2015 Dodge Durango
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Exterior lighting is the leading concern among 503 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 25 Durango model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 26 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 37 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, wiringMay 17, 2018
Chrysler (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.
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Campaign 18V332000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, disc, caliperMar 23, 2016
Chrysler (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.
A cracked brake caliper may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front left brake caliper and depending on its casting date, replace it, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 12, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S16.
Campaign 16V168000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearJul 27, 2015
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured June 12, 2015, to June 20, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with rear lower control arms that may have been incorrectly heat treated. This may cause the rear lower control arm to fracture.
If the rear lower control arm fractures it may result in a change in ride height, loss of rear end stability, and reduced braking capabilities, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began July 29, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R38. Note: This supersedes Recall No. 15V-407.
Campaign 15V469000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, radio/tape deck/cd etc.Jul 23, 2015
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, 2015 Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Dodge Durango, and 2013-2015 Dodge Viper vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.
Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R40.
Campaign 15V461000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: exterior lighting
196 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Dec 16, 2025
When I first got the car I didn’t notice the problem until one day it rained very hard and I didn’t care that much to drive I sat that night out and waited until the next day I go out to my car and my rear light bar the race track taillight completely out like it wasn’t on where my truck is the outside lights where the break lights are was on but the truck area is out I’m receiving citations after citations for this reason I can’t get insurance because they won’t pass the inspection for that light common sense but I told my car lot mega moters here in the Houston area they told me they couldn’t help me with the issue so I’m in a deep depression and I love my car but this issue is going to far now and I’m willing to fix if it’s fixed able but this issue is definitely with dodge themselves I’ve noticed a couple more Durangos rear taillights out on the road also I be wanna stop them and ask about the issue because I need help
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 30, 2025
Im again reporting the racetrack tail lights. Im seeing a lot more water intrusion in dodge durangos of many years. We want answers! This needs to be investigated stat! Consumers should not have to pay $1800 for failure on dodges part! They know this is an issue with many years of these durangos. There is already a class action lawsuit against them for this issue. Please investigate this! We want answers....
Exterior lighting, Mar 30, 2025
The Racetrack taillight assembly is partially working..I have to take it to a Chrysler Dodge dealer to get it fixed and I hear it is expensive..I am [XXX] on a fixed income but I know it has to be fixed..it’s dangerous what happens if they all go out and I have no lights..this problem has to be fixed.. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Exterior lighting, Mar 21, 2025
I am filing a complaint regarding a serious safety defect in the 2014-2023 Dodge Durango racetrack taillight assembly. The taillight allows moisture intrusion, leading to electrical failures, overheating, and potential fire hazards. This issue is the subject of a class action lawsuit [XXX] , et al., v. FCA US LLC), yet Dodge has not taken action. Key Safety Concerns: Fire Hazard: Electrical shorts and melted wiring have been reported. Safety Risk: Flickering or failed brake lights and turn signals increase the risk of accidents. Financial Burden: Replacement costs exceed $1,800, and vehicles cannot pass state inspections with a failed taillight. Widespread Issue: The defect affects multiple model years, indicating a manufacturer defect rather than wear and tear. The class action lawsuit highlights Dodge’s failure to address this safety issue despite numerous complaints. A jury trial is set for January 2027, but owners should not have to wait years for resolution. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue and require Dodge to issue a recall to fix or replace defective taillights at no cost to owners. Please provide an update on this complaint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Structure, Mar 8, 2025
The rear led license plates light obtain moisture corroding the electrical as do the racetrack rear light and go out. I have replaced the 2 rear license plat light assemblies and have gone again again causing myself to receive a traffic citation and attorney fee's due to this defect that thousands of other people are filing complaints about. All of the rear body lighting needs to be recalled and reimbursed for these expenses. The license plate led light(2) are not cheap from the dealer. I have also now received a traffic citation for the brake lighting not properly working on the race track lighting so I will be filing this as a legal matter with the courts to be reimbursed A police report was done as I was ticketed for both on 2 different occasions.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Jan 23, 2025
The license plate light bulbs keep burning out caused by moisture/ wetness in the connectors due to poor design of rear lights.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 27, 2024
The rear LED license plate lights are corroded and need replacing. One does not work.
