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
161 reports, newest first.
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.
Structure, Nov 1, 2022
The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while her daughter was taking out an item from the trunk, the rear liftgate inadvertently closed on her back. The contact stated that her daughter's back was badly injured. The contact stated that her daughter was taken to the hospital and was informed that she needed to see an orthopedic surgeon. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer for diagnosis or repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
Tires, Oct 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Durango equipped with Windforce Tires, Tire Line: Performax, Tire Size: 285/60/R18, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle started to wobble. Upon inspection, she noticed that there were bubbles on the driver's and passenger's side rear tires. Additionally, the tire pressure reached 65 PSI. The vehicle was taken to the tire dealer and the driver's and passenger's side rear tires were replaced; however, the failure recurred with the driver's and passenger's side front tires. The dealer informed the contact that the tires were not covered under warranty and she would need to pay out-of-pocket for the replacement tires. The driver's and passenger's side front tires were not replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 2, 2022, fire
Vehicle was parked in a public parking area. Engine off. No one in vehicle. Vehicle had a combustible event occur under the hood. Fire Department came to extinguish. Vehicle was declared a total loss. Vehicle was in excellent condition and well maintained … no prior history of issues other than routine maintenance. No recent maintenance done under hood on vehicle. No body was hurt. Thankfully. One other vehicle was damaged … plastic melted due to heat of fire on the driver side.
Other or unspecified, Jul 28, 2022
Gas backs up and comes out when filling.
Air bags, Wheels, Jul 18, 2022, crash
The back axel on the driver side snapped while going 75 down the highway. Causing major damage and totally the car.
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 3, 2022
Check Engine light came on. Code states P0440 Evaporative Emission Systems. However, i looked to see if recall was issued for my vehicle and it states a recall was issued for this but not my vehicle vin number.
Engine, Feb 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that he discovered an oil leak in the engine after the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where they diagnosed the vehicle with a defective vapor canister purge valve and valve cover gasket. The vehicle was repaired; however, the oil leak failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer where the vehicle was then diagnosed with a defective motor mount; the service mechanic suggested both motor mounts be replaced. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Electrical system, Dec 11, 2021
The car will just turn off, requiring it be placed in park and restarted.
Power train, Nov 9, 2021, crash
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that his daughter was in the passenger seat when she activated the push start button and the vehicle rolled backward while in the park position. The contact's daughter got out of the vehicle midway while it was rolling backward and sustained scrapes to her knees and elbows. The vehicle crashed into the neighbor's garage door. The rear windshield was shattered, and the rear fender and liftgate were damaged. No medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that they would reach out in 4 days. The failure mileage was 77,800.
Power train, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 19, 2021
3 malfunctions within a month time frame. The car will start and run normally. Then it will suddenly come to a halt because the engine will continue to run but the transmission knob will not be able to move, and the entire electrical panel lights up. Repeated attempts to use the push button start to unlock the transmission knob and be able to start car fail. This has happened 2 of the 3 times on major roadways in traffic. PD was called for last incident. The car has been to the dealer 3 times, dealer is unable to replicate problem and unable to pull codes from computer every single time. Vehicle has been inspected by dealer every single time. No warning lights or lamp or messages have appeared prior to this issue. The last incident - as described on major roadway - my children were in vehicle. This is a complete and dangerous issue, still not being addressed. The car had come to a light, stopped, the auto engine had kicked in, and when time to move, the entire panel lit up and transmission knob locked once again.
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 16, 2021
My car showed all kinds of notices on the screen and was not turning on correctly and shaking while driving or standing. I took it to the dealer and was told my entire engine will have to be replaced due to oil sludge on the engine and this will cost be around $9000. I’ve been researching and it seems this tends to happen a lot to dodge car engines. My car has under 60,000 miles.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 9, 2021
Portions of the rear LED taillight have shorted out due to water accumulation in the housing
Power train, Engine, Aug 18, 2021
Very common cylinder 2 misfire. Replaced all spark plugs and the cylinder two ignition coil. Replaced upper and lower intake gasket seals, replaced the fuel injector. Still having issues with misfire. Wiring is all correct - pumps and valves are right. It must be a broken head and this is a known issue with previous years of Chrysler engines that have had recalls. This is an expensive fix and dangerous if not fixed. It is not fair to the consumer that Chrysler has still yet to fix such issues after prior years have been recalled, and yet they don’t recall the 2016 pentastar 3.6L. I am requesting this be looked into and recalled for I am one of many who are encountering this serious issue that will inevitably cause wrecks.
