Dodge Durango problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The most-documented Dodge Durango problems are the 2011–2013 TIPM fuel pump relay recalls that can cause stalling, brake booster corrosion and 3.6L alternator recalls on 2011–2014 models, 3.6 Pentastar oil cooler leaks, 5.7 Hemi lifter wear on 2014–2021 models, and a 2021–2022 steering rack recall. Check open recalls by VIN.

CarWhere lists 8 documented Durango issues, including 6 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source.

Durango generations at a glance

WD Durango problems (2011–present)

TIPM fuel pump relay can fail and stall the engine (recalls 14V530, 15V115, 19V813) (2011–2013)

Safety recall
Generation:
WD (2011–2013)
Years:
2011–2013
Powertrain:
3.6L V6, 5.7L V8

The fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) can fail, causing a no-start or a stall while driving. 14V530 covered 2011 Durangos and 15V115 covered 2012–2013 models; in 2019 FCA added 19V813 for 2011–2013 Durangos that had already received the earlier remedy.

Symptoms

  • Engine cranks but does not start
  • Stalling while driving
  • Intermittent electrical faults

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete (the 2019 follow-up 19V813 may still be open)
  • Ask for the TIPM or relay repair order

NHTSA recall: 19V813 (2019-11)

Sources: [1]

Brake booster can corrode and lose assist (recalls 14V154, 17V572) (2011–2014)

Safety recall
Generation:
WD (2011–2014)
Years:
2011–2014
Powertrain:
All engines

Water can enter the brake booster through a corroding center shell, reducing power assist and possibly freezing in cold weather. 14V154 added a shield; 17V572 rechecked that the shield had been installed correctly on 2011–2014 Durangos.

Symptoms

  • Hard brake pedal
  • Longer stopping distances, especially in freezing weather

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete (both campaigns)
  • Test the brake pedal feel with the engine running

NHTSA recall: 17V572 (2017-09)

Sources: [1][2]

3.6L alternator can fail suddenly (recalls 14V634, 17V435, 17V741) (2011–2014)

Safety recall
Generation:
WD (2011–2014)
Years:
2011–2014

Several campaigns cover alternators on 2011–2014 Durango, Charger, Challenger, 300 and Grand Cherokee. 14V634 and 17V741 cover 3.6L models with the 160-amp alternator, which can fail suddenly and cause a stall; 17V435 covers 3.6L and 5.7L vehicles with electro-hydraulic power steering, where a failing alternator can cause a stall or short-circuit and start a fire.

Symptoms

  • Battery warning light
  • Dimming lights or stalling
  • Burning smell from the engine bay

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete (several campaigns can apply)
  • Have the charging system tested

NHTSA recall: 14V634 (2014-10)

Sources: [1][2]

3.6 Pentastar oil filter housing / oil cooler leaks (2011–present)

Moderate
Generation:
WD (2011–present)
Years:
2011–present
Powertrain:
3.6L Pentastar V6

The plastic oil filter housing and integrated oil cooler sit in the valley under the intake manifold on the 3.6 Pentastar and are a widely reported leak point on Durango and Grand Cherokee models. The plastic can crack after many heat cycles, leaking oil or mixing oil and coolant. Replacement means removing the upper intake, so labour is the main cost. There is no recall.

Symptoms

  • Oil pooling at the back of the engine or on the transmission bellhousing
  • Burning-oil smell
  • Coolant loss or oil in the coolant

Check before buying

  • Look for oil at the rear of the engine valley and bellhousing
  • Check the coolant for oil contamination
  • Ask whether the housing has been replaced

Sources: [3]

5.7 Hemi lifter and camshaft wear (2014–2021)

Major repair
Generation:
WD (2014–2021)
Years:
2014–2021

The Petro v. FCA US lawsuit covers 2014–2021 Durangos with the 5.7L or 6.4L Hemi, alleging the lifters and camshaft wear prematurely, causing a tick, misfires and eventually engine failure. Nationwide class claims were dismissed in 2024; there is no recall.

