Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

2016 Dodge DurangoRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 161 owner complaints for the 2016 Dodge Durango. Most complaints involve exterior lighting (53) and electrical system (40). The EPA rates it 17–21 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
17–21mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest May 2018
Owner complaints
161
Top: exterior lighting
Fuel cost / yr
$2,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

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

Electrical system: wiring

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Electrical systemReported May 17, 2018NHTSA 18V332000

Fuel system

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 10, 2016, to April 28, 2016 and equipped with a 3.6L engine built at the Saltillo engine plant. During the assembly of the engine, the fuel rail crossover tube may have been damaged, which, over time, may result in a fuel leak.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Nov 10, 2016NHTSA 16V814000

Service brakes

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured December 9, 2015, to January 14, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the left front brake caliper may crack due to being made from an incorrect material.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Mar 23, 2016NHTSA 16V168000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

161 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2016 – Sep 2026
  1. Exterior lighting53
  2. Electrical system40
  3. Power train30
  4. Engine16
  5. Vehicle speed control9
  6. Structure6
  7. Air bags6
  8. Electronic stability control (esc)6
  9. Seats5

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
23
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
13
Deaths reported
0
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

Exterior lighting

53 reports
“The Rear License Plate Light bulb (right) was out and I went to have the bulb replaced. I was quoted over $1100 from the dealer, as the LED racetrack lighting was not properly sealed and is collecting water. The collection of water within the light compartment has caused corrosion within, and the wiring to disintegrate. This is a commonly known, yet not addressed safety issue by DODGE. My vehicle will not pass the MA Safety Inspection at the end of the month. I have read on-line many, many complaints, as well as have spoken to other Durango owners who have experienced this same problem. I have already replaced the racetrack lighting ONCE on this vehicle due to water collection and the brake lights not properly working. THIS IS A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 30, 2025Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11677230

Electrical system

40 reports2 crashes
“We had an issue with an error message in the middle of driving that stopped the acceleration of the vehicle, this seems to be common, looking at forums online. The inspection request is acceptable. The message we receive is "Shift to P before changing gears". The vehicle will stop in the middle of traffic and sometimes require a complete restart before being able to shift to drive. This has put myself, my wife, and two children in immense danger as the vehicle can stop at any point in time in oncoming traffic. We've taken it to a dealer who inspected the shifter and they didn't see any issues they couldn't replicate the issue happening. Two separate mechanic shops also cannot replicate this issue consistently. it hasn't been inspected these problems didn't have any warning messages prior to the problem occurring.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 5, 2025Electrical systemODI 11697733

Power train

30 reports10 crashes
“Driving in the left lane of an interstate highway at 75mph, in moderate traffic, in daylight hours, clear weather, with my young son. Sudden, unexpected decrease in engine rpm resulted in unannounced, approximate 40 mph reduction in speed. The instrument cluster illuminated stating “ service transmission continue in D. Do Not Shift or Turn Engine Off”. Such an unforeseen event, without brake light illumination, resulted in several following vehicles to take evasive actions, thus preventing a potential mass casualty accident. I was able steer towards the right shoulder at the greatly reduced speed of 35mph, collect myself, check on my upset son and try to make sense of what had happened. At this point panic began to set in. I called my Father & he was able to provide the next step being to deliver the vehicle to the local Dodge dealership. Those few miles were miserable since the dash was still presenting dismal warnings, there was reduced power and the vehicle acted like it was in a very low gear. The dealership was closed, so the vehicle was parked on lot however, once the engine was turned off the battery power remained on. Unable to lock, turn off or change…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 22, 2025Power trainODI 11675495
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 8-spd
Drive
4-Wheel Drive · Rear-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline · Midgrade 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 AWD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive
182521$2,950427
Durango RWD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
192621$2,950414
Durango AWD
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · All-Wheel Drive
142217$4,200523
Durango RWD
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142217$4,200524
  • Durango AWD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    18 city · 25 hwy · $2,950/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Durango RWD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    19 city · 26 hwy · $2,950/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Durango AWD
    Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    14 city · 22 hwy · $4,200/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • Durango RWD
    Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    14 city · 22 hwy · $4,200/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
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

2 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Dodge Durango SUV 2WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.8%
Overall
4 / 5
Dodge Durango SUV 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.2%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 7, 2026Vehicle 10917Vehicle 10916
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

2016 Durango questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Dodge Durango have?

3 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 2016 Dodge Durango problems?

Owners filed 161 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are exterior lighting (53), electrical system (40), power train (30). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Dodge Durango get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Dodge Durango at 17–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

How safe is the 2016 Dodge Durango?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Dodge Durango 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026