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Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2008 Dodge DurangoRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 97 owner complaints for the 2008 Dodge Durango. Most complaints involve air bags (26) and fuel/propulsion system (21). The EPA rates it 15–16 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
15–16mpg
EPA · 7 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest May 2016
Owner complaints
97
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$3,900est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 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
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

97 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2008 – Jan 2023
  1. Air bags26
  2. Fuel/propulsion system21
  3. Fuel system, gasoline19
  4. Electrical system10
  5. Engine8
  6. Steering8
  7. Electronic stability control (esc)5
  8. Structure4
  9. Power train4

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
3
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
3
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Air bags

26 reports3 crashes
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A POTHOLE AND THE VEHICLE VEERED OFF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE STRUCK TWO METAL MAILBOXES THAT WERE GROUNDED BY CONCRETE. THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, ONLY THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EVALUATED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 31, 2017Air bagsCrash reportedODI 10992435

Fuel/propulsion system

21 reports
“My Car started smoking from under the hood and coming through the vents . It over heated . So then I opened up the hood and smoke with you coming out a bit crazy then something food from the engine like to hit me in the face but I do. It broke my dipstick oil stick the piece off. Now my car is running hot smoking and making a loud crazy noise sounds like it's going to blow up or something I don't know what to do help me please. my husband just recently passed so I'm on my own and I'm all by myself just me and my daughter so I don't know a lot about cars please help me”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 23, 2021Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11421960

Fuel system, gasoline

19 reports
“BEGINNING WITH THE FIRST TIME I FILLED THE TANK, WHEN THE FUEL FULLER NOZZLE IS SET TO AUTO FILL, WHEN THE FILLER CLICKS OFF, FUEL GUSHES BACK OUT OF THE TANK AND DOWN THE SIDE OF THE CAR AND ALL OVER THE GROUND. I WAS STANDING TOO CLOSE AND MY PANTS LEG GOT SOAKED TO THE POINT THAT MY SKIN BURNED FROM THE PRESENCE OF GASOLINE. [I'M GLAD THAT I QUIT SMOKING IN 1984 NOW FOR AN ADDITIONAL REASON.] THE NEXT TIME I FILLED THE TANK, I WATCHED THE VOLUME DELIVERED AND STOPPED THE FLOW ABOUT TWO GALLONS BEFORE FULL AND GENTLY PUMPED THE LAST AMOUNT IN. WHEN IT WAS FULL, IT BURPED OUT ABOUT A PINT AND A HALF ANYWAY. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY HAZARD. I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY RECALLED THE 2005 FOR THIS ISSUE AND DIDN'T FIX THE REAL PROBLEM! THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE BETS BURNED. *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 20, 2014Fuel system, gasolineODI 10592868
All 2008 Durango problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

7 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
3.7L 6-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl · 4.7L 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 8, 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, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
131915$4,150592
Durango 2WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
141915$4,150592
Durango 2WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L, GAS 330 · Rear-Wheel Drive
141915$4,150592
Durango 4WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
131815$4,150592
Durango 4WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
131715$4,150592
Durango 4WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L, GAS 330 · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
131715$4,150592
  • 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, 5.7 L
    13 city · 19 hwy · $4,150/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
  • Durango 2WD
    Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L
    14 city · 19 hwy · $4,150/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
  • Durango 2WD
    Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L, GAS 330
    14 city · 19 hwy · $4,150/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
  • Durango 4WD
    Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    13 city · 18 hwy · $4,150/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
  • Durango 4WD
    Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L
    13 city · 17 hwy · $4,150/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
  • Durango 4WD
    Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L, GAS 330
    13 city · 17 hwy · $4,150/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 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 2008 Dodge Durango as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026Vehicle 2646
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

2008 Durango questions

How many recalls does the 2008 Dodge Durango have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 8, 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 2008 Dodge Durango problems?

Owners filed 97 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (26), fuel/propulsion system (21), fuel system, gasoline (19). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2008 Dodge Durango get?

The EPA rates the 2008 Dodge Durango at 15–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026