2020 Dodge Journey Safety Report

2020 DODGE JOURNEY Safety Report

54Complaints
1Recalls
★★★★☆Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
1Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
1Injuries
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (14)Electrical System (6)Back Over Prevention (4)Engine (4)Exterior Lighting (3)Electrical System,Back Over Prevention (2)Steering (2)Tires (2)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (1)Power Train,Engine (1)

Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2020 Dodge Journey

This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2020 Dodge Journey. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.

2020 Dodge Journey Safety Signal Summary
SignalValueWhat to inspect next
Recall burdenModerate (1)Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below.
Owner complaintsModerate (54)Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates.
Crash and fire reports2Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item.
Primary component hubUnknown Or OtherCompare unknown or other issues across vehicles.
Cleaner nearby model year2019Compare against the 2019 Dodge Journey with 85 complaints and 1 recalls.
Riskier nearby model year2015Check the 2015 Dodge Journey before buying across this generation.

Dodge Journey Year-by-Year Comparison

The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Dodge Journey years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.

Nearby Dodge Journey Model Years
Model YearComplaintsRecallsUse case
2019 Dodge Journey 85 1 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.
2018 Dodge Journey 214 6 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.
2017 Dodge Journey 192 2 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.
2016 Dodge Journey 375 4 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.
2015 Dodge Journey 545 6 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.

2020 Dodge Journey Complaint Theme Map

Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2020 Dodge Journey, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.

Unknown Or Other

14 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Unknown Or Other issues Dodge only

Electrical System

6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Electrical System issues Dodge only

Back Over Prevention

4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Back Over Prevention issues Dodge only

Engine

4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Engine issues Dodge only

Exterior Lighting

3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Exterior Lighting issues Dodge only

Electrical System,Back Over Prevention

2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Electrical System,Back Over Prevention issues Dodge only

AI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Dodge Journey

The 2020 DODGE JOURNEY has accumulated 54 complaints and 1 recalls in the NHTSA database. It received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Among the complaints, 1 involved crashes and 1 involved fires. There have been 1 reported injuries and 0 reported deaths. The most frequently reported problem areas are unknown or other (14 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints), back over prevention (4 complaints). Backup camera issues are common, with some owners reporting that the camera image is upside down or blank, and others stating that the camera is not working at all when reversing. Chrysler is recalling certain models to address this issue. Engine problems include hesitation and stalling, particularly at highway speeds. Some owners have reported that the vehicle lost motive power and stalled while driving at high speeds. Key known issues to be aware of include Backup Camera Failure, Engine Hesitation and Stalling. Be cautious of backup camera issues and engine stalling, especially at higher speeds. Ensure the camera is functioning properly and consider a pre-purchase inspection.

Reliability Score

The 2020 Dodge Journey receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2020 Dodge Journey

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.

Overall
★★★★☆
4/5
Frontal Crash
★★★★☆
4/5
Side Crash
★★★★★
5/5
Rollover
★★★★☆
4/5

Known Issues for the 2020 Dodge Journey

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Dodge Journey:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Backup Camera Failure
Backup cameras are frequently failing, showing upside-down images or not working at all, necessitating recalls and repairs.
Medium Common 30k-60k miles
Engine Hesitation And Stalling
Engine issues, including hesitation and stalling, are reported, especially at higher speeds, posing safety concerns.
Medium Common 30k-60k miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2020 Dodge Journey:

Backup Camera 23% of complaints

Backup cameras are experiencing frequent issues, with many owners reporting problems with the image quality.

Recall Details for the 2020 Dodge Journey

The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2020 Dodge Journey by NHTSA:

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
Campaign #25V552000 26/08/2025

Summary: 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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 59C.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2020 Dodge Journey

Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2020 Dodge Journey with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 involved fires.

Fire Reports: 1
Unknown Or Other
03/24/2026

Backup camera recalled August 2025, noticed received in the mail however when attempted to fix it he camera I was told they are waiting to get parts in stock. It has now been several months and they still do not have parts to repair the recall. I have had multiple instances where I have almost backed into a car, I have also backed into parking poles. The camera is upside down and very confusing to...

