2018 Dodge Journey Complaint Log

I am reporting a safety concern involving a 2018 Dodge Journey SE (VIN: [XXX] ) related to a failure in the vehicle’s emissions control system, specifically the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors. On January 13, 2026, the vehicle began producing a strong sulfur or “rotten egg” odor while driving, and shortly afterward the check engine light illuminated. Diagnostic testing revealed trouble code P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold – Bank 1). This code indicates that the catalytic converter is not properly converting exhaust gases, which can result in increased emissions and potential exposure to exhaust fumes. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram dealership in Maurice, Louisiana, which confirmed that the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors are failing and must be replaced. The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request. This vehicle was purchased for our growing family and is regularly used to transport our children, including a [XXX] infant and a [XXX] child. Since the emissions system issue began, occupants have noticed persistent exhaust-like fumes and strong sulfur odors while the vehicle is operating. Our infant has experienced recurring respiratory issues, and our [XXX] began experiencing respiratory symptoms after we purchased this vehicle. While we cannot definitively determine the cause, we are concerned that exposure to exhaust fumes from the malfunctioning emissions system may be contributing to these health issues. In addition, adult occupants have reported feeling unusually tired or fatigued after longer car rides in the vehicle, which raises additional concerns about potential exposure to exhaust gases inside the cabin. Because catalytic converter failures can allow harmful exhaust gases such as carbon monoxide and other pollutants to pass through the exhaust system improperly, we believe this issue presents a potential safety risk to vehicle occupants, p INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I replaced the alternator and battery, 3 months later I was told I have an issue with the pcm which was similar with the recall for the same vehicle I drove. My vehicle was not part of the recall. Tbs Recall tv-u87-18

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that occasionally the rearview camera image appeared upside down or distorted. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25E052 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the rearview camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed that the contact that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 132,000.

The drivers side active headrest deployed while the vehicle was unoccupied. It is not electronically controlled, so no warning lamps were illuminated. This appears to be a known issue with FCA but they offer no assistance with correcting the known safety defect.

Back up camera failure cutting off and on. Could cause wreck. Dull headlights. Could cause a wreck.Leak in firewall driver floor wet. Could short out electrical system, cause shock, cause a wreck. No accident to report. This is ongoing since purchase in 2023.

CarMax sold me a vehicle with a Cracked & Leaking Exhaust Manifold & Catylic Converter & its causing Exhaust Fumes to come up inside vehicle & is getting worse as I drive it.

Backup camera displays upside down and blurry. There is a current recall for this issue, but it doesn't include the 2018 models.

I have a 2018 Dodge Journey SE with currently 70,000 miles. I'm the second owner & purchased it with only 11,000 miles on it. The front brakes | anti-lock braking system (ABS) experienced failure when I needed to stop the vehicle. I was approaching a 4-way intersection and had the green light ahead of me not knowing that a semi truck was entering the intersection due to other vehicles in left turn lane blocking my view momentarily, when I realized/saw it, immediately I hit brake pedal, the front brakes produced a grinding noise, and grinding was also felt in/on brake pedal. VEHICLE DIDN'T STOP IN TIME, I SKID/SLID DIRECTLY IN THE SEMI'S PATH & INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION ALMOST CRASHING INTO THE FRONT/SIDE OF IT, BEFORE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED! GOD SAVED ME FROM WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN A TERRIBLE LIFE THREATENING CRASH DUE TO CATASTROPHIC FAILURE! Vehicle has been inspected by local service/repair shop prior to this event/failure for the same exact failure. They said nothing could be determined, located or seen that would indicate why such a failure occurs on and off. ABSOLUTELY ZERO warning indicators of any kind occurred before, during or after failure. Prior to this event and on multiple occasions the same exact failure type has happened, but during a rain storm or after one when the road is still wet thus the reason I took it to shop previously. I only have this one vehicle and rely on it heavily to get myself and kids to and from work and school etc daily. With a catastrophic failure such as this I would hope the manufacturer would step up to ensure these are looked at seriously and correct the issue so it doesn't continue to happen. My VIN is not part of a recall or anything service related to this failure type.

