2020 Dodge Journey: Recalls, Complaints & California Lemon Law

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 #11726680

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 #11670998

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 #11670694

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 #11712872

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 #11720072

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 #11584225

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 #11722942

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 #11723249

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 #11739227

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 #11714270

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 #11701199

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 #11652276

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 #11686502

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?

NHTSA #11540595

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 #11670433

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 #11731256

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 #11728722

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 #11656667

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 #11608247

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 #11571253

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.

NHTSA #11525161

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.

NHTSA #11534132

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

NHTSA #11429471

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 #11721534

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 #11728675

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 #11703771

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 #11704116

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 #11734877

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 #11678044

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 #11655091

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 #11628123

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

NHTSA #11612286

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 #11634099

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

NHTSA #11589361

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 #11664096

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 #11616398

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

NHTSA #11649536

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

NHTSA #11466456

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 #11695343

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

Allegedly reported: 1 injury (as reported to NHTSA). NHTSA #11395877

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.

NHTSA #11396817

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 #11627980