Dodge Durango Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Dodge Durango options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Dodge Durango has 955 owner complaints and 30 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 2018 drew the most complaints; 2025 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- Durango
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 955
- Safety recall campaigns
- 30
- Crash-related complaints
- 36
- Fire-related complaints
- 12
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2018 (229 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2025 (7 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Dodge Durango: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe DODGE DURANGO has 955 NHTSA complaints and 30 recalls on record. 36 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 955 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 30 federal recall campaigns
- 36 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
30 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:COLUMN SHIFT ASSEMBLY
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
STRUCTURE:BODY
AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 955 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
955 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
Taillight is retaining water and causing my taillights to go out. This is a very well known issue as the dealer was aware of this issue with a lot of Durangos. The dealer offered no repair as there’s not be a recall and the warranty on my Durango is up. My rear hatch/lift gate is also off and rubbing near the bottom causing the paint to be worn and now beginning to rust. There’s are definitely a quality issue with Dodge as there’s many other Durango’s affected by this.
Vehicle Headlight with built in DRL and Ambiant Turn signal with only 7779 miles on the dashboard, purchased brand new in 2023
I own a 2022 Dodge Durango. During normal loading and unloading of cargo with the liftgate open, I have sustained three separate lacerations to my forearm and wrist from the exposed, sharp inside corners of the rear taillight assemblies. The injuries have occurred on both the driver-side and passenger-side taillights during ordinary use of the cargo area. Each incident resulted from simply reaching into or removing items from the rear cargo area. The taillight corners are extremely sharp and are positioned where a person’s arms naturally pass while using the cargo area. The cuts were severe enough to leave permanent scars, and I have photographs documenting the injuries. After experiencing these injuries, I found that other Dodge Durango owners have reported similar lacerations from the same taillight design. Based on my experience and these other reports, I believe the rear taillight assemblies present an unreasonable risk of laceration during normal, foreseeable use of the vehicle. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can evaluate whether this design presents a safety defect and determine whether further investigation is warranted.
Replaced batteries, and power steering went out, it put my vehicle out of alignment... I tried getting an alignment at local Firestone. Told me they could not connect to the angle sensors and that I need to get a new rack and pinion
The contact owns a 2022 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that during a routine maintenance appointment, the mechanic discovered that the rear license plate light had become inoperable due to moisture and corrosion. The contact was informed that the rear racing track lighting assembly, which included the rear brake lights, needed to be replaced. The rear racing track lighting assembly was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 31,000.
My vehicle is a 2022 Dodge Durango, and suddenly, about a month ago, the driverside day-time running light stopped working. This seemed strange because it's an LED light and they generally last the majority of the vehicle's life, but certainly longer than four years. Then I started to notice other Durangos locally with the same problem, all with the driver's side daytime running light only. I've checked multiple online forums as well and confirmed that this is a widespread problem. I contacted the FCA hotline to report this problem and to see if Dodge had either addressed this problem or would be willing to. Each time the representative denied having a single complaint about this problem, which I knew to be false after the second time, because I knew there was at least one, MINE from the first report. This repair cost over $1600, and is still not done because the headlight assembly for the driver's side is on back order. Yes, the driver-side headlight assembly is on back order, but not the passenger-side one. When asked why the passenger side is not on backorder, but the driver-side one is, I was told it's because there seems to be a widespread problem with the ones that came on the vehicle from the factory, and replacing them has caused a backorder. To add insult to injury, Dodge's own warranty does not cover this problem, and neither do their expensive extended warranties, because the problem is considered to be a "sealed beam", not the headlight assembly itself, even though the only way to replace the headlight assembly.
Read 14 more owner reports
2022 Dodge Duranago I bought last March of 2025, certified preowned with 26,700 miles. As of today March 21 2026 there was water build up in the rear racetrack light. Upon starting the car the lights began flickering and the entire racetrack bar die with no light illumination at all. I could clearly see water build up in the bottom right hand corner of the light as well as water condensation on the lower left corner of the light. Many other Durango owners reported having the same issue with the dealerships not covering this.
The contact owns a 2022 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that after her husband restarted the vehicle, the driver's side headlight failed to illuminate. The contact related the failure to the headlamp assembly; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Multiple reports on every forum on the Day Time Running Lights both Driver and Passenger side going out on 2020 to current Dodge Durangos with less than 20,000 on most at time of complaint. It cannot be repaired, only replaced with new headlight assembly at $1200 each. I have owned three (3) Dodge Durangos. #1 2020 Dodge Durango GT Driver side DRL went out at 5500miles. It was totaled in a MVC before it could be repaired under warranty. #2 2021 Dodge Durango GT. Driver side DRL went out at 7600 miles. Dodge made an offer on it during the Covid shortage and we took the offer. #3. Current vehicle is a 2022 Dodge Durango GT Plus. Driver side DRL went out at 62,000 miles. Dodge warranty will not cover the replacement.
The Driver's side daytime running light white LED strip is inoperable. After internet research this complaint is very common and similar to the tail "racetrack" light recall. Because daytime running increases visibility of vehicles on the road, this is safety related. I have since observed several late year model Durangos with this exact fault. Stelantis/Dodge/Chrysler will not warranty the fault and the corrective action is to remove and replace the entire headlamp assembly at an estimated cost of $2k parts and labor.
Radio screens keep going bad causing the backup camera to not work until after a power cycle of the screen takes place. Sometimes a power cycle is not possible and the screen take a minute or two to turn on. I have had multiple radios in our car do this. I was told at the dealership that Stellantis admits they have a design flaw which causes the radio to overheat and melt the components in the radio unit. This is a series safety concern, not only because of the backup camera not displaying but a possible fire hazard if components are over heating.
I was driving slowly in heavy rain and pulled up to a red light behind another vehicle. Just as I was almost fully stopped, my car suddenly accelerated on its own and struck the vehicle in front of me. The car is equipped with an automatic braking system that should apply the brakes when there is an obstacle. Instead, not only did it fail to brake, it accelerated fully. If the car in front of us had not stopped us, we would have entered a very busy intersection, where we could have been seriously injured and might have hurt others. We were about to enter the freeway, and if this had happened there, the outcome could have been catastrophic. There were no warning lights or alerts of any kind. It happened completely out of the blue. We had the car towed to the dealer in Santa Barbara, where no problem was found. We then took it to the dealer in Thousand Oaks, where we purchased it, and again no problem was found. The vehicle’s black box was checked, but because the car was traveling under 5 mph at the time, nothing was recorded. We contacted Chrysler and reported the issue. So far, no action has been taken, and for the past week they have not even returned our calls. The incident occurred on [XXX]. We cannot drive this car. We also cannot sell it, because we cannot knowingly expose someone else to such a life-threatening risk. Since the problem has not been identified and fixed, it could happen again. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owned a 2022 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while approaching the vehicle after it was remotely started, the contact discovered that both headlights had failed to function as needed. A dealer was contacted and notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
I don't understand this vehicle is still fairly new and my daytime running light on the driver side stop working for some reason and I don't understand I also noticed all the lighting system in the rear all has water in it now I'm worried is all the lighting in this car going to go bad because I see it in a lot of cars out here on the road. I tried everything in the settings I've tried everything
1-Driver side LED inside the headlight burnt out doesn't work anymore can't replace LED in the headlight must replace the unit. Vehicle can be ready on request 2-the safety of me and my family are at risk of crashing or going off the road at night time because the lighting of the LED light doesn't put out a bright light of the road and objects in front of my vehicle like the other side that works 3- the dealer said there is no recall so they can't do nothing. 4- the police said if it don't get fixed soon I would start getting tickets for a blown out headlight but the headlight bulbs work 5- no messages or warning came on the dash this problem began June 1,2025 I looked at reviews of this happening to many 2022,2023,2024 dodge durango's and the front end and fender has to come off the vehicle to get to the headlight unit screws witch leads to over a thousand dollars for parts and labor this is a safety problem and a malfunction that I hope it don't lead to someone getting hurt or killed because of dodge not taking responsibility for a malfunction part. The Dodge corporation always makes sure there cars are safe but everybody that has this problem with there 2022,2023,2024 dodge Durango's must file a complaint
Vehicle will not shift into drive. This issue is similar to the ZB3 problem. Improperly heat treated shifter parts failed and will not allow the transmission to shift into drive.
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ON DRIVER'S SIDE INOP. DUE TO LED STRIPS IN HEADLAMPS NOT WORKING. SOMEONE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME FROM A SIDE ROAD, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL OF YEARS FROM DODGE. THERE ARE NO WARNING LAMPS OR ANY SYMPTOMS. I NOTICED IT WHEN I PARKED IN FRONT OF A STORE AND NOTICED IN THE REFLECTION IN THE GLASS THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DRL NOT WORKING AND REMEMBERED SOMEONE PULLING OUT IN FRONT OF ME EARLIER THAT DAY AND WONDERED IF THIS MAY HAVE BEEN THE REASON FOR THIS. THERE NEEDS TO BE A BETTER BULB REPLACEMENT REQUIREMENT FROM THE GOVERNMENT TO KEEP MANUFACTURERS FROM REQUIRING A WHOLE $1200 HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY (PLUS LABOR) JUST BECAUSE A COUPLE OF LED STRIPS STOPPED WORKING. IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM SINCE THERE ARE MANY FORUMS ABOUT OTHERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH ONLY THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLAMP DRL'S GOING OUT.
Vehicle Sudden Unintended Acceleration – Safety Complaint Vehicle: 2022 Dodge Durango Weather: Rain Situation: The vehicle was at an almost complete stop at a red light and in a 5 feet distance from the car in front. Without pressing the accelerator, the car suddenly surged forward at significant force and hit the vehicle in front of us. There was no driver input on the accelerator. The incident appeared to be caused by an electronic or computer malfunction, possibly related to moisture from the rain. This could have resulted in serious injury or death if another vehicle had not been in front of us to stop the acceleration. Please investigate this issue, as it represents a major safety risk.
Driver’s side daytime running light ceased working permanently. This creates a safety issue due to its role in conjunction with the headlights.
Vehicle engine shut off while driving approximately 50mph. No prior issues or warning lamps. The failure happened without any warning. I had over half a tank of fuel at the time of the stall. Loss of engine propulsion is extremely dangerous as I was in rush hour traffic on a major highway in Houston, TX. Luckily the stall occurred at an exit and I was able to safely get to a area to pull over. Dash read out said I needed to be in park to start the engine. Engine started without issue and I finished my drive home.
Showing 20 of 955 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Dodge Durango
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Dodge Durango, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Dodge Durango has 955 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Dodge Durango has 30 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 36 of the Dodge Durango's 955 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Dodge Durango vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Dodge Durango vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Dodge Durango has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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How does the Dodge Durango stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
By state
Check a Dodge Durango by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Dodge Durango.
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Dodge Durango reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Dodge Durango reliable?
Poor. The Dodge Durango has 955 NHTSA owner complaints and 30 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Dodge Durango years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2018 (229 complaints), 2017 (210 complaints), 2021 (199 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Dodge Durango problems?
Top reported issues: EXTERIOR LIGHTING (329 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (263 complaints); ENGINE (127 complaints).
Does the Dodge Durango have recalls?
Yes — 30 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Dodge Durango. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.