I was driving home in the dark and I heard a loud bang pop! It scared me at first I didn't see anything wrong but when I got home to looked I notice the passenger head rest popped out! I am happy that no one was sitting next to me. That could have been so scary. I have uploaded a picture of it not extended out. I was driving 70 mph going home on the interstate. No accident nothing. Just came out of no where. This was scary.

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while in reverse, the digital screen failed to display a rearview image as intended, and the image was distorted, flickered a black screen, or a signal error was displayed. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.

10.17.25 Vehicle started making tapping noise under the hood. I wasn’t able to identify the problem. I took it to the dealership and they found noise coming from the transmission and stated possible front pump, but wasn’t for sure. They wanted to do an additional diagnostic after I had already paid $197.27, for 3 more hours at $200 per hour. I took vehicle to another company who found noise was coming from the transmission and stated that the transmission will need to be replaced as they found metal shavings in the pan. They flushed the fluid, replaced the filter, test drove noise went away. They advised that I would make it back to Georgia but definitely suggested to get transmission checked. I made it 107 miles from home when it stalled out in 5 o’clock traffic. I tried to accelerate and but it lost motive power. I tapped the breaks tried again after 2 attempts I was able to get to the right shoulder out of the heavy traffic without incident. I was on the side of the road for 4hrs before an older man pulled up to assist. I had to be pushed 2 exits to a gas station. We added more transmission fluid still no motive power it stalled again. Got it towed to a shop to be checked for 3rd time was told it’s the transmission and as of this morning it has been towed to a 4th shop who handles transmission. In my online search for recalls I noticed the same thing happened with the 2016 Dodge Journey as well. I’ve had this vehicle just over a year. I received it with 42k miles on it, awesome condition, apparently one owner who appears to have taken care of it from the looks of vehicle. No major/minor issues noted. By God’s grace I made it out of heavy traffic safely to the off shoulder which was still frightening as well. I may be the first one to report this issue but it needs to be addressed not only for me but everyone who owns one. Metal shavings inside the transmission is crazy. No warning lights on the dash to show something is wrong.

The back up camera intermittently comes on when vehicle in reverse. Sometimes it shows a camera with a line, sometimes an image then it disappears and sometimes the image is hazy or distorted. It is never consistent nor reliable. The rear view mirror cannot be used to its full size because of the image of the failed camera.

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the back over prevention camera was foggy or the image was displayed upside down. An independent mechanic was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the back over prevention camera wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V396000 (VISIBILITY); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Stated having coolant issues in 2023. September 2025 Engine light Started blinking and Started running rough at 65 mph. Stopped the vehicle and you could see the whole car shaking from the motor running so rough. Fueled up kept going and it kept doing it. Eventually dying at a stop light and I couldn't get it to fire back up. Ended up needing a tow since it wouldn't stay running. White smoke coming from tailpipe. Cracked cylinder head. $3000 repair with a USED PART.

The contact's husband owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rear-view camera image was either blank or upside-down. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the camera was repaired. Despite the repair, the contact stated that the failure had recently recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the recent failure, but informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V398000 (Back Over Prevention) which was linked to the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 83,258

There were no incidents, My backup camera was working. And now it’s not . When I go to backup the rear view mirror is somewhat dark making is difficult to see, especially at night.If possible I try no to backup. I did notice when I googled in recalls on the 2018 journey backup camera, there was a recall. Thanking you in advance. [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

WHILE DRIVING, WITHOUT ANY WARNING,THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HEADREST EXPLODED, HIT MY WIFE IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD AND SNAPPED HER NECK FORWARD, ALMOST KNOCKED HER OUT. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF THIS EXPLODED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT (I'LL BET THIS HAS HAPPENED BUT WAS OVERLOOKED). I CONTACTED THE LOCAL DODGE DEALER AND THEY CLAIMED THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS ISSUE BEFORE...I ADVISED THEM TO DO SOME ONLINE RESEARCH...IT HAS HAPPENED THOUSANDS OF TIMES! THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT COST ABOUT $1000 TO REPLACE (TIMES TWO FOR THE DRIVERS SIDE AS WELL). NOW WE ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AS WE HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING WHEN THE DRIVERS SEAT HEADREST WILL EXPLODE! AS FOR THIS BEING A SAFETY FEATURE TO PROTECT AGAINST A REAR END COLLISION, IT IS NOT, AND THERE IS NO INDICATION OF SOMEONE HITTING THE REAR END OF THIS VEHICLE. I SPOKE TO A MECHANIC I KNOW AND HE HAS NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING.

