Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 2 NHTSA variants

2023 Dodge DurangoRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 39 owner complaints for the 2023 Dodge Durango. Most complaints involve exterior lighting (15) and power train (9). 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
2campaigns
Latest Aug 2026
Owner complaints
39
Top: exterior lighting
Fuel cost / yr
$2,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

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

Structure: hatchback

Remedy pending

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Dodge Durango vehicles. The rear spoiler may not be aligned properly with the roof, possibly resulting in damage to the spoiler during liftgate use.

StructureReported Aug 13, 2026NHTSA 26V528000

Power train: column shift

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Dodge Durango Pursuit vehicles equipped with an instrument panel mounted shifter. The shifter may experience an interference with the shifter boot and come out of gear while driving, which can result in a sudden loss of drive power.

Power trainReported Sep 18, 2023NHTSA 23V640000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

39 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2023 – Nov 2026
  1. Exterior lighting15
  2. Power train9
  3. Electrical system9
  4. Engine6
  5. Air bags3
  6. Fuel/propulsion system3
  7. Fuel system, gasoline2
  8. Vehicle speed control2
  9. Forward collision avoidance2

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
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
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

15 reports
“The driver-side daytime running light (DRL) on my 2023 Dodge Durango has stopped functioning. The failure occurred under normal vehicle use and was not caused by an accident, impact, or external damage. I am reporting this as a safety concern because the daytime running lights are intended to increase vehicle visibility to other motorists and pedestrians. With only one DRL functioning, the vehicle has reduced and uneven forward visibility to others during daytime driving. A premature failure on a relatively new vehicle also raises concern that this may be an electrical, lighting assembly, or component defect that could affect other 2023 Dodge Durango vehicles. I am requesting that NHTSA document and evaluate this issue for potential trends involving premature daytime running light failure on the 2023 Dodge Durango.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 5, 2026Exterior lightingODI 11769062

Power train

9 reports
“The radio displays Uconnect box requires service, please visit an authorized dealer. When that happens you cannot use the safety call 911 button, if you are using your phone for navigation, you will not be able to see it. It also makes the vehicle run different.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 1, 2026Power train, Electrical systemODI 11761262

Electrical system

9 reports
“I have a 2023 Dodge Durango GT. I have noticed that every so often I get an error message that pops up on my radio that says “UConnect box need service contact an authorized dealer”. I’ve taken it in and had the radio flashed and it keeps coming back. Everytime it comes on is disables my SOS and makes it non functional as well as it disables my other SiriusXM Guardian features. I find this to be an extreme safety concern as it disables the SOS feature to contact emergency services incase of an accident. Seems to be an ongoing issue with Durango models.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 4, 2026Electrical systemODI 11735630
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
All-Wheel Drive · Rear-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 · All-Wheel Drive
182521$2,950430
Durango RWD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
192621$2,950416
Durango AWD
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · All-Wheel Drive
142217$4,200533
Durango RWD
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142217$4,200525
  • 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

3 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Dodge Durango SUV AWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.2%
Overall
4 / 5
Dodge Durango SUV RWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.8%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 7, 2026Vehicle 17243Vehicle 17242Vehicle 17245
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

2023 Durango questions

How many recalls does the 2023 Dodge Durango have?

2 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 2023 Dodge Durango problems?

Owners filed 39 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are exterior lighting (15), power train (9), electrical system (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2023 Dodge Durango get?

The EPA rates the 2023 Dodge Durango at 17–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

How safe is the 2023 Dodge Durango?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Dodge Durango 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026