2018 Dodge JourneyUNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

236 federal complaints (355 component records) · 6 recall campaigns on file · 3 federal investigations · 99 service bulletins · 6 Canadian recalls
See all 14 model years of the Dodge Journey →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Gasoline Or E85, Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
19 city / 25 hwy
Federal complaints
236
Recall campaigns
6
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Electrical system
72
Other
45
Engine & cooling
33
Driver assistance
30
Lighting
27
Brakes
25
Speed control
21
Power train
18
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 23 complaints01 years old: 32 complaints2 years old: 25 complaints3 years old: 17 complaints4 years old: 16 complaints5 years old: 35 complaints56 years old: 30 complaints7 years old: 35 complaints8 years old: 21 complaints9 years old: 0 complaints10 years old: 0 complaints1011 years old: 0 complaints12 years old: 0 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 234 of 236 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 33 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 15 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 13 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 13 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 6 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 1 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 2 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 1 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 0 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 1 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 86 of 236 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Electrical system

72 complaint records1 fire report
"Door locks Doors remain locked or unlocked. Key fob will not unlock or lock doors. Panel will not unlock or locked doors..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

33 complaint records1 fire report
"THE AC AIR COMPRESSOR ARE DEFECTIVE AND CAUSED THE SERPTINE BELT TO BREAK AND CAR STOP IMMEDIATELY IN TRAFFIC TO A DEAD STOP THE DEALERSHIP IS NOT FIXING IT IT'S A FACTORY DEFAULT..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Driver assistance

