2016 Dodge Durango
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Exterior lighting is the leading concern among 161 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 17th highest complaint count among 25 Durango model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 23 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 13 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
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsNov 10, 2016
Chrysler (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.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly for damage to the fuel rail crossover tube, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S85.
Campaign 16V814000 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
Representative owner complaints: exterior lighting
53 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 30, 2025
The Rear License Plate Light bulb (right) was out and I went to have the bulb replaced. I was quoted over $1100 from the dealer, as the LED racetrack lighting was not properly sealed and is collecting water. The collection of water within the light compartment has caused corrosion within, and the wiring to disintegrate. This is a commonly known, yet not addressed safety issue by DODGE. My vehicle will not pass the MA Safety Inspection at the end of the month. I have read on-line many, many complaints, as well as have spoken to other Durango owners who have experienced this same problem. I have already replaced the racetrack lighting ONCE on this vehicle due to water collection and the brake lights not properly working. THIS IS A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.
Exterior lighting, Feb 10, 2025
Rear racetrack led lighting is failing. One segment has gone dark. You can only replace the entire assembly for over &1500. I found on line there is a class action lawsuit regarding exactly what I am seeing
Exterior lighting, Jan 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that upon visual inspection, the contact became aware that the rear exterior lighting was not functioning properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was unknown.
Exterior lighting, Oct 17, 2023
The lighting system allowed water to enter the lights, causing them to fail as they filled up (from bottom to top) to the point that they won't properly indicate running lights or brake lights. This failure has been slowly occuring over the course of 4 years until it now fails to pass the safety inspection.
Exterior lighting, Dec 7, 2022
Around Thanksgiving of this year (2022), I noticed that my taillight housing for the center LED Racetrack lighting on my 2016 Dodge Durango was retaining water. I found this odd because light housings are supposed to be sealed and not allow water to enter. If water gets in, the electrical is at risk and lights can be shorted out or even cause an electrical fire. I conducted research and have found that this is a common issue with the Dodge Durango since this model has been sold. Water has been reported all over the internet of rear light housings that have shorted out or caused major issues. If the lights go out, it can cause visibility issues for vehicles behind you. I have noticed that the lights are now flickering on my vehicle in the area where the water settles. The same light housing contains the license plate lights, the back-up camera, and the reverse lights. I have also noticed that the main taillights that have the functioning brake lights and turn signal have had condensation as well. The part to replace this entire one section of lighting and electrical components is around $1,000. I have noticed that a technical bulletin was sent out by Dodge reference the "License Plate LED Light Inoperative - Moisture Visible Within the Lens" but it seems to only apply to the license plate lights. However, I believe the issue is much bigger than just the license plate lights and should be addressed with the manufacturer. Most of the components on this light housing contain lighting that is required by most state laws, especially in Texas, to be functional. The rear license plate lights and the reverse lights must be functional to pass vehicle inspection that is required to register the vehicle every year. Worst case scenario, the entire housing shorts out and the owner is left with a vehicle that has non-functioning license plate lights, reverse camera, and reverse lights.
