2018 Dodge Durango
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 232 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 14th highest complaint count among 25 Durango model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 9 involved a crash. 5 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleNov 7, 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may incorrectly illuminate the brake lights and disable the ABS and electronic stability control (ESC). In addition, the vehicle operator may be able to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
A vehicle that can be started and shifted out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in a vehicle rollaway. Disabled ABS and ESC systems can reduce vehicle handling and control in certain driving situations. Brake lights that incorrectly illuminate can fail to properly indicate the driver's intention to following traffic. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the integrated pressure transducer and update the ABS module software, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 94B. This recall replaces previous recall number 22V-426. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-426 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Campaign 24V838000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleJun 9, 2022
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may illuminate the brake lights, and allow the vehicle to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
A vehicle that starts and shifts out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside of the vehicle.
This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 24V838. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. The remedy includes updated HCU/ABS module software that prevents the HCU/ABS module from falsely reading pressure in the primary circuit. FCA has decided to do a two-Phase Campaign remedy schedule. Phase 1 began November 17, 2022. Phase 2 begin date has not been determined yet. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed July 28, 2020. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z48.
Campaign 22V426000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiring, front underhoodAug 9, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
Campaign 18V524000 on NHTSA.gov
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
Power train, automatic transmissionMay 1, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.
Campaign 18V280000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
232 reports, newest first.
Seats, Oct 22, 2024
There is definitely something wrong with the headrests on the durangos. I was vacuuming my seats and i used the passenger lever to push it back and the headrest on the passenger side popped out and now the clips are broke & it wont pop back in. They definitely need to look into the headrests and fix this issue.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service brakes and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with HECU failure. The contact was informed that the HECU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V426000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) recall repair had been completed in 2023; however, the failure occurred. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E019000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Exterior lighting, Sep 6, 2024
I have noticed moisture in the rear tailgate light which houses the rear camera, license plate light, reverse lights and a larger(racetrack) tailight. I have drained the light a couple of times and noticed a small portion of the light was dim. This has been going on probably a year. Last night our son was driving behind and noticed the whole tailgate light had gone out along with the license plate light. There is no way to service this light it has to be replaced. The replacement light at the dealer was $1480. To me that is not an option. This is definitely a safety and consumer concern in my book.
Seats, Sep 3, 2024
The front passenger side headrest Safety mechanism deployed as I was driving down the road and upon looking at it, a piece inside is broken. when the headrest deployed, it hit my passenger in the head, pushing him forward and give him a headache it came out so hard and fast I brought the car to the dealership today, 9/3/24 they said other year, Durango have a recall, but my year is not one of them there were no warning lights.
Seats, Aug 20, 2024
The AHR system for the passenger seat failed. While sitting in the school line for one of my kids, the passenger headrest (AHR system) malfunctioned and protruded forward. If the force behind the protrusion would have hit someone it could have caused a concussion, if it would have been the driver, could have caused an accident if in motion. Having issues with Dodge warranting for the repair, have had dealership look at it, said it needs to be repaired, and I am currently working on a case with Dodge itself. No warning lamps were on and have not came on since the issue. This is a manufacturing defect and should be covered under the X88.
Seats, Aug 20, 2024
I was sitting in my car in the car line to drop my children off at school and the passenger seat headrest busted open and scared us 3 half to death. Luckily no one was sitting in the passenger seat, I believe if someone was it would have caused a severe headache and neck pain. I'm so fortunate it did not happen while I was driving either, who knows what my reaction would have been. Apparently this has happened to other vehicles including Dodge Durangos which is what I own. I took it to the dealership like Dodge customer service informed me to do and they weren't sure why it busted open and can't compress it back. The whole thing has to be replaced, $1,200. Dodge customer service doesn't feel like it's an issue and won't replace it. I've had a hard time getting any information from Dodge customer service and I can't seem to get them to call me back. My car has not been wrecked and this is definitely a manufacturing defect that needs to be addressed!! There was no warning at all that this was going to happen and no lights have come on in my car to let me know it did. Dodge needs to put out a recall on the headrest.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Aug 5, 2024
The driver side headrest "deployed" and pushed the headrest to the back of my head. I was sitting in the driver seat and the vehicle was parked, and when I moved a bag from the front passenger seat to the middle row, the driver side headrest opened on it's own. I cannot compress the headrest together. My concern is this was a faulty safety deployment.
Electrical system, Jul 16, 2024
System that failed in my 2018 Durango is the Electrical. Multiple reports from myself as well as other customers as to why the electrical fails in these vehicles is due to heavy rain storms and/or car washes. This issue has cause my electrical to fail and now a costly repair for myself that I should not be responsible for. I have reaches out to the dealership many times with this issue and they failed to help me. The Electrical issue has been diagnosed by the dealership and are unwilling to help rectifie this issue. This issue is not just affecting me as a customer, but thousands of others. The issue has been inspected by certified technicians at the dealership and they have contacted the warranty company to let them know of the issue and will not fix the issue because of water damage but this is a well known issue in the 2018 Durangos that then intern affects the Electrical in these vehicles. Multiple warnings were giving and I reaches out to the dealership multiple times regarding the issue. These issues have been ongoing since owning the vehicle and kept getting swept away by the dealership for the repairs.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 2, 2024
Between the transmission slipping since 30k, the engine knocking. The check engine flashing. I have changed the coil packs spark plugs, all filters and still nothing, the auto stop/start does not work it flashes Boggs out and loses power. The whole steering wheel and truck vibrates and shakes to a point you feel like you’re on an incline going up a roller coaster. I have replaced batteries 2x the windows no longer auto roll down when using fobs even w new batteries and re programming electrical system power randomly fails and all lights go out the. Screen goes out stops working for days on end .
