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JC · SUV

2018 Dodge Journey

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2018 Dodge Journey.

Common problems

What to watch for on the 2018 Dodge Journey

major·3.6L Pentastar V6

Rocker Arm and Lifter Tick

Roller rocker arms can wear their bearings and cause a tick, misfire and a damaged camshaft lobe.

Typical repair cost
$1,000 – $2,500
caution·3.6L Pentastar V6

Oil Filter Housing and Oil Cooler Leak

The plastic oil filter housing and oil cooler that sit in the valley of the engine crack or leak.

Typical repair cost
$500 – $1,100

1 more known problem on the 2018 Journey

Your guide shows all of them and which apply to the exact car, and what to ask the seller.

Safety record

Recalls on the 2018 Dodge Journey

Recall·18V396000

Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices

When reverse gear has been selected, the rear camera view may not be fully visible within two seconds.

Recall·18V398000

Back over prevention: camera

The backup camera may experience a loss of image display while backing up.

Recall·18V332000

Electrical system: wiring

These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging.

3 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 237 owners reported

Electrical system62
Exterior lighting18
Service brakes17
Power train16

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

2018 Dodge Journey at a glance

Trims
CrossroadGTSESXT
Engine
2.4L 4-Cylinder, 3.6L 6-Cylinder
Transmission
Automatic 4-spd, Automatic 6-spd
Drivetrain
FWD, AWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Body style
SUV
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2018 Dodge Journey?

Owners have filed 237 complaints about the 2018 Dodge Journey with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. There are 6 recall campaigns covering this model year. Known problems on its engines include rocker arm and lifter tick, oil filter housing and oil cooler leak and water pump leak. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 2018 Dodge Journey reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 6 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2018 Dodge Journey?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2018 Dodge Journey listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.