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2018 Dodge Journey Exterior lighting Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the exterior lighting system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Exterior lighting reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
25
Latest Jan 27, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
11%
of 227 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2018 Dodge Journey submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 25 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming exterior lighting

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jan 27, 2026

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 ID
11713599
Incident
Jan 20, 2026
ElectricalExterior lightingVisibility
Filed Jul 10, 2025

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 ID
11672554
Incident
Mar 6, 2024
Exterior lighting
Filed May 10, 2025

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 to contact Dodge. No one will help me with this defective assy they installed on the recall

NHTSA ID
11660186
Incident
Apr 25, 2025
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Mar 21, 2025

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 hinge. A service repair ticket dated 11/21/24 from Bill Volz in westchester,NY noted immediate attention but did not see the rest items in need of correction. Security- Tailgate not locking Safety- multiple lights not working, Camera out,and windshield wiper /tail occaisionally --All connected

NHTSA ID
11649666
Incident
Dec 21, 2024
Driver assistanceExterior lightingPowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 5, 2025

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 warning light and an unknown warming light were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving 35-45 MPH, which required the contact to pull to the side of the road on each occasion. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle responded as needed on some occasions and the contact was able to drive safely; however, on other occasions, the failure recurred upon resuming driving. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, and to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. Additionally, the contact stated that the rearview camera was inoperable while reversing. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where the failure could not be duplicated. The contact's husband replaced the rearview camera fuse, per the Owner's Manual instructions; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V723000 (Exterior Lighting), 18V524000(Electrical System), and 18V398000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.

NHTSA ID
11640881
Incident
Oct 16, 2019
Mileage
9,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Dec 26, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID
11632478
Incident
Oct 18, 2024
Mileage
35,784 mi
AirbagsBody & structureExterior lighting
Filed Dec 23, 2024
Crash reported

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 which could have prevented my accident. I would like to file a claim with Dodge Stellantis for compensation and for my personal injuries. I would like the repairs costs for the front driver side because my deductible is 1,000.

NHTSA ID
11632147
Incident
Dec 20, 2024
Driver assistanceExterior lightingSeat belts
Filed Sep 21, 2024

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 ID
11615784
Incident
Sep 18, 2024
Exterior lighting
Filed Jun 7, 2024

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 failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 500.

NHTSA ID
11593074
Incident
Feb 14, 2019
Mileage
500 mi
Driver assistanceEngineExterior lighting
Filed Mar 7, 2024

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 faulty, and condensation was present inside the driver's side front headlight housing. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.

NHTSA ID
11575950
Incident
Dec 1, 2023
Mileage
65,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Oct 19, 2023

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 ID
11550935
Incident
Jun 29, 2023
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Oct 12, 2023

The headlights in the "auto" position will turn on the headlights and then after 5 or so minutes of driving, the interior dash board will dim and brighten, and then the headlights turn off entirely. If you move them off the "auto" position, the headlights will not turn on even when switched to the headlights. When you switch back to auto, it puts the brights on instead of the standard headlights. Rinse and repeat while driving, lights on/off/then only brights.

NHTSA ID
11549532
Incident
Oct 10, 2023
EngineExterior lighting
Filed Aug 29, 2023

The contact's son owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the headlight bulbs burned out soon after replacement. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that moisture was entering the headlight module and causing the bulbs to become blown. The contact also stated that the alternator had failed due to a defective O2 sensor. The contact replaced the O2 sensor; however, the failure returned soon after the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID
11541481
Incident
Jul 1, 2022
Mileage
80,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Jul 19, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle, the contact observed water filling the driver's and passenger's side headlights, potentially reducing nighttime visibility. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced both headlights, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided not assistance. The failure mileage was 24,917.

NHTSA ID
11533261
Incident
Apr 30, 2020
Mileage
24,917 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Jun 14, 2023

Headlight housings leak on both sides of car causing extreme condensation buildup causing poor visibility and causing headlight bulbs to burn out at unpredictable times. Loss of a headlight causing serious vision problems at night. I've had to change headlight bulbs often, problem started in early 2020 and I believe Chrysler/ Dodge should have a recall for their defective headlight housings on this vehicle. The estimated cost to replace their defective housings is well over $1,000.

NHTSA ID
11526975
Incident
Apr 15, 2020
Exterior lighting
Filed Mar 16, 2023

Both headlights on the vehicle have a major amount of moisture in them. Also, when using the headlights the lights surge. They will get really bright and then dim down the whole time they are being used. The dealership looked at it and said other models of the same car have been recalled for issues with the headlights but mine were not included. I'm not sure how that can be. No warning lights or anything come up when using the headlights. The lights have been collecting moisture for about 9 months and it's gradually getting worse. They have been inspected for cracks that would result in the moisture but there aren't any. I'm not sure if the moisture is causing the headlights to get bright and dim while in use or if that is another issue all together.

NHTSA ID
11512172
Incident
Mar 16, 2023
Exterior lighting
Filed Feb 28, 2023

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Journey. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V723000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealers: East Carolina Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat (3401 S Memorial Dr, Greenville, NC 27834: (888)848-5262), Outer Banks Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (3000 N Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948:(252) 441-1146) and Washington Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat (4001 US-264, Washington, NC 27889: (252) 644-3344) were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11509443
Incident
Apr 1, 2022
Exterior lighting
Filed Feb 3, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V723000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11505396
Incident
Sep 20, 2022
Exterior lighting
Filed Feb 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V723000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11505029
Incident
Feb 1, 2023
Exterior lighting
Filed Oct 20, 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V723000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11490214
Incident
Sep 19, 2022
Driver assistanceElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jul 24, 2022

When turning on vehicle the lightning stalls to come on properly. The dash board and radio is completely off even when vehicle has started. Speedometer does not have an accurate reading of how many miles per hour I'm truly going in which I don't feel safe due to the fact that I'm more likely to get pulled over for speeding or not driving fast enough while on the road. No one has inspected the vehicle to confirm other than myself and husband who drive the vehicle. I could be doing 20 miles a hour but the speedometer would say I'm going 45 miles a hour. I was resting at a complete stop and the speedometer stated that I was going 3 miles at a complete stop. There was no indicator flashing light or any message on the vehicle that was indicate there was a issue with the vehicle. The speedometer has been like this since April of 2022. The lighting also but it does it sporadically from time to time.

NHTSA ID
11475589
Incident
Apr 1, 2022
Exterior lighting
Filed Mar 22, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ADEQUATELY ILLUMINATE THE ROADWAY. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT WATER AND CONDENSATION WERE PRESENT INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER HALEY CHRYSLER LOCATED AT 1906 S. MAIN ST, FARMVILLE, VA 23901 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

NHTSA ID
11404300
Incident
Jan 1, 2021
Mileage
45,000 mi
Fuel systemExterior lightingSuspension
Filed Mar 7, 2021

MY CAR ROLLS BACK OUT OF GEAR. TRANSMISSION DRAGGING. ELECTRIC PROBLEM WI LIGHTS. SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR

NHTSA ID
11399613
Incident
Mar 6, 2021
Mileage
53,000 mi
BrakesElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Dec 16, 2020

3RD BRAKE LIGHT FUNCTIONS WHEN DOORS ARE CLOSED AND REVERSE CAMERA TURNS OFF WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE ON.

NHTSA ID
11383609
Incident
Nov 1, 2020
Exterior lighting
Filed Feb 20, 2019

HEADLIGHTS LEAK CAUSING WATER TO BUILD UP INSIDE LIGHT HOUSING USIT

NHTSA ID
11181371
Incident
Oct 30, 2018
Mileage
4,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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