Owners have filed 71 complaints
about the 2020 Dodge Durango with NHTSA between 2020 and 2026.
The largest single group is the lights.
Across this model's run it ranks 17 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 — 5
Against the median year of the Dodge Durango. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 80
15.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
67% 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
111.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
111.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
555.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
111.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
111.1%
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
2020 Dodge Durango SUV 4WD
21.2% risk
2020 Dodge Durango SUV RWD
19.8% 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.
May 2020peak 6Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2020 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...
Recalls on the 2020 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.
United States — NHTSA
21V280000
AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Durango vehicles. The Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) fastener may be loose or missing.
Risk: A loose or missing fastener may cause the side curtain air bag to deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury.
20V191000
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2024548314,717 units in Canada
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN". Canadian regulations require the information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: This error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has corrected the tire and loading information label for all new vehicles.
Recall 202137234,324 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Issue: On certain vehicles, the daytime running lamps (DRLs) will remain on when the driver switches the front fog lamps on. A recent change to Canadian regulations requires the DRLs to turn off when the fog lights are switched on. Safety Risk: Daytime running lamps that stay on in foggy conditions could cause glare and reduced visibility. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Action: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to reprogram the body control module.
Recall 2021239290 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Issue: On certain vehicles, the side airbag curtains may have a loose or missing mounting fastener. As a result, the side airbag curtains may not inflate properly in a crash. A loose or missing fastener may also cause rattling in the headliner area. Safety Risk: A side airbag curtain that does not inflate properly could create an increased risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect for a loose or missing C-pillar fastener for the side airbag curtains.
Recall 202014546,772 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, the rearview camera image may be displayed even after the transmission is shifted out of reverse. This could cause a possible distraction for the driver. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to turn off within 10 seconds after shifting from reverse gear. Safety Risk: A driver that is distracted could have an increased risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the radio software.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Richmond, TXFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2020 Dodge Durango experienced a severe interior dashboard fire that appeared to originate in the center dash/radio area while the vehicle was parkedin driveway. The fire caused extensive melting and burn damage throughout the dashboard, center console, wiring, and surrounding interior components. The infotainment/radio area and electrical wiring sustained significant destruction, resulting in the vehicle becoming unsafe and unusable. After inspection, the dealership indicated that the radio or related electrical components may have overheated. The estimated repair cost was approximately $33,000 due to the extent of the electrical and interior damage.
NHTSA complaint #11737084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2020 Dodge Durango experienced a severe interior dashboard fire that appeared to originate in the center dash/radio area while the vehicle was parkedin driveway. The fire caused extensive melting and burn damage throughout the dashboard, center console, wiring, and surrounding interior components. The infotainment/radio area and electrical wiring sustained significant destruction, resulting in the vehicle becoming unsafe and unusable. After inspection, the dealership indicated that the radio or related electrical components may have overheated. The estimated repair cost was approximately $33,000 due to the extent of the electrical and interior damage.
NHTSA complaint #11737084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Homestead, FL1 injured
SEATS
While driving normally, not in an accident, the active head restraint system failed and slammed into my head. If there was traffic this would have likely caused an accident because it was unexpected, severe, and abrupt while leaving me disoriented and with a persistent headache. This is absolutely ridiculous and unsafe.
NHTSA complaint #11734978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesChesapeake, VAFire1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that moments after starting the vehicle and while driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact suddenly felt a sharp burning pain in the buttocks area. The contact immediately stopped the vehicle and discovered a burn hole in the clothing and a skin burn to the buttocks. While inspecting the vehicle, a burn hole was discovered in the front driver's seat cushion. During the incident, the contact indicated that the seat heat was in the on position and no flames or burning odor were present inside the vehicle. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer, who indicated an electrical fire had occurred inside the front driver's seat and the entire seat needed to be replaced. The cause of the electrical fire was not determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that an engineer would inspect the vehicle, but no inspection occurred, and no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11700016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,200 milesWest Caldwell, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that he auto-started the vehicle while it was in the driveway. The contact stated as he came outside, the vehicle was on fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was totaled. The approximate failure mileage was 11,200.
