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.
Exterior lighting, Jan 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that after having the car washed, the racetrack lights and license plate lights became inoperable. There was an abnormal burning odor detected while driving at unknown speeds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact called the local dealer and was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000.
Exterior lighting, Jan 27, 2024
My racetrack light in back has blown LEDs due water getting inside. I’m to the entire light and back up camera needs replacement. It’s a major issue according to other owners who have the same problem.
Engine, Dec 31, 2023
I bought this car, brand new off the dealer and it has been in perfect shape until 120,000 miles. All of a sudden the check engine light comes in and turns out it was the head gasket!! 5 years old, hasn't needed a thing and the mechanic tells me I need a new engine!? What good is it if I buy a brand new car and take perfect care of it all to end up with the engine going to [XXX]. I have heard other people saying the same thing with their 3.6l pentastar engine. AT 120K...I don't see that being a coincidence if it keeps happening with the SAME engine at the SAME AMOUNT OF MILES. There is definitely a problem here. P.s won't let me upload documents on the mechanics diagnosis. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Exterior lighting, Dec 29, 2023
Vehicle tail light housings (3ea) are not adequately sealed and protected from the elements and allow water/debris to intrude. Water accumulation has caused dimming and shorting of lights. Dodge customer service was contacted and stated they are not currently and will not warranty repair.
Exterior lighting, Dec 26, 2023
Center tail light failure in the lift gate. On further inspection all tail lights have water intrusion. Obviously tail/brake light failure is a safety hazard, especially at night. Dodge not owning the problem and the repair parts are extremely hard to find.
Electrical system, Dec 18, 2023
The Radio is flashing a message and beeping asking me if I want to reset the clock. Reverse backup doesn’t work when this is happening and it is a huge distraction while driving.
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 1, 2023
TIPM failure
Electrical system, Nov 13, 2023
My radio is malfunctioning turns on and off whenever it presses buttons on it’s own like to change the radio, change the climate and it’s blank or screen black the entire time it switches from Bluetooth to radio or vice versa
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 7, 2023
My car randomly won’t start could be due to one of the 4 recalls for my make and model I would like have this investigated
Electrical system, Aug 25, 2023
I noticed a small air bubble appear on screen. Thought nothing of it until my screen started taping on things on its own. Changing the air, calling random people, changing the radio station, folds down the headrest for the back seats and exiting out of my maps for directions. This is know as ghost touches. I’ve spoke to multiple people who have had the same problems with their durangos. This is very very distracting.
Electrical system, Aug 23, 2023, crash
My touchscreen is malfunctioning. It does what it wants when it wants. Example- it makes my headrest flip up and down Turns the radio stations Turns the heat/air on/off Turns the heated/cooling seats on/off Backup camera doesn’t work half the time I backed into a dirt embankment and cracked my rear bumper because the backup camera wasn’t working at that time Navigation doesn’t work half the time Volume works when it wants Can’t change radio stations sometimes
Steering, Air bags, Seat belts, Jul 25, 2023, crash
While on my way to an appointment it was raining and I noticed my car wasn't handling the water on the road like it usually did. It was pulling to one side or jumping around when it hit shallow water. I turned the traction control off and then back on and that seemed to make a difference. That night I got on NHTSA and searched for recalls with my VIN number. While other 2018 Durango's had recalls on the ESP it said mine wasn't one on them. About a week later it had been storming all night and I was on my way to work the next morning when I come around a curve to deep flowing water covering the road for approx. 30 yards before a small break and then a thin flowing of water for approx. 20 feet which I didn't see because it was still raining. When I hit the deep water it pulled me towards the right ditch, I was able to keep from going in the ditch but it was a constant fight until I was through the puddle. After the first puddle let go of my vehicle there was just enough time for me to feel relieved I had made it through it before I hit the shallow water and my car hydroplaned darting left, entering the ditch, ramping the side of a driveway and going airborne between two trees before coming down on it's front end and sliding 30 feet to a stop. The emergency contact system spoke asking who to contact but none of my ICE was displayed. Thankfully I was wearing my seatbelt although the tensioner didn't lock the belt in place like it should in the event of an accident. Also neither front airbag deployed, only the passenger side air curtain deployed. My passenger side mirror was hit by a mailbox as I ramped the driveway so I assumed that is why the side curtain deployed but the accident crushed and partially removed both my front and back bumper so my 2 front air bags should have deployed as well. An accident report was made and my insurance company ruled my car as a totaled. I told them what happened but I am not sure if the inspected the ESP system or not.