ODI #11726680
Back Over Prevention
03/10/2026

The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the rear-view camera had started failing. The contact stated that occasionally the image was inverted or the image rolled. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact had been calling the local dealer but was informed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available...

ODI #11723249
Back Over Prevention
03/09/2026

The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Journey. 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manuf...

ODI #11722942
Back Over Prevention
03/05/2026

The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the rear-view camera image was upside down or blank while displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention). The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the part for ...

ODI #11722203
Electrical System,Unknown Or Other
03/02/2026

The car door locks fail to lock/unlock. Outside, it has been intermittent, meaning at times, my key fob will unlock/lock the doors but at times will it work. I tried to lock my car after parking and the car buttons wouldn’t work and the car horn just beeped when I tried to use the key fob. Inside, the lock/unlock button does not work on either the driver or passenger side. I cannot lock/unlock the...

ODI #11721534
Electrical System
02/24/2026

Left speaker drivers seat goes in and out with sound. Radio glitches volume goes up and down randomly. Open door alarm sounds randomly. Blue tooth does not work. Sinus x does not work. Back up camera flipped upside down and beeps all the time when in reverse.

ODI #11720072
Electrical System
02/16/2026

My electrical shorts out, radio goes in and out and the ac/heat turns on and off! When I choose to turn off it will turn back on! When driving at night driving on paved road you can see the lights dim and brighten it has gotten worse since I got the car in 2024

ODI #11718274
Engine
01/29/2026

I am filing this complaint to report a repeated safety-related defect involving the engine thermostat in my 2020 Dodge Journey and to formally request an investigation by the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). The thermostat in this vehicle has failed twice, despite being replaced after the initial failure. The recurrence of the same failure in a critical engine temperature control comp...

ODI #11714270
Electrical System
Fire 01/23/2026

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 conta...

ODI #11712872
Power Train,Engine
12/09/2025

Driving on highway 26 at 70 miles in Newberry, SC, the truck hesitated and cut of stalled, was able to get it of the road before it died, push the button to try to start, Engine light came on and dashboard went out, steam coming from the hood, got the children out of the car, on the side of the road, open the hood, fluid everywhere, with no warning lights, truck ran hot, and messed the engine up i...

ODI #11704116
Engine And Engine Cooling
12/08/2025

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 ...

ODI #11703771
Engine
11/24/2025

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, whi...

ODI #11701199
Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control,Back Over Prevention
10/23/2025

When put in reverse? The camera either doesn’t come on or it’s looks upside down on the review mirror. It makes it extremely difficult to back up in public areas when there is so many blind spots in the back. Also the electrical system has issues- Bluetooth, cruise control, volume will go up loud on its own, check engine light stays on and it says fuel cap seal is basically messed up and it’s been...

ODI #11695343
Unknown Or Other
10/20/2025

I got my dodge journey 2020@Tiffin Auto Mart year 2023 opportunity my Rearview camera shown upside-down. Appreciated your attention. Thanks!

ODI #11694470
Unknown Or Other
09/18/2025

The rearview camera on my 2020 Dodge Journey failed and stopped displaying a proper image. To restore safety, I purchased and installed a new aftermarket rearview camera. Recently, FCA/Stellantis announced recall 59C (NHTSA 25V-552) for this exact issue. My vehicle is affected, but I was informed by Dodge that no official remedy is currently available. This situation is preventing me from fully ...

ODI #11688070
Exterior Lighting
09/11/2025

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

ODI #11686502
Unknown Or Other
08/30/2025

The back up camera went black one day with a camera icon with a line through it. It would flicker and come back on right side up or upside down. There were lines going through the image when something did appear. It is currently stuck on being upside down.

ODI #11684138
Power Train,Service Brakes
08/03/2025

The car has 40k miles on it with the extended power train warranty. On [XXX], I drove into Phoenix, AZ 35 minute drive from my home in Buckeye, AZ. As I turned down a road, I heard a "klink" and the engine only reved in both drive and reverse. I turned off the car and pushed it to a nearby parking lot. I was able to call my insurance company and have it towed to Larry H. Miller Avondale Dodge. I a...

