Problems · NHTSA complaints

2016 Dodge Durango problems

Owners filed 161 complaints about the 2016 Dodge Durango with NHTSA between Mar 2016 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is exterior lighting (53).

Complaints
161
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
23
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
13
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  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
  10. Suspension5
  11. Fuel/propulsion system4
  12. Service brakes4
  13. Forward collision avoidance3
  14. Steering3

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
201617
201713
201822
201942
202016
202117
202210
202311
20245
20256
20262

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

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 crashes1 related recall
“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

Engine

16 reports1 fire
“Vehicle is going into park while driving, when it does that I have to come to a stop and restart the vehicle. I almost got into an accident and I’m scared for my life driving this. The dealership charged me to change the alternator, the batteries and I still have the same issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 29, 2023Electrical system, EngineODI 11557409

Vehicle speed control

9 reports3 crashes
“5TH TIME EVENT HAS OCCURRED. AFTER EXTENDED DRIVING WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT THE VEHICLE WILL COMMENCE TO ACCELERATE. ONLY BY AGGRESSIVELY APPLYING THE BRAKE TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM PLOWING AHEAD CAN I PLACE THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK AND TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. CHRYSLER PREVIOUSLY ACKNOWLEDGED CRUISE CONTROL PROBLEMS. I THINK THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THIS IS A DANGEROUS VEHICLE. PREVIOUS FILE NUMBER #10916715.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 13, 2020Vehicle speed controlODI 11298978

Structure

6 reports
“Was driving and the vehicle stalled well driving, Had a hard time trying to stop and could barley steer the vehicle. Vehicle was flashing shift to park. This has happened two times to me now and I took it to the dealership and it happened to them as well. The radio screen sometimes doesn't light up and it will freeze and won't let you do anything, when cell phone is connected via blue tooth it will disconnect and then reconnect and randomly turn the volume all the way up and music will start playing, A/C will randomly kick on when I didn't have it on due to it being winter time and use only the heat now. rear brake light the race bar part of it is out and Mopar won't replace, Hood of the vehicle has rust bubbles and the lift gate has rust, I asked Mopar about the warranty and they said I missed the expiration date and they would not cover it. Three of the tires keep losing air and I am now on my second set of tires in a year and two months, Valve stems replaced two times as well.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 29, 2023Electrical system, StructureODI 11562556
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026

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