MODEL
Dodge Journey
NHTSA safety across every Dodge Journey model year we cover.
Across the 2 model years of the Dodge Journey we cover (2019 to 2020), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2020 at 80 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 78. 2 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Dodge Journey is a three-row midsize SUV that has been aimed at budget-conscious families seeking passenger capacity without a minivan price tag. Sold in its final production years as a 2019 and 2020 model, the Journey occupies the affordable end of the family hauler segment. Its appeal has always centered on practicality and value, making the safety picture especially important for shoppers prioritizing their passengers.
The Dodge Journey closes out its run with a mixed but serviceable safety record by NHTSA measures. The 2020 model year earns the best Safety Index score in our covered window, reaching 80 out of 100, which lands in the Strong band. That is a meaningful data point for a vehicle that was architecturally aging by its final years on the market. Crash-test results tell a nuanced story. The best-year frontal rating sits at 4 out of 5 stars, which is solid but not class-leading. The side-impact result is the standout, earning a full 5 out of 5 stars, suggesting the Journey holds up well in lateral collisions. Rollover protection comes in at 4 out of 5 stars, reasonable for a taller SUV body style. Across the 2019 to 2020 model years, NHTSA records show 2 recalls, a relatively low count that reflects limited production changes late in the model's life. Owner complaints number 153 across both years, with 7 alleged crashes, 4 reported injuries, and 1 fire among the filings. These are unverified allegations and should be weighed as a signal, not a verdict. The honest bottom line is that the Journey is a passable safety performer for its price point, with strong side protection and a respectable 2020 index score, but shoppers should not expect the refinement of newer, purpose-built competitors.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally acknowledge that the Dodge Journey delivers entry-level family utility at an accessible price, but they consistently note that the platform was long in the tooth by its final years. Most professional assessments position it as a pragmatic choice for buyers on a tight budget rather than a benchmark in its segment, with driving dynamics and interior quality often drawing measured criticism alongside its affordability.
- The 2020 model year earns the highest Safety Index score in our covered window at 80 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band, so if you are choosing between final model years, the 2020 has a measurable edge in our data.
- Side-impact crash protection is the Journey's strongest result, earning 5 out of 5 stars in the best test year, which is meaningful for a family SUV where rear-seat passengers including children are often positioned near door panels.
- Only 2 recalls are on record across the 2019 to 2020 coverage period, a low figure, but shoppers should verify any open recall status through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool before purchase since recall completion rates vary widely on older inventory.
- 153 owner complaints have been filed across both covered years, including 7 alleged crash incidents and 4 reported injuries. These are unverified allegations, but the volume is worth monitoring, and reviewing complaint categories on NHTSA's site can help identify any patterns relevant to your intended use.
Most-recalled year on record: 2020 Dodge Journey with 1 recalls.