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P0420 on DODGE JOURNEY

Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1

NHTSA Reports
5
Severity
Medium
Most Affected
2017, 2009, 2014
Crashes / Fires
0 / 0
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database · SAE J2012

What P0420 Means on Your DODGE JOURNEY

P0420 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1. This code relates to the emission controls system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

5 DODGE JOURNEY owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2009-2017. Most reports come from the 2017, 2009 model years.

Real DODGE JOURNEY Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"I have power door locks not working except manually or driver door by key. Key fob and door module for locks will not function. I cannot open the hatch due to power lock function."

— 2009 DODGE JOURNEY owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ENGINE · Filed 12/22/2021

"The radio will randomly turn stations and just completely go black. the a/c turns itself on and off. the airbag lights keep randomly coming up and then go away.this all happens rather i'm driving fast, slow, or stopped at a light and has happened since purchasing the car a year ago."

— 2014 DODGE JOURNEY owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE · Filed 12/15/2019

"At the end of jan/beginning of feb i contacted dodge cares with catalytic converter issue and my car was just at warranty of the that 30 miles from warranty and wanted them to give an extension because as soon as the light came on i could not get to the dealership."

— 2016 DODGE JOURNEY owner · ENGINE · Filed 01/23/2019

"My check light came on and when I check the code which was a p0420, Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1). Emissions Recall U67: Catalytic Converter Efficiency. This was part of the recall. Therefore it doesn’t meet the CA emissions standard."

— 2017 DODGE JOURNEY owner · UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE · Filed 04/07/2025

"The ETC warning light came on, then the car slowed down then stalled out and would not crank back up. Upon running a diagnostic, the following error codes displayed; P0420, P0340, P0197, P0117, P1D83, P2181(several codes showing up more than once showing permanent, pending)."

— 2017 DODGE JOURNEY owner · STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 12/06/2022

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1
'09
1
'14
1
'16
2
'17

Common Causes on DODGE JOURNEY

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ENGINE 20%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 20%
ENGINE 20%
UNKNOWN or OTHER,ENGINE 20%
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 20%

What To Do Next

  1. 1
    Check for recalls on YOUR VIN

    Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.

  2. 2
    Get a proper diagnosis

    A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.

  3. 3
    Compare repair quotes

    Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0420 mean on a DODGE JOURNEY? â–¾
P0420 indicates: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1. This is a emission controls code. 5 DODGE JOURNEY owners have reported this to NHTSA.
What are the most common causes of P0420 on DODGE JOURNEY? â–¾
Based on 5 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Electrical System,Air Bags,Engine, Electrical System,Engine, Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.
Is P0420 serious on my DODGE JOURNEY? â–¾
Of 5 NHTSA reports for this code on DODGE JOURNEY, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.
What should I do if my DODGE JOURNEY shows P0420? â–¾
1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.

P0420 on Other Vehicles