Exterior lighting, Apr 8, 2022
WATER HAS LEAKED INTO THE "RACE TRACK LIGHTING" ON THE LIFT GATE. THIS IS FROM NORMAL, EVERYDAY DRIVING USE AND CARE. THE LIFT GATE TAIL LIGHTS, AS WELL AS LICENSE PLATE LIGHTING NO LONGER FUNCTION. THIS MAKES MY VEHICLE DANGEROUS, AND ILLEGAL TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. I HAVE READ ON MULTIPLE DODGE DURANGO FORUMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, AND ONE DODGE DEALER I SPOKE TO SAID THEY SEE THIS ALL THE TIME. THE PART ALONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM IS QUOTED AT $1000 BEFORE TAX. TO ME, IT IS CRAZY THAT IT COSTS THIS MUCH SIMPLY TO MAKE MY VEHICLE LEGAL AGAIN, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS A COMMON ISSUE ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH. I FEEL THAT DODGE SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL, AS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, IT'S A SAFETY, AND LEGAL ISSUE, AND IT IS SO EXPENSIVE TO FIX. I BOUGHT A NEWER VEHICLE TO NOT HAVE PROBLEMS, AND IT IS HARD TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD SUCH AN EXPENSIVE FIX WHEN ALL I AM TRYING TO DO IS MAKE MY VEHICLE LEGAL TO DRIVE AGAIN. DODGE NEEDS TO DO THE RIGHT THING, AND TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM THAT HAS PLAGUED MANY OF ITS LOYAL CUSTOMERS.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 9, 2021
Portions of the rear LED taillight have shorted out due to water accumulation in the housing
Exterior lighting, Jul 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, he noticed that the driver’s side headlight would appear dim and would sometimes not illuminate. The contact was relating the failure to corrosion with the connector of the wire and the bulb. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Exterior lighting, Apr 9, 2021
RACE TRACK LIGHTING TAKING IN WATER. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS - LOOKS LIKE DURANGO MODELS 2014-20 ALL HAVE THIS PROBLEM. DODGE DOES NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS- THIS IS HAPPENING TO THOUSAND AND THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE. DODGE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THEIR CONSUMERS. DODGE CONTINUALLY PUTS THIS FAULT PART ON THEIR DURANGOS. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS PART- THEY SHOULD FIX THE PARTS AND THEY SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. IS REALLY SAD THAT SO MANY ARE BEING TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF. EVERYONE IN DODGE IS AWARE OF THIS- YET THEY WOULD RATHER MAKE MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OFF THEIR CONSUMERS. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE! PLEASE HELP. - I WORK HARD FOR MY MONEY I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO CONTINUALLY PAY OUT FOR A FAULTY PART THAT DODGE IS AWARE OF.
Exterior lighting, Feb 15, 2021
THE LIGHT THAT RUNS ACROSS THE BACK OF THE TRUCK (RAIL LIGHT) CUTS ON AN OFF DUE TO WATER THAT IS INSIDE THE LIGHT DUE TO O A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. THE CASE THAT THE LIGHT IS IN HOLD MOISTURE. IT SHORT THE LIGHT OUT AND IT ALSO CAN START A FIRE. I ALMOST GOT HIT BY AN 18 WHEELER TRUCK AT NIGHT BECAUSE THE LIGHTS WENT OUT ON THE BACK WITH OUT ME KNOWING IT. MY 4 CHILDREN AND I COULD'VE DIED. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. THERE ARE SEVERAL MODELS WITH THIS PROBLEM.
Exterior lighting, Jan 22, 2021
THE REAR TRACK LIGHTING FOR RUNNING LIGHTS IS BURNING OUT DUE TO WATER INTRUSION. THE ENTIRE UNIT WILL FAIL FROM THE WATER. VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE DODGES. NO POSSIBLE FIXES OTHER THAN REPLACING UNITS AND THE COST IS REALLY HIGH.
Exterior lighting, Jan 21, 2021
WATER HAS LEAKED INTO THE "RACE TRACK LIGHTING" ON THE LIFT GATE. THIS IS FROM NORMAL, EVERYDAY DRIVING USE AND CARE. THE LIFT GATE TAIL LIGHTS, AS WELL AS LICENSE PLATE LIGHTING NO LONGER FUNCTION. THIS MAKES MY VEHICLE DANGEROUS, AND ILLEGAL TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. I HAVE READ ON MULTIPLE DODGE DURANGO FORUMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, AND ONE DODGE DEALER I SPOKE TO SAID THEY SEE THIS ALL THE TIME. THE PART ALONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM IS QUOTED AT $1000 BEFORE TAX. TO ME, IT IS CRAZY THAT IT COSTS THIS MUCH SIMPLY TO MAKE MY VEHICLE LEGAL AGAIN, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS A COMMON ISSUE ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH. I FEEL THAT DODGE SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL, AS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, IT'S A SAFETY, AND LEGAL ISSUE, AND IT IS SO EXPENSIVE TO FIX. I BOUGHT A NEWER VEHICLE TO NOT HAVE PROBLEMS, AND IT IS HARD TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD SUCH AN EXPENSIVE FIX WHEN ALL I AM TRYING TO DO IS MAKE MY VEHICLE LEGAL TO DRIVE AGAIN. DODGE NEEDS TO DO THE RIGHT THING, AND TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM THAT HAS PLAGUED MANY OF ITS LOYAL CUSTOMERS.
