When the 2018 Dodge Journey arrived on the market, it instantly gained a loyal following due to its reliability record. Despite its loyal fans, it can still have issues. When problems arise, the carmaker just has to issue recalls that allow owners to get repairs done fast.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 Dodge Journey?
Yes, as of September 2020, four recalls have been issued for complaints ranging from:
- Decreased stopping power at the rear brakes
- Intermittent failure of the rearview camera
- Cruise control system remains on after turning it off
Thankfully, in this article, we intend to share all the info you need to know about Dodge Journey 2018 recalls. We hope that you can use that information to source timely repairs and keep your car on the road for the long term.
Poor Rear Brake Performance from Coating Defect
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V523000
Brake calipers use a series of pistons to push the pads against the brakes as you press down the pedal. As you let off the brakes, the pistons should smoothly move back into place without letting air into the system.
A chrome coating applied to the calipers used on the 2018 Journey disrupts this vital process by allowing gas pockets to enter the lines.
With gas in the brake lines, the system cannot properly pressurize, resulting in poor function of the pistons. Your brakes might feel spongy or hard to press down as a result.
To fix the issue, technicians just have to bleed out all the gas bubbles while topping off the fluid. Once the lines only have brake fluid inside, they will test your stopping power and then return to the car to your care.
Stall and No-Start from Defective Voltage Regulator
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V524000
The powertrain control module (PCM) has to monitor and regulate several important systems simultaneously to keep your car running and driving right.
As soon as you start your car, it begins communicating with the ignition system, fuel injection system, and much more.
To do its job effectively, all its circuit board components must function as intended, including its voltage regulator chip. If this chip fails, the PCM will stop working, and your car might fail to start up or stall while you’re driving.
Since this issue can occur without warning and increase your chance of getting in an accident, it is important to have it fixed right away. Technicians can resolve the issue by replacing the powertrain control module outright.
Cruise Control System May Not Disengage
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V332000
The powertrain control module interfaces with all the other systems in your car using its proprietary software.
As a part of its many functions, this software is in charge of removing positive torque requests sent by the engine controller. These requests come through the CAN-C bus lines from the cruise control system to aid in function.
If the CAN-C bus shorts out, the cruise control system will fail to disengage when requested by you. Your vehicle will then continue moving ahead at the set speed, forcing you to hit the brakes or shift into neutral to stop it.
Technicians have to reprogram the PCM if it doesn’t have the latest update to resolve this software issue. With the new update, the system’s potential to short out will disappear, ensuring your cruise control works as intended.
Rear Camera View Intermittently Goes out
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V396000
If you have the convenient backup display camera integrated in your rearview mirror, you can easily see all the blind spots around the back of your car.
This camera should turn on the second you put the car in reverse, but on the 2018 Journey, it’s possible the view could get obstructed by a cautionary message.
If that occurs, you might miss important info in the camera view, resulting in an accident. To remedy this issue, techs must replace the entire rearview mirror with a new one.
What is the Best Way to Handle Dodge Journey 2018 Recalls?
If you’d like to find out about the recall status of your 2018 Dodge Journey, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website is here to help. You can just type your car’s VIN or year, make, and model into the system to learn what you need to know.
Upon learning that your car needs repairs for a recall, give the customer service line a call at 1-800-853-1403. They will direct you to the nearest authorized shop and tell you what to expect at your appointment.
