2020 Dodge Journey problems
The Dodge Journey is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' Dodge brand for model years 2009 to 2020 over a single generation, with a facelift for the 2011 model year. The Journey was styled by Ryan Nagode, and was marketed globally in both left- and right-hand drive, including as the Fiat Freemont.
Internally identified as the JC49, the Journey shares FCA's global D-segment platform with the Dodge Avenger and a nearly identical wheelbase to the outgoing short-wheelbase (SWB) Dodge Caravan.
Having debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Journey subsequently appeared at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. All models were manufactured in Mexico at FCA's Toluca Assembly facility, with just over 1.1 million manufactured before production ended in 2020.
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Common 2020 Dodge Journey problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Dodge Journey 2020, several common problems have been reported:
- Overheating Engine: Owners have experienced issues with the engine overheating, which can lead to various complications and potential safety hazards. This problem can arise due to coolant flow problems caused by debris blocking the primary thermostat housing's cylinder head coolant port. Initially, the car's temperature light may turn on, but if left unaddressed, it can escalate, causing power loss, coolant leaks, and potential engine damage.
- Head Gasket Problems: Head gasket issues have been reported by Dodge Journey 2020 owners. A malfunctioning head gasket can lead to significant engine problems, affecting the car's performance and reliability. It's crucial to address head gasket problems promptly to prevent further damage to the engine and ensure the vehicle's safe operation.
- Transmission Issues: Transmission problems have been a concern for owners of the Dodge Journey 2020. Issues with the transmission can result in difficulties shifting gears, unusual noises, or even complete transmission failure. Timely diagnosis and repair of transmission issues are essential to maintain the vehicle's drivability and safety.
- Worn Out Brakes: Complaints about worn-out brakes have been raised by owners of the Dodge Journey 2020. Premature brake and rotor wear, noisy brakes, or calipers that lock up can compromise the vehicle's braking performance, posing a significant safety risk. Regular inspection and maintenance of the braking system are crucial to ensure optimal safety on the road.
- Electrical Problems: Electrical issues have been a common complaint among Dodge Journey 2020 owners. Problems with the electrical system can manifest in various ways, such as malfunctioning lights, issues with the infotainment system, or electrical failures affecting critical components. Prompt diagnosis and repair of electrical problems are necessary to prevent potential safety hazards and ensure the vehicle's proper functioning.
- Interior Water Leaks: Owners have reported interior water leaks in the Dodge Journey 2020. Water leaks can lead to dampness inside the cabin, causing discomfort, potential mold growth, and damage to the vehicle's interior components. Identifying and addressing the source of water leaks is essential to maintain the vehicle's interior integrity and passenger comfort.
- Remote Keyless Entry System: Malfunctions in the remote keyless entry system have been a concern for Dodge Journey 2020 owners. Issues with the keyless entry system can result in difficulties locking or unlocking the vehicle, key detection problems, or starting issues. Addressing these keyless entry system problems promptly is crucial for convenience and security.
These common problems reported by owners of the Dodge Journey 2020 highlight the importance of regular maintenance, prompt repairs, and thorough inspections to ensure the vehicle's performance, reliability, and safety on the road.
What are the problems with the 2020 Dodge Journey?
Common problems found on the 2020 Dodge Journey include excessive brake wear, noise from the wheel hubs, along with some stereo system issues. Overall, these problems are similar to other SUVs from the same year, leading to average repair costs as the Journey ages.
What is the most common problem with Dodge Journeys?
While the Dodge Journey may be reliable, some model years can run into issues like interior water leaks, a malfunctioning remote keyless entry system, an overheating engine, head gasket damage, and premature wear on brakes.
Are there any recalls on a 2020 Dodge Journey?
NHTSA safety recall results (0)
There are currently no recorded recalls for this car. If you believe your car has a safety defect, but hasn't been recalled, please check up with your local dealer or service center.
Do Dodge Journeys have transmission issues?
Dodge has announced that 26299 vehicles have been affected by a Transmission recall.
What is the most common problem with Dodge Journeys?
