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Dodge Durango Problems

The Dodge Durango has served as Dodge's family-hauling SUV with available V8 power since 1998. With 38,182 complaints and a troubling 246 reported deaths, the Durango's safety record demands attention. Some model years offer solid reliability while others are plagued by serious defects that affect both safety and ownership costs.

38,182
Total Complaints
91
Total Recalls
28
Model Years
246
Reported Deaths
!

Years to Avoid

These years have significantly more complaints than average.

2005 1999
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

1997 2007 2008

Common Problem Categories

Suspension 7,696
Electrical System 5,420
Power Train 2,710
Engine 2,536
Fuel System, Gasoline 2,382

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
2025 16 0 0 0 Good
2024 22 0 0 0 Good
2023 58 1 8 0 Good
2022 136 6 6 4 Good
2021 432 7 28 6 Good
2020 118 2 0 4 Good
2019 372 4 8 10 Good
2018 620 5 32 0 Good
2017 568 2 30 4 Good
2016 442 3 60 6 Good
2015 1,298 4 70 10 Average
2014 2,032 11 56 28 Average
2013 1,794 11 52 88 Average
2012 1,828 10 48 86 Average
2011 2,358 8 58 164 Below Average
2009 26 4 2 4 Good
2008 254 2 6 6 Good
2007 482 2 32 2 Good
2006 2,076 2 50 24 Below Average
2005 4,002 3 118 52 Avoid
2004 2,840 4 130 192 Below Average
2003 968 0 76 46 Average
2002 1,112 0 88 30 Average
2001 1,926 0 164 50 Average
2000 2,942 0 276 84 Below Average
1999 6,344 0 306 72 Avoid
1998 3,106 0 146 30 Below Average
1997 10 0 0 2 Good

Dodge Durango Years to Avoid

The 1999 Durango is the worst model year with the highest death count among Durangos, suffering from ball joint failures, transmission problems, and fuel system issues. The 1998 and 2000-2001 first-generation models shared many of these problems, particularly the ball joint failures that could cause loss of steering control. The 2004-2006 models had transmission shuddering and failure issues with the 545RFE automatic. The 2011-2013 Durangos experienced TIPM failures causing random stalling and no-start conditions similar to other Chrysler products. Avoid any first-generation Durango without documented ball joint replacement.

Best Dodge Durango Years

The 1997 Durango pre-production units are rare collector pieces, but the 2014-2015 models represent the best of the third generation after electrical bugs were sorted. The 2019-2021 Durangos show improved reliability with most early-generation issues resolved and strong V8 performance.

Frequently Asked Questions