VehicleVerdict

2020 Dodge Journey problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2020 Dodge Journey carries two red flags at once: 86 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Vehicle entrapment). It is one of the Journey years to avoid.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (19), electrical system (17), and driver assistance (14), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

86

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations · 1 open

2

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other Journey years?

Journey NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted2,091 complaints2007: 7 complaints2008: 12 complaints2009: 2,091 complaints2010: 1,480 complaints2011: 253 complaints2012: 621 complaints2013: 507 complaints2014: 643 complaints2015: 864 complaints2016: 609 complaints2017: 315 complaints2018: 333 complaints2019: 126 complaints2020: 86 complaints
Journey NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Journey years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Dodge Journey problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other1922%
Electrical System1720%
Driver Assistance1416%
Engine910%
Lighting56%
Brakes45%
Steering33%
Transmission33%
Visibility & Wipers33%
Seat Belts22%
Airbags22%
Speed Control22%
Tires & Wheels22%
Suspension11%

Does the 2020 Dodge Journey have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V552000Driver AssistanceAugust 26, 2025 · 219,577 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster and 2019-2020 Dodge Journey vehicles. Cracks in the microprocessor may cause the vehicle's rearview camera image not to display properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility.

Consequence

A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed beginning September 30, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated July 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 59C.

Open NHTSA investigations

EA24003

Vehicle entrapment

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-008 on May 1, 2023 to investigate an incident involving a 2009 Dodge Journey alleging occupant entrapment during a vehicle fire that resulted in a fatality. During the investigation, ODI collected information from the manufacturer and involved parties to confirm or refute the defect allegation. ODI has determined that additional reports of vehicle entrapment exist for other model year Dodge Journey vehicles. ODI continues to explore the cause of the thermal event and its potential effect on the actuation of the door locks. ODI also continues to explore other potential causes for door lock malfunction. ODI has determined that an upgrade to an Engineering Analysis (EA) is necessary to continue the review of the investigative material and to assess the risk to motor vehicle safety . To review the ODI report cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“My rear back up camera most of the time does not work. Sometimes it will work then mid backing up it will go black or show the picture upside down or have green lines in it. I have had this vehicle since 11/2021 and the camera started doing this in 2022. I feel like it is a safety issuse as it is…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 14, 2022

“The contact stated that their father owned a 2020 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, the vehicle began making an abnormal noise. The Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system warning light was illuminated. The contact began to head back home when another vehicle blew its…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 29, 2025 · fire

“My backup camera has a black screen when it was working it was poor quality even if it was clean, the sensors for backing up have failed! Warning message comes on on the dash but the fuses and all have been checked big safety issue living where there many children have to park on side of road…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · March 15, 2025

“The thermostat and housing failed at 57,000 miles, less than 5 years of owning the vehicle. Not available for inspection as it is being replaced as I'm typing this. The problem was reproduced by the shop who is repairing the thermostat. There were no warnings or messages, the car started…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 30, 2025

“Passenger side headlight which is a sealed headlight has moisture creating dimmed visibility a night -how does a sealed headlight get moisture in it unless it’s defective - the car only had 23,000 miles when problem started ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · September 6, 2024

2020 Dodge Journey — common questions

Is the 2020 Dodge Journey reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 86 complaints put the 2020 model at #12 of 14 Journey years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Journey years to avoid.

What are the most common 2020 Journey problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (19 complaints), electrical system (17 complaints), driver assistance (14 complaints).

Does the 2020 Dodge Journey have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 Dodge Journey. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2020 Dodge Journey under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Vehicle entrapment). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Dodge Journey years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Journey years to avoid are 2009, 2010, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2016, 2013, 2018, 2017, 2011, 2019, 2020. The cleanest record among Journey years belongs to 2007.

How safe is the 2020 Dodge Journey?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 Dodge Journey earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.