NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 234 owner complaints for the 2018 Dodge Durango. Most complaints involve electrical system (88) and exterior lighting (57). The EPA rates it 17–21 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may incorrectly illuminate the brake lights and disable the ABS and electronic stability control (ESC). In addition, the vehicle operator may be able to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may illuminate the brake lights, and allow the vehicle to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Durango model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 976 |
| 1999 | 2,012 |
| 2000 | 1,097 |
| 2001 | 665 |
| 2002 | 434 |
| 2003 | 339 |
| 2004 | 1,115 |
| 2005 | 1,567 |
| 2006 | 852 |
| 2007 | 275 |
| 2008 | 97 |
| 2009 | 19 |
| 2011 | 800 |
| 2012 | 640 |
| 2013 | 640 |
| 2014 | 786 |
| 2015 | 505 |
| 2016 | 161 |
| 2017 | 214 |
| 2018 | 234 |
| 2019 | 145 |
| 2020 | 56 |
| 2021 | 208 |
| 2022 | 61 |
| 2023 | 39 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 15 |
“The rear tail lights The factory gaskets and seals fail to keep rain out, causing water to pool inside and short out or corrode the LED strips and circuit boards”
“I purchased a 2018 Dodge Durango. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, moisture was present inside the rear liftgate/racetrack lamp assembly and portions of the rear lighting did not operate. The selling dealership inspected and repaired the vehicle. Its repair invoice states that the left rear tail/running/parking lamp was inoperative because of an open wire between the body control module and the left rear lamp, but I have a picture I uploaded that only one of the passenger side light actually worked so I don' know about the broke wire, but I know the lights didn't work when I purchased the vehicle as our home camera showed after I brought it home. But they did try to fix them. The dealership routed a new wire, taped and waterproofed it, and returned the vehicle after stating that the system worked. I was also told or understood that the racetrack lamp assembly had been replaced, but the repair records I received do not identify a replacement lamp or part number. Approximately one week after the repair, moisture reappeared. The liftgate lamp assembly now contains substantial visible standing water that moves when the liftgate is raised or lowered. Sections…”
“Back to back error codes P0300 P0108 P1404 P0172 Rough running engine. Very strong smell of fuel at two different times while driving. Vehicle not responding to gas pedal while driving on highway. Repairs at thousands of dollars.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durango AWD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $2,950 | 427 |
| Durango RWD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | $2,950 | 414 |
| Durango AWD Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 22 | 17 | $4,200 | 533 |
| Durango RWD Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 22 | 17 | $4,200 | 525 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
5 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.
Owners filed 234 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (88), exterior lighting (57), engine (27). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2018 Dodge Durango at 17–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Dodge Durango 4 out of 5 stars overall.