Service brakes, Jun 29, 2023
ABS module failed and shuts off AWD,cruise control and parksense
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 28, 2023
The infotainment system screen is delaminating like on many others and cause the screen to act like there’s a ghost touching the screen randomly Val’s people changes stations and scares me it will be full blast out of nowhere And then there’s the rear center racetrack taillight it fills with water and the bottom right is burnt out like on millions of otheres it should be a recall it does it it on all model years starting with 2014 to current it’s not sealed properly from factory I even bought a new assembly at 1,400$ and it lasted a year my Durango is a 2018
Electrical system, May 27, 2023
They connect system shuts off randomly impacting the heating and air conditioning. It begins turning on and off distractingly on its own unable to access any features. Disabling use of the back up cameras, heating, navigation, radio or controls of volume.
Air bags, Engine, May 22, 2023
Engine light on for to EVAP leak. Airbag warning light on and off periodically throughout drives.
Seats, Apr 14, 2023
While stopped at a traffic light, the drivers side front headrest exploded forward hitting my wife in the back of the head. Upon inspection, I noticed part of the plastic hinge inside the headrest had broken or sheared off. Although it did not appear to have caused her personal injury, had this occurred while driving it very well could have caused an accident, due to the impact and loud noise.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated after attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over. The contact then stated that after several attempts to start the vehicle she smelled a burning odor. No warning lights were illuminated. The AAA was notified of the failure and the battery was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where the contact was informed that coolant had leaked in the engine and burned the starter; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the repair cost would be covered. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Exterior lighting, Mar 30, 2023
When using the auto high beam headlights. The headlights will dim and the high beams do not always come back on. this appears to happen after seeing yellow signs on the roads. To fix I have to turn the head light knob to on (which turns the lights off for a second). This is very dangerous on the dark roads i ride on. I was told by dealer this is a known issue on many brands and there is no fix. This has been an on going issue for the last couple of years.
Other or unspecified, Mar 26, 2023
The screen to sync clock keeps coming up and I have to X it out to get back to my gps then does it again I have looked this up seems it’s a known issue. U feel this needs addressing since I use my GPS all the time and this causes me to take my eyes off the road often
Exterior lighting, Mar 17, 2023
Tracklight has water intrusion. Replaced twice already. New light has water. Less than 6 months old. Causes rear lighting to fail, including plate light, which is illegal in my state. Failure causes drivers approaching from the rear not to see vehicle on approach, potentially causing an accident.
Exterior lighting, Mar 16, 2023
Tail lights fill with water. This caused a safety risk both of electrical fire and lights failing and increasing risk of an accident when due to not being visible from behind. This is a known issue with Dodge Durangos from 2016 to 2020. There are class action lawsuits and petitions requesting dodge fix the problem. I called Dodge corporate and was advised the situation has not been addressed and that it is not under warranty or recall
Exterior lighting, Mar 7, 2023
My 2018 Dodge Durango leaked water into the taillight assembly. I initially removed the bottom taillight screw located inside the liftgate so water would drain. Later I had to remove the light itself and run a bead of silicone caulking along the top edge where the water leaked into the light assembly. Generation 3 Dodge Durangos are notorious for leaking water into the "race track" shaped taillight which leads to taillight failures. It's the biggest complaint on my Facebook Durango groups, with almost daily postings. Once water collects inside the assembly, it leads to taillight partial or total failure.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 13, 2023
Multiple occasions I have taken my vehicle to the local dealership I bought it brand new only owner any time it rains my vehicle stops. I have been going down the highway and it has just shut down in the middle of the highway. My vehicle will no longer start after this last rain and snow dealership is not helping and pretty much says I’m on my own still in the vehicle is paid off and I have had nothing but issues with electrical the car randomly shifting out of gear, brake lights leaking because I feel with water and floorboards, becoming soaked when it rains
Exterior lighting, Jan 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the taillights were not functioning properly. The contact stated that the taillights failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the taillight assembly seal was not functioning correctly and was allowing water to enter the taillight assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and stated that there was no recall for the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 30,000.