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 2 of 3

Jul 3, 2025

The rearview camera goes out at times. It just has a black screen. Other times the camera view is upside down or there are lines through the camera image. Other times it works just fine. There are intermittent issues with the camera throughout the day. This seems to have been the same issue as the 2018 rearview camera recall. This puts people at danger by not being able to see what is behind the vehicle. With the rear window being as high as it is, not being able to fully see what's behind you can cause an accident. There are no warnings or lights that appear to let you know there is an issue. Once you place the vehicle in reverse, you have to wait and see if the camera will work.

NHTSA ODI 11670998

Jul 2, 2025

The back-up camera will not work sometimes. The screen will display a camera with a line through it, or it will be black or upside down. It has happened in the middle of backing up, or it happens when the car is started and put in reverse. Sometimes it comes up, sometimes it happens for days at a time.

NHTSA ODI 11670694

Jul 1, 2025Lights

My 2020 Dodge Journey has a persistent issue with the passenger-side headlight. Despite multiple bulb replacements, the problem continues, leading to failure of vehicle inspections. Three independent mechanics have examined the vehicle, consistently identifying the problem as originating within the headlight socket or wiring harness, yet no warning light indicates a malfunction. This recurring failure appears to be a known issue affecting other Dodge Journey models, specifically impacting the passenger-side headlight. While I have experienced no other electrical problems since purchasing the vehicle, Dodge is requesting a $200 diagnostic fee to confirm a suspected wiring harness fault. I respectfully request a resolution to this recurring problem, given its apparent prevalence within the Dodge Journey model range and the lack of any contributing factors on my part.

NHTSA ODI 11670433

Jun 18, 2025Electrical system

I purchased my 2020 Dodge Journey brand new. About 2 years ago the back up camera view flipped upside down. I took it to the dealership where I was told it wasn’t covered on a warranty and it would be close to $800 to replace. They said it has to be replaced and cannot just be fixed. After doing a lot of research online about this it seems like a very, very common problem. This should absolutely be a recall.

NHTSA ODI 11667858

Jun 16, 2025

The back up camera is not working properly. It goes in and out. Sometimes it gets completely stuck on blocking visibility.

NHTSA ODI 11667302

May 31, 2025Electrical systemEngineBackup camera & sensors

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.

NHTSA ODI 11664096

May 18, 2025

Back-up camera began exhibiting issues, eg flashing screen, upside picture, white screen. It intermittently corrects but only for a brief time. Began three months ago, about March 2025, progressively getting worse. No warnings. Learned to rely on the camera for back-up safety to pedestrians, my car, others cars. Researched problem online and discussed with others having same issue even after dealership inspections and/or camera replacement to no avail/problem continued. My 2020 Dodge Journey was purchased new in January 2021 and only has 39,000 miles, is garaged daily, and is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ODI 11661702

Apr 24, 2025Electrical systemBackup camera & sensors

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

NHTSA ODI 11656667

Apr 16, 2025Brakes

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.

NHTSA ODI 11655091

Apr 2, 2025Engine

The thermostat and housing failed at 57,000 miles, less than 5 years of owning the vehicle. Not available for inspection as it is being replaced as I'm typing this. The problem was reproduced by the shop who is repairing the thermostat. There were no warnings or messages, the car started overheating severely one day and I brought it to the shop. This all started 3 days ago.

NHTSA ODI 11652276

Mar 20, 2025Visibility & wipers

back up video camera upside down. first it was a camera with a line through it; now it is upside down.

NHTSA ODI 11649536

Jan 4, 2025BrakesDriver assistance

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)

NHTSA ODI 11634099

Dec 18, 2024

My retentioner bolts broke off in my motor and nobody can explain why this happened. Belt wasn’t broken and the actual retioner wasn’t broken. I wasn’t going but about 25 to 30 mph because I was getting on a off ramp.

NHTSA ODI 11631354

Dec 1, 2024Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

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.

NHTSA ODI 11628123

Nov 29, 2024Electrical systemLightsSpeed control

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.

NHTSA ODI 11627980

Sep 25, 2024Electrical systemLane Departure

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.

NHTSA ODI 11616398

Sep 16, 2024Backup camera & sensors

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

NHTSA ODI 11614970

Sep 3, 2024AirbagsSeat belts

The passenger seat belt is popping out from the wall of the car

NHTSA ODI 11612286

Aug 13, 2024Electrical systemBackup camera & sensors

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.

NHTSA ODI 11608247

Jun 20, 2024

Backup camera is upside down. At first it would go in and out or be upside down and now it’s just upside down on the rear view mirror

NHTSA ODI 11595410

Jun 11, 2024

My rear back up camera most of the time does not work. Sometimes it will work then mid backing up it will go black or show the picture upside down or have green lines in it. I have had this vehicle since 11/2021 and the camera started doing this in 2022. I feel like it is a safety issuse as it is hard to see in the rear view mirrors when backing up.

NHTSA ODI 11593701

May 17, 2024Engine

Backup camera blurry, or no image, or upside down.

NHTSA ODI 11589361

Apr 20, 2024Electrical system

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.

NHTSA ODI 11584225

Mar 2, 2024Electrical system

Rear back up camera upside down sometimes flashes in and out or just black at times.

NHTSA ODI 11574999

Feb 10, 2024Steering

Driving down the road and when I try to make a right turn the car does not want to turn, it’s as if there’s no power steering. The fluid is not getting to the right side rack and pinion. The older models had a recall for this same issue and now my year model is having the same exact problem. It was not expected so it was difficult to turn into my own lane of traffic. Took it to a dodge dealer ship and they recommended replacing it but since it’s not covered under my certified preowned warranty it has to wait. No warnings no lights nothing but shock

NHTSA ODI 11571253

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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 →