Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Dodge Journey owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Reflectors are critical for visibility especially when it is foggy outside. My reflectors made my vehicle less visible to other driver because he backed his trailer into my car not seeing my lights or me and directly caused or perhaps contributed to the accident. I seek compensation due to the Product liability. Manufactures must be held responsible for defective vehicles parts, which caused it a prone to failure, Manufacturing Defects and Failure to warn in a timely matter which could have prevented my accident. I would like to file a claim with Dodge Stellantis for compensation and for my personal injuries. I would like the repairs costs for the front driver side because my deductible is 1,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the vehicle would not immediately start, and white exhaust smoke was coming from the vehicle. Also, the message "Coolant Low" was displayed although the coolant reservoir was full. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the head gasket was faulty. The head gasket was replaced but the coolant message continued to display. The contact also indicated that the back over prevention camera was faulty, and condensation was present inside the driver's side front headlight housing. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while parked the contact observed condensation in the headlight assemblies. Additionally, the contact stated that while turned off she observed an unknown noise emanating from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the headlights and an unknown electrical part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. On another occasion, the vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 500.
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while parked or driving, the headlights would become fogged. The skid and a check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed where it was diagnosed with sensor issues. The vehicle was repaired however the warning light re-illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired because it was not under recall. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,784.
The contact's son owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the headlight bulbs burned out soon after replacement. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that moisture was entering the headlight module and causing the bulbs to become blown. The contact also stated that the alternator had failed due to a defective O2 sensor. The contact replaced the O2 sensor; however, the failure returned soon after the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle, the contact observed water filling the driver's and passenger's side headlights, potentially reducing nighttime visibility. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced both headlights, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided not assistance. The failure mileage was 24,917.
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at night, the contact noticed that the headlights were significantly dim. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact had been driving with the high-beam headlights at night. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 35-45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal to merge into another lane, the vehicle failed to respond. The traction control warning light and an unknown warming light were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving 35-45 MPH, which required the contact to pull to the side of the road on each occasion. …
When turning on vehicle the lightning stalls to come on properly. The dash board and radio is completely off even when vehicle has started. Speedometer does not have an accurate reading of how many miles per hour I'm truly going in which I don't feel safe due to the fact that I'm more likely to get pulled over for speeding or not driving fast enough while on the road. No one has inspected the vehicle to confirm other than myself and husband who drive the vehicle. I could be doing 20 miles a hour but the speedometer would say I'm going 45 miles a hour. I was resting at a complete stop and the speedometer stated that I was going 3 miles at a complete stop. There was no indicator flashing light or any message on the vehicle that was indicate there was a issue with the vehicle. The speedometer has been like this since April of 2022. …
At first,unknown, All problems are in the Tailgate,of which you cant see while driving. Tailgates are designed to be used. First ,the backup camera went out, then the third brake light went, and you can ONLY SEE when backing up to a Large picture window-also,parking light R/S in tailgate is out. NOW, I asked my granddaughter to open the tailgate when the car is LOCKED, and it OPENS- (Security) I then looked up on YOUTUBE, and found many on how to fix due to BAD WIRING at the hinge. A service repair ticket dated 11/21/24 from Bill Volz in westchester,NY noted immediate attention but did not see the rest items in need of correction. Security- Tailgate not locking Safety- multiple lights not working, Camera out,and windshield wiper /tail occaisionally --All connected
Both headlights on the vehicle have a major amount of moisture in them. Also, when using the headlights the lights surge. They will get really bright and then dim down the whole time they are being used. The dealership looked at it and said other models of the same car have been recalled for issues with the headlights but mine were not included. I'm not sure how that can be. No warning lights or anything come up when using the headlights. The lights have been collecting moisture for about 9 months and it's gradually getting worse. They have been inspected for cracks that would result in the moisture but there aren't any. I'm not sure if the moisture is causing the headlights to get bright and dim while in use or if that is another issue all together.
Related recalls
Exterior lighting
Chrysler (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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 16, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Headlight complaints in other Journey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2018 Dodge Journey?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the lights of the 2018 Dodge Journey, 11% of the model year's 237 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Dodge Journey headlight problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 22V-723 (exterior lighting, Sep 29, 2022). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2018 Dodge Journey headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 36,000 miles, and 44% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to lights problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.