Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 5 | 8% | — |
| 2019 | 8 | 8% | 53,000 miles |
| 2018 | 27 | 11% | 36,000 miles |
| 2017 | 5 | 2% | 57,000 miles |
| 2016 | 9 | 2% | 48,000 miles |
| 2015 | 5 | 1% | 98,000 miles |
| 2014 | 5 | 1% | 79,000 miles |
| 2013 | 5 | 1% | 77,000 miles |
| 2012 | 13 | 3% | 80,000 miles |
| 2011 | 8 | 5% | 106,000 miles |
| 2010 | 43 | 4% | 71,000 miles |
| 2009 | 18 | 1% | 84,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 25% | 105,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My 2020 Dodge Journey has a persistent issue with the passenger-side headlight. Despite multiple bulb replacements, the problem continues, leading to failure of vehicle inspections. Three independent mechanics have examined the vehicle, consistently identifying the problem as originating within the headlight socket or wiring harness, yet no warning light indicates a malfunction. This recurring failure appears to be a known issue affecting other Dodge Journey models, specifically impacting the passenger-side headlight. While I have experienced no other electrical problems since purchasing the vehicle, Dodge is requesting a $200 diagnostic fee to confirm a suspected wiring harness fault. I respectfully request a resolution to this recurring problem, given its apparent prevalence within the Dodge Journey model range and the lack of any contributing factors on my part.
Since I have owned this vehicle, the wiring for the backup camera has been wrong since purchase. The image is fuzzy, sometimes non-existent, and if it is it is upside down. The radio works when it wants to. The headlights keep filling with moisture no matter how many times I get it fixed. The windshield wiper will no longer spray the fluid to clear the windshield (after about owning it for a year) and the speedometers have been off since purchase. I bought the car brand new and just found out you're supposed to report this stuff here. Please look into these issues with this vehicle, as the previous journey years also had the majority of these issues and have had those parts recalled.
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear brake lights intermittently illuminated independently. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake module, Part number: 68397222AA; needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts being discontinued in October 2024. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 53,047.
Vehicle: 2019 Dodge Journey Issue: Rearview Camera Failure / Malfunction I am reporting an ongoing issue with the factory-installed backup camera in my 2019 Dodge Journey. The camera has been malfunctioning for several years. The camera intermittently displayed a blank screen, glitching image, or the image would appear upside down when shifting into reverse. Over time, the issue worsened, and the camera now fails to display any image at all. This poses a significant safety concern, especially since reverse cameras are a federally required safety feature on vehicles manufactured after 2018. Despite attempted inspections, no clear fix was provided, and I believe this may indicate a manufacturing defect. I am requesting that Chrysler/Stellantis acknowledge this issue and investigate whether other owners have experienced similar problems. …
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.
Initially, the component that was failing was the rear wiper blade. The wiper blade would not perform a proper rotation. It wouldn't move at all when I would turn the switch, but anytime the car was unlocked or locked. The door was open or closed the blade would move. A few days later, one reverse light was out. The rear wiper doesn't really pose any risks but with my reverse lights, failing and any other lights in the rear could be a safety issue. My partner being an elevator mechanic knows electrical like the back of his hand., so he did the process of elimination, realized that it was the wiring at the back hatch. The wiring is shot brittle breaking burning.. which could possibly start a car fire which would put me my child. My boyfriend in danger.. the problem has not been confirmed by a dealer have not taken it to an independent service center. …
The headlights have condensation inside them. I had them replaced in December of 2019 as were under warranty at the time. Two and a half years later, I noticed I'm having the same issue as before. There is condensation inside the headlights. The dealer told me I needed to contact their corporate office to see what can be done. I called Dodge Corporate office and was told they weren't going to cover the replacement cost because the warranty expired. This is a safety issue and it appears Dodge won't stand behind their product.
Related recalls (1)
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Journey years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2010 (43), 2018 (27), 2009 (18), 2012 (13) and 2016 (9) model years. Headlight complaints make up 4% of all complaints for the 2010.
Is there a recall for Dodge Journey headlight problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 22V-723 (exterior lighting, Sep 29, 2022). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Journey headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles; 39% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (5 mentions), followed by the brake lights (1).
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.