Dodge Durango 3rd generation (2010–2026)
Generation-specific owner insights from 215+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
5,240
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2010–2026
77
recall campaigns
electrical system
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment for the third-generation Durango is genuinely split, and the split runs along powertrain and model-year lines rather than being uniform.
14 problems reported (6 recurrent, 8 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentPentastar V6 "tick" developing over 100,000 miles, attributed to rocker arm and camshaft wear
- RecurrentPlastic oil cooler failure on the V6
Leaking oil or coolant into the valley and risking engine damage.
- RecurrentRadiator failure requiring replacement
+ 11 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentElectrical and computer faults
Including Uconnect head unit failures, PCM replacement, and unexplained electrical issues on low-mileage vehicles.
- RecurrentPower lift gate motor or hydraulic lift gate strut failure
- RecurrentAC system failures, including blower motor replacement and major AC repair before 100,000 miles
- IsolatedHEMI lifter failure leading to camshaft damage
- IsolatedWater pump bearing failure on HEMI models
- IsolatedFront strut and suspension bushing wear at higher mileage
- IsolatedKey or ignition lock cylinder failure preventing the vehicle from starting
- IsolatedFuel pump relay failure requiring replacement, including on vehicles with a bypass kit installed
- IsolatedCreaking or clunking front-end noise over bumps on a low-mileage 2023 GT
- IsolatedCooling and oil temperature issues traced to the oil cooler
- IsolatedNo-start condition after a minor collision with the starter not engaging
The version owners recommend
The strongest owner consensus centers on the 2015-and-later V6 models with the 8-speed automatic, which owners repeatedly describe as the sweet spot for reliability and running costs, with the 2017 Citadel and Limited trims cited by long-term high-mileage owners. The 5.7L HEMI R/T is the enthusiast pick and is described as reliable and much more fun, but owners warn about fuel costs and about lifter and camshaft wear. The 6.4L SRT is praised as very reliable when maintained, with owners citing examples past 200,000 miles, but they caution that many used examples have been driven hard. The Hellcat is discussed mainly as an aspirational or collector vehicle rather than a practical recommendation.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon.
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Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment for the third-generation Durango is genuinely split, and the split runs along powertrain and model-year lines rather than being uniform. A substantial group of owners praise the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and the 8-speed automatic as a reliable, proven drivetrain, and several long-term owners report 150,000 to 190,000 miles with only minor repairs such as a radiator, power lift gate motors, and an AC blower motor. At the same time, a vocal contingent calls the Durango unreliable, points to the Pentastar "tick," oil cooler failures, and electrical gremlins, and says they would not buy one again. Owners repeatedly note that early 2011-2014 V6 models had more problems and that 2015 and later are better, and the 5.7L HEMI is generally described as reliable but thirsty, with lifter and camshaft concerns raised. The most common consensus position is that condition, maintenance history, and a pre-purchase inspection matter more than the badge.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the Durango as the value play in the three-row SUV segment, especially for buyers who need real towing capacity. One highly-upvoted owner argument is that a Hemi Durango can be had for around $40,000 and tow over 7,000 pounds, while comparable Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Expedition, and Wagoneer models start near $60,000, and an Explorer at roughly $45,000 gets a 2.3L four-cylinder with less power and far less towing capability. Against the Telluride, Armada, and Highlander, owners frame the Durango as more truck-like and more capable for the money. The counter-position, also common, is that Highlander, Pilot, and 4Runner are the safer reliability bets and that buyers should choose those if long-term dependability is the priority. Owners also frequently note the Durango's unusually tight turning radius as a practical advantage over rivals and even over some smaller crossovers.
