Makes›Dodge›Journey›2018

2018 Dodge Journey

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

Dodge Journey
Pictured: 2012 Dodge Journey -- NHTSA 3. Photo: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD V6, 4dr SUV FWD I4, 4dr SUV FWD V6
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
21 combined · 19 city / 25 hwy
Length
192.5 in
Curb weight
3,825–4,246 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 21 MPG combined, 16% below the 2018 small SUV average of 24.9 MPG.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 Dodge Journey is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 193 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,246 lb (4dr SUV AWD V6).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 25 highway), 16% worse than the 2018 small SUV average of 24.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 237 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2018

  • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 4 stars overall

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Journey →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD V6192.5 in72 in66.9 in113.8 in61.8 / 62.2 in4,246 lb56/44
4dr SUV FWD I4192.5 in72 in66.9 in113.8 in61.8 / 62.2 in3,825 lb56/44
4dr SUV FWD V6192.5 in72 in66.9 in113.8 in61.8 / 62.2 in4,043 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Journey2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive19 / 25 / 21-16%$3,200420
Journey FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 19-24%$3,550456
Journey AWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive16 / 24 / 19-18%$3,550470
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.9 MPG2018 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 Dodge Journey SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.9%
2018 Dodge Journey SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★18.5%
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2018 Dodge Journey SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2018 Dodge Journey SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2018 Dodge Journey SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2018 Dodge Journey SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2018 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Dodge Journey (this car)21 MPG★★★★★6
2018 Toyota 4Runner18 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Ford Explorer22 MPG★★★★★7
2018 Toyota Highlander29 MPG★★★★★4
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee25 MPG★★★★★10
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan24 MPG★★★★★14
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe24 MPG★★★★★5

Recalls (6)

Exterior Lighting · Sep 29, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V723000 · 83,453 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Aug 9, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V523000 · 154,335 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Risk
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U86.
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood · Aug 9, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V524000 · 12,779 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Risk
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices · Jun 14, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V396000 · 1,741 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Journey vehicles. When reverse gear has been selected, the rear camera view may not be fully visible within two seconds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk
If the full camera view is delayed and the driver does not check their surroundings before backing up, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview mirror, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U58.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Jun 14, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V398000 · 1,837 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Journey and RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The backup camera may experience a loss of image display while backing up. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk
A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview mirror, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U56.
Electrical System › Software · May 17, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · 4,815,661 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Risk
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Dodge Journey is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

237Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
7Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
7Injuries reported
26,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System72
Unknown Or Other45
Engine31
Exterior Lighting25
Service Brakes20
Vehicle Speed Control19
Power Train18
Back Over Prevention15
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/10: 324/11: 524/12: 325/01: 225/02: 425/03: 125/04: 325/05: 425/06: 525/07: 1125/09: 225/10: 325/11: 525/12: 226/01: 226/02: 426/03: 226/04: 126/05: 226/06: 126/07: 626/08: 726/09: 326/10: 324/1025/0125/0425/0725/1126/0226/0526/08max 11

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Dodge Journey buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 72 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 31 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Exterior Lighting — 25 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 26,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Dodge Journey. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Journey years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2020 Journey21192.5 in★★★★★166
2019 Journey21192.5 in★★★★★1102
2017 Journey21192.5 inNot rated2202
2016 Journey21192.5 inNot rated4389
2015 Journey21192.5 inNot rated6553
2014 Journey21192.5 inNot rated7396
2013 Journey21192.5 inNot rated4333
2012 Journey22192.5 inNot rated6317
2011 Journey22192.5 inNot rated4110
2010 Journey21192.5 inNot rated4770
2009 Journey21192.5 inNot rated4876

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →