Owners have filed 89 complaints
about the 2020 Dodge Journey with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 12 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 7
Against the median year of the Dodge Journey. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 29
5.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 68
40% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
213.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
213.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
640.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
213.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
16.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
213.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2021peak 9Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2020 Dodge Journey
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
EA24003Opened 1 Aug 2024Still openLATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
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 continue...
PE24006Opened 27 Feb 2024Closed 26 Sep 2025BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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. 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...
Recalls on the 2020 Dodge Journey
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20254429,533 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, a problem with the rearview camera could cause the rearview camera image not to display correctly or at all. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display correctly could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners in writing and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the rearview camera.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Lawrenceville, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11712872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,600 milesBradenton, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD APPROACHING STANDSTILL TRAFFIC, I ATTEMPTED TO STEP ON THE BREAK TO SLOW DOWN TO COME TO A STOP. AS I PUSHED ON THE BRAKES I GOT ABOUT HALFWAY DOWN AND I NOTICED MORE PLAY IN THE BRAKES THAN USUAL, SO I ATTEMPTED TO PUSH THE BRAKES FURTHER DOWN TO COME TO A STOP AS I WAS GETTING CLOSER TO A STOPPED CAR. IN DOING SO AS I GOT THE BRAKE PEDAL ALMOST COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR THE AIRBAG JUST IN FRONT OF THE PEDALS DEPLOYED, PUSHING MY FOOT OFF THE BREAK, PUTTING A GASH IN MY ANKLE, AND CAUSED ME TO REAR END SOMEBODY.*DT*JB*DT
NHTSA complaint #11395877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,600 milesBradenton, FLCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD APPROACHING STANDSTILL TRAFFIC, I ATTEMPTED TO STEP ON THE BREAK TO SLOW DOWN TO COME TO A STOP. AS I PUSHED ON THE BRAKES I GOT ABOUT HALFWAY DOWN AND I NOTICED MORE PLAY IN THE BRAKES THAN USUAL, SO I ATTEMPTED TO PUSH THE BRAKES FURTHER DOWN TO COME TO A STOP AS I WAS GETTING CLOSER TO A STOPPED CAR. IN DOING SO AS I GOT THE BRAKE PEDAL ALMOST COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR THE AIRBAG JUST IN FRONT OF THE PEDALS DEPLOYED, PUSHING MY FOOT OFF THE BREAK, PUTTING A GASH IN MY ANKLE, AND CAUSED ME TO REAR END SOMEBODY.*DT*JB*DT
NHTSA complaint #11395877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Clarkton, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When starting my car and turning on my air or heat component the front will turn on but the components in the middle won’t! You have to hit the panel to make it turn on and when your driving the middle component shuts off losing power and dims the lights and dash lights with radio screen! I’ve had this issue since I purchased this car 3yrs ago and the business just says oh they have that issue why do I have to pay to rewire my electrical system and paying over $17k for this vehicle it should have been covered by the warranty
NHTSA complaint #11758733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesMesa, AZ
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while reversing the vehicle, the rear-view camera was inverted. 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 97,000.
NHTSA complaint #11756716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mercer, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The wiring harness for back hatch the coating of the wire are all cracking . The passenger side rear back up light wasn’t working and the harness is cracking the wiring when opening and closing the hatch . I have picture. It looks worse in person
NHTSA complaint #11755881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesValparaiso, IN
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11746706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesMesa, AZ
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Journey. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part for the repair was unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the remedy to be available. The contact stated that when reversing the back over, the prevention camera would display a distorted image. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that there was no remedy. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #11739227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesHenderson, NC
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11738952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Henderson, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Back-up camera was recalled August 25, 2025. Not repaired yet and no information from Manufacturer, Chrysler Corp. The screen shows black and streaks, sometimes reflects upside down images. I have the 2020 Dodge Journey and it is difficult to see when backing.
NHTSA complaint #11734877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Henderson, KY
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Back-up camera was recalled August 25, 2025. Not repaired yet and no information from Manufacturer, Chrysler Corp. The screen shows black and streaks, sometimes reflects upside down images. I have the 2020 Dodge Journey and it is difficult to see when backing.