ODI #11678044
Unknown Or Other
07/03/2025

The rearview camera goes out at times. It just has a black screen. Other times the camera view is upside down or there are lines through the camera image. Other times it works just fine. There are intermittent issues with the camera throughout the day. This seems to have been the same issue as the 2018 rearview camera recall. This puts people at danger by not being able to see what is behind t...

ODI #11670998
Unknown Or Other
07/02/2025

The back-up camera will not work sometimes. The screen will display a camera with a line through it, or it will be black or upside down. It has happened in the middle of backing up, or it happens when the car is started and put in reverse. Sometimes it comes up, sometimes it happens for days at a time.

ODI #11670694

Showing 20 of 54 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.

NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2020 Dodge Journey

NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.

Back up camera failure
NHTSA PE24006 Closed

Component: Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Opened 2024-02-27 · Closed 2025-09-26

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 inform...

Vehicle entrapment
NHTSA EA24003 Open

Component: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Opened 2024-08-01

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...

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Dodge Journey

Has the 2020 DODGE JOURNEY been recalled?

Yes, the 2020 DODGE JOURNEY has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.

How many complaints does the 2020 DODGE JOURNEY have?

The 2020 DODGE JOURNEY has 54 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. 1 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.

What is the safety rating for the 2020 DODGE JOURNEY?

The 2020 DODGE JOURNEY received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 DODGE JOURNEY?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 DODGE JOURNEY involve unknown or other (14 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints), back over prevention (4 complaints). Other affected components include engine, exterior lighting, electrical system,back over prevention.

How many crash reports does the 2020 DODGE JOURNEY have?

There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2020 DODGE JOURNEY out of 54 total complaints (1.9% of complaints involved crashes).

How many fire reports does the 2020 DODGE JOURNEY have?

There are 1 fire reports for the 2020 DODGE JOURNEY out of 54 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.

Are there any deaths reported for the 2020 DODGE JOURNEY?

No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2020 DODGE JOURNEY.

How many injuries are reported for the 2020 DODGE JOURNEY?

1 injury has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2020 DODGE JOURNEY. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.

Should I buy a 2020 DODGE JOURNEY?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 DODGE JOURNEY is acceptable with caveats. It has 54 complaints, 1 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.

What components fail most on the 2020 DODGE JOURNEY?

The components with the most failures on the 2020 DODGE JOURNEY are: 1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14 complaints), 2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6 complaints), 3. BACK OVER PREVENTION (4 complaints), 4. ENGINE (4 complaints), 5. EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3 complaints). UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the single most-reported problem area with 14 complaints.

What should I know before buying a 2020 DODGE JOURNEY?

Be cautious of backup camera issues and engine stalling, especially at higher speeds. Ensure the camera is functioning properly and consider a pre-purchase inspection. The 2020 DODGE JOURNEY has 54 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).

How reliable is the 2020 DODGE JOURNEY?

The 2020 DODGE JOURNEY receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 54 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 2 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Backup Camera Failure and Engine Hesitation and Stalling.

What are the known issues with the 2020 DODGE JOURNEY?

Known issues with the 2020 DODGE JOURNEY include: Backup Camera Failure, Engine Hesitation and Stalling. These are based on patterns found across 54 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.

Are there any recalls for the 2020 Dodge Journey?

Yes, there is a recall for backup cameras that may show upside-down images or fail to work.

What are the common engine issues with the 2020 Dodge Journey?

Engine hesitation and stalling, particularly at highway speeds, are reported.

Can the backup camera issue be fixed easily?

Fixing the backup camera issue may require a recall or a new part, depending on the specific problem.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Be cautious of backup camera issues and engine stalling, especially at higher speeds. Ensure the camera is functioning properly and consider a pre-purchase inspection.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Dodge Journey

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Dodge Journey. The data includes 54 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2020 Dodge Journey an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.

Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.

Analysis last updated: 2026-05-14