Owners have filed 222 complaints
about the 2016 Dodge Durango with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the lights.
Across this model's run it ranks 14 of 28 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 16
Against the median year of the Dodge Durango. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
19.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 76
44% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
107.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
139.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2215.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
4028.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3524.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
139.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
96.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2016 Dodge Durango SUV 2WD
19.8% risk
2016 Dodge Durango SUV 4WD
21.2% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2016peak 11Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2016 Dodge Durango
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE19014Opened 9 Sep 2019Closed 25 Feb 2026SEATS
Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments in...
PE16014Opened 16 Dec 2016Closed 25 Jan 2024POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Vehicle Rollaway
Basis – On December 16, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE16-014 to investigate 43 vehicle rollaway incidents with operators alleging they had shifted to Park and then exited the vehicle prior to the rollway incidents. These complaints involved multiple Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) model and model year vehicles that share a common electronic rotary shifter design. Of the 43 consumer complaints, 25 complaints alleged crashes, and eight complaints alleged at least one injury. Subject Vehicles – When NHTSA opened the investigation, the subject ve...
Recalls on the 2016 Dodge Durango
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2018269635,880 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, an electronic fault may create a situation where the cruise control cannot be deactivated. If this occurs and the driver does not apply the brakes or shift the transmission to neutral, the vehicle could maintain speed or accelerate without warning, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software and perform an update as necessary. Note: In the interim, owners are advised not to use the cruise control until the vehicle is repaired.
Recall 20165502,534 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles equipped with certain 3.6L V6 gasoline engines, the fuel rail crossover tube may be damaged. Over time this could result in a fuel leak, which in the presence of an ignition source could increase the risk of a vehicle fire causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect the fuel rail crossover tube for damage. The fuel rail assembly and the lower intake manifold will be replaced on vehicles found to have the damage.
Recall 2016130946 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the left front brake caliper may have been cast from an incorrect material during manufacturing. This could cause the brake caliper to possibly crack under an extreme braking application. This could affect vehicle control and increase stopping distances, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect the front left caliper date code and replace the caliper if it is from the suspect casting date.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Bartow, FL1 injured
SEATS
On August 6, 2026, at approximately 6:00 a.m., I was driving my 2016 Dodge Durango northbound to work at approximately 60 mph. It was dark and the roadway was slightly wet from overnight rain. While traveling in the left lane under normal driving conditions, I suddenly heard a loud pop and the driver’s Active Head Restraint/headrest sprung forward, striking me hard in the back of the head. The impact caused my head to be thrown forward and caused me to swerve. I immediately pulled over to determine what had happened. After exiting the vehicle, I discovered that the driver’s headrest had sprung open and forward. There had been no collision or other impact immediately before the headrest deployed. I continued to work after the incident and developed a mild headache. Later that day, I began experiencing soreness in my neck. The unexpected deployment occurred without warning while I was traveling approximately 60 mph and created a serious safety concern because the impact caused me to swerve while driving. I have photographs documenting the condition of the headrest immediately following the incident.
NHTSA complaint #11755339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11491756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland Township, MIFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11477244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland Township, MIFire
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11477244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland Township, MIFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11477244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crowley, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The back axel on the driver side snapped while going 75 down the highway. Causing major damage and totally the car.
NHTSA complaint #11474475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Bartow, FL1 injured
SEATS
On August 6, 2026, at approximately 6:00 a.m., I was driving my 2016 Dodge Durango northbound to work at approximately 60 mph. It was dark and the roadway was slightly wet from overnight rain. While traveling in the left lane under normal driving conditions, I suddenly heard a loud pop and the driver’s Active Head Restraint/headrest sprung forward, striking me hard in the back of the head. The impact caused my head to be thrown forward and caused me to swerve. I immediately pulled over to determine what had happened. After exiting the vehicle, I discovered that the driver’s headrest had sprung open and forward. There had been no collision or other impact immediately before the headrest deployed. I continued to work after the incident and developed a mild headache. Later that day, I began experiencing soreness in my neck. The unexpected deployment occurred without warning while I was traveling approximately 60 mph and created a serious safety concern because the impact caused me to swerve while driving. I have photographs documenting the condition of the headrest immediately following the incident.
NHTSA complaint #11755339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
SEATS
Passenger active headrest deployed while parked on driveway.