The passengers side head rest came apart. It came apart so fast it was like it exploded. It was almost like it had an air bag on the inside of it. I just started the unit in our drive way, went to back out, and it came apart. I tried to reset the head rest but the plastic locking tabs on the inside no longer work. This needs to be a recall!

Car trys to start, it turns over but doesn't start. When it does start the red lightening bold is illuminated. Motor runs rough and shaky has ZERO POWER to accelerate. On going since 2024

I was driving in the vehicle to put gas in, all of the sudden, i heard something snap and felt something hit the back of my head really hard. I felt disoriented as I didn't know what had happened. When I stopped and look at the seat, I noticed that head rest had deployed suddenly without warning and hit the back of my head. There was no accident that should have caused the head rest deployment. I sat there disoriented and started getting a headache and my neck started getting stiff. It's been a week since it happened, if it doesn't go away , I will be seeing a doctor as the pain comes and goes.

No accidents

My passenger side headrest popped open while my car was in park today. Randomly deployed. This is beyond unacceptable that something could just happen like a safety feature deploying when not impact provoked.

There are known recalls on 2018 Dodge Journeys. For some reason my VIN [XXX] doesn't show on the list. 1) back up camera shows a black screen or a blurry dark picture (on going issue for over a year) 2) electrical system sometimes refuses to acknowledge the key fob and or won't start due to it thinking it has a dead battery. (on going issue for almost two years) 3) when braking in an emergency situation, heavy vibration from the rear of vehicle (on going issue for a few years when hard braking rarely occurs) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I purchased a used Toyo tire (model Extensa A/S or 436) from a tire shop in Houston, TX on [XXX]. I was assured it was in good condition, but less than three weeks later, the tire showed severe sidewall cracks, dry rot, and bulging. I was stranded at 1 a.m. due to this failure, and when I inspected the tire myself, I found clear signs of structural damage that should have been caught before the sale. I tried to bring this to the attention of the shop. Instead of a resolution, I was spoken to disrespectfully and hung up on. The owner admitted to giving me a discount because of showing up late to fix the tire, though I never asked for one I simply wanted a safe, working tire. A used tire should still last 1 to 3 years, and this one didn’t last three weeks. This presents a serious road hazard, and I believe this business is knowingly selling unsafe used tires. I’m reporting this because it endangers drivers like me and others on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My back up camera goes black or it has lines all over it, sometimes it works out times i can't see nothing, have to stick my head out to back up.

My back up camera has flipped the view upside down. Sometimes it glitches like static. I have tried different approaches to fix the issue but it continues to be upside down. It also caused me to back into my other car due to it glitching in the process of me backing up by causing me to lose visibility in a split second. It has been like this for years now with no hope of finding a solution. This is a safety issue and should be recalled.

I was entering a highway on the entrance ramp when I was hit in the back of the head by the headrest, with no warning it just burst apart and caused dizziness. I pulled over as I literally felt like I was in a car accident. I continued to feel dizzy and experienced neck and lower back pain. I spoke with my Doctor this morning, and contacted the local Dodge, Chrysler dealer and have an appointment on 5/22.

The backup camera randomly works. When it does work, within minutes it slowly fades from a picture to a black screen.