NHTSA complaint #11439479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Youngsville, LA1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The rear tail lights have a sharp edge that is beak shaped and if you brush up against it on accident it slices into your skin or clothes. I was loading groceries and my arm skimmed over it and sliced a whole piece of skin off. I have researched the incident to see if others have had the same experience looking for a recall or solution after it happened to me and my husband multiple times most recently myself a big cut and I see forums with other people sharing same story.
NHTSA complaint #11431314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Old Bethpage, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My entire lighting system in back of truck stopped working. The racetrack lighting system. The license plate lights done. I cannot drive the car at night because I will get pulled over. Dodge saying it is not covered under the extended warranty I purchased.
NHTSA complaint #11754292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Old Bethpage, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My entire lighting system in back of truck stopped working. The racetrack lighting system. The license plate lights done. I cannot drive the car at night because I will get pulled over. Dodge saying it is not covered under the extended warranty I purchased.
NHTSA complaint #11754292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, TXFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2020 Dodge Durango experienced a severe interior dashboard fire that appeared to originate in the center dash/radio area while the vehicle was parkedin driveway. The fire caused extensive melting and burn damage throughout the dashboard, center console, wiring, and surrounding interior components. The infotainment/radio area and electrical wiring sustained significant destruction, resulting in the vehicle becoming unsafe and unusable. After inspection, the dealership indicated that the radio or related electrical components may have overheated. The estimated repair cost was approximately $33,000 due to the extent of the electrical and interior damage.
NHTSA complaint #11737084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2020 Dodge Durango experienced a severe interior dashboard fire that appeared to originate in the center dash/radio area while the vehicle was parkedin driveway. The fire caused extensive melting and burn damage throughout the dashboard, center console, wiring, and surrounding interior components. The infotainment/radio area and electrical wiring sustained significant destruction, resulting in the vehicle becoming unsafe and unusable. After inspection, the dealership indicated that the radio or related electrical components may have overheated. The estimated repair cost was approximately $33,000 due to the extent of the electrical and interior damage.
NHTSA complaint #11737084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Merced, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Tail light not working, was replaced, replacement also malfunctioning.
NHTSA complaint #11736626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Homestead, FL1 injured
SEATS
While driving normally, not in an accident, the active head restraint system failed and slammed into my head. If there was traffic this would have likely caused an accident because it was unexpected, severe, and abrupt while leaving me disoriented and with a persistent headache. This is absolutely ridiculous and unsafe.
NHTSA complaint #11734978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plover, WI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Back lights. Bottom of right is out and bottom left is starting to go out. Water collects inside the lights.
NHTSA complaint #11733806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,528 milesParagould, AR
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that upon leaving a parking lot, the air bag warning light was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test to determine the cause of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V280000 (Air Bags); however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case number was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 77,528.
NHTSA complaint #11722425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muskego, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1, The rear taillights fill up with water making it difficult to see the lights when breaking. 2, The engine had to be repaired due to power failure and was told that the cams and lifters were worn out on drivers' side at 85000 miles. The garage said this should not have happened. And that they have had to repair other vehicles too and Dodge would not cover it.
NHTSA complaint #11721175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muskego, WI
ENGINE
1, The rear taillights fill up with water making it difficult to see the lights when breaking. 2, The engine had to be repaired due to power failure and was told that the cams and lifters were worn out on drivers' side at 85000 miles. The garage said this should not have happened. And that they have had to repair other vehicles too and Dodge would not cover it.
NHTSA complaint #11721175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stewartstown, PA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The rear tail lights and the rear “race track” running light have allowed water to enter causing premature failure of a large portion of the light(s). These are not user serviceable parts and should be completely sealed from the elements. Eventually, the entire ‘marker light’ portion of the the taillights and race track with be completely non-functioning causing the vehicle to have no rear illumination except brake lights when the vehicle headlights are on. It started out as one small section but has rapidly progressed.
