Dodge Durango: best & worst years

Based on CarVitals reliability verdicts, the Dodge Durango years to approach with the most caution are 2005 and 2011. Below is every model year we cover (2005–2024), ranked, with the owner-reported problems behind each call.

Every Dodge Durango year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2024 Caution 6 LED daytime-running-light / headlamp failures: the DRL or headlight stops working intermittently and, because the unit is not separately serviceable, the entire (expensive) headlamp assembly must be replaced.; Engine cooling-line and Pentastar V6 complaints: ruptured coolant lines (including the rear A/C/transmission coolant tubes) and occasional cylinder misfire reported on the refreshed third generation. Full report ↗
2023 Caution 6 LED daytime-running-light / headlamp failures: the DRL or headlight stops working intermittently and, because the unit is not separately serviceable, the entire (expensive) headlamp assembly must be replaced.; Engine cooling-line and Pentastar V6 complaints: ruptured coolant lines (including the rear A/C/transmission coolant tubes) and occasional cylinder misfire reported on the refreshed third generation. Full report ↗
2022 Caution 6 LED daytime-running-light / headlamp failures: the DRL or headlight stops working intermittently and, because the unit is not separately serviceable, the entire (expensive) headlamp assembly must be replaced.; Engine cooling-line and Pentastar V6 complaints: ruptured coolant lines (including the rear A/C/transmission coolant tubes) and occasional cylinder misfire reported on the refreshed third generation. Full report ↗
2021 Caution 6 LED daytime-running-light / headlamp failures: the DRL or headlight stops working intermittently and, because the unit is not separately serviceable, the entire (expensive) headlamp assembly must be replaced.; Engine cooling-line and Pentastar V6 complaints: ruptured coolant lines (including the rear A/C/transmission coolant tubes) and occasional cylinder misfire reported on the refreshed third generation. Full report ↗
2020 Caution 6 Recurring LED "racetrack" tail-light failure: water leaks into the rear LED light bar on the liftgate, shorting the strip so taillights stop working, a repeat repair on the matured third generation. Full report ↗
2019 Caution 6 Recurring LED "racetrack" tail-light failure: water leaks into the rear LED light bar on the liftgate, shorting the strip so taillights stop working, a repeat repair on the matured third generation. Full report ↗
2017 Caution 6 Recurring LED "racetrack" tail-light failure: water leaks into the rear LED light bar on the liftgate, shorting the strip so taillights stop working, a repeat repair on the matured third generation. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 6 Recurring LED "racetrack" tail-light failure: water leaks into the rear LED light bar on the liftgate, shorting the strip so taillights stop working, a repeat repair on the matured third generation. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 5 Intermittent electrical stalling resurfaces on 2018 models, with the vehicle losing power or shutting off while driving and stability-control warnings illuminating.; Recurring LED "racetrack" tail-light failure: water leaks into the rear LED light bar on the liftgate, shorting the strip so taillights stop working, a repeat repair on the matured third generation. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 5 Inadvertent active-head-restraint deployment: the front head restraints can deploy/"explode" with no crash, snapping the occupant's head forward and striking them, a safety-related defect reported across these years.; LED rear "racetrack" tail-light water intrusion: rain, snow and car-wash water pools inside the liftgate light bar and shorts it out, leaving the taillights inoperable, the single most-reported complaint these years. Full report ↗
2014 Caution 5 Inadvertent active-head-restraint deployment: the front head restraints can deploy/"explode" with no crash, snapping the occupant's head forward and striking them, a safety-related defect reported across these years.; LED rear "racetrack" tail-light water intrusion: rain, snow and car-wash water pools inside the liftgate light bar and shorts it out, leaving the taillights inoperable, the single most-reported complaint these years. Full report ↗
2009 Caution 5 Lowest-complaint second-gen years; remaining gripes are airbag warning-light / occupant-classification faults and general aging-related wear rather than a single dominant defect. Full report ↗
2008 Caution 5 Lowest-complaint second-gen years; remaining gripes are airbag warning-light / occupant-classification faults and general aging-related wear rather than a single dominant defect. Full report ↗
2007 Caution 5 Fuel-filler-neck / check-valve defect: gasoline sprays or spills violently out of the filler neck when refueling, worst as the tank nears full, a fire and exposure hazard and by far the most-reported problem of these years.; Intermittent engine stalling and no-restart: the engine cuts out while driving or cornering at low speed (often traced to crank/idle sensors); a few owners report overheating and underhood fire.; Transfer-case / four-wheel-drive engagement faults: the drivetrain can slip into 4WD-Low on its own while driving, plus driveline bucking and shudder. Full report ↗
2013 Caution 4 Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) electrical failures: the vehicle stalls or shuts off while driving, fails to start, drains its battery, runs the fuel pump uncommanded, and in some cases produces underhood electrical smoke/fire, the defining defect of the early third generation.; Pentastar 3.6L V6 cylinder-head / valvetrain failure: left-bank cylinder-head wear causes misfire, ticking and hesitation on acceleration; addressed by an extended warranty / service bulletin.; Fuel-system and service-brake complaints: fuel-pump/relay faults (tied to the TIPM) and brake issues add to the early third-gen reliability picture. Full report ↗
2012 Caution 4 Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) electrical failures: the vehicle stalls or shuts off while driving, fails to start, drains its battery, runs the fuel pump uncommanded, and in some cases produces underhood electrical smoke/fire, the defining defect of the early third generation.; Pentastar 3.6L V6 cylinder-head / valvetrain failure: left-bank cylinder-head wear causes misfire, ticking and hesitation on acceleration; addressed by an extended warranty / service bulletin.; Fuel-system and service-brake complaints: fuel-pump/relay faults (tied to the TIPM) and brake issues add to the early third-gen reliability picture. Full report ↗
2011 Avoid 4 Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) electrical failures: the vehicle stalls or shuts off while driving, fails to start, drains its battery, runs the fuel pump uncommanded, and in some cases produces underhood electrical smoke/fire, the defining defect of the early third generation.; Pentastar 3.6L V6 cylinder-head / valvetrain failure: left-bank cylinder-head wear causes misfire, ticking and hesitation on acceleration; addressed by an extended warranty / service bulletin.; Fuel-system and service-brake complaints: fuel-pump/relay faults (tied to the TIPM) and brake issues add to the early third-gen reliability picture. Full report ↗
2006 Caution 4 Fuel-filler-neck / check-valve defect: gasoline sprays or spills violently out of the filler neck when refueling, worst as the tank nears full, a fire and exposure hazard and by far the most-reported problem of these years.; Intermittent engine stalling and no-restart: the engine cuts out while driving or cornering at low speed (often traced to crank/idle sensors); a few owners report overheating and underhood fire.; Transfer-case / four-wheel-drive engagement faults: the drivetrain can slip into 4WD-Low on its own while driving, plus driveline bucking and shudder. Full report ↗
2005 Avoid 4 Fuel-filler-neck / check-valve defect: gasoline sprays or spills violently out of the filler neck when refueling, worst as the tank nears full, a fire and exposure hazard and by far the most-reported problem of these years.; Intermittent engine stalling and no-restart: the engine cuts out while driving or cornering at low speed (often traced to crank/idle sensors); a few owners report overheating and underhood fire.; Transfer-case / four-wheel-drive engagement faults: the drivetrain can slip into 4WD-Low on its own while driving, plus driveline bucking and shudder. Full report ↗

Dodge Durango problems by year

2024 Dodge Durango Caution

Newer refreshed year with limited complaint data so far; expect the same strengths (V8 power, towing, Uconnect 5) and the dated underpinnings and thirst of the long-running third generation.

  • LED daytime-running-light / headlamp failures: the DRL or headlight stops working intermittently and, because the unit is not separately serviceable, the entire (expensive) headlamp assembly must be replaced.
  • Engine cooling-line and Pentastar V6 complaints: ruptured coolant lines (including the rear A/C/transmission coolant tubes) and occasional cylinder misfire reported on the refreshed third generation.

2023 Dodge Durango Caution

Low-complaint refreshed year with the headlamp/DRL issue as the main note. Powerful V8 options, best-in-class towing and updated tech, offset by poor fuel economy and rising insurance costs.

  • LED daytime-running-light / headlamp failures: the DRL or headlight stops working intermittently and, because the unit is not separately serviceable, the entire (expensive) headlamp assembly must be replaced.
  • Engine cooling-line and Pentastar V6 complaints: ruptured coolant lines (including the rear A/C/transmission coolant tubes) and occasional cylinder misfire reported on the refreshed third generation.

2022 Dodge Durango Caution

Refreshed third-gen with low complaint volume; the headlamp/DRL failure is the main recurring issue. Strong towing, muscular V8 options and one of the better infotainment systems in the class.

  • LED daytime-running-light / headlamp failures: the DRL or headlight stops working intermittently and, because the unit is not separately serviceable, the entire (expensive) headlamp assembly must be replaced.
  • Engine cooling-line and Pentastar V6 complaints: ruptured coolant lines (including the rear A/C/transmission coolant tubes) and occasional cylinder misfire reported on the refreshed third generation.

2021 Dodge Durango Caution

Significant refresh adds the Uconnect 5 interior, but the LED daytime-running-light/headlamp failure becomes the recurring complaint and some cooling-line issues appear. Class-leading infotainment and strong V8 towing.

  • LED daytime-running-light / headlamp failures: the DRL or headlight stops working intermittently and, because the unit is not separately serviceable, the entire (expensive) headlamp assembly must be replaced.
  • Engine cooling-line and Pentastar V6 complaints: ruptured coolant lines (including the rear A/C/transmission coolant tubes) and occasional cylinder misfire reported on the refreshed third generation.

2020 Dodge Durango Caution

Among the lowest-complaint third-gen years before the 2021 refresh; recurring tail-light failures are the main note. Capable, comfortable 3-row with strong tow ratings, a comparatively safe used pick.

  • Recurring LED "racetrack" tail-light failure: water leaks into the rear LED light bar on the liftgate, shorting the strip so taillights stop working, a repeat repair on the matured third generation.

2019 Dodge Durango Caution

Improved year with lower complaint volume, mostly LED lighting and minor electrical gripes. Strong V8 power, good towing and a roomy cabin make it one of the more dependable third-gen choices.

  • Recurring LED "racetrack" tail-light failure: water leaks into the rear LED light bar on the liftgate, shorting the strip so taillights stop working, a repeat repair on the matured third generation.

2018 Dodge Durango Caution

Electrical/stalling complaints tick back up alongside the recurring LED tail-light failures, and some buyer guides flag this year. Strong towing and infotainment, but verify electrical history.

  • Intermittent electrical stalling resurfaces on 2018 models, with the vehicle losing power or shutting off while driving and stability-control warnings illuminating.
  • Recurring LED "racetrack" tail-light failure: water leaks into the rear LED light bar on the liftgate, shorting the strip so taillights stop working, a repeat repair on the matured third generation.

2017 Dodge Durango Caution

One of the better-regarded third-gen years with lower complaints and good owner satisfaction; recurring LED tail-light failures remain the notable issue. Capable, comfortable 3-row hauler.

  • Recurring LED "racetrack" tail-light failure: water leaks into the rear LED light bar on the liftgate, shorting the strip so taillights stop working, a repeat repair on the matured third generation.

2016 Dodge Durango Caution

Complaint volume drops sharply as the third gen matures; the recurring LED tail-light water-intrusion failure is the main gripe. Strong V8 tow ratings and a usable third row make it one of the steadier picks.

  • Recurring LED "racetrack" tail-light failure: water leaks into the rear LED light bar on the liftgate, shorting the strip so taillights stop working, a repeat repair on the matured third generation.

2015 Dodge Durango Caution

Carries the 2014 refresh strengths plus its active-head-restraint deployments and LED tail-light failures. Strong towing and infotainment; check for the head-restraint and lighting recalls.

  • Inadvertent active-head-restraint deployment: the front head restraints can deploy/"explode" with no crash, snapping the occupant's head forward and striking them, a safety-related defect reported across these years.
  • LED rear "racetrack" tail-light water intrusion: rain, snow and car-wash water pools inside the liftgate light bar and shorts it out, leaving the taillights inoperable, the single most-reported complaint these years.

2014 Dodge Durango Caution

Mid-cycle refresh brought the 8-speed automatic, but the year is marked by inadvertent active-head-restraint deployments and water intrusion failing the LED tail-lights. Capable and comfortable, with notable safety-related complaints.

  • Inadvertent active-head-restraint deployment: the front head restraints can deploy/"explode" with no crash, snapping the occupant's head forward and striking them, a safety-related defect reported across these years.
  • LED rear "racetrack" tail-light water intrusion: rain, snow and car-wash water pools inside the liftgate light bar and shorts it out, leaving the taillights inoperable, the single most-reported complaint these years.

2013 Dodge Durango Caution

TIPM electrical faults and Pentastar cylinder-head failures continue to define this year, with brake complaints adding up. Comfortable 3-row with good towing, but approach with caution.

  • Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) electrical failures: the vehicle stalls or shuts off while driving, fails to start, drains its battery, runs the fuel pump uncommanded, and in some cases produces underhood electrical smoke/fire, the defining defect of the early third generation.
  • Pentastar 3.6L V6 cylinder-head / valvetrain failure: left-bank cylinder-head wear causes misfire, ticking and hesitation on acceleration; addressed by an extended warranty / service bulletin.
  • Fuel-system and service-brake complaints: fuel-pump/relay faults (tied to the TIPM) and brake issues add to the early third-gen reliability picture.

