2020 Dodge Journey Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary
The 2020 Dodge Journey has 64 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve unknown or other and electrical system.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 64 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
15 23.4%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
10 15.6%
ENGINE
7 10.9%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
4 6.2%
SERVICE BRAKES
3 4.7%
Quick Insights
The top category is UNKNOWN OR OTHER, accounting for 23.4% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 22 distinct vehicle systems.
Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.
Subscribe to Recall Alerts
Get notified when a new recall or important ownership update lands for the 2020 Dodge Journey.
Free alerts based on U.S. recall data. Unsubscribe anytime.
What owners keep reporting on the 2020 Dodge Journey
The 2020 Dodge Journey has 64 owner complaints in this dataset. UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the most common complaint category, representing about 23% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2020 Dodge Journey are UNKNOWN OR OTHER (15), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10), ENGINE (7).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 28 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.
What should buyers inspect on a used 2020 Dodge Journey?
Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 22 of 22 systems
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
15 Reports23% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
About 4 months ago, the Backup camera image began showing up either upside down or flashing upside down on and off the screen. Also. The Bluetooth does not always stay engaged and will randomly disconnect and then reconnect your phone even while driving.
6/21/2023
Backup camera goes out while you are going in reverse. Goes in and out and doesnât work.
9/27/2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
10 Reports16% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
Rear back up camera upside down sometimes flashes in and out or just black at times.
3/2/2024
I backed out of a parking spot at work and the backup camera was working fine. A little over an hour later I was backing out of the driveway and the backup camera display had rotated 180 degrees and was upside down. It has been upside down since.
4/20/2024
ENGINE
7 Reports11% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
Driving on highway and my car started to lose power. When I pulled over and cut it off it wouldn't come on was making a sound as if it was trying to turn on. The engine light came on and a symbol that looked like a lighting bolt in-between two parentheses came on. I sat for 20 mins after trying numerous of times to turn it on and after calling a tow truck. Eventually it came on and I was able to get home but as I was driving the rmp kept going high and the it was making noises. I got home and looked up the symbol and it said it's the electric throttle. I found it strange for this to be happening when I just purchased it last year and I only had 33120 miles on it. I called the dodge dealership and got the run around and bringing it in to be fixed. Eventually I was able to find another dodge dealership and they kept my vehicle for a week straight. Then they said it was the crankshaft sensor and connector that needed to be replaced I also had them do a oil change as well. Just got my truck back today 10/12/2021. whenever I go over 70 my rmp still goes up and it has a noise as if its having issues picking up speed and have a slight vibration with it. I'm extremely nervous about driving it now. Asked the dealership is this normal and he told me basically all the new vehicles goes thru this because of the plastic parts that is used at manufacturers he also said that it could happen again who knows. That made me really uncomfortable. I don't know what to do and the dodge dealership is not much help.
10/12/2021
Backup camera blurry, or no image, or upside down.
5/17/2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
4 Reports6% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
We fixed the driver-side headlight has moisture inside for $189 on 08/01/23. Now, the passenger-side headlight has moisture again. We think that the headlights must be defective headlight. Would you please check that?
8/24/2023
Since I have owned this vehicle, the wiring for the backup camera has been wrong since purchase. The image is fuzzy, sometimes non-existent, and if it is it is upside down. The radio works when it wants to. The headlights keep filling with moisture no matter how many times I get it fixed. The windshield wiper will no longer spray the fluid to clear the windshield (after about owning it for a year) and the speedometers have been off since purchase. I bought the car brand new and just found out youâre supposed to report this stuff here. Please look into these issues with this vehicle, as the previous journey years also had the majority of these issues and have had those parts recalled.
