NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Dodge Journey Safety Ratings
The 2020 Dodge Journey scores 80 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 61 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Dodge Journey's backup camera system is subject to an active recall, a critical item for used-market shoppers to address. This model year achieved an 80/100 score on the NHTSA Safety Index, positioning it within the Strong band. This represents a two-point improvement over the 2019 model.
The 2020 Dodge Journey earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 80/100 and a 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Dodge Journey ranks 72 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 80 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 18.5% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 61 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 72 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Dodge Journey?
The 2020 Dodge Journey represents a notable step forward in its safety profile relative to the prior model year. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed from 78/100 (Average band) in 2019 to 80/100 (Strong band) in 2020, a two-point gain that pushed the vehicle across a meaningful threshold. The crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of a possible 70 points is the primary driver of that index, anchored by a 5-star side-crash result that stands as the strongest individual rating this vehicle earned from NHTSA. The avoidance-technology sub-score of 2/10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning, with only electronic stability control standard, a configuration that limits the vehicle's ability to prevent crashes rather than survive them. The defect record sub-score of 17.25/20 is solid but not clean: one recall campaign tied to potential microprocessor cracking in the backup camera system was issued, directly affecting the back-over prevention technology that also surfaces as the third most reported complaint component. That overlap between the recall subject and the complaint pattern is a specific signal for 2020 model year shoppers.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Dodge Journey perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Dodge Journey received an overall 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, with a perfect 5 star rating in the side-crash test. Frontal and rollover protection each earned 4 stars. The rollover risk was measured at 19 percent, and the dynamic tip test indicated no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14241
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Dodge Journey have any recalls?
One recall campaign is on record for the 2020 Dodge Journey. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Dodge Journey vehicles because cracks in the backup camera microprocessor may compromise the back-over prevention sensing system. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available data, but buyers should confirm remedy completion by VIN.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA25V552000
Risk: A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed beginning September 30, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated July 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 59C.
Reported 2025-08-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Dodge Journey?
Sixty-one unverified owner allegations have been reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Dodge Journey. The most frequently cited components in these unverified reports are Unknown Or Other (19 reports), Electrical System (17), Back Over Prevention (12), and Engine (8). One crash, one fire, and one injury are alleged among those reports.
61 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Dodge Journey?
For the 2020 Dodge Journey, a critical recall regarding the backup camera system warrants immediate attention from any prospective owner. Verifying the completion of this remedy is the most crucial safety measure. The specific defect involves the rearview camera image that may not display, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The 2020 Dodge Journey crossed from the Average band into the Strong band on the NHTSA Safety Index, rising two points to 80/100 versus the 2019 model year score of 78/100.
- A Chrysler recall campaign specifically covering 2019-2020 Dodge Journey vehicles targets potential microprocessor cracking in the backup camera system, which can impair back-over prevention sensing.
- The side-crash star rating of 5 out of 5 is the highest individual NHTSA score this model year achieved, while the avoidance-technology sub-score of 2/10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning.
- Sixty-one unverified complaints on record include alleged issues with the Electrical System (17 reports) and Back Over Prevention (12 reports), the latter category directly overlapping with the active recall subject.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Dodge Journey places
The 2020 Dodge Journey qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Dodge Journey safety questions
Was the 2020 Dodge Journey crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Dodge Journey, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Dodge Journey crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Dodge Journey earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 18.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Dodge Journey have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Dodge Journey. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Dodge Journey?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 61 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Dodge Journey. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Journey years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14241), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Dodge Journey 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 72 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.