The Lemon Index2018 Dodge Journey.
The 2018 Dodge Journey is about average by owner complaints: 89 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 93, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 19 to 21 mpg combined. The best Dodge Journey year is 2020.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 236 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Dodge Journey year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 6K to 61K miles on the car (94 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 7K–47K miles
- backup camera complaints mostly came at 57K–85K miles
Recalls 6
- lights 2022
The amber side reflex reflector assembled into the headlamp may not reflect brightly enough.
- brakes 2018
The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
- electrical 2018
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.
Show all 6 recalls
- visibility 2018
When reverse gear has been selected, the rear camera view may not be fully visible within two seconds.
- back over prevention 2018
The backup camera may experience a loss of image display while backing up.
- electrical 2018
These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Dodge told dealers about
Dodge sent dealers 139 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- CEL (Check Engine Lamp) Illuminates, Recent PCM Replace Or Flash Update Performed, DTC P057B…
- Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1
- Customer complaint may include engine oil leak/consumption
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenVehicle entrapment2024
- ClosedBack up camera failure2024–2025
- ClosedActive head rest inadvertent deployment2019–2026
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge Journey SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Dodge Journey SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050–3400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
My battery or the connection is bad but when I have it tested, they day its perfect. My car dies all the time and even if we charge it all night, my check engine light for poor battery connection stays on.
2018 Dodge Journey owner · NHTSA complaint 11422145
More owner reports
The rear camera glitches, goes dark and doesn't come on.
NHTSA complaint 11363747
The brakes sometimes feel that they won't stop. The rotors are getting some deep lines on it.
NHTSA complaint 11383272
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Dodge Journey reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 93; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Dodge Journey year by this measure is 2020.
What are the most common 2018 Dodge Journey problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (34%), engine (15%) and brakes (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Dodge Journey have?
6 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Dodge Journey get?
19 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Dodge Journey safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2018 Dodge Journey problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 6,800 and 61,200 miles. The middle report was at 25,500 miles, from 94 complaints.
Does the 2018 Dodge Journey have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 13% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Dodge Journey cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $3400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Dodge Journey have?
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What Dodge Journey year is better than the 2018?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2020, 2019 and 2011.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works