2012 Dodge Durango Caution

Third-gen Durango still dominated by TIPM electrical stalling/no-start problems and Pentastar cylinder-head issues. Pleasant ride and strong towing, but verify electrical and engine repairs.

  • Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) electrical failures: the vehicle stalls or shuts off while driving, fails to start, drains its battery, runs the fuel pump uncommanded, and in some cases produces underhood electrical smoke/fire, the defining defect of the early third generation.
  • Pentastar 3.6L V6 cylinder-head / valvetrain failure: left-bank cylinder-head wear causes misfire, ticking and hesitation on acceleration; addressed by an extended warranty / service bulletin.
  • Fuel-system and service-brake complaints: fuel-pump/relay faults (tied to the TIPM) and brake issues add to the early third-gen reliability picture.

2011 Dodge Durango Avoid

Launch of the unibody 3rd gen and its worst year: the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) causes widespread stalling, no-starts and electrical faults, plus Pentastar V6 cylinder-head failures. Refined to drive but a risky used pick.

  • Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) electrical failures: the vehicle stalls or shuts off while driving, fails to start, drains its battery, runs the fuel pump uncommanded, and in some cases produces underhood electrical smoke/fire, the defining defect of the early third generation.
  • Pentastar 3.6L V6 cylinder-head / valvetrain failure: left-bank cylinder-head wear causes misfire, ticking and hesitation on acceleration; addressed by an extended warranty / service bulletin.
  • Fuel-system and service-brake complaints: fuel-pump/relay faults (tied to the TIPM) and brake issues add to the early third-gen reliability picture.

2009 Dodge Durango Caution

Final second-generation year and the lowest-complaint of the run, though low production limits data. Durable HEMI-capable hauler; expect poor fuel economy and an old platform.

  • Lowest-complaint second-gen years; remaining gripes are airbag warning-light / occupant-classification faults and general aging-related wear rather than a single dominant defect.

2008 Dodge Durango Caution

One of the more trouble-free second-gen years with much lower complaint volume; main issues are aging-related and airbag warnings. Capable tow rig but dated and fuel-hungry.

  • Lowest-complaint second-gen years; remaining gripes are airbag warning-light / occupant-classification faults and general aging-related wear rather than a single dominant defect.

2007 Dodge Durango Caution

Complaint volume falls sharply from 2005-06 but fuel-filler spillage and airbag-warning gripes linger. Rugged, thirsty body-on-frame SUV with good towing.

  • Fuel-filler-neck / check-valve defect: gasoline sprays or spills violently out of the filler neck when refueling, worst as the tank nears full, a fire and exposure hazard and by far the most-reported problem of these years.
  • Intermittent engine stalling and no-restart: the engine cuts out while driving or cornering at low speed (often traced to crank/idle sensors); a few owners report overheating and underhood fire.
  • Transfer-case / four-wheel-drive engagement faults: the drivetrain can slip into 4WD-Low on its own while driving, plus driveline bucking and shudder.

2006 Dodge Durango Caution

Second-gen Durango still plagued by the fuel-filler-neck overfill/spillage defect and occasional stalling, with high complaint volume. Strong towing and available 5.7 HEMI, but a higher-risk used buy.

  • Fuel-filler-neck / check-valve defect: gasoline sprays or spills violently out of the filler neck when refueling, worst as the tank nears full, a fire and exposure hazard and by far the most-reported problem of these years.
  • Intermittent engine stalling and no-restart: the engine cuts out while driving or cornering at low speed (often traced to crank/idle sensors); a few owners report overheating and underhood fire.
  • Transfer-case / four-wheel-drive engagement faults: the drivetrain can slip into 4WD-Low on its own while driving, plus driveline bucking and shudder.

2005 Dodge Durango Avoid

First full year of the body-on-frame 2nd gen and by far the most-complained: a fuel-filler-neck defect sprays gasoline when refueling, plus intermittent stalling. Capable HEMI tow rig, but verify fuel and powertrain history.

  • Fuel-filler-neck / check-valve defect: gasoline sprays or spills violently out of the filler neck when refueling, worst as the tank nears full, a fire and exposure hazard and by far the most-reported problem of these years.
  • Intermittent engine stalling and no-restart: the engine cuts out while driving or cornering at low speed (often traced to crank/idle sensors); a few owners report overheating and underhood fire.
  • Transfer-case / four-wheel-drive engagement faults: the drivetrain can slip into 4WD-Low on its own while driving, plus driveline bucking and shudder.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Dodge models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.