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Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2005 Dodge DurangoRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls and 1,567 owner complaints for the 2005 Dodge Durango. Most complaints involve fuel system, gasoline (539) and power train (217). The EPA rates it 14–16 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
14–16mpg
EPA · 5 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
9campaigns
Latest May 2016
Owner complaints
1,567
Top: fuel system, gasoline
Fuel cost / yr
$3,900est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

9 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Air bags: inflator module

Park It: do not driveFree remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.

Air bagsReported May 24, 2016NHTSA 16V352000

Air bags: inflator module

Park It: do not driveFree remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Air bagsReported May 27, 2015NHTSA 15V313000

Air bags

Free remedy

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Air bagsReported Dec 3, 2014NHTSA 14V770000
See all 9 recalls with remedies
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1,567 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2004 – Feb 2025
  1. Fuel system, gasoline539
  2. Power train217
  3. Engine and engine cooling216
  4. Fuel/propulsion system203
  5. Electrical system198
  6. Engine113
  7. Air bags111
  8. Steering70
  9. Vehicle speed control43

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Durango model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1998976
19992,012
20001,097
2001665
2002434
2003339
20041,115
20051,567
2006852
2007275
200897
200919
2011800
2012640
2013640
2014786
2015505
2016161
2017214
2018234
2019145
202056
2021208
202261
202339
202414
20258
202615
Crashes reported
38
Fires reported
21
Injuries reported
35
Deaths reported
3
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Fuel system, gasoline

539 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle, the contact became aware that gasoline was spilling out of the fuel filler neck. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V003000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 4, 2024Fuel system, gasolineODI 11592499

Power train

217 reports6 crashes
“This vehicle will slip in and out 4 wheel drive on its own. This can occur when driving and I’m concerned it will create a dangerous situation, especially if driving at high speeds. When this issue is occurring, making tight turns (parking, neighborhood driving) becomes very dangerous as the wheels become locked and you have to press the accelerator down creating a lot of power and the vehicle becomes dangerously uncontrollable. This is very common while parking, when often pedestrians are present and the vehicle becomes unpredictable due to this issue. This will also occur at a 2 way stop when turning right in front of on-coming traffic. The vehicle will again be unpredictable and can’t turn smoothly impairing traffic coming from behind.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 4, 2023Power trainODI 11520531

Engine and engine cooling

216 reports3 crashes2 fires
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN EMISSIONS LEAK AND THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MT. EPHRAIM CHRYSLER DODGE RAM (620 N BLACK HORSE PIKE, MT EPHRAIM, NJ 08059 (856) 931-2000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A VERY SMALL EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM LEAK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW O-RING, LOCK RING, AND THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V003000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED TWICE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,680.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 2, 2017Engine and engine cooling, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11042588
All 2005 Durango problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

5 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
3.7L 6-cyl · 4.7L 8-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 4-spd · Automatic 5-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Durango 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
141916$3,900555
Durango 2WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
131714$4,450635
Durango 2WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
121714$4,450635
Durango 4WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
121714$4,450635
Durango 4WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
121714$4,450635
  • Durango 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L
    14 city · 19 hwy · $3,900/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • Durango 2WD
    Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L
    13 city · 17 hwy · $4,450/yr
    14
    mpg comb.
  • Durango 2WD
    Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    12 city · 17 hwy · $4,450/yr
    14
    mpg comb.
  • Durango 4WD
    Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L
    12 city · 17 hwy · $4,450/yr
    14
    mpg comb.
  • Durango 4WD
    Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    12 city · 17 hwy · $4,450/yr
    14
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2005 Dodge Durango as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 7, 2026Vehicle 1560
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2005 Durango questions

How many recalls does the 2005 Dodge Durango have?

9 safety recalls as of Nov 7, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2005 Dodge Durango problems?

Owners filed 1,567 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel system, gasoline (539), power train (217), engine and engine cooling (216). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2005 Dodge Durango get?

The EPA rates the 2005 Dodge Durango at 14–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026