NHTSA complaint #11717357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wall, SD
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Water had accumulated in the racetrack led light in the center of the trunk. Causing light to short circuit and lose taillight, license plate light, and back up lights as well.
NHTSA complaint #11711740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wyckoff, NJ
ENGINE
Under heavy load or high RPM the engine starts shaking badly and the engine loses power and is very unresponsive to throttle. After 30 seconds of light use the problem goes away but comes back immediately upon heavy load or high rpms. There is a technical service bulletin about this, TSB: 09-011-25. The computer indicates a severe misfire on cylinder #1. I first took the Durango to my mechanic since it is out of warranty. The replaced the coil on cylinder #1 and all spark plugs, but the problem continued since the issue is a manufacturer's defect inside the engine. When this occurred the engine light came on the dashboard but nothing prior to the shaking, only after the shaking started.
NHTSA complaint #11704575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesChesapeake, VAFire1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that moments after starting the vehicle and while driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact suddenly felt a sharp burning pain in the buttocks area. The contact immediately stopped the vehicle and discovered a burn hole in the clothing and a skin burn to the buttocks. While inspecting the vehicle, a burn hole was discovered in the front driver's seat cushion. During the incident, the contact indicated that the seat heat was in the on position and no flames or burning odor were present inside the vehicle. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer, who indicated an electrical fire had occurred inside the front driver's seat and the entire seat needed to be replaced. The cause of the electrical fire was not determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that an engineer would inspect the vehicle, but no inspection occurred, and no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11700016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canton, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle has begun (and is getting worse) to crank with no start on first attempt. I know there was a recall on earlier model for the fuel pump relay.
NHTSA complaint #11699830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Hood, TX
ENGINE
When accelerating, the vehicle tends to lose all power and starts to decelerate and check engine lights comes on, also states the start stop function is disable. Really tough trying to drive on highways because of this happening quite often.
NHTSA complaint #11697581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Juan, PR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Puerto Rico State Government vehicle (Policia de Puerto Rico). Front panel lights show a Warning/safety panel light related to Air Bags. Same as Dodge Charger that have an urgent safety recall by Dodge.
NHTSA complaint #11690330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lombard, IL
ENGINE
When accelerating to pass another car in front of us on a 2 lane highway we experienced a loss of power and all instrumentation flashed on/off/on, then it posted a check engine light and stated that auto start stop wasn't working. Power came back and we finished the pass but it could have resulted in a head on collision.
NHTSA complaint #11686076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Avondale, AZ
STEERING
Manufacture defect, steering column rubbing against brake line causing brake line to rupture causing damages with possible danger of fire or possible collision
NHTSA complaint #11685097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westville, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The racetrack lighting on the tailgate had water in it and dodge refused to repair or replace...now I have no racetrack lighting and no tag light and they still will not help.
NHTSA complaint #11685160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westville, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The racetrack lighting on the tailgate had water in it and dodge refused to repair or replace...now I have no racetrack lighting and no tag light and they still will not help.
NHTSA complaint #11685160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Avondale, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES
Manufacture defect, steering column rubbing against brake line causing brake line to rupture causing damages with possible danger of fire or possible collision
NHTSA complaint #11685097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pembroke Pines, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
After vehicle battery replacement, infotainment system not working properly, to include the backup camera not engaging in reverse.
NHTSA complaint #11671571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hollywood, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The TIPM (totally intergrated power module) is faulty. The dealer has confirmed this. I have a crank no start on my vehicle. When being inspected the dealer also showed me a melted fuse in the tipm which Is very concerning. This issue occurs daily multiple times a day. There were no check engine lights to help diagnose this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11667672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yuma, AZ
AIR BAGS
I was driving and the passenger active headrest exploded randomly without any impacts happening
NHTSA complaint #11660197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
