21%)
- Other45 (19%)
- Brakes28 (12%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras25 (11%)
- Structure & Body19 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain18 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires15 (6%)
- Airbags12 (5%)
- Steering11 (5%)
What owners report
- Owners report the vehicle rolling forward unexpectedly while stopped with a foot still on the brake pedal.
- Some describe airbags failing to deploy during moderate to high-speed collisions, including front-end crashes and impacts with deer.
- Several complaints mention cruise control engaging or failing unexpectedly, in one case causing a crash into a garage door.
- Owners note electrical malfunctions after powertrain control module recall repairs, including radio failure, incorrect fuel range readouts, and check engine lights.
- One report describes the vehicle stalling at a stoplight followed by an engine compartment fire when attempting to restart it.
- Brake pedal application sometimes resulted in skidding and longer stopping distances rather than firm braking.
2018 Dodge Journey recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V723000Sep 29, 2022Electrical System83,453 vehicles
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.
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.
- NHTSA 18V523000Aug 9, 2018Brakes154,335 vehicles
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.
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.
- NHTSA 18V524000Aug 9, 2018Electrical System12,779 vehicles
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.
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.
2018 Dodge Journey fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 25 MPG
- Combined
- 20 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,250
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other Journey years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Dodge Journey reliable?
- Compared to other Journey model years, the 2018 ranks 7th out of 11 with a Complaint Index of 40, and NHTSA data supports a 'Good' verdict relative to other years of this model.
- What problems does the 2018 Dodge Journey have?
- NHTSA lists 234 complaints, with Electrical System issues making up 40% (93 complaints) and Engine issues making up 21% (49 complaints). The median mileage at failure for electrical complaints was 26,158.5 miles.
- Does the 2018 Dodge Journey have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2018 Journey, covering brakes, electrical systems, backup cameras, and visibility, though none are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2018 Journey compare to the 2019 and 2020 models?
- The 2019 Journey has a Complaint Index of 10 and the 2020 has 0, both rated 'Best', while the 2018 has a higher Complaint Index of 40 and a 'Good' verdict.
- What is the top problem area for the 2018 Dodge Journey?
- Electrical System complaints account for 40% of all reported issues, the largest share among the eight problem areas tracked by NHTSA.