Recommended configurations
Owners recommend the 3.6L V6 with the 8-speed automatic for daily driving and family use, and specifically advise shopping 2015 and newer because the 2011-2014 V6 years had more reported problems. For towing, owners say the V6 will pull a 3,500-pound trailer but hunts through the gears, and they recommend stepping up to the 5.7L HEMI if towing is regular. Owners advise changing oil every 5,000 miles maximum regardless of factory intervals, and on V6 models recommend replacing the plastic oil cooler with a metal aftermarket unit. Several owners recommend buying a Mopar factory extended warranty on any used example. For high-mileage SRT and HEMI shopping, owners suggest getting the oil tested as a condition indicator.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers who need a three-row SUV with genuine towing capability and who are willing to budget for maintenance and repairs; it is a poor fit for buyers who want a trouble-free appliance and will not set money aside. Owners consistently say to prefer 2015 and newer over 2011-2014, and to prefer documented maintenance history over low mileage, since a hard-driven low-mileage SRT can be worse than a well-kept high-mileage example. Nearly every thread converges on the same advice: get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted independent mechanic covering engine health, transmission, differential, suspension rubber and ball joints, brakes, AC system, rust on the undercarriage, and for V6 cars the oil cooler and for HEMI cars the water pump bearing and any tick. Owners also warn that many used examples are former rentals or fleet vehicles and should be scrutinized accordingly, and that Canadian-market vehicles may have warranty complications in the US.
Remarks
Owners repeatedly note that the Durango's tight turning radius, originally engineered for police use, makes it easier to park than many smaller crossovers. The ZF 8-speed automatic is widely praised as one of the best transmissions on the market and is shared across many brands. A notable owner controversy concerns the 2021 Durango Hellcat, where buyers who believed it would be a one-year limited model were upset when a 2023 version was announced; opinion among owners is divided on whether the resulting lawsuit has merit. Owners also frequently mention that the platform is old and unchanged for many years, which some see as proof the bugs are worked out and others see as evidence of cost cutting. Analysis based on approximately 215 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 13 | 0 | unknown or other |
| 2025 | 8 | 0 | electrical system |
| 2024 | 14 | 0 | electrical system |
| 2023 | 48 | 2 | exterior lighting |
| 2022 | 56 | 7 | exterior lighting |
| 2021 | 606 | 8 | exterior lighting |
| 2020 | 75 | 2 | exterior lighting |
| 2019 | 257 | 4 | exterior lighting |
| 2018 | 428 | 5 | electrical system |
| 2017 | 210 | 2 | exterior lighting |
| 2016 | 161 | 3 | exterior lighting |
| 2015 | 503 | 4 | exterior lighting |
| 2014 | 782 | 11 | exterior lighting |
| 2013 | 640 | 11 | electrical system |
| 2012 | 640 | 10 | electrical system |
| 2011 | 799 | 8 | electrical system |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2023 · power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shiftcampaign 23V640000
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.
2023 · structure:body:hatchback/liftgatecampaign 26V528000
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.
2022 · service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/modulecampaign 22V140000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 2021-2022 Dodge Durango vehicles, and 2019-2022 3500 cab chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs. The ABS control module software may prevent the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction indicator light from illuminating during certain conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
2022 · steering:rack and pinioncampaign 22V154000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Dodge Durango and 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The steering gear rack bar may have been insufficiently hardened during manufacturing, possibly allowing it to bind within the steering rack, and resulting in difficulty steering or a loss of steering control.
2022 · power train:manual transmission:column shift assemblycampaign 22V866000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Charger and Durango vehicles. The shifter assembly was not properly heat-treated, which can prevent the shifter from properly engaging in the "drive" position.
2022 · structure:body:hatchback/liftgatecampaign 23V115000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Dodge Durango vehicles. The rear spoiler may not be aligned properly with the roof, resulting in damage to the spoiler during liftgate use.
2022 · electronic stability control (esc):control modulecampaign 24V415000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Durango and Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles. Due to a software malfunction, the ABS control module may disable the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
2022 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 24V436000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Dodge Durango, 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Chrysler Voyager, 2022-2023 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Ram Promaster vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2022 · structure:body:hatchback/liftgatecampaign 26V528000
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.
2021 · structure:bodycampaign 21V842000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Dodge Durango vehicles. The rear spoiler may not be aligned properly with the roof, resulting in damage to the spoiler during liftgate use.
2021 · air bags:critical fastenerscampaign 21V280000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Durango vehicles. The Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) fastener may be loose or missing.
2021 · service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/modulecampaign 22V140000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 2021-2022 Dodge Durango vehicles, and 2019-2022 3500 cab chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs. The ABS control module software may prevent the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction indicator light from illuminating during certain conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
30 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.