30 complaint records
"Back up camera stopped working just after manufacturer warranty expired. When car is in reverse the screen in the rear view indicates the camera isn't working..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse driver assistance parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA24003
opened Aug 2024
OPENLatches/Locks/LinkagesVehicle entrapment
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-008 on May 1, 2023 to investigate an incident involving a 2009 Dodge Journey alleging occupant entrapment during a vehicle fire that resulted in a fatality.
PE24006
opened Feb 2024
closed Sep 2025Back Over PreventionBack up camera failure - led to recall 25V552
On February 27, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to investigate complaints alleging a loss of back up camera function in Model Year (MY) 2018 through 2020 Dodge Journey vehicles.
PE19014
opened Sep 2019
closed Feb 2026SeatsActive Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
22V723000Exterior LightingChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Dodge Journey vehicles. The amber side reflex reflector assembled into the headlamp may not reflect brightly enough.Normally free
18V524000Electrical SystemChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep...Normally free
18V523000Service Brakes, HydraulicChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.Normally free
18V398000Back Over PreventionChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Journey and RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The backup camera may experience a loss of image display while backing up.Normally free
18V396000VisibilityChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Journey vehicles. When reverse gear has been selected, the rear camera view may not be fully visible within two seconds.Normally free
18V332000Vehicle Speed ControlChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and...Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2019388
2019-08-08
Lights And Instruments5,060Issue: On certain vehicles, the front amber side reflex reflector does not meet the requirements of Canadian regulations. Safety Risk: This may cause the vehicle to be less visible to others and could create an increased risk of a crash.
2018421
2018-08-09
Brakes19,005On certain vehicles, a problem with the brake system may cause gas bubbles to form in the brake fluid. This could cause a soft brake pedal feel and a reduction in brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or...
2018422
2018-08-09
Powertrain1,528Certain vehicles may have been built with a defective powertrain controller. If the powertrain controller fails while driving the engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property.
2018324
2018-06-15
Other184Certain vehicles equipped with a rearview mirror backup camera display may fail to conform to the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 111 – Mirrors and Rear Visibility Systems.
2018325
2018-06-15
Other49Certain vehicles equipped with a rearview mirror backup camera display may fail to conform to the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 111 – Mirrors and Rear Visibility Systems.
Show 1 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2018269
2018-05-17
Engine635,880On certain vehicles, an electronic fault may create a situation where the cruise control cannot be deactivated.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
108465
Dec 2025
Electrical SystemCAMERA – REAR VIEW
S2509000009
Oct 2025
EngineEngine Oil Leak
9100653
Aug 2025
Unknown Or OtherVerify Reman part number availability. Order the "R" part number for all orders: Warranty, Mopar, customer pay and service contract. Order "68" part number for New unsold units only.
106241
Jul 2025
Electrical SystemLAMP - DOME
104974
Jun 2025
Electrical SystemLAMP - DOME
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
S2323000002 REV.A
May 2025
Electrical System"Washer Light On And Will Not Turn Off After Adding Washer Solvent."
103774
May 2025
Electrical SystemLAMP - DOME
104087
Apr 2025
Unknown Or OtherACTUATOR - A/C AND HEATER
103954
Apr 2025
Unknown Or OtherACTUATOR - A/C AND HEATER
103617
Mar 2025
EngineSTARTER - ENGINE
S1408000384
Jan 2024
Electrical SystemStart Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On
9100229
Sep 2023
SuspensionLIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect.
9100226
Sep 2023
Electrical SystemConnector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability.
S2307000002
Aug 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingSuspected engine coolant leak.
93023
Aug 2023
EquipmentWarranty Bulletin D-16-03 - "Can / Am" Warranty Coverage - 594 / 595 / 596 WCC (Rev. B)
93120
Aug 2023
EquipmentFCA Caribbean Warranty Bulletin ID-23-20 "Can / Am" Warranty Coverage - 594 / 595 / 596 WCC
S1808000152
Aug 2023
Back Over PreventionCEL (Check Engine Lamp) Illuminated, P057B Brake Pedal Position Sensor Performance
9100196
Jul 2023
EquipmentLubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily available, please review Service Library for specifications so a suitable alternative can be used
0700723
May 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingWater Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant
1804823
Apr 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingwiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
S1808000152
Feb 2023
Power TrainCEL (Check Engine Lamp) Illuminates, Recent PCM Replace or Flash Update Performed, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P057B Brake Pedal Position Sensor Circuit Performance, P1572 Brake Pedal Stuck, C0042-54 Brake Pedal Missing Calibration
9003357a
Feb 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY review and follow instructions from the latest STAR Online S1809000007 available on Dealer Connect.
9003357
