Problems · by component

2018 Dodge Journey exterior lighting problems

27 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2018 Dodge Journey cite exterior lighting, 11% of all 237 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
27
11% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the exterior lighting

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“First Complain is that I was driving my 2018 Dodge Journey SE 2.4L across the interstate in [XXX]. My friend was sitting in the Passenger's seat when all of a sudden a loud popping noise happened and the airbag in the headrest popped out and almost hit my friend in the head. The second issue is that the headlight assemblies that was replaced under a recall in 2022-2023 due to a reflective issue. Well the the recall assemblies are now collecting moisture bad and are blowing my headlight bulbs.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 25, 2026Exterior lighting, Air bagsODI 11759321
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 27, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Unknown or otherODI 11713599
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 10, 2025Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiperODI 11672554
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 10, 2025Exterior lightingODI 11660186
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 21, 2025Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11649666
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 5, 2025Power train, Exterior lighting, Back over preventionODI 11640881

Showing 6 of 27 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Exterior lighting

Free remedy

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."

Exterior lightingReported Sep 29, 2022NHTSA 22V723000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.