2018 Dodge Journey engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 1, 2026GAFireElectrical SystemEngine

   Sitting at red light and with out warning car turns off I place it in park and try to start car again as soon as I push the ignition to crank the car a huge explosion from under the hood blew the hood backwards striking the a-piler to the driver's door trapping me inside the car as flames were observed coming through the dashboard had to forcefully kick driver side window out of frame to dive out of the car because the door being jammed shut

   NHTSA complaint #11761448 · source
2. Filed Mar 7, 2026CAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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 · source
3. Filed Oct 13, 2025ALEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11693018 · source
4. Filed Sep 16, 2025ALElectrical SystemEngineWheels & Tires

   ***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,…

   NHTSA complaint #11687707 · source
5. Filed Jul 13, 2025ALElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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 · source
6. Filed Feb 23, 2025TXElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

   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 · source
7. Filed Jan 2, 2025120,000 miARTowedElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11633702 · source
8. Filed Dec 2, 2024CAElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

   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 · source
9. Filed Jun 18, 2024CAEngine

   The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving various speeds, the vehicle inadvertently shut-off with the check engine and traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to a dealer however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The failure persisted and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the spark plugs, alternator, battery, engine coils, oil housing, and engine gaskets were replaced;…

   NHTSA complaint #11595103 · source
10. Filed Mar 7, 202465,000 miILDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineLighting

    The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the vehicle would not immediately start, and white exhaust smoke was coming from the vehicle. Also, the message "Coolant Low" was displayed although the coolant reservoir was full. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the head gasket was faulty. The head gasket was replaced but the coolant message continued to display. The contact also indicated that the back over prevention camera was…

    NHTSA complaint #11575950 · source
11. Filed Nov 16, 2023MDEngine

    Car shuddered while driving, started making metal clanging noises’ and stalled in the middle of an intersection. I just had it worked on and had to fully replace the transmission (approximately $4000) due to the torque converter shredded metal in the transmission and seized up. Car after stalling would not go into reverse or drive. Would start up, but once in gear would make loud metal clanging sounds and shut down. No warning lights shown on dashboard.

    NHTSA complaint #11555540 · source
12. Filed Oct 25, 2023ILEngine

    Cylinder misfire. Cylinder leak. Engine damage. Dodge issued Service Bulletin TSB-09-002-14 for model years 2011-2013 for vehicles with the same 3.6L engine and same issue. TSB provided warranty extension for covered models up to model year 2013. My 2018 model year has the same defective engine type and Dodge refuses to repair because the TSB, which predates the manufacturers date for my vehicle, doesn't cover my vehicle.

    NHTSA complaint #11551837 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology