Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Durango vs FORD F 150
How the Dodge Durango and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Dodge Durango vs FORD F 150: The Durango averages 97 complaints per year with 30 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The F-150 also has 330 crash-related reports versus 38 for the Durango. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Durango or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango is a three-row SUV that averages about 97 complaints per year over the past decade, with 30 recalls and 38 crash-related reports. Owners frequently describe electrical gremlins, lighting problems, and transmission quirks, including a shifter defect that can shift into Neutral while accelerating. While the overall complaint volume is lower than the F-150, the pattern suggests a vehicle that may need more frequent dealer visits for electronic and powertrain issues.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that generates roughly 1,162 complaints per year, with 151 recalls and 330 crash-related reports. Power train and electrical system complaints dominate, with owners reporting transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and rear window defroster shorts that can shatter glass. The high volume of complaints and recalls indicates a truck that, while popular, has a long history of recurring safety and reliability problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Durango | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 973 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 38 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 97.3 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 37 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Dodge Durango
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING333
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM266
- 03ENGINE128
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER116
- 05POWER TRAIN86
Owners report that the transmission can shift into Neutral while driving and pressing the accelerator, which is filed under exterior lighting in some complaints. This defect can cause a sudden loss of power and is a serious safety concern.
Complaints include Uconnect infotainment failures that block access to critical functions, and new vehicles that won't start with only 800 miles, leaving owners stranded. These electrical issues often require multiple dealership visits.
Some owners report that the air conditioning completely stops working at very low mileage, such as 340 miles, leading to repeated repairs and long periods out of service. Others note exhaust pipe defects noticed while parked.
Buyers have discovered missing spare tires or tire inflation kits after purchase, and some report unresolved front-end noises that dealerships cannot diagnose. These issues add frustration and potential safety risks.
“2024 Dodge Durango (SXT Plus, GT Plus, RT trims) Update to my prior complaint regarding a dangerous shifter defect. Defect Description: While driving and pressing the accelerator (no brake, no shifter button pressed), the transmission shifts into Neutral with…”
“I am submitting this complaint regarding recurring safety-related defects on my 2023 Dodge Durango RT. 1.Uconnect Failure: The Uconnect infotainment/communication box has repeatedly failed, causing loss of access to critical vehicle functions. These failures…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners describe a 'lead frame' issue that has persisted for over a decade, causing sudden transmission failures and near collisions. Others report the truck going into limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, and failing to shift properly.
The same lead frame problem can cause electrical symptoms, and some owners report output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode on the highway. These faults often require software updates or part replacements.
A rear window defroster short can cause the back window to explode outward, shattering glass without impact. This is a severe safety hazard that owners have linked to a known defect.
While not detailed in the sample complaints, exterior lighting is a top component with 1,224 complaints, suggesting frequent bulb or housing failures that can affect visibility and safety.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Dodge Durango — 30 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Dodge Durango Pursuit vehicles equipped with an instrument panel mounted shifter. The shifter may experience an interference with the shifter boot and come out of gear while driving, which can result in a sudden loss of drive power.
The risk: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the instrument panel mounted shifter boot, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recal…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Dodge Durango vehicles. The rear spoiler may not be aligned properly with the roof, possibly resulting in damage to the spoiler during liftgate use.
The risk: A damaged rear spoiler may detach and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace or repair the spoiler and align the liftgate as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 10, 2026. A second notice will be sent onc…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio d…
The risk: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall bega…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Durango vehicles. The Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) fastener may be loose or missing.
The risk: A loose or missing fastener may cause the side curtain air bag to deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will tighten or replace the fastener, free of charge. Owner notification letters were sent on May 7, 2021. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Y16.
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Dodge Durango or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Dodge Durango has far fewer complaints per year (about 97) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162), and fewer recalls (30 vs. 151). In practice, this means Durango owners may encounter fewer overall issues, but the F-150's much higher volume reflects its popularity and a broader range of reported problems, including severe transmission and electrical faults.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over 11,000 complaints in 10 years, while the Dodge Durango has under 1,000, indicating a much higher rate of owner-reported issues for the F-150.
- F-150 owners frequently report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures that can cause sudden power loss, whereas Durango owners more often report electrical and lighting problems like Uconnect failures and shifter defects.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 30 for the Durango, including air bag and seat belt pretensioner recalls, suggesting broader safety-related campaigns.
- Durango complaints include missing spare tires and unresolved front-end noises, while F-150 complaints include a rear window defroster short that can shatter glass.
- Check for transmission shifter operation: ensure it does not shift into Neutral unexpectedly while accelerating, as reported in complaints.
- Test all electrical functions, especially Uconnect infotainment and starting system, and verify the presence of a spare tire or inflation kit.
- Scan for transmission trouble codes and test drive for limp mode or stuck gears, especially in 2017 models with the 6-speed automatic.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for signs of shorting and check if the back window has ever shattered or been replaced.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models using the NHTSA VIN lookup.
- For the Durango, test the infotainment system, air conditioning, and starting function, and listen for front-end noises.
- For the F-150, have a mechanic scan for transmission codes and test drive at highway speeds to check for limp mode.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any transmission or electrical repairs, and confirm the spare tire or inflation kit is included.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic familiar with the specific model's common issues.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Dodge Durango | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 13 | 35 |
| 2025 | 8 | 345 |
| 2024 | 14 | 638 |
| 2023 | 37 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 58 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 202 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 55 | 44 |
| 2019 | 142 | 52 |
| 2018 | 232 | 79 |
| 2017 | 212 | 59 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Dodge Durango or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Durango vs FORD F 150
- Dodge Durango total complaints
- 973
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Dodge Durango total recalls
- 30
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Dodge Durango avg complaints/year
- 97.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Durango
- Dodge Durango top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN