2016 Dodge Durango: common problems and reliability
· 3rd generationOne of the better Durango years.
161 owner complaints, most about exterior lighting. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Durango?The 2016 Dodge Durango has 161 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are exterior lighting and electrical system. Owners most often flag pentastar v6 "tick" developing over 100,000 miles, attributed to rocker arm and camshaft wear.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Dodge Durango vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Durango years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the Durango?
Across the 27 Durango model years we track, complaint volume runs from 48 (2023) to 2,043 (1999). With 161 complaints, the 2016 Durango sits below the model's median of 436.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 Durango
electrical system:wiring
Campaign 18V332000Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 16V814000Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 10, 2016, to April 28, 2016 and equipped with a 3.6L engine built at the Saltillo engine plant. During the assembly of the engine, the fuel rail crossover tube may have been damaged, which, over time, may result in a fuel leak.
service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper
Campaign 16V168000Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured December 9, 2015, to January 14, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the left front brake caliper may crack due to being made from an incorrect material.
What owners report on the 3rd generation Durango
Owner sentiment for the third-generation Durango is genuinely split, and the split runs along powertrain and model-year lines rather than being uniform.
- 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
- 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
Owner insights for the 3rd generation Durango. Read the full 3rd generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Durango listings typically run $17,400–$32,197.
Other Durango model years
Compare every Durango year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Durango against its rivals
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