Problems · NHTSA complaints
2018 Dodge Durango problems
Owners filed 234 complaints about the 2018 Dodge Durango with NHTSA between Feb 2018 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (88).
Complaints
234
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
9
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Electrical system88
- Exterior lighting57
- Engine27
- Service brakes22
- Seats21
- Power train13
- Fuel/propulsion system11
- Air bags10
- Forward collision avoidance7
- Suspension6
- Vehicle speed control6
- Electronic stability control (esc)5
- Structure5
- Service brakes, hydraulic4
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
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
12
29
18
31
41
24
31
30
18
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 12 |
| 2019 | 29 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 31 |
| 2022 | 41 |
| 2023 | 24 |
| 2024 | 31 |
| 2025 | 30 |
| 2026 | 18 |
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.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Electrical system
88 reports1 crash2 related recalls
“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”
Exterior lighting
57 reports
“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…”
Engine
27 reports
“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.”
Service brakes
22 reports2 crashes
“On [XXX], my 2018 Dodge Durango GT (145,076 miles) developed abnormal braking characteristics immediately following a preventive brake-fluid flush performed by Jim Browne Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Dade City, Florida. Before this service, I had experienced no braking problems. Immediately afterward, the brake pedal became unusually soft, spongy, and mushy, accompanied by a pronounced air-hissing sound in the driver's footwell whenever the brake pedal was depressed. Despite these symptoms, the dealership released the vehicle. Relying on that release, I drove approximately 70 miles home while experiencing the abnormal braking condition. Upon arriving home, I contacted the dealership to report the problem. The symptoms raised concerns about possible loss or degradation of power brake assistance, potentially increasing braking effort and creating a collision risk, particularly during emergency braking. On [XXX], Central Florida Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Orlando evaluated and repaired the vehicle. The corrective repairs included replacement of the brake booster and master cylinder. Following these repairs, the braking condition was fully resolved, and performance…”
Seats
21 reports
“The passenger side active headrest restraint deployed at 3mph in a parking lot. There had been a safety recall for apparently my vin is not covered per dodge. [XXX] If this would have happened on the drivers side at highway speeds, it could have been deadly. The vehicle is at nyle Maxwell in Killeen and the passengers side is being replaced via extended warranty but my issue is getting the divers side replaced BEFORE it hits me in the back of the head. I spoke with dodge customer service and I was advised to submit a complaint. I think the model year range and trims should be expanded as this is still clearly an issue”
Power train
13 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle had started to lose motive power and nearly stalled. The contact stated that the check engine, a yellow "P" and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and shifted into park(P) and became aware that the vehicle was in neutral(N) when the vehicle rolled forward. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed by the mechanic, and it was determined that the PCM needed to be replaced and referred the contact to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the windows independently rolled down and the vehicle was in park(P) but the vehicle rolled forward. The contact turned off the vehicle but observed that the ignition was in the "RUN" position and while attempting to restart the vehicle to properly shut the vehicle off, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact had the…”
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.