Last updated: 2026-07-26
Dodge Journey Reliability by Year
The Dodge Journey averages 74/100 across 3 model years, rated good.
Dodge Journey Reliability Overview
The Dodge Journey, covering model years 2018 to 2020, has an average reliability score of 74 out of 100, indicating good reliability, with specific years scoring between 68 and 78. Common issues reported by owners include problems with the electrical system, particularly the backup camera, and various other components such as service brakes and power train. The estimated annual repair cost for the Journey is $562, which is slightly below the midsize SUV average, making it a potentially cost-effective option for those mindful of maintenance expenses.
Current generation: 1st gen (2009–2020), facelifted 2011.
Best & Worst Dodge Journey Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Dodge Journey Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Dodge Journey year is 2019 with a reliability score of 78/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2020 (77/100) and 2018 (68/100).
Dodge Journey Years to Avoid
The worst Dodge Journey year is 2018 with a score of 68/100, primarily due to electrical system (61) issues.
Dodge Journey Reliability Score Trend
Dodge Journey reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 78/100 compared to 68/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 77/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2020 Dodge Journey
1 recalls · 61 complaints
The 2020 Dodge Journey has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 61 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Dodge Journey. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (16), Electrical System (16), Back Over Prevention (7).
2019 Dodge Journey
1 recalls · 92 complaints
The 2019 Dodge Journey has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 92 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Dodge Journey. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (21), Electrical System (20), Back Over Prevention (18).
2018 Dodge Journey
6 recalls · 223 complaints
The 2018 Dodge Journey has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 223 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Dodge Journey. Severity signals include 7 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (61), Unknown Or Other (23), Power Train (16).
Found Your Dodge Journey? Check Its History
Every Dodge Journey has a different past. Before you buy, a VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, and open recalls.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
Dodge Journey Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4/5
Annual Repair Cost
$562
Repair Frequency
0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk
12%
$11 below the midsize SUVs average of $573/yr.
Ranked #6 of 26 among midsize SUVs.
Dodge Journey Resale Value
The Dodge Journey is estimated to retain about 53.8% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
- Value Retained
- 53.8%
- Depreciation
- 46.2%
- Listings Analyzed
- 246
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Dodge Journey depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comDodge Journey Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Dodge Models
Compare all Dodge models by reliability
Compare Dodge Journey With Similar SUVs
The Dodge Journey competes with other midsize suvs such as Mazda CX-9, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Buick Envision.
Mazda CX-9 reliability
6 years tracked · 252 complaints
Mitsubishi Outlander reliability
8 years tracked · 398 complaints
Buick Envision reliability
9 years tracked · 131 complaints
Lincoln Nautilus reliability
8 years tracked · 206 complaints
Subaru Solterra reliability
3 years tracked · 43 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Dodge Journey reliable?
- The Dodge Journey has good reliability with an average score of 74/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Dodge Journey?
- The best year for the Dodge Journey is 2019 with a reliability score of 78/100, rated good. It has 1 recalls and 92 owner complaints on record. See full 2019 Dodge Journeyanalysis →
- What are the Dodge Journey years to avoid?
- The Dodge Journey years to avoid include 2018 (68/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Dodge Journey?
- The Dodge Journey has an estimated annual repair cost of $562, which is $11 below the midsize SUVs average of $573. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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