Owners have reported 7 crashes, 1 fire and 7 injuries to NHTSA for the 2018 Dodge Journey. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints61
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report frequent issues with the backup camera in the 2018 Dodge Journey, including upside-down displays, intermittent operation, and black or distorted screens. Complaints also frequently mention problems with the vehicle's wiring, such as worn-out wires in the door jam affecting window and door lock functionality. Additional reports include electrical system failures like the power saver mode activating unexpectedly and the inability to accelerate, with some incidents occurring around 86,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with some owners experiencing reduced visibility due to camera malfunctions and potential exposure to exhaust fumes from faulty emissions components. These issues may be relevant for buyers considering a used model, especially if the vehicle is near or beyond the reported mileage.
Owner complaints23
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2018 Dodge Journey frequently report issues with the backup camera, including it displaying upside down, being blurry, or not functioning at all. Many complaints describe the camera screen going black, flickering, or having lines, particularly in bright sunlight. There are also reports of water leaks on the driver's side floor, which have led to slipping off the pedal, and difficulties with the vehicle's transmission and engine stalling, often following multiple repair attempts. One report involves a fire originating from the AC vent, resulting in the vehicle being completely burned, highlighting a significant safety concern. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, particularly if considering a used model with similar symptoms.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints17
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2018 Dodge Journey frequently report issues with the service brakes, primarily describing grinding noises and vibrations when braking. Many complaints detail instances where the brake pedal feels spongy or soft, sometimes going to the floor, which extends stopping distances. These symptoms are commonly noted around mileages of 10,000 to 75,000. Some reports mention intermittent brake failures, particularly in wet conditions, leading to skidding and delayed stopping, which could pose safety risks. Buyers should be aware that these brake issues are reported across various mileage ranges and may involve both front and rear brake components.
Owner complaints16
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2018 Dodge Journey frequently report issues with the transmission, including symptoms such as stalling, loss of motive power, and rough shifting. Several complaints describe the presence of metal shavings in the transmission, which sometimes leads to the need for replacement. Typical symptoms include the vehicle shaking, jerking, and failing to accelerate properly, often accompanied by illuminated warning lights like traction control. These issues are reported at various mileages, including as low as 5 miles and up to around 64,000 miles. Safety concerns are evident, with some owners experiencing loss of control in traffic and requiring towing assistance. Buyers considering a used 2018 Dodge Journey should be aware of these potential power train issues, particularly concerning the transmission's reliability.
Owner complaints16
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Owners of the 2018 Dodge Journey frequently report issues with moisture accumulation in the headlight assemblies, which often leads to fogging and reduced nighttime visibility. Complaints commonly describe headlights failing to adequately illuminate the roadway due to this condensation, with some owners noting that the problem persists even after headlight replacement. Several reports indicate that headlight bulbs burn out prematurely, attributed to moisture intrusion within the headlight module. These issues are observed across various mileages, with some owners experiencing problems as early as 500 miles. One complaint involves a crash, where poor visibility potentially contributed to an accident, highlighting a safety concern for potential buyers.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints11
STEERING
Owners of the 2018 Dodge Journey frequently report issues with power steering, particularly leaks that occur in colder weather. Symptoms often include a whining noise, difficulty in steering, and visible fluid leaks, with some owners noting the problem starts around 30,000 miles. Several complaints mention that the power steering system can become inoperative, posing a potential safety risk if the steering locks or becomes unresponsive while driving. Additionally, some owners reference previous recalls on earlier model years for similar issues, although no recall is currently noted for the 2018 model. This information could be valuable for prospective buyers considering the vehicle's condition and potential repair needs.
Owner complaints10
ENGINE
Owners of the 2018 Dodge Journey frequently report engine issues, primarily involving cylinder misfires and unexpected engine shutdowns. Symptoms include illuminated check engine lights, vehicle stalling, and engine power loss, with some reports of the engine stopping abruptly while driving. These problems often occur at relatively low mileages, with one report noting issues at 11,005 miles. Safety concerns are evident as multiple owners describe the engine shutting off without warning, posing risks of loss of control, particularly on hills or curvy roads. Additionally, one owner mentions a fuel injector failure that led to raw gas spewing, heightening safety risks.
Owner complaints10
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2018 Dodge Journey frequently report issues with the vehicle's cruise control system, including failure to deactivate when the brake is applied and unintended acceleration. Complaints often describe erratic speed fluctuations and engine RPM changes while the cruise control is engaged. Some reports mention these issues occurring at various mileages, with one noting a failure at 190,000 miles, while another involves a relatively new vehicle. Two incidents involve crashes attributed to cruise control malfunctions, highlighting potential safety concerns. Additionally, owners mention related problems such as ABS and traction control lights illuminating, which could indicate broader electronic or sensor issues.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints8
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2018 Dodge Journey frequently report issues with unexpected deployment of the passenger side headrest airbag, often without any impact or collision. Complaints describe the headrest deploying suddenly while the vehicle is stationary or in motion, leading to discomfort and injury, particularly when passengers are present. In addition to headrest deployment issues, multiple reports indicate that airbags did not deploy during significant crashes, sometimes resulting in injuries. These incidents occur across a range of mileages, from as low as 2,138 to approximately 60,000 miles. Buyers should be aware of these reported airbag system failures and the associated safety implications, especially regarding headrest airbag deployment and non-deployment during crashes.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 5 injury reports
Owner complaints5
SEAT BELTS
Owners report several seat belt issues with the 2018 Dodge Journey, primarily involving the failure of seat belts to lock or restrain properly. Complaints frequently mention the middle seat belt in the second row failing to lock, which prevents safe use for child restraints. Additionally, the front passenger seat belt is noted to unravel or fail to restrain, with one incident leading to an injury when a passenger slipped out of the belt during a near crash. These issues are typically observed around 9,000 to 15,502 miles. Safety implications are significant, as the failures could compromise passenger safety in the event of a collision.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