Symptoms

  • Ticking that does not go away when warm
  • Misfire codes or rough idle

Check before buying

  • Listen for ticking at cold start
  • Scan for misfire codes
  • Ask for records of any cam or lifter work

Sources: [4]

ABS module fault can disable ABS/ESC and bypass the brake-to-shift interlock (recalls 22V426, 24V838) (2018–2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
WD (2018–2019)
Years:
2018–2019
Powertrain:
All engines

A malfunction in the anti-lock brake module of 2018–2019 Durangos and Grand Cherokees can light the brake lamps, disable ABS and stability control, and allow the vehicle to start and shift out of Park without the brake pressed. 24V838 superseded the 2022 campaign 22V426 with a new remedy.

Symptoms

  • ABS and ESC warning lights
  • Brake lights stay on
  • Shifter leaves Park without the brake

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete (24V838 replaced 22V426)
  • Confirm the shifter will not leave Park unless the brake is pressed

NHTSA recall: 24V838 (2024-11)

Sources: [5]

Steering rack bar may bind (recall 22V154) (2021–2022)

Safety recall
Generation:
WD (2021–2022)
Years:
2021–2022
Powertrain:
All engines

FCA recalled certain 2021–2022 Durangos (and 2022 Grand Cherokees) because the steering gear rack bar may not have been hardened properly, so it can bind and make steering difficult or cause a loss of steering control. Dealers replace the steering gear.

Symptoms

  • Steering feels notchy or sticks
  • Heavy steering at low speed

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Turn the wheel lock to lock while stationary and listen for binding

NHTSA recall: 22V154 (2022-03)

Sources: [6]

Rear spoiler can be damaged by the liftgate (recalls 21V842, 23V115, 26V528) (2021–2023)

Safety recall
Generation:
WD (2021–2023)
Years:
2021–2023
Powertrain:
All engines

The rear spoiler on 2021–2023 Durangos may sit out of alignment with the roof and be damaged when the liftgate opens, and a damaged spoiler can detach on the road. FCA issued 21V842, expanded it with 23V115, and in August 2026 added 26V528 for vehicles that need a new repair even after the earlier fixes.

Symptoms

  • Spoiler gap or rubbing when the liftgate opens
  • Cracked spoiler edges

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete (26V528 applies even if earlier campaigns were completed)
  • Open the liftgate and check clearance to the spoiler

NHTSA recall: 26V528 (2026-08)

Sources: [6]

Related Durango research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints is a different question, answered in the years-to-avoid research from NHTSA complaint counts.

Confirm how a Durango was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Dodge build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Dodge build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What year Dodge Durango has the most problems?

The 2011–2014 models carry the most recalls, including the TIPM fuel pump relay (2011–2013), brake booster corrosion and 3.6L alternator campaigns. Later models have fewer but include a 2021–2022 steering rack recall.

What is the Durango TIPM problem?

On 2011–2013 Durangos the fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module can fail, causing a no-start or stall. Recalls 14V530, 15V115 and the 2019 follow-up 19V813 cover it.

Does the 3.6 Pentastar in the Durango leak oil?

The plastic oil filter housing and oil cooler are a common leak point on 3.6 Pentastar engines. There is no recall; replacement requires removing the upper intake manifold.

Does the Durango 5.7 Hemi have lifter problems?

Lifter and camshaft wear on 2014–2021 Durangos with the 5.7L or 6.4L Hemi is alleged in the Petro v. FCA US lawsuit. There is no recall, so check for ticking and misfire codes before buying.

How do I check a Durango for open recalls?

Enter the VIN on NHTSA’s recall lookup or ask a Dodge dealer. Recall repairs are free, and some Durango campaigns have follow-up recalls that apply even if the first remedy was done.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. NHTSA recalls: 2012 Dodge Durango — NHTSA
  2. NHTSA recalls: 2014 Dodge Durango — NHTSA
  3. Chrysler 3.2 and 3.6 Pentastar oil filter housing problem guide — 8020 Automotive (secondary reference)
  4. HEMI tick lawsuit includes 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter engines (Petro v. FCA US) — CarComplaints.com
  5. NHTSA recalls: 2019 Dodge Durango — NHTSA
  6. NHTSA recalls: 2022 Dodge Durango — NHTSA

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