2,766 of the
19,369 complaints filed about the Dodge Durango
are about the electrical system —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2011.
The vehicle fails to start reliably. I have made all the necessary repairs in an attempt to have the car to start reliably. I have replaced items that the average owner would think are normal wear-and-tear items around the starting system. I have also replaced items that the average owner would not think would wear out and need replacing. All of this work was done out of pocket. A warranty or recall covered none of the work. Yet the car still does not start reliably. I believe this is a safety issue because it could lead to the vehicle losing power on the road and leaving occupants stranded. This is not a normal issue. This must be a manufacturer's issue. Producing and selling a vehicle that has known electrical and fueling problems. Also, Dodge, the manufacture clames the ZF 850RE-based 8-speed automatic has fluid for the life of the vehicle. Dodge claims that the transmission fluid in this transmission does not need to be changed and/or serviced. More information about this ZF 850RE-based 8-speed automatic transmission claim by Dodge would be helpful.
NHTSA complaint #11763822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased a 2018 Dodge Durango. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, moisture was present inside the rear liftgate/racetrack lamp assembly and portions of the rear lighting did not operate. The selling dealership inspected and repaired the vehicle. Its repair invoice states that the left rear tail/running/parking lamp was inoperative because of an open wire between the body control module and the left rear lamp, but I have a picture I uploaded that only one of the passenger side light actually worked so I don' know about the broke wire, but I know the lights didn't work when I purchased the vehicle as our home camera showed after I brought it home. But they did try to fix them. The dealership routed a new wire, taped and waterproofed it, and returned the vehicle after stating that the system worked. I was also told or understood that the racetrack lamp assembly had been replaced, but the repair records I received do not identify a replacement lamp or part number. Approximately one week after the repair, moisture reappeared. The liftgate lamp assembly now contains substantial visible standing water that moves when the liftgate is raised or lowered. Sections along the bottom appear to be dimming or failing, Because raising the liftgate causes the standing water to move toward the upper lamps and electrical connections, I now avoid using it A suggestion drilling a drainage hole in the lamp assembly. I have not drilled, sealed, drained or otherwise modified the assembly. I am concerned that the standing water may contact or corrode the lamp sockets, connectors, wiring, license-plate lamps, backup lamps or rear camera and cause the rear lighting to fail without warning. This could make the vehicle difficult for other drivers to see, especially at night. Cannot drive it at night for safety reasons No crash, fire or injury has occurred. The vehicle and defective component are available for inspection. Photographs, video and dealership repair records are available
NHTSA complaint #11762926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The component or system failed or malfunctioned, is the accelerator, brakes, stirring and electrical. The car is available for inspection upon your request. The car is having problems coming to a stop and it is very difficult to control the vehicle because the steering becomes so hard when the power shuts down on the vehicle as I'm driving it. I think and believe that that poses a high risk of someone getting hurt or injured and then some cases perhaps death. the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Yes the problem hasi been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. No, the vehicle has not been taken to an inspector, manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. Here is what my vehicle is doing. symptoms. While driving the vehicle the car experiences a sudden total power loss, the engine cutting off and restarting on its own, the AC cycling on and off strangely, and the weak acceleration combined with the vehicle jerking.
NHTSA complaint #11762564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Recall for cluster, dealership said they could not. Get the parts to fix it.they fixed the airbags said we could pick the car up, called the company that sent the recall letter they said I could buy the part,or I could call other dodge dealerships, I have not had a car since I got the do not drive letter which was in March,I also had to use my AAA to get it towed to fernley which is about 80 miles
NHTSA complaint #11761744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The radio displays Uconnect box requires service, please visit an authorized dealer. When that happens you cannot use the safety call 911 button, if you are using your phone for navigation, you will not be able to see it. It also makes the vehicle run different.
NHTSA complaint #11761262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while reversing into a parking space, the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where the fuel pump relay was replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System); however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the fuel pump; however, the failure persisted. The mechanic informed the contact that power was reaching the relay but not exiting the relay, and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V530000 (Electrical System) by another dealer who incorrectly rewired the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that a diagnostic fee was required to perform a diagnostic test. The contact informed the dealer that the vehicle had been operable until recently. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.
