2018 Dodge Journey: check engine light

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Driver assistance · CA

I own a 2018 Dodge Journey Crossroad V6. I am submitting this complaint because I have experienced multiple serious and recurring problems with the vehicle. The vehicle has had multiple transmission repairs/replacements. I have spent a significant amount of money addressing transmission problems, yet I continue to have major mechanical issues with the vehicle. The vehicle is also experiencing catalytic-converter/emissions-system problems. The check-engine light is on and the vehicle has produced diagnostic trouble codes P0420 and P0430, indicating catalyst-system efficiency problems affecting both banks. I am concerned about the reliability and safety of continuing to operate the vehicle with these issues, particularly given the repeated mechanical problems I have already experienced. Another significant safety concern is the factory backup camera. The camera intermittently glitches and the image can suddenly appear upside down. This makes the rear-view display unreliable and potentially prevents the driver from accurately seeing people, vehicles, or objects behind the vehicle while backing up. The problem is intermittent, which makes it especially concerning because the driver cannot reliably know when the camera will malfunction. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document these problems and investigate whether there are known defects or safety issues affecting 2018 Dodge Journey vehicles, particularly regarding the transmission, catalytic-converter/catalyst-system problems, and malfunctioning backup camera.

Filed Mar 13, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · LA

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

Filed Oct 13, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · AL

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.

Filed Feb 23, 2025 · Acceleration, Electrical · TX

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

Filed Jan 2, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 120,000 miles · AR

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.

Filed Dec 26, 2024 · Lights · 35,784 miles · UT

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 the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,784.

Filed Nov 27, 2024 · CA

My car stalled and showed the check engine light. I took it to my usual repair shop. The first diagnostics indicated coils and spark plugs were the problem. So they we re fixed. Shortly (a few miles) after the repair, the car stalled. The second diagnostic at the shop indicated a new battery was needed. That was installed. (A few more miles after this repair) the car c ontinued to stall. For the third diagnostic, I was told to take it to a transmission shop.(and "I wouldn't drive it til it was repaired") I had it towed to a transmission shop. They rebuilt the transmission, and found (what I consider the reason for a recall) the flex plate had its center torn out. This may have caused shards to damage parts of the engine. There was a lot of fluid leakage and they had to install a new radiator. They wanted me to have them check it out in 2 weeks. In less than a week the car stalled and died,(thankfully in a parking lot) with all the dashboard warning lights. I was close to a dealer, so I had it towed to the Dodge dealer, hoping they would know how to fix it. There was still a lot of fluid leakage. They replaced the radiator and other stuff, and for the past week or so it is driving well.

Filed Nov 7, 2024 · Electrical · 86,000 miles · TN

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 the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V524000 (Electrical System), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 86,000.

Filed Jun 18, 2024 · Engine · CA

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; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that after the initial repair, the same repairs were made by the same mechanic approximately every two to three months. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Sep 6, 2023 · Electrical · MI

While driving car at 45 mph car stalled. Unable to start car. Continued to read service AWD system as well as Press clutch to start car, the car is an automatic with no clutch. Once started continued to stall while driving. Check engine light, battery light illuminated while driving not while car stalled.

Filed Apr 26, 2023 · Engine · OH

Cylinder 2 is misfiring, for coils and spark plugs. Vehicle had tune up and replaced all spark plugs and coils in March. Check engine still coming on reading same code, has been checked multiple times, coils and spark plugs are perfect and brand new.

Filed Jun 24, 2021 · Electrical · MT

My battery or the connection is bad but when I have it tested, they day its perfect. My car dies all the time and even if we charge it all night, my check engine light for poor battery connection stays on.