Common problems
Dodge Journey Common Problems
We grouped the top NHTSA owner-complaint categories across 3 Dodge Journey model years, then counted how often each issue recurs. The result shows patterns worth inspecting without pretending every vehicle will have them.
Data updated July 2026
- Owner complaints
- 376
- Top recurring issue
- Electrical System
- Crash reports
- 14
- Fire reports
- 2
3 model years
3 affected years
Owner-reported severity signal
11 injuries · 0 deaths
Pattern overview
Most reported Dodge Journey problem categories
Electrical System
97complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2018.
Unknown Or Other
60complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2018.
Power Train
25complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2018.
Exterior Lighting
24complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2018.
Back Over Prevention
25complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2019.
Service Brakes
13complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2018.
Seats
12complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2018.
Air Bags
7complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2019.
Engine
4complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2020.
What owners reported
Issue summaries by Dodge Journey model year
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.
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
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners report frequent issues with the backup camera in the 2019 Dodge Journey, describing symptoms such as inverted, blurry, or non-functional displays, often leading to a black screen or a no-camera symbol. Complaints indicate these problems can occur intermittently or become persistent over time, with some noting the issues started soon after purchase. A few owners also mention the vehicle unexpectedly shutting off while driving, sometimes leading to dangerous situations like rolling backward on a hill. Additionally, there are reports of unexplained burning smells and defects in the headrest deployment and headlight moisture. These issues could pose safety concerns, particularly with visibility and vehicle control, and may not be covered under warranty, as several owners note their vehicles are out of warranty despite low mileage.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report several recurring electrical issues with the 2019 Dodge Journey, notably with the backup camera and various dashboard functions. Complaints frequently mention the backup camera intermittently failing to display an image or showing an upside-down view, with some owners noting the problem worsens over time. Additionally, several reports describe complete electrical shutdowns while driving, causing the vehicle to lose power temporarily. These issues have been noted shortly after purchase, often within a few months, and can pose significant safety risks, including one reported crash. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns, as they may indicate persistent electrical system concerns.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Owners report that the 2019 Dodge Journey frequently experiences issues with the backup camera, including upside-down images, blank or black screens, and distorted displays when the vehicle is in reverse. Many complaints highlight that these problems are similar to those covered by a recall, yet some vehicles are not included in the recall despite exhibiting the same symptoms. The issues are observed across a wide range of mileages, from as low as 4,000 miles to over 137,000 miles. One reported incident involves a crash where the backup camera failed to alert the driver to another vehicle, resulting in a collision with a parked car. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring camera malfunctions and their potential safety implications.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report frequent issues with the electrical system of the 2020 Dodge Journey, particularly with the backup camera, which often displays upside down, intermittently fails, or shows a black screen. Multiple complaints mention problems with the radio and Bluetooth, including volume fluctuations and non-responsiveness. Additionally, there are reports of malfunctioning door locks and window controls, as well as sporadic operation of the air conditioning and heating systems. One complaint involves a fire originating from the electronic throttle control system, highlighting a potential safety risk. These issues typically arise within the first few years of ownership, with some owners experiencing problems shortly after purchase.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2020 Dodge Journey frequently report issues with the backup camera, which commonly displays upside-down images, goes black, or shows a distorted view with lines. These problems often occur intermittently, sometimes resolving temporarily before recurring. Complaints suggest that these camera malfunctions have been ongoing for several months, with some owners noting issues since 2022. A recall has been announced, but owners express frustration over delays in obtaining parts for repairs. Additionally, one owner mentions a separate issue of the vehicle stalling and hesitating, particularly after extended driving, which they attribute to oil consumption. Safety implications include difficulty in seeing when backing up, and in one case, the vehicle stalling in traffic, posing potential risks.
Pre-purchase inspection
What to check on a used Dodge Journey
When problems are reported to begin
- Engine overheating — 57,000–58,000 miles on the 2020 model-year record
- Back-up camera failures — 36,000–40,000 miles on the 2020 model-year record
- Headlight moisture issues — 23,000 miles on the 2020 model-year record
- Transmission failures — 25,000–43,000 miles on the 2019 model-year record
- Backup camera failures — 30,000–137,000 miles on the 2019 model-year record
- Service brake vibrations — 10,000–75,000 miles on the 2018 model-year record
- Transmission issues — 5,000–64,000 miles on the 2018 model-year record
- Power steering leaks — 30,000 miles on the 2018 model-year record
Buyer red flags
- Test back-up camera for image issues like flipping or blank screen
- Inspect engine for signs of overheating or thermostat issues
- Check passenger-side headlight for moisture accumulation
- Verify all electrical components, including radio and Bluetooth, for proper function
- Ensure power train operates smoothly without hesitation or stalling
- Check for any warning lights related to ABS or traction control
- Test backup camera for clear image and proper function
- Inspect transmission for smooth shifting and listen for unusual noises
How to interpret the counts
Complaint totals are not failure rates
A popular or older model can accumulate more complaints simply because more vehicles exist and have spent longer on the road. The categories above aggregate the counts embedded in each model year's leading issues. Use recurrence across years and severity signals to decide what to inspect; use the VIN and a mechanical inspection to judge one car.
Source trail
Where this Dodge Journey data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Dodge Journey research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Dodge Journey research FAQ
What is the most common Dodge Journey problem?
Electrical System is the broadest recurring complaint category in the available model-year records, appearing among the top issues for 3 years with 97 complaints represented.
Which Dodge Journey year has the most reported problems?
The 2018 has the largest electrical system count among the years where that category appears. Compare the full year record because a different year may lead on another problem category.
Do NHTSA complaints prove a Dodge Journey has a defect?
No. Owner complaints are unverified reports and can be duplicated or influenced by sales volume and vehicle age. They are useful patterns to investigate alongside recalls, service records, inspection results and the exact VIN.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Dodge Journey you are considering.