NHTSA complaint #11759386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There is a daytime running light (DRL) malfunction with both headlights, it started with the drivers side slowly going out and now the passenger side is slowly going out. This is happening to several Dodge Durango owners of the 2021 model and can be found in the Dodge Durango forum online. The dealer stated it’s an out of pocket expense because the DRL is out and the entire component needs replaced. This is inaccurate because when I turn off the DRL settings the turning signal flashes orange fast so this tells me it’s not completely out and the headlights themselves work. My car has been this way for over a year because I can’t afford to spend $1500+ per light replacement and for the dealer to claim it has to be an out of pocket expense is not okay because the point of LED lights are because they use less energy while lasting 25x as much so it doesn’t make sense that they stopped turning on versus the non LED. While driving around I’ve seen SEVERAL Dodge Durango with a DRL out or both or one out and the other half way out so this confirms it’s a manufacture issue. I came across forums of people with this issue and full extended warranty coverages where they’re being told it’s not covered. Dodge(Mopar) needs to address this for the consumer as it causes a safety issue when the left/right turning signals are not properly displayed. The car wouldn’t pass a safety test. Myself and several Dodge Durango owners are currently at risk of being in a car accident due to this malfunction. The full assembly does not need replaced. Please look this over and issue a safety recall as my family and I are at risk because I can’t afford a $3000 headlight replacement that isn’t even needed. That’s just the dealer and Mopar trying to make more $$$ while not worried about the safety of their customers.
NHTSA complaint #11758224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle was unable to start upon attempts in the morning. Was able to get it jumped and started. Less than 5 minutes later the dash lights along with radio lights began to flicker, the front windshield wipers activated, and the battery light came on. Immediately after the vehicle completely stopped, steering wheel got tight and hard to turn and a pole was barely missed as I attempted to maneuver the vehicle as close to the side of the road as possible. There was a complete loss of power, and I was stranded semi in the middle of a busy road during morning traffic. The vehicle was towed to out preferred shop to determine the cause of the loss of power and it was determined that the alternator was dead. The vehicle had the mandated Safety Recall T36 completed 15 months ago. The replacement has failed prematurely. The vehicle has been confirmed by an independent service center. It was inspected by the independent service center, but the incident was witnessed by Missouri Highway Patrol and our local police as they directed traffic around the stalled vehicle to ensure my safety. The evening before there were no indications of failure. The morning of the vehicle was unable to start and had to be jumped and then immediately before the failure the dash lights along with radio lights began to flicker, the front windshield wipers activated, and the battery light came on. Within seconds of these warnings the vehicle stalled and completely stopped. No police report was filed but my husband did notify dispatch of the situation to have police routed to direct traffic. Highway Patrol happened to already be on the scene as they were passing by and saw me.
NHTSA complaint #11757912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We were driving on the interstate in northern Kentucky when the battery alert LED appeared on the dash. We exited the highway while looking up info on possible car repair shops to go to when the vehicle stalled on the exit ramp. We immediately engaged the emergency flashers but they failed eventually due to a completely dead battery. It was determined that the alternator was fried, unable to charge the battery.
NHTSA complaint #11757232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
First we smelled a light burning smell from the vehicle while driving then the blower motor blew a fuse. The fuse was replaced immediately and we started the vehicle to try to get back home. We then got a dash alert on the vehicle saying that the rear passenger side tail lamp and turn signal was out and at that point our headlights went out while we were driving in the dark trying to get home. We almost crashed. Finally we found a place to pull off the road and at this point I checked the volt meter on the vehicle and it was rapidly surging and twitching up and back down to 14. Kind of flickering. We shut the vehicle off because we could smell something hot. I looked under the hood and the main braided ground wire that attaches the motor to the car body was completely gone. Burned to a powder like a blown light bulb filament and the fuse box under the hood was too hot to touch. It could have easily caught fire on us while driving or could have easily killed up when the lights went out. We called for someone to come pick us up and had to abandon the vehicle at this point. Today we contacted a mechanic and tow truck to come pick our vehicle up. I think this vehicle is having the same safety issue with the alternator that the previous models were having and I feel that it should be covered and fixed by the manufacturer. I will continue contacting over this matter until I get results. This put our lives in danger and were very lucky to be alive.
