YearToAvoid

2020 Dodge Journey Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Best

Complaint Index

0/100

#11 most-complained of 11 Journey years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2020 Dodge Journey ranks 11th of 11 model years and is rated 'Best' among Journey years, with a Complaint Index of 0 and 65 complaints logged. It has 1 recall, 1 crash, and 1 fire reported to NHTSA.

Complaints
65
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
1 / 1
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
21
19 city / 25 hwy

Top 2020 Dodge Journey problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System22 (34%)
  2. Other19 (29%)
  3. Collision Avoidance & Cameras15 (23%)
  4. Engine11 (17%)
  5. Brakes4 (6%)
  6. Steering3 (5%)
  7. Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (5%)
  8. Transmission & Powertrain3 (5%)
  9. Visibility & Wipers3 (5%)
  10. Airbags2 (3%)

What owners report

  • Owners report the rearview backup camera image flipping upside down, flashing, or going black intermittently.
  • Some drivers describe a fire originating near the front driver's side after an abnormal noise and an Electronic Throttle Control warning light came on while driving slowly.
  • Steering complaints include front-end bouncing, vibrating, and a loud squealing from the steering rack at various speeds.
  • Power steering has reportedly failed entirely after moderate mileage, with parts on backorder and no fix available.
  • Tire tread belt separation and bubbling have been reported on rear tires, in one case affecting both rear tires at once.
  • Headlights have reportedly developed internal moisture, requiring repair and later recurring on the opposite side.
2020 Dodge Journey complaints: complaints filed per month8Feb 2021Jul 2023Mar 2024Sep 2024Apr 2025Sep 2025Feb 2026Aug 2026
88 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2021 to Sep 2026; peak Apr 2026 (8).

2020 Dodge Journey recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 25V552000Aug 26, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras219,577 vehicles

    Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster and 2019-2020 Dodge Journey vehicles. Cracks in the microprocessor may cause the vehicle's rearview camera image not to display properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility.

    Risk: 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, anticipated July 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 59C.

2020 Dodge Journey fuel economy and fuel cost

City
19 MPG
Highway
25 MPG
Combined
21 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,100
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2020 compared with other Journey years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020102011201220132014201520162017201820192020
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2018Good40234620
2019Best10100120
2020Best065121

All Dodge Journey years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Dodge Journey reliable?
Among the 11 Journey model years with data, 2020 ranks 11th worst (meaning best) with a Complaint Index of 0 and a 'Best' verdict, based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
What problems does the 2020 Dodge Journey have?
NHTSA lists 65 complaints for the 2020 Journey, led by the Electrical System (34% of complaints, 22 total) and Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues (23%, 15 complaints), with a median failure mileage of 41,500 for camera-related complaints.
Does the 2020 Dodge Journey have a recall?
Yes, NHTSA recall campaign 25V552000 covers a rearview camera defect where microprocessor cracks can cause the image not to display properly. It is not a do-not-drive recall; dealers replace the camera free of charge.
How does the 2020 Journey compare to other years?
The 2020 Journey has the lowest Complaint Index (0) of all 11 tracked model years, compared to a high of 100 for the 2010 model year, making 2020 the best year based on NHTSA data.
What is the top problem area for the 2020 Dodge Journey?
The Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 34% of complaints (22 of 65), with one reported fire.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.