Exterior lighting, Jun 7, 2024
Tail gate LED brake light fills with water and cause the light to stop working. Because of the design it has the potential for the driver behind not to see the brake lights which can result in an accident. Reported issue to the dealership and the insurance company that I took extra exterior insurance from and they said it happens all the time and wants me to pay hundreds out of pocket. This is a manufacturing defect because it happens to many of this model it’s not fair to the customer. I see many other Durangos with the same issue. Dodge should compensate the customers.
Electrical system, May 29, 2024
Engine shuts off randomly by itself. Could be hazardous when it happens while driving on Highways. Vehicle must be stopped and placed in park to restart.
Exterior lighting, Apr 25, 2024
The rear taillights are filling up with water and burning the rear lights out which causes safety for other not being able to see the rear of the car. I know 3 other people that have the same issue on there dodge durango. You have to take the bolt out to drain the water. There is no seal or gasket inside preventing water from going in also can cause other electrical problems which is not safe.
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Apr 21, 2024
The center hate LED brake light has water in it and shorted out making visibility of the rear of the vehicle hard to see at night. Dealer told me this is a very common issue and wants over $1000 for me to order another. Dodge needs to fix this and make it right as it's a design issue. This is a serious safety concern and will not drive with my family in the vehicle until able to fix it.
Power train, Apr 15, 2024
I was driving down the interstate using cruise control. The lane was slowing so I went to accelerate around and the car made a thud noise. After that, the car started to slow and 2 minutes later stated cruise control off then would not shift above 1st gear.
Other or unspecified, Apr 1, 2024
Radio screen delaminated and randomly pushing buttons turning functions of the car on and off, adjusting the climate you can’t fix, calling people randomly. This is a very well known issue with these screens and should be a recall. Very distracting to the driver and you are unable to keep this from happening. Unable to control certain functions in the car. Has been delaminating for years but getting worse and more of a problem.
Exterior lighting, Mar 28, 2024
Water is getting into the tail lights which is starting to burn the lights out. It's a safety concern especially at night time. They're should be a recall on this issue as fixing it is costly. A lot of people are being affected by this.
Exterior lighting, Mar 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the driver’s side tailgate LED light had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that water had gotten inside the lighting enclosure. The dealer stated that the area where the tailgate racetrack light was located needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 20, 2024
Water entered into the rear tail light from rain and shorted the light and caused it to stop working. And is burnt out. This doesn’t have a bulb to replace it’s the entire running light system.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Structure, Mar 6, 2024
There is a problem with the rear middle light on the lift gate. Water is getting into them and shorting them out then leading it to need a replacement. This is an on going issue with dodge Durangos. Something needs to be done with this design flaw on the Durango’s because they charge 1400 for the part plus labor for it to be replaced when the light wasn’t built right
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Mar 1, 2024
There is a known problem with the rear brake lights allowing water into it. It can ruin the electrical and cause brake lights to go out without the drivers knowledge and could cause and accident. Lucky I was able to fix it for now.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 19, 2024
While driving on the highway, the computer system shut down and all screens went black. The car still drove but none of the controls worked anymore. We could not roll the windows down or turn the fans or a/c on and it was summer so the interior of the car immediately became unbearably hot. We pulled over as soon as it was safe to do so and turned the car off and back on. The system came on partially and we were only able to open the sunroof and roll the rear windows down half way before it stopped working again. We tried cycling the car on and off several more times but the computer system and all controls remained unresponsive and the screens black. The door locks did not work either so we couldn’t secure the vehicle. It was Sunday so no dodge dealerships were open. We were on a family vacation and half way to our destination so we drove an additional 3-4 hours to reach our destination. I took the Durango to the dealership the following day and they kept it for a week. They disconnected and reconnected the battery cable and the system worked again and they could not replicate the problem. We drove home after that without issue. Two weeks later, the same thing happened. This time, I pulled over and disconnected and reconnected the battery cables and that seemed to solve the issue again. We took it back to our local dealership and they could not replicate the issue.
Exterior lighting, Engine, Feb 12, 2024
Rear tail lights are out. All the Dodge Durangos on the road are ! Safety hazard for people behind me and me! Initially part of the light went out tonight the whole light went out . Cam shaft has went bad twice
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 12, 2024
I received recall 22V-426, the dealer reflashed my vehicle but the problem still exists. My brake lights stay on, stability, auto park, traction control and engine lights come on. The dealer now says I need to replace the exact part listed in recall at my own cost. My state inspection has expired and fails a new safety inspection due to this problem.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 7, 2024
The "racetrack" lights have pooling water in them and are now not working at all. the back end of the truck is a hazard as you are not able to see it.
Service brakes, Jan 30, 2024
when trying to break the pedal locks and takes a while to go down. Almost crashed a couple of times due to this.