The following recall was supposedly corrected by my Dodge dealer in Watertown, CT: NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V723000 Manufacturer Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) Components EXTERIOR LIGHTING The headlight lenses were replaced and in 2 years time, the driver side lense is always fogged up and as a result I cannot see at night due to the dimness. I have brought my car to the dealer, and they said to contact FCA, the mfr of the headlight assy., and when I contact them they tell me I need to contact Dodge. No one will help me with this defective assy they installed on the recall

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the contact can a grinding sound coming from the rear brakes. No warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, however the diagnosis was unknown. The vehicle was repaired as the front brakes were repaired. The contact mention while attempting to reverse the vehicle the rearview camera takes a few mins to display an image. The contact was relating the failure to related to the NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V523000 ( SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was also relating his second failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V398000( BACK OVER PREVENTION )however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and they sent a message stating her vin was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 61,200.

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the rear brakes. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The front brakes were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera image was slow to be displayed. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V523000 ( SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) and 18V398000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 61,200.

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the rear brakes. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed; however, the result was not provided. The front brakes were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated while attempting to reverse the rearview camera image was not immediately displayed. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V523000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) and 18V398000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recalls. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 61,200.

Back up camera goes black

Owner was driving about 40 mph when the headrest popped open. There were no collisions or issues when this happened.

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? ANSWER: The middle seat belt in the 2nd row back seat does NOT lock. (It buckles into the buckle fine) 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? ANSWER: I cannot have my children or anyone else ride in the back middle seat due to it not locking. If we were in a wreck, the seat belt would not lock. I also cannot put a car seat in the middle. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? ANSWER: I can go get it checked out by a dodge dealer. However, I have read that other people have the same issue. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? ANSWER: The vehicle was repaired after I was hit back in June 2024. I do not believe the seat belt itself was inspected. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? ANSWER: No, there were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms. I noticed it when I was switching my carseat around. I feel this is a major safety issue and it needs to be reported and resolved.

Got my wheels balanced, the technician informed me that all 4 of my rims were warpped. Car leaks coolant and overheats when using heat in cabin.

The cruise control has stopped working. And there is faulty wiring in the hood making the check engine light come on. And a huge water and oil leak we just got the vehicle Friday 2/21

I came out of a meeting and found it this way. There is no evidence of an accident or hit while I was away. Also there is no evidence of anything making impact with the headrest inside the vehicle.

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

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.

While driving on the freeway some of the lights on my dash kit up and all the sudden my car would not go over 15 mph. I tried to turn it off and turn it back on and it continued to do the same thing. I did have my grandkids in the car.

Lighting bolt with parentheses came on along with off road sign. I was unable to accelerate past 20 mph and then I just rolled to a stop in morning traffic with my flashers on. I took it to dealership and they replaced my key battery since I told them i was also having problems lock and unlocking my car. I was told this should solve the problem. It did for about 3 weeks now lights back on car won’t accelerate only till and it’s shaking bad.

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention screen failed to display an image. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,000.

Power steering leak, started in cold weather. Found other 2018 models have had a recall for the same issue - but my vin is not listed. Yes the vehicle can be inspected. No I’ve not had it looked at, I’ve been refilling the power steering fluid regularly and it leaks out. If the leak persists and the power steering goes completely out while operating it could put myself, passengers and others at risk. No warning lamps. I just noticed the steering was difficult.

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the transmission, catalytic converter, and motor mounts. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V524000 (Electrical System), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 86,000.

While care was parked, daughter (11yo) leaned around passenger seat with her forearm against the left side of the head rest to talk to her mother. Randomly and suddenly the head rest safety mechanism deployed. No one was seriously injured but it did leave a mark on my daughter's arm. Looks like the plastic inside is cracked on the right side where the pin holds the restraining pin that keeps the headrest from deploying. Have not taken yet to the dealer. There were no warning signs prior to deployment. Potentially could've been worse if someone was sitting in the seat when it occurred.

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.

My 2018 dodge journey has a bad oder of gas when I am sitting at a light or in a drive thru. It's scary to drive at times since the odor is so bad. It gets worse when the heat is on

My Cadillac converter is going bad. I only had my truck for 3yrs now. Also the steering and suspension diag/power steering system flush. Can I get a feed back to what shall I do or what can be done. Feel free and contact me at [XXX] mobile number. Email [XXX] Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the passenger’s side headrest detached. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the passenger’s side headrest needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.