Last updated: 2026-10-10

Dodge Journey

Dodge Journey Years to Avoid

3 scored model years (2018–2020) · model average 74/100

Skip the 2018 model year. It has the most owner complaints by a wide margin, led by electrical faults that include engines shutting off while driving. Buy the 2019 instead, which has far fewer complaints and only one recall.

Verdict

Avoid
2018 68/100
Buy
2019 78/100
Model average
74/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

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

Electrical trouble defines this year, with 61 of its owner complaints. The worst reports describe engines shutting off at speed, power steering dropping out, and cars that lose power and crawl. Brakes shudder early, headlight housings fill with water, and federal records list six recalls.

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?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

97 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: Sudden stalling while driving is the most serious pattern.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

37 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020

2019: The backup camera fails in most of these reports.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

25 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020

2019: Most of these reports describe an open recall notice for the rearview camera that dealers cannot complete because the part is not yet available.

POWER TRAIN

25 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: Most of these reports are about the transmission.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

24 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: Headlight housings fill with water and condensation.

SERVICE BRAKES

19 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020

2018: Vibration and shudder when braking can start as early as 9,000 miles and get worse going downhill and at highway speed.

Best Dodge Journey Year to Buy Instead

78
GoodReliability score: 78 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Dodge Journey

The 2019 has well under half the owner complaints of the 2018 and one recall instead of six. Its complaint rate per vehicle sold is also much lower. It is not trouble free, since owners report backup camera faults and some engine shutdowns, but the stalling pattern is far heavier in 2018.

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

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2019 Dodge Journey has 1 recall on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Dodge Journey Years by Generation

Dodge Journey Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Dodge Journey year should I avoid?
Avoid the 2018. It has the most owner complaints, the highest complaint rate per vehicle sold, and six recalls in federal records. Electrical faults lead the list, including engines that shut off while driving. The 2019 is the better used buy.
Which Dodge Journey years have transmission problems?
Power train complaints show up most in the 2018, where they rank among its top three problem areas. Owners describe the transmission dropping out of gear, hard jerks, fluid leaks, and metal shavings in the pan. Dealers often could not find the cause.
Is the 2019 Dodge Journey a safe used buy?
It is the best choice of the tracked years, but not flawless. Owners report backup camera faults, some engine shutdowns, and a small number of air bag complaints. Check that any open recall work is done and test the camera before buying.
Should I buy a 2020 Dodge Journey?
Treat the 2020 with caution. It has few complaints and one recall, but it is the newest year and has had less time to collect reports. It also has one fire report. The 2019 has a longer record and is the safer pick.
What goes wrong with the 2018 Dodge Journey?
Electrical problems dominate, especially sudden stalling and power loss. Owners also report brake shudder that returns after rotor replacement, and headlights that fog with water. Some owners were stuck waiting on recall parts. These reports make it the year to skip.

How we score every Dodge Journey model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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