YearToAvoid

2018 Dodge Journey Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 28 brake complaints for the 2018 Dodge Journey, 12% of its 234 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 22,500. One crash was reported, and a related recall (18V523000) covers rear brake caliper pistons.

Brakes complaints
28
12% of 234
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
22,500 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners describe extended or inconsistent stopping distances, including skidding before the vehicle comes to a stop.
  • Some report the brake pedal feels soft or spongy on some days and firm on others, with longer stopping distance when spongy.
  • Several describe warped or scored rotors appearing early, sometimes with vibration or shudder felt through the brake pedal at highway speed.
  • Owners report rotor replacement not resolving a persistent vibration when braking, even after multiple dealer visits.
  • A few describe a pause or delay before the brakes engage when slowing down.

When 2018 Dodge Journey brake complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 4, 2018, latest Aug 12, 2026.

2018 Dodge Journey brakes complaints: complaints filed per month4Jun 2018Oct 2018Apr 2019Jul 2020Apr 2021Sep 2023Jul 2025Aug 2026
28 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2018 to Aug 2026; peak Jul 2025 (4).

Brakes recalls for the 2018 Dodge Journey

  1. 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.

Brakes complaints by Journey model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20071 (25%)
  2. 20081 (13%)
  3. 2009335 (23%)
  4. 2010174 (18%)
  5. 201160 (36%)
  6. 2012126 (34%)
  7. 201381 (23%)
  8. 2014103 (25%)
  9. 2015123 (22%)
  10. 201666 (17%)
  11. 201721 (11%)
  12. 201828 (12%)
  13. 20197 (7%)
  14. 20204 (6%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2018 Dodge Journey have?
NHTSA lists 28 brake complaints for the 2018 Dodge Journey, which is 12% of the 234 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2018 Dodge Journey?
Yes. Recall 18V523000, reported August 9, 2018, covers rear brake caliper pistons with insufficient coating; dealers bleed the vehicle's brake system free of charge.
At what mileage do 2018 Dodge Journey brake problems usually appear?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 22,500 at the time of the reported brake failure.
Did the 2018 Dodge Journey brake issue cause any crashes or injuries?
NHTSA records one crash and zero fires or injuries linked to brake complaints for the 2018 Dodge Journey.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.