2009 Dodge Durango: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
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. 1 known issue pattern is documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2009 Dodge Durango ranged from $28,130 to $37,565 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
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.
Sources (9)
- lawtonchryslerjeepdodge.comhttps://www.lawtonchryslerjeepdodge.com/blogs/3677/a-muscle-suv-made-for-fami…
- cars.usnews.comhttps://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/dodge/durango/2023
- agtauto.comhttps://agtauto.com/dodge-durango-years-to-avoid/
- municibid.comhttps://municibid.com/blog/best-and-worst-years-of-the-dodge-durango
- carid.comhttps://www.carid.com/articles/dodge-durango-reliability-common-problems-most…
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/dodge-durango-buying-guide
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=durango…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=durango…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=durango…
Known issues
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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.
occasional · 26 NHTSA complaints · other
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=durango…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=durango…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Rugged body-on-frame construction with an available 5.7 HEMI V8 and genuine towing/utility.
- Three rows of seating and a roomy, truck-based cabin.
Cons
- Heavy, thirsty and dated, with poor fuel economy.
- Fuel-filler-neck spillage defect and intermittent stalling on the high-volume 2005-2006 years.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | $28,130 | discontinued | — | — |
| SLT | $31,265 | discontinued | — | — |
| Limited | $37,565 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2009-dodge-durango-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($28,130). Higher trims started higher (up to $37,565), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/dodge-durango/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $650–700/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $1,900–2,000/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/dodge/durango
- moneygeek.comhttps://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/dodge-durango-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2009 Dodge Durango have?
Documented issue patterns include: 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. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2009 Dodge Durango reliable?
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.
How much did the 2009 Dodge Durango cost new?
Between $28,130 and $37,565 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Dodge Durango expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $650–700/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.