2018 Dodge Journey: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 Dodge Journey: 6 recalls, 236 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
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Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical, Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #18V332000 · 2018 · 4,815,661 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #18V398000 · 2018 · 1,837 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview mirror, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2018.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #18V396000 · 2018 · 1,741 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview mirror, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2018.
Electrical Vehicle recall #18V524000 · 2018 · 12,779 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #18V523000 · 2018 · 154,335 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles May have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Why it matters: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #22V723000 · 2022 · 83,453 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: A dim reflector May reduce the visibility of the vehicle to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 16, 2023.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (72): the most common themes are electrical failure (20), warning light on (17), door / lock issues (16).
- Other / unknown (45): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (5), electrical failure (5).
- Engine (30): the most common themes are warning light on (13), stalls / loses power (9), electrical failure (4).
- Exterior lights (27): the most common themes are warning light on (5), electrical failure (4), leaks (3).
The 2018 Dodge Journey has 236 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 14 Journey model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 378). Complaints peaked in 2025 (42 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 25,458 miles. Neighboring years: 2017 (199 complaints, 2 recalls), 2019 (102 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 19 | Gasoline or E85 |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2018 Dodge Journey.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2018 Dodge Journey have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2018 Dodge Journey. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2018 Dodge Journey problems?
Owners have filed 236 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (72), other / unknown (45), engine (30).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Dodge Journey get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2018 Dodge Journey repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.