2018 Dodge Journey: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Among the more trouble-free Journeys, with scattered electrical, lighting and seat complaints. A value three-row family hauler: cheap to buy and roomy, but thirsty base engine and poor resale. Verify recall completion. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2018 Dodge Journey ranged from $22,995 to $33,095 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
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Among the more trouble-free Journeys, with scattered electrical, lighting and seat complaints. A value three-row family hauler: cheap to buy and roomy, but thirsty base engine and poor resale. Verify recall completion.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=journey…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/dodge/journey
- samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/journey.html
Known issues
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Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk on many model years; confirm the recall was completed before purchase.
commonly reported · other
-
The base 2.4L four-cylinder draws complaints of power loss, stalling and overheating, and is underpowered and thirsty for the vehicle's size.
commonly reported · 60 NHTSA complaints · engine
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Electrical and wiring problems (no-start, warning lights, accessory and lighting failures) persist across the production run, the recurring Journey complaint.
commonly reported · electrical
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (6)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=journey…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=journey…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=journey…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/recall/13V282000
- cars.comhttps://www.cars.com/research/dodge-journey/recalls/
- dodgeproblems.comhttps://www.dodgeproblems.com/models/journey/
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Reclining second and third-row seats plus a hidden in-floor cargo compartment add unusual family practicality
- One of the most affordable three-row crossovers on the used market, with available 7-seat seating
Cons
- Cramped, hard-to-access third row best suited to small children, with little cargo room behind it
- The base 2.4L four-cylinder is underpowered and thirsty for the vehicle's size; no all-wheel drive on many trims
- Recurring electrical and wiring problems are the Journey signature complaint
- Poor resale value and a dated design even late in the run
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | $22,995 | discontinued | — | — |
| SXT | $25,795 | discontinued | — | — |
| Crossroad | $27,995 | discontinued | — | — |
| GT | $33,095 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2018-dodge-journey-price
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $550–600/yr |
| Insurance (low tier) | ≈ $1,300–1,400/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~150k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/dodge/journey
- moneygeek.comhttps://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/dodge-journey-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2018 Dodge Journey have?
Documented issue patterns include: Passenger Takata airbag inflators recalled for rupture risk on many model years; confirm the recall was completed before purchase; The base 2.4L four-cylinder draws complaints of power loss, stalling and overheating, and is underpowered and thirsty for the vehicle's size; Electrical and wiring problems (no-start, warning lights, accessory and lighting failures) persist across the production run, the recurring Journey complaint. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2018 Dodge Journey reliable?
Among the more trouble-free Journeys, with scattered electrical, lighting and seat complaints. A value three-row family hauler: cheap to buy and roomy, but thirsty base engine and poor resale. Verify recall completion.
How much did the 2018 Dodge Journey cost new?
Between $22,995 and $33,095 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Dodge Journey expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $550–600/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.