2018 Dodge Journey lighting problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

26 owners have reported lighting problems with the 2018 Dodge Journey, 14% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 40,392 mi.

Lighting complaints
26
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
40,392 mi

Specific components reported

Lighting covers: Headlights, tail lights, turn signals and interior lighting.

ComponentComplaints
Exterior lighting24
Exterior lighting:headlights2

Lighting complaints across Dodge Journey years

1200832009720101201132012120144201542016420172620188201952020
Lighting complaints by model year. The 2018 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

2Under 10k110k–30k330k–60k260k–100k100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 22V723000Sep 29, 202283,453 vehicles
    EXTERIOR LIGHTING

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Dodge Journey vehicles. The amber side reflex reflector assembled into the headlamp may not reflect brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

    Risk: A dim reflector may reduce the visibility of the vehicle to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 16, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z99.

What owners say

  1. Filed Aug 25, 2026KYAirbagsLighting
    First Complain is that I was driving my 2018 Dodge Journey SE 2.4L across the interstate in [XXX]. My friend was sitting in the Passenger's seat when all of a sudden a loud popping noise happened and the airbag in the headrest popped out and almost hit my friend in the head. The second issue is that the headlight assemblies that was replaced under a recall in 2022-2023 due to a reflective issue. Well the the recall assemblies are now collecting moisture bad and are blowing…
    NHTSA complaint #11759321 · source
  2. Filed Jan 27, 2026TXElectrical SystemLightingOther / Unknown
    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 · source
  3. Filed Jul 10, 2025CTElectrical SystemLightingVisibility & Wipers
    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 · source
  4. Filed May 10, 2025CTLighting
    The following recall was supposedly corrected by my Dodge dealer in Watertown, CT: NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V723000 Manufacturer Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) Components EXTERIOR LIGHTING The headlight lenses were replaced and in 2 years time, the driver side lense is always fogged up and as a result I cannot see at night due to the dimness. I have brought my car to the dealer, and they said to contact FCA, the mfr of the headlight assy., and when I contact them they tell me I need…
    NHTSA complaint #11660186 · source
  5. Filed Mar 21, 2025CTElectrical SystemLighting
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11649666 · source
  6. Filed Feb 5, 20259,000 miOKDriver Assistance & Safety TechLightingTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at night, the contact noticed that the headlights were significantly dim. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact had been driving with the high-beam headlights at night. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 35-45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal to merge into another lane, the vehicle failed to respond. The traction control…
    NHTSA complaint #11640881 · source
  7. Filed Dec 26, 202435,784 miUTLighting
    The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while parked or driving, the headlights would become fogged. The skid and a check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed where it was diagnosed with sensor issues. The vehicle was repaired however the warning light re-illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired because it was not under recall. The contact stated that…
    NHTSA complaint #11632478 · source
  8. Filed Dec 23, 2024GACrashTowedAirbagsBody & StructureLighting
    Reflectors are critical for visibility especially when it is foggy outside. My reflectors made my vehicle less visible to other driver because he backed his trailer into my car not seeing my lights or me and directly caused or perhaps contributed to the accident. I seek compensation due to the Product liability. Manufactures must be held responsible for defective vehicles parts, which caused it a prone to failure, Manufacturing Defects and Failure to warn in a timely matter…
    NHTSA complaint #11632147 · source
  9. Filed Sep 21, 2024KYLightingSeats & Seat BeltsAcceleration & Cruise Control
    My headlights become unseeable at times, its difficult to see the road. My cruise control has got stuck and at one point accelerated on its own, and my 3rd row seats have no seat belt buckles. No one has confirmed my vehicle. There has been some recalls.
    NHTSA complaint #11615784 · source
  10. Filed Jun 7, 2024500 miARLighting
    The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while parked the contact observed condensation in the headlight assemblies. Additionally, the contact stated that while turned off she observed an unknown noise emanating from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the headlights and an unknown electrical part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. On another occasion, the vehicle was taken to a dealer where the…
    NHTSA complaint #11593074 · source
  11. 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
  12. Filed Oct 19, 2023WILighting
    Headlight assembly both full of moisture. I bought the vehicle on this day an noticed them then and there are both full of moisture all over lenses.
    NHTSA complaint #11550935 · source

Other 2018 Dodge Journey problem areas

Back to all 2018 Dodge Journey problems →

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