Last updated: 2026-07-26

Dodge Journey

1 Dodge Journey Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Dodge Journey average of 74/100

The Dodge Journey years to avoid are 2018 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2018 with a reliability score of 68/100. The best Dodge Journey year to buy is 2019 78/100.

Verdict

The 2018 Dodge Journey scores significantly below the model average of 74/100. The weakest year is 2018 with a score of 68/100 due to electrical system (61) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2019 78/100.

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Dodge Journey Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Dodge Journey average of 74/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201868/100Good6223Electrical System (61)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

68
GoodReliability score: 68 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Dodge Journey

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).

6 recalls223 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (61), Unknown Or Other (23), Power Train (16), Exterior Lighting (16), Service Brakes (13), Seats (12)

View full 2018reliability report →

What Are Common Dodge Journey Problems?

Top reported issues across all Dodge Journey model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

97 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

60 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

BACK OVER PREVENTION

25 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

25 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

24 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

19 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020

Best Dodge Journey Year to Buy Instead

78
GoodReliability score: 78 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Dodge Journey

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).

Score: 78/100 (Good)1 recalls92 complaints
View full 2019reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Dodge Journey year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Dodge Journey Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Dodge Journey Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2020 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Dodge Journey years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Dodge Journey years: 2018 (score: 68/100). These model years score significantly below the Dodge Journey average of 74/100.
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 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 92 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Dodge Journey have?
Across all years in our database, the Dodge Journey has a total of 8 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Dodge Journey worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2019 model year, which scores 78/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 74/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Dodge Journey problems?
The most common Dodge Journey problems are electrical system (97 complaints), unknown or other (60 complaints), back over prevention (25 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Dodge Journey reliable long-term?
The Dodge Journey has an average reliability score of 74/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
How much does it cost to maintain a Dodge Journey?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Dodge Journey is $562 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2019 Dodge Journey a good used buy?
Yes, the 2019 Dodge Journey is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 78/100 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 92 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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