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2020 Dodge Journey Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Ryan Davis
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

8.1/ 10

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.

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Complaint Summary

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.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2019 Journey complaints2018 Journey complaints2017 Journey complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 22 of 22 systems

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

15 Reports23% of total

Previewing 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 doesn’t work.

9/27/2023

13 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 Reports16% of total

Previewing 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

8 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

7 Reports11% of total

Previewing 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

5 more complaints are available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 Reports6% of total

Previewing 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 you’re 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

2 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

3 Reports5% of total

Previewing 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

1 more complaint is available in this category.

STEERING

3 Reports5% of total

Previewing 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 couldn’t 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 children’s 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

1 more complaint is available in this category.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

3 Reports5% of total

Previewing 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 I’ve 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 I’m 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 won’t replace it again because it has been replaced.

5/31/2025

1 more complaint is available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

3 Reports5% of total

Previewing 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

1 more complaint is available in this category.

AIR BAGS

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing 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 total

Previewing 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 you’re 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 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 replaced multiple times and won’t change it’s reading. The real cause is the small leak off fuel injection system tank. Also can’t get the hands free call system on the wheel to work properly.

10/23/2025

SUSPENSION

1 Report2% of total

Previewing 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 total

Previewing 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 total

Previewing 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 total

Previewing 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 driver’s and passenger’s 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 total

Previewing 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 total

Previewing 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 total

Previewing 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 total

Previewing 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 total

Previewing 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 total

Previewing 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 contact’s 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 total

Previewing 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 total

Previewing 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 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.

12/8/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2020 Dodge Journey?

The most reported complaint category for the 2020 Dodge Journey is UNKNOWN OR OTHER, with 15 owner reports. That is about 23% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE.

Are complaints about the 2020 Dodge Journey a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 28 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2020 Dodge Journey?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2020 Dodge Journey severe?

28 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Dodge Journey: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
64
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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