NHTSA complaint #11757141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I tell the dealership mechanics that this car does not turn on and they keep giving me the car back and now the car completely turns off while driving making this extremely dangerous and deadly situation. My fear is something happening to me or my kids while I’m driving. I also took it back to the mechanic and told them the situation but they refused to dig deeper and told me to pick up the vehicle that there’s nothing they can do
NHTSA complaint #11754882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off, the vehicle independently started, and the contact was alerted by the audible sound coming from the horn. The contact exited the residence and became aware that the windshield wipers and interior and exterior lights were flashing. The contact stated that the key fob was used to lock and unlock the vehicle, but the horn and wiper blades continued to activate. The contact opened the hood and disabled the horn fuse, which turned off the horn. The contact’s wife was able to start the vehicle after 30 minutes. The exterior lights turned off, but the interior lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was left to run, and after several minutes, the wiper blades stopped. The contact disconnected the battery for all the functions to stop. The battery was reconnected, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that after three attempts, the vehicle failed to start; however, the interior lights failed to turn off. The battery was disconnected and reconnected, and the vehicle started without further issues. The contact stated that several messages were displayed, including the engine and electronic stability control warnings. The engine warning light turned off, but the electronic stability control warning light remained illuminated. The contact had not driven the vehicle since the failure occurred. The dealer was contacted by phone about the issue; however, the failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact researched the failure online and found NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V838000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), as the failure mentioned the electronic stability control (ESC). The vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
NHTSA complaint #11752707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2026 Dodge Durango. While driving at an undisclosed speed in a rainstorm, the front window windshield wipers failed to wipe the windshield. The windshield wipers were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the instrument panel failed to display an accurate fuel level. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the failure was caused by an inoperable hood latch and electrical wiring that was damaged. The hood latch wiring was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that later, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was bucking and hesitating, and the instrument panel became inoperable. Additionally, after starting the vehicle, there was a whining sound coming from the engine while the transmission was shifting gears. The local dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. While driving uphill, the vehicle stalled with the message "BRAKES" displayed. The vehicle was restarted and later returned to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. After retrieving the vehicle, approximately 500 miles later, while driving on a back road and crossing a dangerous intersection, the vehicle suddenly stalled in the middle of the intersection with oncoming traffic approaching. The vehicle suddenly restarted and drove forward moments before a collision occurred. The vehicle was immediately returned to the dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 651.
NHTSA complaint #11750217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2024 Dodge Durango, purchased brand new. AC completely stopped working at 340 miles after buying. Vehicle has had 7+ dealership visits since purchase. Vehicle has been out of service for 40+days total. Currently, vehicle has been at dealer since June 24, 2026 and is still not returned as of July 9, 2026 — 16 days ongoing with no resolution. I request NHTSA look into this. Electrical/HVAC: Constant leaking and repeated failures since 340 miles. AC intermittently will not blow air at all, especially when first starting vehicle. System makes loud hissing/whistling sound from dash. Dealer has replaced the A/C condenser, discharge line, compressor, and evaporator core. On one visit, dealer found AC dye present at the HVAC box drain tube indicating evaporator core was leaking. On another visit, dealer noted system was slightly low and stated "not sure if vehicle was charged properly when the condenser was replaced." System still leaks and fails. AC failure in Tennessee summer heat creates risk of heat exhaustion and prevents defroster use. Issue still not repaired. Power Train: Transmission was misfiring and vehicle jolts forward when shifting into drive. Dealer performed transmission reprogramming. Dealer initially claimed they were unable to duplicate the concern and that it "operates as designed." Concern not resolved. Engine: Had to have all spark plugs replaced at approximately 9,000 miles due to misfire issues. Fuel/Propulsion System: Gas/fuel smell reported. Dealer noted system was slightly low. Body/Interior: During repeated dashboard removals for AC repairs, dealer did not properly reassemble vehicle. A screw was left out, causing dash to rattle. Dealer also removed carpet and improperly reinstalled, causing damage. All defects occurred under 10,000 miles. Dealer has performed multiple major component replacements on the AC system. Issue still persists. Vehicle has severe diminished value due to 9+ repair attempts and 40+days out of service. Legal case .
NHTSA complaint #11749377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Replaced batteries, and power steering went out, it put my vehicle out of alignment... I tried getting an alignment at local Firestone. Told me they could not connect to the angle sensors and that I need to get a new rack and pinion
NHTSA complaint #11748362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rear racetrack style taillight assembly had faulty gaskets when purchased, allowing for water intrusion of the taillight assembly, causing water damage to the electrical components in the light assembly and shorting the LED Lights.
NHTSA complaint #11746753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Airbag service light has come on and upon reading appears to be a major issue among any 2014 dodge durango with the vin starting with 1C4RD…. But not on a recall. Appears to be a bad OCR. Unsure why other Chrysler made vehicles known with this issue were recalled but not the 2014 dodge durangos Very concerning that the airbags won’t deploy if in an accident
NHTSA complaint #11744624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while starting the vehicle. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that the failure was like the failure listed in the recall notification. The contact stated the local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 182,000.
NHTSA complaint #11744294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.