CEL (Check Engine Lamp) Illuminates, Recent PCM Replace or Flash Update Performed, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P057B Brake Pedal Position Sensor Circuit Performance, P1572 Brake Pedal Stuck, C0042-54 Brake Pedal Missing Calibration
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Dodge Journey brakes problems
moderate Owners of the 2018 Dodge Journey have filed 17 NHTSA complaints about the brakes, typically surfacing around 61,200 miles at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Journey | 36 |
| 2015 Journey | 38 |
| 2016 Journey | 15 |
| 2017 Journey | 4 |
| 2018 Journey (this page) | 17 |
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
A/C Pressure Transducer A/C inoperative and diagnosis leads to pressure transducer. Call Steve Rice at cell (248) 867-0061 before replacing the pressure transducer. If no response in 15 minutes, please proceed with repair.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 Dodge Journey shows a clear pattern of brake system problems across this complaint cluster. Grinding and vibration during braking are the most common issues, often hitting owners by 61,000 to 75,000 miles but starting as early as 9,000 miles in some cases. One owner needed emergency braking at a 4-way intersection and nearly skid into oncoming traffic because the brakes failed to stop in time, producing grinding and loss of response. Several owners report shuddering that worsens on hills or at highway speeds—replacement of front and rear rotors has not resolved it.
Spongy or soft brake pedals that feel like air is in the system have been reported, with one owner experiencing persistent issues even after a brake booster replacement. An ABS unit failure was diagnosed at 70,000 miles but couldn't be repaired due to parts unavailability. One owner found all four rotors warped at just 13,000 miles. Brake failures in wet conditions have been reported, with vehicles skidding before eventually gripping. Importantly, several owners report that Dodge dealers either found nothing wrong after multiple visits or refused further investigation, and many VINs do not qualify for recall coverage despite similar failures in recall campaigns 18V523000 and 18V398000.
Same Dodge Journey brakes reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Brake pedal grinding and extended stopping distance
Front and rear brake systems produce grinding sounds during braking, with pedal vibration and loss of stopping power. Owners report grinding occurring intermittently, especially in wet conditions, and in one case the vehicle skid into traffic unable to stop in time. Grinding felt through brake pedal itself.
When: 61,200 to 75,000 miles; one incident at 70,000 miles; one report at 200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise from brakes during pedal depression; Grinding sensation felt through brake pedal; Extended stopping distance; Vehicle skidding before stopping; Intermittent failures, especially in wet conditions; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Front brakes replaced at independent shop and Midas; rear brake caliper pistons identified as failed at Midas; diagnosis results not provided at some shops; repairs attempted but failures persisted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge confirmed VINs not included in NHTSA Campaign 18V523000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) or 18V398000 (Back Over Prevention); customers referred to NHTSA Hotline; one case had manufacturer case opened
Brake shudder and vibration during braking
Owners report shuddering, vibration, or pulsation when applying brakes. Multiple owners had front rotors replaced, and one had rear rotors replaced, yet vibration persisted. Vibration worsens on hills and at higher speeds. One owner noted the issue started as early as 9,000 miles and remains unresolved at 27,000 miles despite seven dealership visits.
When: Starting 9,000 to 10,000 miles; persisting to 27,000 to 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering or vibration when braking; Pulsation during braking; Worsens on downhill driving; Worsens at higher speeds; Progressive worsening over time; Some reports of trouble braking at worst
Repairs/costs cited: Front rotors replaced multiple times at dealership; rear rotors replaced at dealership; replacements failed to resolve issue; owner reports dealership and FCA refused further assistance
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated nothing wrong after multiple visits; second dealership visit also found nothing wrong; Dodge refused to investigate further
Spongy or soft brake pedal
Brake pedal feels soft or spongy with inconsistent firmness. Owner reports pedal sometimes feels firm and responsive, other times soft and goes to the floor, with extended stopping distances when soft. One owner had brake booster replaced but issue persisted. Pedal behavior described as like air in the system.
When: Intermittent, owner reports having brake booster replaced months prior to complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Spongy or soft brake pedal feel; Inconsistent pedal firmness day-to-day; Pedal goes to floor; Extended stopping distance when soft; Feels like air in hydraulic system
Repairs/costs cited: Brake booster replaced at dealership; problem persisted after replacement
ABS warning light and ABS unit failure
ABS warning light illuminated during driving. Vehicle taken to dealer who diagnosed ABS unit failure but parts were not available to perform repair. Dealer referred customer to NHTSA Hotline.
When: Approximately 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illumination; ABS unit failure diagnosed
Repairs/costs cited: ABS unit failure diagnosed but not repaired due to parts unavailability
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer case opened; customer referred to NHTSA Hotline
Warped rotors and brake shudder at 13,000 miles
All four rotors warped and required replacement at just 13,000 miles. Owner states rotors should last 70,000 miles and was told by manufacturer not to use brakes while driving 75 mph around turns. Car shudders at 75 mph when brakes applied.
When: 13,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: All four rotors warped; Car shudders at 75 mph with brake application
Repairs/costs cited: All four rotors required replacement; not covered under extended warranty as rotors classified as maintenance
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler advised not to use brakes at 75 mph around turns
Brake failure in wet conditions
Vehicle experienced brake failure when wet, with brake not gripping pavement or stopping until after delayed response. Owner reports it felt like the brake did not want to grip or stop the vehicle, requiring extended distance before actual braking began. Vehicle skid during event.
When: During rain
Symptoms owners cite: Brake failure in wet conditions; Delayed brake response; Brake not gripping pavement; Vehicle skidding; Extended stopping distance
Extended stopping distance at low mileage
Vehicle failed to stop in reasonable amount of time when brake pedal depressed, with extended stopping distance. Reported at very low mileage (200 miles).
When: 200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Extended braking distance; Vehicle would skid before stopping; Intermittent failure
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
I have a 2018 Dodge Journey SE with currently 70,000 miles. I'm the second owner & purchased it with only 11,000 miles on it. The front brakes | anti-lock braking system (ABS) experienced failure when I needed to stop the vehicle. I was approaching a 4-way intersection and had the green light ahead of me not knowing that a semi truck was entering the intersection due to other vehicles in left…
Had brakes trouble with your 2018 Dodge Journey?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2018 Dodge Journey?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 17 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $450 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 27,000 and 72,862 miles, with the median around 61,200. A quarter of owners report trouble before 27,000; a quarter make it past 72,862. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Dodge/Journey.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.