2018 Dodge Journey VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2018 Dodge Journey has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 223 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Dodge Journey. Severity signals include 7 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (61), Unknown Or Other (23), Power Train (16).
Journey reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Dodge Journey before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2018 Dodge Journey issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Electrical System61
- Unknown Or Other23
- Power Train16
- Exterior Lighting16
- Service Brakes13
- Seats12
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 Dodge Journey
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Test brakes for vibrations or grinding noises
- Check transmission for smooth shifting and listen for unusual noises
- Inspect power steering fluid levels and check for leaks
- Test backup camera for proper display and functionality
- Check headlight assemblies for moisture accumulation
- Verify all electrical systems, including windows and door locks, are functioning
2018 Journey recalls (6)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 Journey. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNHTSA 22V723000Sep 29, 2022
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."
Consequence: 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.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 18V524000Aug 9, 2018
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.
Consequence: 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.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 18V523000Aug 9, 2018
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.
Consequence: 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.
- VISIBILITYNHTSA 18V396000Jun 14, 2018
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."
Consequence: If the full camera view is delayed and the driver does not check their surroundings before backing up, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
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 PREVENTIONNHTSA 18V398000Jun 14, 2018
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."
Consequence: A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.
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, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLNHTSA 18V332000May 17, 2018
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.
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
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.
Used-market value
2018 Dodge Journey resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2018 Dodge Journey on the road
94,096 2018 Dodge Journey units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2018 Dodge Journey stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2018 Dodge Journey
The 2018 Dodge Journey presents a mixed reliability profile, scoring slightly below the segment average. This suggests moderate reliability with some potential concerns for buyers. Complaints are relatively spread across various areas, with the electrical system being the most significant issue, indicating possible systemic weaknesses. The elevated recall count further underscores potential reliability challenges, though it does not target a singular area of concern.
With the model being in its tenth year of the first generation, some aging design elements may contribute to the issues noted. While the number of complaints isn't excessively high, the diversity in problem areas points to a need for careful consideration. Overall, the 2018 Dodge Journey carries an elevated risk level, and prospective buyers should weigh this against their individual risk tolerance.
What you get in a 2018 Dodge Journey report
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2018 Dodge Journey — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Dodge Journey reliable?
The 2018 Dodge Journey presents a mixed reliability profile, scoring slightly below the segment average. This suggests moderate reliability with some potential concerns for buyers. Complaints are relatively spread across various areas, with the electrical system being the most significant issue, indicating possible systemic weaknesses. The elevated recall count further underscores potential reliability challenges, though it does not target a singular area of concern.
How many recalls does the 2018 Dodge Journey have?
6 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 Dodge Journey. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2018 Dodge Journey problems?
The most-reported 2018 Dodge Journey problem areas are: Electrical System (61), Unknown Or Other (23), Power Train (16).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 Dodge Journey?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 Dodge Journey, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.