While the Dodge Journey may be reliable, some model years can run into issues like interior water leaks, a malfunctioning remote keyless entry system, an overheating engine, head gasket damage, and premature wear on brakes.
What are the mechanical issues with the 2020 Dodge Journey?
Common problems found on the 2020 Dodge Journey include excessive brake wear, noise from the wheel hubs, along with some stereo system issues. Overall, these problems are similar to other SUVs from the same year, leading to average repair costs as the Journey ages.
Do Dodge Journeys have transmission issues?
Dodge has announced that 26299 vehicles have been affected by a Transmission recall.
Is there a recall for the 2020 Dodge Journey?
2020 Dodge Journey Recalls
There have been no safety recalls issued from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
2020 Dodge Journey car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Journey problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
- Steering problems
- Back over prevention problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Dodge Journey vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2020 Dodge Journey complaints
The NHTSA has received 21 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Dodge Journey.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-15
- VIN: 3C4PDCGB6LT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: 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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-09
- VIN: 3C4PDCAB2LT
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: 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
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-31
- VIN: 3C4PDCAB5LT
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: The passenger seat belt is popping out from the wall of the car
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-13
- VIN: 3C4PDCAB7LT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-01
- VIN: 3C4PDCAB9LT
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-14
- VIN: 3C4PDCAB0LT
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-02
- VIN: 3C4PDCGB6LT
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: Backup camera blurry, or no image, or upside down.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-19
- VIN: 3C4PDCAB5LT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-21
- VIN: 3C4PDCGB9LT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Rear back up camera upside down sometimes flashes in and out or just black at times.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-09
- VIN: 3C4PDCGB1LT
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-25
- VIN: 3C4PDCABXLT
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I have brought the car to the dealership three times. It stalls and hesitates when accelerating. The dealership cannot recreate the issue because it only happens after you've been driving all day running errands and they don't have anyone that can duplicate the problem. It has stalled on me several times in traffic are leaving fast food. Restaurants with my grandchildren installed across three lanes of traffic and when backing out of the driveway it stalled on the highway. The dealership explained to me that this particular motor consumes oil and goes into a protection mode. There are no check engine lights. Are any warning lights that ever come on in the vehicle. I only have 33,000 mi . I was explained to me that I need to start checking my oil about every thousand miles but that is just a manufacturer's defect in the motor and it just consumes oil. That was told to me by Benjamin ,My service advisor at Ralph Sellers Dodge Chrysler Jeep I'm now scared to drive my vehicle.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-27
- VIN: 3C4PDCAB3LT
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Backup camera goes out while you are going in reverse. Goes in and out and doesn’t work.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-14
- VIN: 3C4PDCAB3LT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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?
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-13
- VIN: 3C4PDCAB9LT
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-01
- VIN: 3C4PDCGB0LT
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-01
- VIN: 3C4PDCGB5LT
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-28
- VIN: 3C4PDCAB3LT
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-25
- VIN: 3C4PDCGB2LT
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-03
- VIN: 3C4PDCGB8LT
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-01
- VIN: 3C4PDCAB8LT
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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.
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-09
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3C4PDCAB9LT
- Components: AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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
Negative 2020 Dodge Journey car reviews
Positive 2020 Dodge Journey car reviews
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It's true that Dodge hasn't updated the Journey since 2011 and it doesn't have some of the advanced electronics that its competitors do. However, if you're looking for an SUV at a great price, the Dodge Journey is the perfect choice. I've been driving it for a while now and I find it very comfortable and it handles the road well. I highly recommend getting the optional V6 engine, as the 4Cyl. version is underpowered for this size of vehicle. Overall, I think the Dodge Journey is a great option, especially with the phenomenal deals that dealers are offering right now.
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I love the way the car handles. I'm not very tall and the car fits me perfectly. It's just what I need.
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In 2016, I purchased a used 2013 SE that had been driven long and hard beforehand. Despite this, it proved to be very reliable. The following year, I bought a new SE and was very pleased with it. However, due to my wife's arm operation, we needed a power driver's seat. As a result, we recently upgraded to a new 2019 Crossroad and we are once again very pleased. The low price, smooth ride, reliability, relative comfort, noise reduction, UConnect for the phone, rearview camera, Sirius XM and spaciousness all perfectly fit our needs.