Feb 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY (with mileage above 30,000) review and follow instructions from STAR Online S1809000007 REV. C available on Dealer Connect.
S1408000384
Feb 2023
Electrical SystemStart Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On
3100123
Feb 2023
StructureAluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates.
S2323000002
Jan 2023
EquipmentWasher Light On And Will Not Turn Off After Adding Washer Solvent.
31-002-22
Dec 2022
StructureAluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates.
3100122
Aug 2022
StructureApproved Use of Weld Through Primers This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position regarding the use of weld through primer when using Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes when welding steel body panels and structural...
9004206
Jun 2022
Power TrainRemanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage.
S2209000004
Apr 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingIf a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils.
9004509
Mar 2022
Power TrainOil Filter If a Mopar Oil Filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils. Recommended Brands: Wix, Purolator, and NapaGold
S2208000073
Mar 2022
Electrical SystemNo Start, After Flash And Or PCM Replace, DTC P0513 Invalid Skim Key Setting
9004206
Mar 2022
StructureRemanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage.
S1708000118 RevB
Mar 2022
Electrical SystemBattery Drain Concern, Dual USB Port Normal Operational Draw, Extended Illumination Or Extended Operation After Key Off
S1708000118
Mar 2022
Electrical SystemBattery Drain Concern, Dual USB Port Normal Operational Draw, Extended Illumination Or Extended Operation After Key Off
S2108000198
Aug 2021
EquipmentMedia Device Connection Guidelines For Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto Or USB To The Radio Head Unit
S2108000163
Jul 2021
Electrical SystemNo Start, Cannot Complete Module Replace, Proxi Or Module Proxi Configuration
S2109000004
Jul 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingIssue involves overheating, running hot, coolant leaks and related symptoms after a Mopar replacement engine has been installed in the vehicle.
S1809000007
Jun 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingCustomer Complaint May Include Engine Oil Leak Or Consumption
9004330
Jun 2021
EquipmentPLATE, TORQUE CONVERTER DRIVE For 3.6L with 62TE NOTE: FOR ALL PROMASTER VF 3.6L/62TE EQUIPPED VEHICLES: IF THE TRANSMISSION BRACKET TO THE TRANSMISSION CASE FASTENERS ARE REMOVED DURING SERVICING, THE FASTENERS Part Number 06511385A$ ARE ONE TIME USEAGE & MUST BE REPLACED &...
S1809000007RevC
Jun 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingCustomer Complaint May Include Engine Oil Leak Or Consumption
9004386
Jun 2021
Electrical SystemWIRING, Body Before replacing this harness, please contact FCA Redacted Content to see if a repair kit is available for your application. If no response in 15 minutes, proceed with repair. Please email pictures of harness defects to FCA Redacted Content
S1809000007 Rev.
May 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingCustomer Complaint May Include Engine Oil Leak Or Consumption
S1809000007
May 2021
EngineCustomer Complaint May Include Engine Oil Leak Or Consumption
S1908000107 Rev.
Apr 2021
StructureRear Liftgate Does Not Latch, Liftgate Ajar Lamp Illuminated
S1908000107
Apr 2021
StructureRear Liftgate Does Not Latch, Liftgate Ajar Lamp Illuminated
S2008000113 Rev.
Apr 2021
Power TrainNo Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
S1608000226
Apr 2021
EquipmentBattery Tester Warranty Code Procedures, Midtronics Charger Update Process
S2008000113
Apr 2021
Electrical SystemNo Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
S1821000001
Apr 2021
Power TrainGear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
S16080002261
Apr 2021
Electrical SystemBattery Tester Warranty Code Procedures, Medtronic Update Process
9004206
Apr 2021
Parking BrakeRemanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage.
9004009
Apr 2021
Power TrainTransmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage.
9003357
Mar 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) All vehicles equipped with a 3.2L or 3.6L except for model year 2014 vehicles with leak concern: 1) Ensure the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA) Cap O-ring is seated in the proper groove in the cap and not damaged or cut.
S1809000007 Rev.
Mar 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingCustomer complaint may include engine oil leak/consumption.
71055
Dec 2020
SeatsWarranty Bulletin D-20-16 (X84) Active Head Restraint - Select 2012-2018 Dodge Journey (JC) and 2012-2014 Dodge Avenger/Chrysler 200 (JS) (Rev. B)
23-027-20 REV. A
Dec 2020
EquipmentActive Head Restraint (AHR) Inadvertent Deployment - X84 Warranty Extension This bulletin involves inspecting the sled bracket striker pin and possibly replacing a front seat AHR that has inadvertently deployed.
70316
Nov 2020
SeatsWarranty Bulletin D-20-16 (X84) Active Head Restraint - Select 2012-2018 Dodge Journey (JC) and 2012-2014 Dodge Avenger/Chrysler 200 (JS) (Rev. A)
69912
Nov 2020
SeatsWarranty Bulletin D-20-16 (X84) Active Head Restraint - Select 2010-2018 Dodge Journey (JC) and 2010-2014 Dodge Avenger/Chrysler 200 (JS)
23-027-20
Nov 2020
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityActive Head Restraint (AHR) Inadvertent Deployment - X84 Warranty Extension This bulletin involves inspecting the sled bracket striker pin and possibly replacing a front seat AHR that has inadvertently deployed.

Showing 60 of 99 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Try the camera, sensors, and any driver-assist features in a parking lot.A blank or frozen backup camera image and phantom sensor alerts are this vehicle's driver-assistance complaints.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Dodge Journey →