NHTSA complaint #11734877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Twin Falls, ID
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Backup camera has been recalled several months ago but no remedy has been made yet. I’ve also noticed when I turn on the wipers my screens including the dash and entertainment go dark and barely visible.
NHTSA complaint #11731256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Twin Falls, ID
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Backup camera has been recalled several months ago but no remedy has been made yet. I’ve also noticed when I turn on the wipers my screens including the dash and entertainment go dark and barely visible.
NHTSA complaint #11731256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bennington, NE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Received notice of recall last year in the mail TWICE and parts are still not available at any local dealer to get fixed. We have dealt with this issue for over 2 years now with no solution
NHTSA complaint #11728722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bennington, NE
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Received notice of recall last year in the mail TWICE and parts are still not available at any local dealer to get fixed. We have dealt with this issue for over 2 years now with no solution
NHTSA complaint #11728722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greensboro, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
If you turn the air or heat off it turns itself back on. Sometimes none of the botton on the dash responds to any command including turning the radio air or anything off or on.
NHTSA complaint #11728675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greensboro, NC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
If you turn the air or heat off it turns itself back on. Sometimes none of the botton on the dash responds to any command including turning the radio air or anything off or on.
NHTSA complaint #11728675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greensboro, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
If you turn the air or heat off it turns itself back on. Sometimes none of the botton on the dash responds to any command including turning the radio air or anything off or on.
NHTSA complaint #11728675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morrison, CO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 see. This recall has been VERY inconvenient and it is VERY upsetting that they are unable to provide the tools needed to repair the recall which is absolutely NOT okay.
NHTSA complaint #11726680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,000 milesAsbury, IA
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
NHTSA complaint #11723249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Melbourne, FL
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint #11722942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesMadison, AL
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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 the recall repair was not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11722203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 car from the inside. I cannot open the back passenger doors from the inside/outside; they remain locked. I cannot unlock the front passenger door from the inside buttons but - so far - can open the door by pulling the inside handle. The back hatch seems to be unlocked at all times now. The car doors do not automatically lock when driving like they used to. My children cannot get in or out of the car at present without climbing into the front driver’s seat. I am not sure if this is a consistent issue or intermittent at this time. My car just passed a multi-point inspection on Saturday, and I have an appointment for it to be evaluated on Wednesday. Please contact me if additional information is needed.
NHTSA complaint #11721534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 car from the inside. I cannot open the back passenger doors from the inside/outside; they remain locked. I cannot unlock the front passenger door from the inside buttons but - so far - can open the door by pulling the inside handle. The back hatch seems to be unlocked at all times now. The car doors do not automatically lock when driving like they used to. My children cannot get in or out of the car at present without climbing into the front driver’s seat. I am not sure if this is a consistent issue or intermittent at this time. My car just passed a multi-point inspection on Saturday, and I have an appointment for it to be evaluated on Wednesday. Please contact me if additional information is needed.
NHTSA complaint #11721534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Tonawanda, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11720072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarkton, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11718274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miamisburg, OH
ENGINE
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 component indicates a potential design or manufacturing defect, not normal wear or improper maintenance. Each thermostat failure resulted in abnormal engine temperature behavior and warning indicators. Thermostat failure directly compromises the engine cooling system and creates a risk of overheating, sudden engine shutdown, loss of propulsion, and engine damage. These conditions present a clear safety hazard, particularly if failure occurs at highway speeds, in traffic, or during extreme temperatures. A thermostat is a non-consumable, safety-critical component that should not require multiple replacements in a vehicle of this age and mileage. The fact that the failure occurred again after repair suggests that the defect may be systemic and potentially affects other 2020 Dodge Journey vehicles equipped with the same thermostat design or housing. This issue meets NHTSA’s criteria for investigation due to: Repeat failure of the same safety-critical component Risk of loss of power or vehicle disablement Potential for engine overheating and sudden breakdown Evidence suggesting a broader defect pattern I am requesting that NHTSA: Open a defect investigation into thermostat failures in the 2020 Dodge Journey Require corrective action by the manufacturer if a defect trend is identified, including a recall, safety service campaign, or extended warranty This complaint is submitted in the interest of preventing further incidents and protecting vehicle occupants and other roadway users.
NHTSA complaint #11714270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lawrenceville, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11712872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.