Most common 2020 Dodge Journey problems
Share of the 66 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Journey complaints by model year
Best Journey years: 2008, 2020, 2019. Years to avoid: 2009, 2010, 2015. Compare all years →
2020 Dodge Journey recalls (1)
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
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.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2020 Dodge Journey:
Back up camera failure
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.
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.
What 2020 Dodge Journey owners say
Electrical system all 20 →
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 horn and informed them of a fire coming from under the front driver's side of the vehicle. The contact immediately stopped the vehicle and was able to safely exit. The fire expanded and consumed the front of the vehicle. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire. A fire report and a police report were filed. The vehicle was towed and totaled. The contact had no injuries, and no medical attention was needed. The dealer was not informed of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that after the vehicle was not driven and remained parked in the driveway for two weeks, the police department notified the contact at approximately 1:00 AM that the horn was sounding continuously. The contact attempted to deactivate the horn using the security alarm key fob, but the attempt failed. The contact opened a vehicle door and attempted to start the vehicle with the door open. At that time, the doors locked automatically, and there was a burning plastic odor coming from the vehicle, and the horn continued sounding. The contact immediately exited the vehicle and removed fuses from the fuse box; however, the fuses were extremely hot and caused burn injuries to the contact's hands. After removing the fuses, the horn continued sounding, and the engine failed to turn off. …
Driver assistance
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rearview camera would display an upside image. The contact stated that she had purchased a replacement camera and was given an estimate for the labor. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part for the repair was unavailable. The contact called two local dealers but was informed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the rearview camera image was intermittently flipped, distorted, and inoperative. No warning lights were illuminated. A dealer was contacted and stated that there was no fix for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated after the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, where the contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The contact raised the hood of the vehicle and observed condensation all over the engine. The vehicle was towed to the contact's son's residence. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced due to a faulty radiator hose and cap, which caused the engine to seize. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 57,800.
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and then lost motive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated after the loss of power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was not diagnosed; however, the contact was informed that the engine may have failed due to the vehicle having no antifreeze, which caused the engine to overheat. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 57,800.
2020 Dodge Journey engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 25 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Dodge Journey a good car?
Based on 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2020 Journey rates better than average: 68% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Journey at the same age. It is one of the best Journey years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2020 Dodge Journey?
The electrical system — 20 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the driver assistance (16) and engine & cooling (9).
How many recalls does the 2020 Dodge Journey have?
There is 1 recall for the 2020 Dodge Journey, the most recent from August 26, 2025 (camera). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Journey?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2008, 2020 and 2019. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2009, 2010 and 2015. See the full Dodge Journey years comparison.
At what mileage do 2020 Dodge Journey problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 40,000 miles; 62% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.