Exterior lighting, Seat belts, Nov 26, 2024
Driver side and third row passenger side seat belts have stopped retracting, will not retract. Exterior tail light is going out due to faulty manufacturer seal, water gets in and destroys tail light from inside which also lets water get into license plate bulb and makes the license plate bulbs burn out constantly. I feel unsafe driving my vehicle due to the seatbelt not retracting, if I have to slam on my brakes, the seal belt does not lock up like it should. I cannot have a passenger in the third row passenger side due to the seatbelt being loose and not retracting at all. Vehicle has not been reproduced, confirmed or inspected yet by anyone other than myself and passengers. No warnings before any of the issues.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 19, 2024
Sections of LED brake light/race track light has stopped working due to water intrusion in rear panel. Back panel is not secured properly, allowing water to enter, corrode the harness and lights to fail. Due to this, the license plate harness & connectors are corroded as well. Replacing the tag lights will not fix the problem, you must replace the whole wiring harness for it to work again. The wiring harness is sold as one piece now by manufacturer due to this KNOWN issue, costing $600-$1000 to purchase and install. Manufacturer has stopped selling just the plate light plugs because they know the common issue with water damage, light failure and corrosion. The license plate lights are required by law to be working. Owners cannot continue replacing every year due to the manufacturers inadequate design. This impacts drivers with safety and on a legal level from law enforcement. There were no warning signals on my dash of this issue. Law enforcement has pulled me over for this issue and recommended speaking with the manufacturer.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 12, 2024
The rear 'race track' tail lights fail to light or are dim in lower sections of the assembly installed on the rear tailgate. Water enters the assembly over time and collects in the lower sections of the assembly causing the installed LED's and circuitry in those sections to fail. This repair is not covered by the extended warranty and would cost drivers approx 800 to install a replacement which would also leak.
Exterior lighting, Jan 25, 2024
Rear gasket on tail light assembly is faulty and causes water to leak in to rear running light and the light fails and doesn't work anymore. I'm requesting an investigation or recall on the rear assembly to have them fixed or replaced for safety and uniformity. The OEM part number is 68453659AA
Exterior lighting, Oct 14, 2023
The racetrack style light on the back of my vehicle has water buildup on the inside. It has started to burn out the light. The unit is still partially functional so it's not available for inspection. The left license plate light on my vehicle doesn't function due to the corrosion inside the connector as well. This is a safety risk due to other driver not being able to see my Vehicle clearly during night or other conditions. There were no warning indicators on the dash about this issue. The Vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other than myself.
Exterior lighting, Oct 10, 2023
The rear back light in my dodge Durango went out on it own and I've seen multiple Durango with the same issue . I’ve attached example . Ive seen multiple cars with this same issue so there has be manufacturers issue
Exterior lighting, Sep 13, 2023
The racetrack light bar located on the trunk door is dimming due to water intrusion from the poor/lack of sealing on the light. This lack of sealing keeps making water go in to the light, thus reducing the car's visibility at night. A lot of Durangos have this problem and there is no fix from the dealer, other than buying a new $1,300.00 light. The only thing we can do is to actually drain the water once a week by removing screws in the light bar, but at last, this only prolongs the inevitable. Some folks have resorted to removing the light from the tailgate and applying plastic friendly silicone to prevent water intrusion. Still, water enters the light bar. It's a shame.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 25, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2015 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the middle rear taillight, known as the racetrack light, frequently burned out due to moisture entering the brake light housing. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where the light had been replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Exterior lighting, Dec 31, 2022
Rear "Racetrack" break light filled with water and now has stopped working.
