FaultScore

2018 Dodge Journey electrical problems

71 of the 347 complaints about the 2018 Dodge Journey are about the electrical system — 20% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 22,000 miles.

C

71

Complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Electrical System 71 100.0%

Electrical System across every Dodge Journey year

2009 771 36.7%
2010 616 29.4%
2011 43 2.0%
2012 116 5.5%
2013 73 3.5%
2014 104 5.0%
2015 119 5.7%
2016 84 4.0%
2017 59 2.8%
2018 71 3.4%
2019 23 1.1%
2020 19 0.9%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Nottingham, PA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Was driving when power saver mode came on then died on the road. Charged the battery and it died 1 minute later checked the voltage and it appears the pump voltage regulator stopped working

NHTSA complaint #11746171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jonesboro, AR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The wires that control my windows no longer work because the wires are in my door jam and after years of opening and closing the door on the wires they are worn out

NHTSA complaint #11739675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lafayette, LA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11724215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Anaheim, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11722733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Florence, SC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The backup camera displays upside down. Talking to other Dodge owners this seems to be a common problem. I Seema to me this is a defect that has the potential to be a safety hazard because it gives a distorted review

NHTSA complaint #11718291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

La Marque, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11713599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Columbus, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I received a card from NHTSA about two years ago on this issue possibly due to NHTSA Action Number: EA24003. I am still having this issue and now it is worse. 2 years ago, it started with the driver side window not opening intermittently. Then the door locks would not operate from the driver side controls. Now every window will not open and the driver door is not recognized by the car. When opening or closing the driver door, nothing happens. In the past, if I turned off the car left my key fob in the car and closed the door when it would lock, the horn would sound, and the doors would unlock. When getting out of the car, I would open the door, and the radio display panel would turn off. Now, it stays on with the engine off. Thankfully there is a delay and eventually turns off. It may be the driver's door harness as it can be easily searched on the internet as a faulty product. Again, NHSTA originally approached me two years ago and the issue has not gotten worse. $800 minimum to replace the door harness. Hopefully that fixes it temporarily. Start date given is an estimate on when I received a card from NHSTA on this issue.

NHTSA complaint #11704511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tucson, AZ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11698012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tuskegee, AL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

***Radio system not working properly no longer connecting properly to phone, sounds muffled to the receiver on the other end of call, audio connect is not allowing me to be heard and I got a brand new updated phone! Thinking that was the issue. It wasn’t the phone, there was a precious recall regarding system updates issues, that I saw on here, but I was never notified about it!! *Audio hands free won’t map my iphone, to the car Bluetooth system will not connect at times, ****instrument panel lights are not showing, Radio goes off while driving often, not working properly, *****BACK UP CAMERA NOT WORKING PROPERLY: *Back up camera not working properly, noticed blurry, not able to see properly at night. ****Back up parking assist lines are not as bright and clear when backing up, image is no longer vivid! *Difficulty seeing behind you at night when Backing up, looks like snow on a tv screen ! ***off road system comes on by its self and stays on at times, car is serviced regularly!

NHTSA complaint #11687707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tampa, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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)

NHTSA complaint #11673369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Childersburg, AL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11673202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Haven, CT

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

It started with third brake light out, then,tail wipers intermittenly work, then camera not working- had to have someone watch the back of car to see also right inside light out AND Tailgate wont lock with rest of doors After looking on YOUTUBE this has been going on since 2012

NHTSA complaint #11672554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kershaw, SC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11664478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Klamath Falls, OR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11660761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Madera, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Back up camera goes black

NHTSA complaint #11653995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Orange, CT

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11649666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Comanche, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11644390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Orlando, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

In my journey my back up camera is the mirror not the center one. The thing is my mirror doing the same thing cant even see and idk how. Its all blurry the thing is the mirror looks really good and the camera. Im original owner. Also the cruise control doesn't even work or operate. Its wild how having a vehicle will have so many important things fail. I see Hondas from the 90s and their cruise working, and cars that had their first back up like a 2010 acura zdx I tinted worked like it was brand new still and its still ome for tht owner.

NHTSA complaint #11640003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Leola, AR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the engine was slow to turn over and start. There was an abnormal chugging sound at start up. The contact stated while driving, the vehicle shut off unintendedly and failed to restart. The contact stated that the half-circle symbol to depress the brake pedal was displayed. The engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined the failure was due to the electrical system. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the failure was due to the oil. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at undisclosed speeds over a bridge, the steering wheel and the brakes became inoperable, and the vehicle shut down. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electrical system, transmission, timing chain, camshaft, and engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #11633702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Carlsbad, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11628395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Port Wentworth, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11627077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 86,000 miles Loudon, TN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11623995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Estacada, OR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

All doors get stuck locked and/or unlocked. Key fob will not lock or unlock and door panels will not unlock our lock. 999 Back wiper only works intermittently.

NHTSA complaint #11606404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Estacada, OR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Door locks Doors remain locked or unlocked. Key fob will not unlock or lock doors. Panel will not unlock or locked doors

NHTSA complaint #11606405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Avondale, AZ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Back up camera glitches to flicker black screen or is upside down. Works intermittently, most of the time it is a black screen. Driver window does roll down when the door is opened.

NHTSA complaint #11606229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Florence, AL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The back up camera does not display an image. It will only show black, with a camera slashed out symbol.

NHTSA complaint #11591969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Madison, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Failure of the back up camera to function while in reverse. Unit generally displays a blank screen although occasionally does work but image is extremely blurry.

NHTSA complaint #11575015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Batavia, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Back up camera stopped working just after manufacturer warranty expired. When car is in reverse the screen in the rear view indicates the camera isn't working

NHTSA complaint #11574932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chicago, IL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The car will turn systems of the car off and own without anyone touching anything windows rolling up on their, traction turning off, and climate controls and A/C coming on by itself. I contacted Stellantis last year about this vehicle and received no substantial resolution. This exact thing happened when I owned a 2014 Dodge Journey and I submitted the same complaint. I have taken video of this occurrence, there is no way to demonstrate issue via still photo.

NHTSA complaint #11567073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Seagoville, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My back up camera isn't working and none of the locks work with the key fob. I bought my car from a car lot and it was a fleet car and it says all recalls have been fixed but my car hasn't been fixed at all and I don't know why. My car won't even charge my phone at all in either port so it has a big wiring problem. I have kids and grandkids in my car all the time and I can not see behind me because my camera hasn't worked since the day I got it which is 10/20/23 and that is really dangerous and I can't even charge my phone to call someone even if I do have an accident

NHTSA complaint #11559070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2018 Dodge Journey problems

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