Exterior lighting, Jan 8, 2021
ABOUT A YEAR AGO, THE PASSENGER SIDE HEAD LIGHT STARTED MALFUNCTIONING. IT WOULD TURN ON AND THEN TURN OFF WITHOUT TRIGGERING A WARNING OR ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE OUTAGE. I REPLACED IT AT A COST OF ABOUT $400. NOW, THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT IS HAVING THE SAME FAILURE WITHOUT THERE BEING A WARNING OR ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE ISSUE AND I'M HAVING TO SPEND ANOTHER $400 TO GET IT REPLACED. IT IS CLEARLY A DEFECTIVE PART AND I'M FURIOUS THAT THESE LIGHTS ARE SO COSTLY TO REPLACE. I THOUGHT LEDS WERE SUPPOSED TO BE MUCH LONGER LASTING. I DON'T WANT TO GET PULLED OVER FOR HAVING A HEADLIGHT OUT. DODGE NEEDS TO HAVE A RELIABLE AND SAFE PRODUCT. THIS IS SAFETY ISSUE.
Exterior lighting, Apr 8, 2020
PURCHASED VEHICLE USED IN 2018, WITH LESS THAN 30K MILES ON IT. IT CURRENTLY HAS AROUND 48K MILES ON IT, AND THE RACETRACK LED TAIL LIGHT BAR HAS WATER IN IT, CAUSING PART OF THE BAR TO GO OUT. THERE ARE A TON OF PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME ISSUE - FCA NEEDS TO ADDRESS IT AND NOT EXPECT THEIR CUSTOMERS TO SHELL OUT AROUND $1200 TO FIX THEIR FAULTY DESIGN.
Exterior lighting, Feb 21, 2020
THE TAIL LIGHT THAT RUNS ALL THE WAY ACROSS ON THE BACK LEAKS. I'VE ALREADY THIS REPLACED ONCE WHEN IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE BUGS GOT IN THERE. NOW THIS KEEPS MOISTURE, I CONSTANTLY HAVE TO FIND WAYS TO DRAIN THIS OR IT WOULD MAKE THE LIGHTS GO OUT. I FEEL LIKE THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE, BECAUSE IT SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING ON EVERY VEHICLE THAT HAS THESE LIGHTS. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW, I DIDN'T EXPECT AFTER ONLY A YEAR OF HAVING I WOULD COME ACROSS THIS PROBLEM. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL!
Exterior lighting, Feb 3, 2020
REAR TAIL LIGHTS HAD MOISTURE IN THEM AFTER BUYING THE CAR. DEALER STATES DODGE WOULD NOT REPLACE THEM UNDER WARRANTY SO THE DEALER DRILLED HOLES TO HELP THE MOISTURE DRAIN. NOW THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS HAVE POOLING WATER IN THEN ABOUT A 1/4 OF THE LIGHT IS FILLED. REAR TAIL LIGHTS/BRAKE LIGHTS STILL WORK FOR NOW. LED RACETRACK LIGHTING THAT GOES ALL AROUND THE REAR LIGHTS IS BLOWING OUT DUE TO THE WATER GETTING INTO IT. PER THE DEALER DODGE WILL NOT REPLACE IT EVEN THOUGH IT'S A KNOWN DEFECT WITH THIS LIGHTING AND THE WATER GETTING INTO IT. I WILL HAVE TO PAY APPROXIMATELY $1200 TO HAVE IT REPLACED.
