Home · 2020 Dodge Journey · Complaints

What 61 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Dodge Journey

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (61)Crash / fire / injury (2)Electrical system (17)Backup camera & sensors (12)Engine (8)Lights (5)Brakes (4)Steering (3)Transmission & drivetrain (3)Visibility & wipers (3)Airbags (2)Seat belts (2)

Newest first · 61 complaints · page 1 of 3

Jun 26, 2026Backup camera & sensors

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 ODI 11746706

May 21, 2026Backup camera & sensors

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 ODI 11739227

May 20, 2026Backup camera & sensors

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 ODI 11738952

Apr 30, 2026Backup camera & sensors

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 ODI 11734877

Apr 14, 2026Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

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 ODI 11731256

Apr 2, 2026Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

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 ODI 11728722

Apr 1, 2026Electrical systemLights

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 ODI 11728675

Mar 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 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 ODI 11726680

Mar 10, 2026Backup camera & sensors

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 ODI 11723249

Mar 9, 2026Backup camera & sensors

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 ODI 11722942

Mar 5, 2026Backup camera & sensors

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 ODI 11722203

Mar 2, 2026Electrical 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 ODI 11721534

Feb 24, 2026Electrical 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 ODI 11720072

Feb 16, 2026Electrical 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 ODI 11718274

Jan 29, 2026Engine

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 ODI 11714270

Jan 23, 2026Electrical systemFire

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 ODI 11712872

Dec 9, 2025Transmission & drivetrainEngine

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 in the truck, me and my daughter and grandchildren could have gotten hurt in that truck if another car had hit us in that road, the truck just cut of No warning lights or nothing, this problem needs to be fixed.

NHTSA ODI 11704116

Dec 8, 2025Engine & cooling

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.

NHTSA ODI 11703771

Nov 24, 2025Engine

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, which caused the engine to overheat. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 57,800.

NHTSA ODI 11701199

Oct 23, 2025Electrical systemSpeed controlBackup camera & sensors

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.

NHTSA ODI 11695343

Oct 20, 2025

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

NHTSA ODI 11694470

Sep 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 using my vehicle. The car is part of my car-sharing operation and was delisted from the Turo platform because of the open safety recall on the rearview camera. I am requesting that FCA/Stellantis provide an immediate remedy or allow an inspection to confirm that my rearview camera is functioning properly, so that I can safely return the vehicle to service.

NHTSA ODI 11688070

Sep 11, 2025Lights

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

NHTSA ODI 11686502

Aug 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.

NHTSA ODI 11684138

Aug 3, 2025Transmission & drivetrainBrakes

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)

NHTSA ODI 11678044

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Working with the data? Download all 61 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 19, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2020 Dodge Journey verdict →