Air bags, Seats, Jul 27, 2021
My wife was driving down the road when out of no where her headrest just deployed slamming into the back of her head. After examining the headrest it was clear that a plastic piece had deteriorated causing the headrest to release.
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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 27, 2021
ALTERNATOR HAS A MAJOR MALFUNCTION CAUSING A ALL SYSTEMS FAILURE. AFTER GOING TO MULTIPLE CERTIFIED DODGE MECHANICS THIS ISSUE IS STILL UNRESOLVED.
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.
Electrical system, Mar 18, 2021
DURANGO STALLED IN MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION. UNABLE TO START AND VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LOCAL MECHANIC. MECHANIC STATED THE ISSUES INVOLVES THE ALTERNATOR AND IT HAS AFFECTED THE BATTERY AND WE ARE STILL WAITING TO SEE IF THE PCM WAS AFFECTED. MECHANIC ADVISED ME THAT HE WORKED ON THE SAME YEAR CHRYSLER AND HAD THE SAME EXACT ISSUE, BUT THE ALTERNATOR IN THAT MODEL WAS RECALLED. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OTHER ALTERNATOR ISSUES SIMILAR TO MINE WHEN SEARCHING THE INTERNET AND AM WONDERING WHY HAVEN'T THESE ALTERNATORS BEEN RECALLED IF ANOTHER VEHICLE MADE BY CHRYSLER HAS A RECALL BUT THE DURANGO DOES NOT. VEHICLE WAS DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS UP TO AN INTERSECTION AND ONCE STOPPED, IT SHUT OFF. ORIGINALLY THOUGHT IT WAS THE AUTO START/STOP, BUT ENGINE DID NOT ENGAGE AND POWER STEERING WAS ALSO OUT. UNABLE TO START THERE AFTER.
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.
Structure, Feb 11, 2021
2016 DURANGO LIFTGATE HAS WATER DAMAGE ON THE LEFT SIDE WITHIN 2 YEARS OF IT BEING PURCHASED BRAND NEW. I CALLED DODGE AND THEY ADVISED ME THAT THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, BY LESS THAN 500 MILES. I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2019 DURANGO LIFTGATE FROM EBAY BECAUSE MOPAR HAS A NATIONWIDE SHORTAGE ON THIS ITEM AND WITHIN 60 DAYS IT HAPPENED AGAIN BUT THIS TIME ON THE RIGHT SIDE. MOPAR IS MANUFACTURING THIS LIFTGATE TO GAIN PROFIT, BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT THIS WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN. THEY ARE NOT HELP TO CUSTOMER WHO ARE A VICTIM OF THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT.
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.
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 16, 2021, crash
THE TRUCK EXCELS WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT WHERE YOU MUST BREAK AGAIN.THE TRUCK THE EMERGENCY BREAK FORWARD AND REAR HAS ACTIVATED WHILE IN MOTION. I TOOK THIS TRUCK TO MEINEKA CAR CARE IN JOLIET IL FOR A TIRE AND BREAKS TO BE LOOKED AT WHILE THEY TEST DROVE THE TRUCKTHEY INSTANTLY SAID THE TRUCK WAS DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT TOOK OFF WHIE THE M ALSO DOING A TEST DRIVE . I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND DODGE. I WAS PULLING IN THE DRIVEWAY AND PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE TO PULL INTO THE GARAGE AND IT JERKED HITTING TE GARAGE. TOOK THE TRUCK IN FOR A WHEEL ALIGNEMENT AND COULDNT DRIVE BACK WAS TOLD TO SEND CAR TO DEALERSHIP