Exterior lighting, Jan 16, 2020
THE RACETRACK LIGHTING ON THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE FILLED WITH WATER AND BURNED OUT SEVERAL LED LIGHTS. IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND REPLACED AT NO CHARGE. ONCE I WAS OVER 36,000 MILES, THE SAME THING HAPPENED WITH THE NEW PART THE DEALER INSTALLED. I CALLED DEALER SINCE 5 MONTHS LATER AFTER THE NEW INSTALLATION, THE SAME THING HAPPENED. IT IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECTIVE PART AND SHOULD BE REPLACED AT NO FEE.
Exterior lighting, Jan 7, 2020
THE LED RACE TRACK STYLE LIGHT BARS, WHICH ARE THE TAILLIGHTS FOR DODGE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THEM, ARE DEFECTIVE IN DESIGN; SUCH THAT THEY ARE NOT SEALED PROPERLY TO PREVENT WATER INTRUSION. THE LED LIGHT BARS ALLOW WATER TO POOL IN THE BOTTOM OF THEM CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO GO OUT. NEEDLESS TO SAY, SINCE THIS IS THE TAILLIGHT SYSTEM FOR THE VEHICLE, IT POSES A GRAVE SAFETY RISK. ADDITIONALLY, DODGE DOES NOT CONSIDER 'SEALS' PART OF THEIR WARRANTY COVERAGE WHEN YOU TRY TO HAVE IT REPAIRED THROUGH THAT CHANNEL. I WOULD THINK DRIVING AROUND WITH DEFECTIVE WATER LEAKING AND SOON TO BE MALFUNCTIONING TAILLIGHTS WOULD BE A BIGGER SAFETY RISK IN THE EYES OF DODGE; HOWEVER, THEY SEEM TO THINK TELLING ME THEY CAN ORDER ME A NEW ONE FOR $1,200 WHEN IT LEFT THE FACTORY DEFECTIVE IN DESIGN IS AN APPROPRIATE REMEDY.
Exterior lighting, Jan 2, 2020
THE RACETRACK LED LIGHTING ON THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE KEEPS BURNING OUT. THE LIGHT ASSEMBLY HOLDS WATER AND IT JUST POOLS UP INSIDE THE PLASTIC ASSEMBLY, EVENTUALLY BURNING THE LED'S OUT. HAVE HAD REPLACED WHILE UNDER WARRANTY, PROBLEM OCCURRED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AGAIN. NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, AND NOW RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR, DEALER KNOWS ITS AN ISSUE.
Exterior lighting, Dec 31, 2019
CENTER SECTION OF REAR VEHICLE LIGHTING FAILED. LEAVING INADEQUATE REAR LIGHTS.
Exterior lighting, Dec 27, 2019
WATER LEAKS INTO AND POOLS IN REAR TAIL LIGHTS/BRAKE LIGHT CAUSING THEM TO FAIL. RESEARCH HAS FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM.
Exterior lighting, Dec 27, 2019
MY LED TAILLIGHTS KEEP GETTING WATER INSIDE THEM CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO SLOWLY GO OUT. THIS WILL CAUSE A SAFETY ISSUE OVER TIME. ALSO WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I FEEL THAT DODGE DIDN'T DO A GOOD JOB AT SEALING THE LIGHTS. BY LOOKING AT THE PICTURES YOU WILL SEE WHAT I MEAN BY THE WATER. I HAVE DRAINED THE WATER SEVERAL TIMES BY REMOVING A BOLT.
Exterior lighting, Dec 3, 2019
THE RACING TAILLIGHTS ARE NOT SEALED WELL ENOUGH. WATER IS GETTING INTO THE LIGHT. IT WILL CAUSE PART OF LIGHT TO GO OUT.
Exterior lighting, Dec 3, 2019
WHEN IT RAINS WATER IS COLLECTING IN THE BACK TAILGATE LIGHT. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. APPARENTLY, I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM.
Exterior lighting, Dec 1, 2019
WATER LEAKS INTO THE RACETRACK LIGHTING AND POOLS CAUSING BURNOUT OF LED LIGHTING. THIS RESULTS IN REDUCING VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE DUE LACK OF LIGHTING AT NIGHT. THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH MULTIPLE DODGE DURANGO'S.