NHTSA (USA)Low Risk
This page covers 7 recalls, 216 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Dodge Journey.
19–21 mpg combined
11.2–12.4 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2018 Dodge Journey cluster most heavily around the electrical system and exterior lighting. The most frequently reported issue involves the backup camera malfunctioning, owners describe the image appearing upside down, distorted, foggy, or cutting out entirely while reversing, with no warning lights preceding the failure. Exterior lighting complaints also show up with notable frequency, pointing to recurring issues with lighting components across the vehicle. A smaller but consistent group of owners report vehicle speed control concerns. A handful of reports mention exhaust-related symptoms, including a sulfur odor and check engine light activation linked to the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors, though these appear in fewer reports than the camera and electrical issues. The backup camera behavior, particularly the inverted or intermittent display, is the single most consistent symptom owners describe across multiple independent reports.
216
Total Complaints
7
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
7
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Dodge Journey has 7 recalls, the most serious being two electrical issues: a cruise control software defect that can prevent the system from deactivating, and a wiring fault in the engine bay that can cause the engine to stall without warning.
A cruise control that holds speed or accelerates despite the driver's input puts the vehicle at risk of a collision, particularly in stop-and-go traffic or emergency situations. The front underhood wiring problem is separate: a corroded or failed connection can cut power to the engine while driving, leaving the driver without propulsion or power-assisted braking mid-trip.
On the brake side, the rear brake calipers may have an insufficient coating that allows gas pockets to form inside the pistons, reducing rear braking force when the driver presses the pedal. This can extend stopping distances in ways the driver may not anticipate.
Three recalls cluster around rear visibility. In one, the backup camera can lose its image entirely while reversing, giving the driver no view of what is behind the vehicle. In another, the camera image may take longer than two seconds to appear after selecting reverse, leaving a blind window right when the driver starts moving back. A third involves a cautionary message overlay in the camera display that can temporarily shrink the visible field behind the vehicle, reducing the driver's ability to see obstacles.
Rounding out the list, the amber side reflectors built into the headlamp housing may not reflect brightly enough at night or in low light, making the vehicle harder for other drivers to spot from the side.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
The amber side reflector inside the headlamp may not reflect light brightly enough, which could reduce visibility of the vehicle to other drivers.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the headlamp assemblies at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Rear brake caliper pistons lack sufficient coating, allowing gas pockets to form and reducing rear brake stopping power.
What the fix does
Dealers will bleed the brake system to remove gas pockets and restore brake performance at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A voltage regulator chip in the powertrain control module may fail, causing the engine to stall or not start.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the powertrain control module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview mirror's backup camera display may show a cautionary message that temporarily blocks part of the rear view, reducing visibility below safety standards and increasing risk of hitting property or pedestrians.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rearview mirror assembly with a corrected unit.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The backup camera display may go blank while reversing, leaving drivers without a rear-view image.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rearview mirror at no cost to restore camera function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When reverse gear is selected, the rear camera view may not appear fully within two seconds, making it difficult to see what's behind the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rearview mirror at no cost to restore proper camera visibility when reversing.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A wiring short circuit can prevent cruise control from disengaging. When engaged, you may not be able to turn it off by braking or using manual controls, causing the vehicle to maintain speed or accelerate unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine or powertrain control module software at no cost to fix the cruise control disengagement issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
