Verdict
2020 Dodge Journey: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2020 Dodge Journey — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Middle-of-the-pack complaint volume for SUV.
Owners filed 61 NHTSA complaints — more complaints than 54% of 2020 SUVs. Electrical System leads the reports (26%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2020 SUVs, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
61
Reports to NHTSA, 2020
Safety recalls
1
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
21
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
More complaints than 54% of 2020 SUVs
The bar is this car's percentile among 2020 SUVs by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Electrical System issues lead owner complaints (26% of 61 reports), followed by unknown or other (26%).
+ 5 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 61 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11712872, ODI 11731256, ODI 11728722, ODI 11728675, ODI 11721534.
Recalls(1)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Back Over Prevention · 25V552000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: 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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
2 NHTSA investigations on record
Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.
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.
On February 27, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to investigate complaints alleging a loss of back up camera function in Model Year (MY) 2018 through 2020 Dodge Journey vehicles. Complainants reported experiencing black screens, upside down images, flashing images, or blurred images. A back up camera that does not display correctly increases the likelihood of a crash or injury. Analysis of warranty data provided in response to ODI’s information request letter demonstrated a pattern of elevated warranty claims in subject vehicles built in calendar years (CY) 2019 and 2020. The rate of camera related warranty repairs for models built in CY 2019-2020 was nearly double that of vehicles built in CY 2017-2018. This increase in warranty claims occurred after the introduction of a new camera part number. ODI presented this analysis to FCA in February 2025. In response, FCA started a review of component change history in February 2025 and opened an internal investigation into MY 2019-2020 Dodge Journey and 2019-2021 Ram Promaster vehicles in May of 2025. On August 26, 2025, FCA submitted a Part 573 Safety Recall Report to the agency. In the report, FCA notes that a damaged microprocessor may cause the camera to not function properly. FCA will replace defective cameras in the recalled vehicles with an updated part that mitigates the issue. See NHTSA recalls 25V552 and 25E052 for further details. Based on available information, FCA's recalls address the alleged defect identified in this PE. Accordingly, this investigation is closed. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Crash-test ratings
2020 Dodge Journey SUV FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journey | 2.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 4-spd | 19 | 25 | 21 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2020 Dodge Journey: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2020 Dodge Journey?
Owners filed 61 NHTSA complaints about the 2020 Dodge Journey — more complaints than 54% of comparable 2020 SUVs, so it sits toward the weaker end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2020 Dodge Journey?
The most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (26% of complaints) and unknown or other (26%).
How many recalls does the 2020 Dodge Journey have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2020 Dodge Journey, covering components such as back over prevention. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Dodge Journey get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Dodge Journey at 21 mpg combined.