11/29/2024
SERVICE BRAKES
3 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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*JB
2/12/2021
In July of 2024 I had to brake to avoid striking a deer. My ABS and Traction Control light came on in the dash, and my cruise control stopped working. I took the vehicle to the dealership and they said the HCU and ABS Modules were bad, but the ABS Module was no longer made by Chrysler, and it wasn't available aftermarket. I contacted Stelantis and they said the ABS module was under "Engineering Review" and not available. I received an email in September indicating the part was now available and it was being shipped to my dealership. I never heard back from the dealership, and I called them back on December 17th. The parts manager said his computer indicated again that the part was unavailable and it had been discontinued on October 14th, 2024. He sent me a screenshot of the order screen showing the part was discontinued which I've attached below. I recontacted Stelantis on December 23rd and they started another case (Case #[XXX]) and a case manager would call me back within one working day. I called Stelantis back on January 3rd and spoke with "Edward" who said my case was never assigned and he was going to "expedite" the case (as every other person I had spoken to previously said) and that a case manager would contact me within one working day. As of now, I have not heard back. My ABS brakes and Traction Control (Federally mandated safety equipment since 1998) are inoperable and according to Stelantis, the ABS module is no longer made and there are no aftermarket replacements. My Cruise Control does not work either and I don't know if any of the other safety features are affected. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
1/4/2025
STEERING
3 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BOUNCED, VIBRATED AND SHOOK UP AN DOWN. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION, A LOUD SQUEALING SOUND WAS PRESENT COMING FROM STEERING RACK AND THE FRONT WHEELS. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER KUNES CHRYSLER LOCATED AT 1615 N STATE ST, BELVIDERE, IL 61008 WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100.
2/18/2021
My power steering went out after 35k miles driven, it was bought brand new off the showroom floor. I took it to a dodge dealership and the parts to fix it are under engineer review and back order and they could not fix it, they couldnât give me a estimated time when they would be able to, I have been without a car to drive to and from work, school and my childrenâs dr appoints for 3 months now while still making my loan payments. I have called the manufacturer and they are going on week number 2 of the employee there helping me not being able to reach anyone via phone or email to respond on what to do, or even where to start.
6/3/2023
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
3 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
Approximately two weeks ago, my back up camera, which is located on my rearview mirror started flickering off and on and then it flips upside down and Iâve done some research on the Internet and it says that a lot of people has had this issue with the Dodge journey in the back up camera so I find this to be a safety issue and I believe this is something that Dodge should be fixing for their consumers
9/16/2024
I purchased my 2020 in April of 2021 brand new. When Iâm driving my SUV, it will stall and not pick up speed, but my RPM still rise. Both of my front headlights fog all the time and have been replaced multiple times. The fog makes the lightbulbs blow and they have been replaced multiple times. The back up camera is turns upside down stops working when it wants to goes black and also has a green light. It was replaced by the dealership and started doing the same things again after one month. There is also an issue with my radio. It works when it once the volume stops working when he wants and the Bluetooth works when he wants it has also been replaced by the dealership and now they wonât replace it again because it has been replaced.
5/31/2025
POWER TRAIN
3 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
Heater hose malfunction. No issues spotted but within 24 hours the car began to smoke and the hose obtained a leak and leak anti freeze while driving the entire hose blew up while car was in motion and came to a complete overheated stall in the middle of a busy intersection. I had to throw hazards on and could not exit the vehicle due to heavy traffic and unsafe conditions. No warning lights for a leak or empty reservoir where coolant goes. At blow up the antifreeze flushed to the engine and all oil flushed to the radiator cause an immediate engine block. No recalls for this hose but plenty of research on the hose needing to be removed and replaced with the previous version shaped as a letter Y. Purchased this vehicle brand new 3 years ago only 12 miles kept up with oil changes and new tires only issue I've ever had kept up with annual flushes and maintenance as well. This part could have cost me my life in that intersection and central dispatch had to be called to stop traffic vehicle towed for $230 and repairs over $10,000 for a new engine. Now being charged $22,000 the remaining balance on the vehicle for damages beyond my control that should have been a recall.
12/1/2024
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 awaited for the service advisor to call me and when Mark did call, it was to inform me the computer could not read my car due to the ABS module possibly malfunctioned and this is causing the computer to not read my transmission sensors. I was then told the ABS module is discontinued and cannot be found. Due to this, I was told labor and programming would be roughly $696, however the price for the module is uncertain. It has now been 2 weeks without a vehicle that has a discontinued part. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
8/3/2025
AIR BAGS
2 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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*JB
2/12/2021
The passenger seat belt is popping out from the wall of the car
9/3/2024
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
Since I have owned this vehicle, the wiring for the backup camera has been wrong since purchase. The image is fuzzy, sometimes non-existent, and if it is it is upside down. The radio works when it wants to. The headlights keep filling with moisture no matter how many times I get it fixed. The windshield wiper will no longer spray the fluid to clear the windshield (after about owning it for a year) and the speedometers have been off since purchase. I bought the car brand new and just found out youâre supposed to report this stuff here. Please look into these issues with this vehicle, as the previous journey years also had the majority of these issues and have had those parts recalled.
