2,475 of the
19,338 complaints filed about the Dodge Durango
are about the engine —
13% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2004.
The contact owns a 2026 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, there was heavy white smoke coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact immediately pulled over and allowed the engine to cool down. The contact was able to continue driving the vehicle; however, the failure returned upon reaching arriving at the intended destination. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle and the emergency services were contacted. When the Fire Department arrived on the scene, the smoke had ceased; however, the odor remained. The Fire Department inspected the vehicle and determined that the fire might have started due to a failure of the cooling hose. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
NHTSA complaint #11755839 — 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.
Back to back error codes P0300 P0108 P1404 P0172 Rough running engine. Very strong smell of fuel at two different times while driving. Vehicle not responding to gas pedal while driving on highway. Repairs at thousands of dollars.
NHTSA complaint #11754642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I brought the car to the dealership on June 24th about the car jolting forward and a this coming from the bottom of the car . The car jolts forward when in drive I have 10k miles now after he dealership put 588 miles on my car . Got my car back on July the 20th . I was told that my engine misfired and they had to replace spark plugs on a new car I purchased this car brand new . Less than two years having it my engine misfired and they replaced spark plugs .no warning lamps which is deeply concerning as this issues had been happening for awhile with no warning on dash car jolting forward thudding from the bottom of the car . Extremely dangerous you could hit the back of someone’s car or something . Extremely unsafe . The issue was reproduced by the dealership .i strongly suggest this be looked into to a car jolting forward is extremely unsafe for the roads .
NHTSA complaint #11749685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2023 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that upon startup and while driving, the check engine and airbag warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the gear shifter became stuck when shifting into drive(D). The rearview camera flickered, displayed incorrect images, and the display screen intermittently froze or turned blue. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on ten occasions, and an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #11749259 — 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.
To whom it may concern, On [XXX] at around [XXX] PST, I was taking my car to get a car wash at Quick Quack Car Wash located in [XXX] . While waiting in line for the other cars to go in, all of sudden I see a huge fire flame shoot out from under the hood. My car was on full fire extremely rapidly, in front of the multiple cars and near the entrance of this car wash, while this car was in fire I ran inside and asked the personnel for a fire extinguisher, to consume the flames coming out of the hood, as I was extremely concerned about the safety and personnel of this location. As soon as I got the extinguisher, I ran towards the car and started spraying powder everywhere I saw flames coming out from top of the hood and under the car, as flames and melted material dropped down from under the car. When I saw the flames got contained, I saw a water hose near the entrance in which I went and turn on and ran to continue pouring water into the engine bay compartment in order to make sure the fire was fully contained. All I could say is that I was very scared and extremely worried that this car could explode in front of this business with all the people working there. As soon I put the fire out, my friend help me push it out of the way into the much larger empty parking lot in order for the business to continue to conduct their business. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11739932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle overheats while at a stop. Problem has been happening for past 8 months. Leaking antifreeze under transmission. Shop unable to diagnose problem after various attempts. Researched problem online and discovered many 2017 durango owners are having issue. Many saying it's due to manufacture problem. It's a safety issue for my family and I since I don't know what the problem is to fix it.
NHTSA complaint #11739965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle involved is a 2017 Dodge Durango. The primary systems malfunctioning include the engine cooling system, braking system, and electrical system. The engine repeatedly overheats while driving and has produced smoke from under the hood, creating a risk of breakdown or fire. The braking system is unreliable, with the brake pedal going down too far and not providing proper stopping power, increasing the risk of a crash. The electrical system malfunctions unpredictably, including windshield wipers and interior controls turning on and off without input. These issues have occurred multiple times and have left the vehicle stranded on the side of the road, including at night. This has placed the driver and passengers at risk in unsafe conditions and traffic environments. The problems began shortly after purchase and have been ongoing. The issues have not been properly resolved. A mechanic was supposed to inspect the vehicle, but it is UNKNOWN if a full inspection was completed. Warning signs included overheating temperature readings, smoke, weak braking response, and electrical irregularities prior to failure. The vehicle is currently not reliable or safe to operate due to these ongoing safety defects.
