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severe 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250 · see lighting across all vehicles →
Of the 16 lighting complaints filed for the 2018 Dodge Journey, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Of the 6 model years of Dodge Journey we track for lighting problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 16.
A dim reflector may reduce the visibility of the vehicle to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The dominant complaint is moisture and condensation collecting inside the headlight housings, reported across multiple 2018 Dodge Journey vehicles. Owners describe water buildup on lenses, fogging, and dimming that makes nighttime visibility poor. The moisture appears to enter the sealed units without visible cracks. Some owners report the issue starting as early as 24,917 miles; others notice it within months of ownership or after the vehicle was recalled under NHTSA Campaign 22V723000.
Owners also report headlight brightness surging—lights get very bright then dim repeatedly during use. Several mention bulbs burning out frequently or prematurely, which some attribute to the moisture entering the housing and shorting or overheating the bulbs.
Repair attempts have been inconsistent. Some dealers replaced entire headlight assemblies, but the moisture returned shortly after. A few owners completed the 22V723000 recall, only to have fogging reappear within two years. Others were told the recall applied to their vehicle but repair parts were unavailable for an extended period, leaving the defect unaddressed. One owner reported that after recall repair, neither Dodge nor the headlight manufacturer would take responsibility for the persistent fogging.
One complaint linked poor reflector visibility to a collision when another driver didn't see the vehicle. Another mentions sensor issues and check engine lights appearing alongside fogged headlights.
Water and condensation accumulate inside sealed headlight assemblies without visible cracks or breach points, causing fogging on lenses and degraded nighttime visibility. Some instances recur even after dealer replacement or recall repair.
When: As early as 500 miles; commonly observed within first 2–3 years; one complaint noted issue from early 2020 onward
Symptoms owners cite: Water or condensation visible inside headlight lens; Fogging on headlight lenses; Reduced light output and poor nighttime visibility; Moisture buildup described as gradual and worsening over months
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced both headlight assemblies in at least one case, but moisture recurred; recall repair (22V723000) under NHTSA Campaign performed on some vehicles, but fogging returned after 2 years in one documented case; estimated replacement cost cited as over $1,000
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 22V723000 (Exterior Lighting) issued; some owners notified but repair parts unavailable for extended period; one owner reported dealership said other Journey models were recalled for headlight issues but theirs were not included
Headlights cycle between very bright and dimmed states repeatedly while in use, making nighttime driving hazardous. No diagnostic codes are set. Cause unclear—may be independent of or related to moisture.
When: No specific mileage given; occurs during headlight use
Symptoms owners cite: Lights surge from very bright to dim repeatedly during use; No warning lights or diagnostic codes triggered
Headlight bulbs burn out frequently or unexpectedly. Owners attribute this to moisture entering the sealed headlight module and causing bulbs to fail prematurely.
When: Failure occurs at unpredictable intervals; one complaint noted bulb replacement soon after installation
Symptoms owners cite: Bulbs burn out at unpredictable times; Frequent bulb replacement needed; Moisture in headlight housing correlates with bulb failure
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement bulbs required repeatedly; cost not specified but complaint mentions overall headlight housing replacement estimated over $1,000
Dealer replacement of entire headlight assemblies fails to permanently resolve the moisture issue; condensation recurs after repair.
When: Moisture returned within 2 years post-replacement; one case showed recurrence shortly after initial dealer repair
Symptoms owners cite: Fogging and water buildup returns after headlight assembly replacement; Repeated moisture accumulation in replaced units
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced both headlight assemblies; failure reoccurred and manufacturer provided no assistance
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 22V723000 repair performed; headlight lenses were replaced in at least one case but fogging returned; manufacturer and dealer deflected responsibility in one documented case
Owners received NHTSA Campaign 22V723000 recall notification but dealers could not complete repairs because parts were not available. Manufacturer exceeded reasonable timeframe for providing parts.
When: Multiple reports from 2018 Dodge Journey owners; timing unspecified but characterized as excessive delay
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notification sent but repair could not be scheduled; Repeated contact with dealership confirmed parts unavailable; Extended waiting period for recall completion
Repairs/costs cited: Parts not available; repair not completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 22V723000 (Exterior Lighting) issued; parts distribution delayed or unavailable across multiple dealerships
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
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…
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…
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $250.
Based on the 16 complaints filed, lighting issues most often appear around 37,940 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
Independent shops typically charge around $250 for lighting 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.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover lighting issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.