NHTSA complaint #11708040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nashville, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
We had an issue with an error message in the middle of driving that stopped the acceleration of the vehicle, this seems to be common, looking at forums online. The inspection request is acceptable. The message we receive is "Shift to P before changing gears". The vehicle will stop in the middle of traffic and sometimes require a complete restart before being able to shift to drive. This has put myself, my wife, and two children in immense danger as the vehicle can stop at any point in time in oncoming traffic. We've taken it to a dealer who inspected the shifter and they didn't see any issues they couldn't replicate the issue happening. Two separate mechanic shops also cannot replicate this issue consistently. it hasn't been inspected these problems didn't have any warning messages prior to the problem occurring.
NHTSA complaint #11697733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesHickory, NC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a strong fuel odor in the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed the strong fuel odor. The contact was employed by an independent mechanic, so the independent mechanic inspected the vehicle; however, the contact was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11692509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Uxbridge, MA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11677230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Uxbridge, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11677230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hagerstown, MD
POWER TRAIN
Driving in the left lane of an interstate highway at 75mph, in moderate traffic, in daylight hours, clear weather, with my young son. Sudden, unexpected decrease in engine rpm resulted in unannounced, approximate 40 mph reduction in speed. The instrument cluster illuminated stating “ service transmission continue in D. Do Not Shift or Turn Engine Off”. Such an unforeseen event, without brake light illumination, resulted in several following vehicles to take evasive actions, thus preventing a potential mass casualty accident. I was able steer towards the right shoulder at the greatly reduced speed of 35mph, collect myself, check on my upset son and try to make sense of what had happened. At this point panic began to set in. I called my Father & he was able to provide the next step being to deliver the vehicle to the local Dodge dealership. Those few miles were miserable since the dash was still presenting dismal warnings, there was reduced power and the vehicle acted like it was in a very low gear. The dealership was closed, so the vehicle was parked on lot however, once the engine was turned off the battery power remained on. Unable to lock, turn off or change any electrical device. We returned the following day and spoke to the service advisor who stated, “the vehicle had entered the Limp Mode” Addition research states it is a safety feature that activates when a critical issue is detected by a computer. Well, I guess the engineers never thought about such a radical transformation at highway speeds….without brake lights! Such a device should never allow an automobile to suddenly and without notice, startle the driver with annunciations while simultaneously downshifting and reducing engine rpm.
NHTSA complaint #11675495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairbanks, AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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
NHTSA complaint #11641732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electrical issues involving specific fuses in the vehicle where the f13 fuse constantly fries and melts into the fuse box. Causing an electrical burning smell. No warning lights come on. Certain aspects of the car stop working like the blower motor.
NHTSA complaint #11632805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring Branch, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This past week our 2016 dodge durango citadel driver side headrest pop out during the night while parked overnight outside our house. My wife discover the pop out headrest the next morning when she open the door to drive to her work. We are unable to return the head rest to its original position.
NHTSA complaint #11610658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I have owned a 2013 Dodge Durango Citadel and traded it when it got to 100K because the fuel pump failed and now I own a 2016 Dodge Durango Limited and I'm currently at 99K miles and this fuel pump has failed. There needs to be a recall on the fuel pumps with the Dodge Durangos. The car will hesitate to start and malfunction while in traffic and that is dangerous to the driver and other vehicles. This can cause a crash because the vehicle will stall and not operate. The issue was confirmed by the Dodge, Jeep and Lincoln dealer with both vehicles I've owned. There were no indications that this component was failing other than the hesitation to start a month prior and the hesitation went from every few days to every single day.
NHTSA complaint #11592107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesNaples, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle shut off and the steering wheel became inoperable. The vehicle failed to restart, and the contact waited for approximately 1 hour later and the vehicle restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a TIPM failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to approximately 5 different dealers where it was diagnosed with the same failure. The vehicle was repaired approximately 5 times however, the failure recurred each time. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact discovered the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V530000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
NHTSA complaint #11588950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Towson, MD
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11568020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gillett, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Was driving and the vehicle stalled well driving, Had a hard time trying to stop and could barley steer the vehicle. Vehicle was flashing shift to park. This has happened two times to me now and I took it to the dealership and it happened to them as well. The radio screen sometimes doesn't light up and it will freeze and won't let you do anything, when cell phone is connected via blue tooth it will disconnect and then reconnect and randomly turn the volume all the way up and music will start playing, A/C will randomly kick on when I didn't have it on due to it being winter time and use only the heat now. rear brake light the race bar part of it is out and Mopar won't replace, Hood of the vehicle has rust bubbles and the lift gate has rust, I asked Mopar about the warranty and they said I missed the expiration date and they would not cover it. Three of the tires keep losing air and I am now on my second set of tires in a year and two months, Valve stems replaced two times as well.