NHTSA complaint #11734696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
At 37008 miles my coolant started to leak and it overheated, when taking to a mechanic they replaced the coolant and tubes and advised that it was rubbing on the hose, so they replaced the hoses and put in new coolant fluid and said it was all addressed, not even a week later, it started to overheat again even though it has all new hoses and they wrapped the hoses so it doesn't wear and cause the leak again and it still happened.
NHTSA complaint #11731937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Engine light came on, no warning. Took to garage to check diagnostic system, went through system, did some work and light went off. Week later, light back on..took back to garage - they documented all they saw within diagnostic system and sent me to dealer. There was no indication of failure, drove fine but dealer made appt. Did some research and found out this year/make/model had complete engine failure at low mileage. No recall ever made. 3.6L Pentastar V6. Dealer took apart manifold, ran compression test, intake/exhaust valves leaking, engine block flatness - had to replace engine block. No precipitation of this issue other than engine light. A complete engine failure without an accident, at low mileage and a known issue without a recall on a specific engine is quite concerning. I basically paid $14, 400 for a new engine where I could have bought a used Durango . My 2000 Durango had well over 100k miles when I donated to charity and purchased this 2015 in 2016 off lot as used with 22 miles on it. I am not sure how to reconcile this damage and out-of-pocket expense for a known issue when no recall was made. Did I buy a lemon? Given the same engine was put back in, will I have to replace again in another 50k miles? I feel like I am due some type of refund given this problem is a known problem but no recall was issued. Thankfully it did not overheat, blow the engine while driving or cause an accident given this issue was a ticking time bomb.
NHTSA complaint #11731627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
At 30,000 had one blown head gasket and a few thousand miles later another blown head gasket. Regular maintenance and oil changes have been done and maintenance. Then last year my cam Shalf had to be replaced and now again a head gasket again. Several cylinders are missing firing. When I took in and they replaced the cam Shalf, I took it saw it said cylinder 5 was missing firing , now it’s showing cylinder 3 with all my lights on my dash on again and the car has 110,000 miles on it.
NHTSA complaint #11730939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Passenger and driver seat caught on fire spontaneously, engine or battery has also been dying/ malfunctioning, touch screen also has issues. Yes available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Almost burned by seat of if I didn’t smell a burning smell. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not yet. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not yet. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No.
NHTSA complaint #11729015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1) Major transmission failure, fluid leakage, and visible undercarriage corrosion on a newly leased car with under 3K miles on it. Additional: Losing vehicle function. Car would not shift into gear and would not move. Car is currently at the dealership in which it was leased. 2) Yes, huge safety concern. Losing vehicle function while traveling on a bridge—with limited ability to safely stop posed a serious risk to our safety and to others on the road. 3) Yes, problem has been confirmed by dealer. 4) The vehicle has not been inspected at this time by anyone other than the dealership in which it was leased. 5)While accelerating at approximately 30–35 mph, the vehicle began emitting a high-pitched whining noise, similar to sound of a remote-control toy car. The vehicle then started jerking back and forth during acceleration. Shortly after, the “Check Engine” light illuminated. We activated our hazard lights, reduced speed to approximately 10-20 mph, exited the bridge, and pulled into an emergency stopping area. There was no prior warning that there was a problem.
NHTSA complaint #11728731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle constantly stalls at idle or while stopped at a traffic light or stop sign. I was so bothersome is that the vehicle rolls back during these endeavors. It usually happens 3 or 4 times a day. I've taken in to the dealer for the recall they replaced the recall parts, but it still continues to stall. It's more frustrating when i'm at a stoplight and I have people behind me honking because the vehicle rolls back as it stalls.
NHTSA complaint #11727693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the spark plugs had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, a week later, while the vehicle was idling, it was vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the same mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the cam lobes were worn and needed to be replaced. The mechanic confirmed the findings with the dealer, and it was confirmed that it was a known issue due to the heat treatment to harden the steel not being properly performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not covered under recall or warranty. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,700.
NHTSA complaint #11721995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the spark plugs had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, a week later, while the vehicle was idling, it was vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the same mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the cam lobes were worn and needed to be replaced. The mechanic confirmed the findings with the dealer, and it was confirmed that it was a known issue due to the heat treatment to harden the steel not being properly performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not covered under recall or warranty. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,700.
NHTSA complaint #11721995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.