11/29/2024
When put in reverse? The camera either doesnât come on or itâs 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 itâs been replaced multiple times and wonât change itâs reading. The real cause is the small leak off fuel injection system tank. Also canât get the hands free call system on the wheel to work properly.
10/23/2025
SUSPENSION
1 Report2% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BOUNCED, VIBRATED AND SHOOK UP AN DOWN. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION, A LOUD SQUEALING SOUND WAS PRESENT COMING FROM STEERING RACK AND THE FRONT WHEELS. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER KUNES CHRYSLER LOCATED AT 1615 N STATE ST, BELVIDERE, IL 61008 WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100.
2/18/2021
TIRES
1 Report2% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
I was driving in morning traffic on one of the main streets in my area. My tire suddenly blew out, in the moment after it happened, it felt like my steering wheel locked up. After a few seconds the steering wheel was able to be steered again, and I was able to steer off to the side of the road to get out of traffic. My car is currently still at the dealership. Below I have uploaded some of the communication with dealership (a service advisor) via text. Tire information that I have: Nexen N Priz RH7 225/55R19
8/17/2021
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
1 Report2% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Journey. The contact experienced a driver's seat belt functionality failure. There was a seat belt warning light. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer which diagnosed failure with the seat belt. The seat belt was not repaired due to the part not being available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000
5/27/2022
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
1 Report2% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2020 Doge Journey equipped with Nexen tires, Tire Line: N PRIZ RH7, Tire Size: 225/65/R17, DOT Number: UAHT1AKL4019. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear driverâs and passengerâs side tread belt failed. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was a bubble on each tire. The vehicle was taken to a tire shop where it was determined that the tires needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.
7/24/2023
BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 Report2% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was displayed upside down, sideways, and occasionally blank. Additionally, the pedestrian warning system was inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that front driver's side window failed to roll down or roll up while engaging the power door window switch. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
8/13/2024
SEAT BELTS
1 Report2% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The passenger seat belt is popping out from the wall of the car
9/3/2024
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
1 Report2% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Backup camera works when it wants to. Most times it's upside down, or staticky. Dealership says the only fix is to replace it, but we can't afford that. It's a safety hazard.
9/25/2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
1 Report2% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
In July of 2024 I had to brake to avoid striking a deer. My ABS and Traction Control light came on in the dash, and my cruise control stopped working. I took the vehicle to the dealership and they said the HCU and ABS Modules were bad, but the ABS Module was no longer made by Chrysler, and it wasn't available aftermarket. I contacted Stelantis and they said the ABS module was under "Engineering Review" and not available. I received an email in September indicating the part was now available and it was being shipped to my dealership. I never heard back from the dealership, and I called them back on December 17th. The parts manager said his computer indicated again that the part was unavailable and it had been discontinued on October 14th, 2024. He sent me a screenshot of the order screen showing the part was discontinued which I've attached below. I recontacted Stelantis on December 23rd and they started another case (Case #[XXX]) and a case manager would call me back within one working day. I called Stelantis back on January 3rd and spoke with "Edward" who said my case was never assigned and he was going to "expedite" the case (as every other person I had spoken to previously said) and that a case manager would contact me within one working day. As of now, I have not heard back. My ABS brakes and Traction Control (Federally mandated safety equipment since 1998) are inoperable and according to Stelantis, the ABS module is no longer made and there are no aftermarket replacements. My Cruise Control does not work either and I don't know if any of the other safety features are affected. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
1/4/2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 Report2% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
back up video camera upside down. first it was a camera with a line through it; now it is upside down.
3/20/2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 Report2% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 50 MPH, the check engine, Service Park Assist, and the TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The contactâs wife immediately pulled over to the side of the road to restart the vehicle; however, while attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brake pedal locked up, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brakes and ABS Module kit needed to be replaced; however, the part was no longer manufactured. The dealer informed the contact the vehicle could not be fully repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 34,294.
4/16/2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
1 Report2% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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 because can see backing up
4/24/2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 Report2% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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 contactâs 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.
12/8/2025
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2020 Dodge Journey?
Are complaints about the 2020 Dodge Journey a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2020 Dodge Journey?
Are complaints about the 2020 Dodge Journey severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Dodge Journey: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 64
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
We may earn a commission via links on this page.