The Lemon Index2020 Dodge Journey.
The 2020 Dodge Journey is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 11 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 22, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about steering, it has 1 recall, and it gets 21 mpg combined. It's the best Dodge Journey year we track.
One of the most reliable. 4.5× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2009
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 66 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Dodge Journey year. 2020 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 30K to 77K miles on the car (13 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 1
- back over prevention 2025
Cracks in the microprocessor may cause the vehicle's rearview camera image not to display properly.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Dodge told dealers about
Dodge sent dealers 116 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Hands On Steering Wheel Message In EVIC
- WiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
- VALVE BODY KIT, Transmission (40TES) For a 40TES Transmission (2.4L Engine) concern of 1-2…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenVehicle entrapment2024
- ClosedBack up camera failure2024–2025
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge Journey SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2020 Dodge Journey reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 4.5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 22; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2020 Dodge Journey problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are steering (18%), tires (18%) and airbags (9%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Dodge Journey have?
1 safety recall (latest: back over prevention). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Dodge Journey get?
21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 Dodge Journey safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2020 Dodge Journey have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2020 Dodge Journey cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Dodge Journey have?
2.4L 4-cyl.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works