Before you buy
This 2018 Dodge Journey has 217 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2018 Dodge Journey Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2018 Dodge Journey trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2018 Dodge Journey Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2018 Dodge Journey SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
DODGE JOURNEY 2018 has 217 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls. Electrical faults (70) and engine problems (32) are the top issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- Journey
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 217
- Crash-related complaints
- 7
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 19
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2018 Dodge Journey problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2018 Dodge Journey?
The 2018 Dodge Journey may be worth considering only if you are prepared for potential electrical and engine issues. With 6 recalls and 217 complaints, thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.
These complaint patterns indicate common problems that could lead to costly repairs or safety concerns, especially electrical faults and engine issues.
May Suit
This year may suit budget-conscious buyers who can handle potential repairs and prioritize low initial cost.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a reliable, trouble-free vehicle should avoid this year due to high complaint volume and multiple recalls.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2018 Dodge Journey
Inspection Focus
- Inspect electrical system for faults.
- Check engine for reported problems.
- Verify headlight and taillight operation.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect electrical system for faults.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Dodge Journey, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Dodge Journey has 217 complaints and 6 recalls. Electrical faults (70 complaints) and engine problems (32 complaints) are the top concerns. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, the 2018 Journey has a high number of complaints, but data for other years is not provided.
Recall context: With 6 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Electrical faults account for 70 complaints, the highest count.
- Engine problems total 32 complaints.
- There are 6 recalls for the 2018 model year.
- Electrical Faults (70 complaints)
- Engine Problems (32 complaints)
- Headlight/Taillight Failures (25 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2018 Dodge Journey complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Dodge Journey. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 70 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 42 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 32 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 25 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 23 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 21 | 2 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 10 | 4 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Dodge Journey. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The wires that control my windows no longer work because the wires are in my door jam and after years of opening and closing the door on the wires they are worn out
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera occasionally displayed a brief intermittent image, an inverted image, or the camera was inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. Th…
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the back over prevention camera was foggy or the image was displayed upside down. An independent mechanic was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnose…
I am reporting a safety concern involving a 2018 Dodge Journey SE (VIN: [XXX] ) related to a failure in the vehicle’s emissions control system, specifically the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors. On January 13, 2026, the vehicle began producing a strong sulfur or “rotten egg…
I replaced the alternator and battery, 3 months later I was told I have an issue with the pcm which was similar with the recall for the same vehicle I drove. My vehicle was not part of the recall. Tbs Recall tv-u87-18
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that occasionally the rearview camera image appeared upside down or distorted. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign…
CarMax sold me a vehicle with a Cracked & Leaking Exhaust Manifold & Catylic Converter & its causing Exhaust Fumes to come up inside vehicle & is getting worse as I drive it.
Backup camera displays upside down and blurry. There is a current recall for this issue, but it doesn't include the 2018 models.
The backup camera displays upside down. Talking to other Dodge owners this seems to be a common problem. I Seema to me this is a defect that has the potential to be a safety hazard because it gives a distorted review
The drivers side active headrest deployed while the vehicle was unoccupied. It is not electronically controlled, so no warning lamps were illuminated. This appears to be a known issue with FCA but they offer no assistance with correcting the known safety defect.
Back up camera failure cutting off and on. Could cause wreck. Dull headlights. Could cause a wreck.Leak in firewall driver floor wet. Could short out electrical system, cause shock, cause a wreck. No accident to report. This is ongoing since purchase in 2023.
There were no incidents, My backup camera was working. And now it’s not . When I go to backup the rear view mirror is somewhat dark making is difficult to see, especially at night.If possible I try no to backup. I did notice when I googled in recalls on the 2018 journey backup ca…
I received a card from NHTSA about two years ago on this issue possibly due to NHTSA Action Number: EA24003. I am still having this issue and now it is worse. 2 years ago, it started with the driver side window not opening intermittently. Then the door locks would not operate fro…
I was driving home in the dark and I heard a loud bang pop! It scared me at first I didn't see anything wrong but when I got home to looked I notice the passenger head rest popped out! I am happy that no one was sitting next to me. That could have been so scary. I have uploaded …
I have a 2018 Dodge Journey SE with currently 70,000 miles. I'm the second owner & purchased it with only 11,000 miles on it. The front brakes | anti-lock braking system (ABS) experienced failure when I needed to stop the vehicle. I was approaching a 4-way intersection and had th…
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while in reverse, the digital screen failed to display a rearview image as intended, and the image was distorted, flickered a black screen, or a signal error was displayed. No warning light was illuminated. The local …
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? ANSWER: The middle seat belt in the 2nd row back seat does NOT lock. (It buckles into the buckle fine) 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? ANSWER: I can…
The back up camera intermittently comes on when vehicle in reverse. Sometimes it shows a camera with a line, sometimes an image then it disappears and sometimes the image is hazy or distorted. It is never consistent nor reliable. The rear view mirror cannot be used to its full si…
10.17.25 Vehicle started making tapping noise under the hood. I wasn’t able to identify the problem. I took it to the dealership and they found noise coming from the transmission and stated possible front pump, but wasn’t for sure. They wanted to do an additional diagnostic after…
Stated having coolant issues in 2023. September 2025 Engine light Started blinking and Started running rough at 65 mph. Stopped the vehicle and you could see the whole car shaking from the motor running so rough. Fueled up kept going and it kept doing it. Eventually dying at a s…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Dodge Journey.
Safety recalls
2018 Dodge Journey recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Dodge Journey. With 6 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2018 Dodge Journey buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Dodge Journey reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 217 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Dodge Journey may be worth considering only if you are prepared for potential electrical and engine issues. With 6 recalls and 217 complaints, thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Dodge Journey?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (70 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (42 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (32 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Dodge Journey?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Dodge Journey?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Dodge Journey, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 217 total complaints. 7 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Dodge Journey have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Dodge Journey. A major recall area is VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES. With 6 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Dodge Journey?▾
The 2018 Dodge Journey may be worth considering only if you are prepared for potential electrical and engine issues. With 6 recalls and 217 complaints, thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential. These complaint patterns indicate common problems that could lead to costly repairs or safety concerns, especially electrical faults and engine issues. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Dodge Journey reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Dodge Journey based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.