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I've been buying cars for 35 years and I must say that the Journey is a very well-built SUV. As a mechanic, I can attest to its excellent handling, which is even better than that of Honda or Toyota SUVs. I've owned both a Honda CRV and a Toyota RAV4, and they were both noisy and had poor ride quality. However, the Journey is very quiet and handles excellently. It's unfortunate that some people are giving it poor reviews, but I encourage you to drive one yourself and see what I'm talking about. Let's not let social media reviews from companies like Edmonds discourage us from experiencing great cars like the Journey.
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Let me start by saying that while Dodge may have some catching up to do compared to other companies, I have found some positives in my experience with their vehicles. I initially considered a Durango, but as a shorter person, I was disappointed to find that power seats were not included in the 2019 model. However, I was pleased to discover the V6 GT model of the Journey, which includes built-in booster seats and a very accurate backup camera. While the horsepower may not be as high as some other SUVs, I have found that it warms up quickly in the winter and handles well in the snow. Although the third row is a bit cramped for small children and the trunk space is limited, the floor storage is a nice touch. While there are some faults with the vehicle, overall I have had a positive experience and would consider purchasing from Dodge again if they were to update their software and accessories.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2020 Dodge Journey problems:
2020 Dodge Journey Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Oct 19, 2023 ... The 2020 Dodge Journey lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average brake wear and wheel hub issues reported. At $17,700 to $26,998, it's a ...
Okay. Humor me. The Dodge Journey. What's so wrong with it? : r ...
Jan 27, 2022 ... ... problem. I don't recommend this car to ... 2020+. models exclusively). My area has a ... My dodge journey keeps having a check engine light.
2020 Dodge Journey Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2020 Dodge Journey? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
2020 Dodge Journey Reliability - Consumer Reports
Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 ...
Dodge Journey Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
Top Dodge Journey Problems · The Remote Keyless Entry System May Not Work intermittently · Dampness Inside the Vehicle Due to a Water Leak · The Engine may ...
Other years of Dodge Journey
Are you having problems with your 2020 Dodge Journey?
Stevie Eichmann 2025-01-11
I am extremely dissatisfied with my 2018 Journey. Despite purchasing it brand new, it has been in the shop four times within the first four months due to a persistent noise in the front end. Although the shocks and two other components were replaced, the issue still persists over a year later. Additionally, I have recently experienced electrical problems, such as the radio turning the volume up to 40 while driving and the back fan for the air/heat turning up on its own. As a customer, I am thoroughly disappointed.
Reuben Fahey 2024-11-14
Although it was a nice car when it was brand new off the assembly line, now that I have hit 62 thousand miles and the warranty is up, everything seems to be going wrong. However, I am confident in my ability to handle any issues that may arise.
Manuel Collier 2024-11-08
I bought a brand new 2018 Dodge Journey in December of the same year. It had only 3 miles on it when I purchased it and I made sure to do all the scheduled maintenance and oil changes on time. The interior and body are still in excellent shape, but unfortunately, the engine has given out. Although my warranty has expired, I was quoted a price of around $4,700 for a used engine and an additional $2,000 for installation, which will bring me close to what I owe on the vehicle. I must say, I was disappointed to find out that Dodge had put a 4 cylinder engine in a 7 passenger SUV, which I always felt was too small for the car. Despite this setback, I remain hopeful that I can get my vehicle back on the road soon. While this has been a frustrating experience, I still appreciate Dodge as a brand and will continue to consider their vehicles in the future.
Richard Runolfsson 2024-11-08
I strongly advise against using or refinancing with Chrysler Capital. Despite having my brand new car for only three months and driving it for just four miles after leaving the dealership, I experienced issues with it less than two months later. Unfortunately, my car was flooded on September 22, 2019, and while my insurance covered most of the damage, GAP refused to pay for the rest of the car.
Emanuel Hayes 2024-09-03
Shopping with kids can be a bit of a challenge, especially when it comes to finding space for everything. Additionally, the third row seating may not offer as much leg room as you would like.