Exterior lighting, Seats, Other or unspecified, Nov 2, 2022
THE HEADREST ON THE PASSENGER SEAT JUST POPPED OPEN WHILE WE WERE DRIVING. THE REAR VIEW CAMERA OFTEN DOESN'T RESPOND IMMEDIATELY WHEN WE PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE OR JUST STAYS BLACK FOR AWHILE. NAVIGATION IS SLOW SOMETIMES. IT SEEMS TO BE THE THE SYSTEM KEEPS ON RESETTING BECAUSE MY RADIO STATIONS ARE ERASED WHEN I TURN ON THE CAR. THE REPROGRAM AND IT CONTINUES TO DO THAT. WHEN WE ARE DRIVING THERE IS A SOUND COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD. LIKE A RATTLELING SOUND. WE STILL HAVEN'T FIGURED OUT WHAT IT IS. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN WE ARE DRIVING AND IT SEEMS LIKE A GEAR IS SHIFTED WHEN WE DID NOT STEP ON THE GAS.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Nov 1, 2022
Water has collect in race strip light, since then I’ve been experiencing electrical problems with the car.
Exterior lighting, Apr 20, 2022
The center light on the truck has to be replaced many times due to the light going out due to water intrusion. This is a causes the light to go out and be a safety hazard
Exterior lighting, Mar 24, 2022
Cracks in the side trim of race track (tail) light are present at bolts that attach light housing to vehicle. This has allowed moisture into the area of the led tail lights. Tail lights are no longer working correctly.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 27, 2022
Liftgate tail light leaking and holding water causing light failure and electrical shorts. Which cause visibility for other drivers to not see your back end at night.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 12, 2022
The center track light (brake light) is defective; it collects water from the rain or melted snow and has shorted out parts of the light. The shorted area does not light up when braking. With parts of the track light blacked out by the short, it is not as effective in letting drivers behind me know when I am braking. Initially, the shorted light was a small corner of the light, which is not several inches. With the blackened area of the light growing as I an unable to stop the water from seeping in, it creates a safety concern for a vehicle of this size, especially when driving in a the highway. A Dodge dealer/mechanic shop in DeKalb, IL recognized the problem and said it was very common, but was not covered under the warranty. There were no warnings prior to the failure.
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Dec 13, 2021
The lift gate light housing assembly develops cracks due to design flaw, allowing housing assembly to fill with water and cause lights to malfunction. The housing assembly is available for inspection upon request. The rear lights of the vehicle are not functioning as intended and can cause rear end vehicle collision, which car cause injury or worst to the passengers. The problem has been verified by my local Dodge dealership and Chrysler has been made aware of the issue as well. They have replaced the housing assembly 2 times for me in the past but Chrysler has not actually done anything to my knowledge about the design flaw and root cause of the light housing cracking. I currently have water intruding into my now 3rd housing and this time both the dealership and Chrysler are saying they are not going to do anything about it and if I want the cracked housing replaced then I need to pay for parts and labor myself, but what is the point of doing that if its a design flaw and its only a matter of time before the new housing cracks again. I am not the only Dodge Durango owner with this issue, these are many other people reporting this issue on Dodge Durango Forums. The vehicle has been inspected by my local Dodge dealership but not by any other entity. I don't have the maintenance records for the first time this happened, but my local Dodge dealership does. I think the first time the problem was reported was October 2019, and has now happened 2 more times.
Exterior lighting, Dec 10, 2021
I have suffered a known issue with the exterior lighting on these vehicles. Water has gotten into the tail light housing and caused the light to go out…a $1300 part. Water intrusion has been long documented in these model year Durangos, with no recall ever issued.
Exterior lighting, Dec 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Durango. The contact stated upon inspection it was discovered that the brake light strip was dim on the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact indicated that water had accumulated inside the taillight assembly housing. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear taillight assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 80,000.