NHTSA complaint #11562556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gillett, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Was driving and the vehicle stalled well driving, Had a hard time trying to stop and could barley steer the vehicle. Vehicle was flashing shift to park. This has happened two times to me now and I took it to the dealership and it happened to them as well. The radio screen sometimes doesn't light up and it will freeze and won't let you do anything, when cell phone is connected via blue tooth it will disconnect and then reconnect and randomly turn the volume all the way up and music will start playing, A/C will randomly kick on when I didn't have it on due to it being winter time and use only the heat now. rear brake light the race bar part of it is out and Mopar won't replace, Hood of the vehicle has rust bubbles and the lift gate has rust, I asked Mopar about the warranty and they said I missed the expiration date and they would not cover it. Three of the tires keep losing air and I am now on my second set of tires in a year and two months, Valve stems replaced two times as well.
NHTSA complaint #11562556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pembroke Pines, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle is going into park while driving, when it does that I have to come to a stop and restart the vehicle. I almost got into an accident and I’m scared for my life driving this. The dealership charged me to change the alternator, the batteries and I still have the same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11557409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pembroke Pines, FL
ENGINE
Vehicle is going into park while driving, when it does that I have to come to a stop and restart the vehicle. I almost got into an accident and I’m scared for my life driving this. The dealership charged me to change the alternator, the batteries and I still have the same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11557409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There is a design flaw with the coolant lines. The TOH coolant line makes contact with the rear heater return line and creates a coolant leak in that area. Due to the friction this caused a hole in the line. My car gashed out coolant and shut off on the highway. Only one flash on the dashboard that said engine overheating. This issue is a design flaw that could be Deadly. Luckily for myself I was traveling in the right line and had time to warn other drivers with hazards. Please investigate Dodge Durango vehicles for this Seriously potentially deadly issue.
NHTSA complaint #11555189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Victor, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11550440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elk Grove, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Intermittent start/stop, or extended start after driving for extended time. Vehicle fuel smell during if vehicle goes into an extended start mode. I have complained to Dodge about this problem. There was a previous recall on older and newer vehicles for TIPM module which caused similar symptoms I'm experiencing.
NHTSA complaint #11550084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Peru, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While my wife was driving our vehicle when the tire monitor light came on the dash. She made it home and showed me the tire. I thought she might have ran over an object on the road then began putting air in the tire. The tire started to inflate and rise then there was a sudden loud bang. I took the tire off the vehicle and saw that the inside sidewall of the tire blew out. The consumer stated that the tires are Cooper Discoverer SRX size 265/50 R20.
NHTSA complaint #11535417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Staten Island, NY
POWER TRAIN
WHILE MOVING THE CAR LOSES POWER, SHIFT TO P THEN DESIRED GEAR AND COMES TO A STOP. NOT ABLE TO STEER.
NHTSA complaint #11531768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Wendover, NV
ENGINE
Oil leak from top of the engine, Vehicle has being well maintained barely has 61,000 miles, well taken care of, oil leak from top of the engine, theres more people having this issue, possible cause: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdKLx_INOAY or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wm5yuuv5KeI theres alot of issues with this leaks and is expensive repair. i was doing my monthly check up and i found this oil leak. did some research and theres other vehicles with the same Engine size 3.6 wit the same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11528618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Griffith, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE IGNITION BUTTON GOES TO ACC. THE CLUSTER BOARD THEN SAYS TO PRESS BRAKE AND PUT VEHICLE IN PARK. THIS IS HAPPENING EVERY COUPLE TRIPS
NHTSA complaint #11522749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Griffith, IN
ENGINE
VEHICLE TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE IGNITION BUTTON GOES TO ACC. THE CLUSTER BOARD THEN SAYS TO PRESS BRAKE AND PUT VEHICLE IN PARK. THIS IS HAPPENING EVERY COUPLE TRIPS
NHTSA complaint #11522749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
