Dodge Durango transmission problems

POWER TRAIN

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.

POWER TRAIN

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.

POWER TRAIN

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.

POWER TRAIN

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.

POWER TRAIN

my vehicle has had a recall since November 2024 For the HCU/ABS module that falsely reads pressure in the primary circuit may illuminate the brake lights (up to 4.5 mph), disable the ABS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and allow the vehicle to start and shift out of park without the brake pedal being depressed. Well back in November 2025 i had to pay for towing twice and have it in service because the ABS Stop and Start module went out and i had to repalce the battery out of pocket and then not even 7 months to the date i went out and tried to get in my durango and it wouldnt start so i replace the battery and the ABS light came back on and the vehcle shut down and i couldnt get it started back.

NHTSA complaint #11739296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My 2019 Dodge Durango R/T began experiencing drivetrain and warning system issues after collision/body repairs were completed by a repair facility. The original repair work involved suspension/body-related repairs and did not originally include documented transfer case or internal drivetrain damage. At the time I picked the vehicle up from the repair facility, the tire pressure monitoring system warning light was already illuminated. I notified the repair facility and was told to drive the vehicle for approximately 10 minutes and the warning would clear itself. I have video documentation related to this interaction. After the repairs, additional problems began appearing including: * Service AWD warning * Traction control warning indicators * Ongoing drivetrain concerns * Diagnosis involving transfer case/internal damage and burnt fluid The vehicle was later reported to have transfer case clutch failure and internal drivetrain-related issues despite the original repair scope not documenting drivetrain damage. My concern is that the post-repair warnings and drivetrain symptoms may indicate improper inspection, repair, reassembly, fluid servicing, calibration, or unresolved damage related to the repair process. The vehicle has been inspected by the repair facility and diagnostic information was later provided identifying drivetrain/transfer case issues.

NHTSA complaint #11736465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

2024 Dodge Durango (SXT Plus, GT Plus, RT trims) Update to my prior complaint regarding a dangerous shifter defect. Defect Description: While driving and pressing the accelerator (no brake, no shifter button pressed), the transmission shifts into Neutral without warning. The vehicle loses propulsion. The instrument cluster does not display or warn that it is in Neutral — no chime, no message, no clear gear indicator. This matches NHTSA Recall 26V262000 (FCA 39D), where the instrument panel fails to show gear selection in other 2024–2025 Stellantis vehicles. Widespread Issue: I have replicated this multiple times on my SXT Plus, a GT, and RT models. Other owners in Durango groups report the same. This is a systemic defect across Dodge Durango trims and likely the broader Stellantis/Chrysler/Mopar lineup. Related Lawsuit: This also appears connected to the class action [XXX] et al. v. FCA US LLC d/b/a Stellantis (Case XXX) regarding defective Uconnect 5 systems in 2022–2024 Durango's and similar models. My Background: I have worked in transportation most of my career, hold FDOT Advanced MOT certification, and am completing my undergraduate degree in Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA).I request NHTSA investigate this shifter and instrument cluster defect across affected Durango models. This has nearly caused a collision and endangers the public. Available: videos, records, owner statements. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11735349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle Component Failure Description: The electronic gear shifter intermittently shifts into neutral without the driver pressing the release button or applying the brake, and can also slide back into drive without button engagement. This has occurred multiple times since service on 08/27/2025 and continues to occur. The issue has been demonstrated to dealership personnel, who confirmed they could replicate the condition but stated it is “normal.” Two separate dealerships (Suncoast Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Dayton Andrews Dodge) 3x both acknowledged the behavior and classified it as normal operation. Safety Risk: On 04/30/2026, while pulling from a center median on Gulf to Bay right before Bayside Bridge into traffic (vehicles traveling approximately 45 MPH), the vehicle unexpectedly shifted into neutral without warning. The vehicle lost power and would not accelerate, creating an immediate hazard. I was forced to veer back into the median and narrowly avoided colliding with an arrow board trailer. This condition creates a serious risk of collision, especially in traffic, intersections, or highway conditions, as the vehicle can unexpectedly lose propulsion without any driver input. Inspection / Reproduction: -Issue has been reproduced by dealership personnel -Dealerships claim the condition is “normal” -Manufacturer (Chrysler) has been contacted and a case opened -Vehicle is under warranty (~18,200 miles) Warnings / Symptoms: -No warning lights or alerts prior to shifting into neutral -Occurs without pressing the shifter button or brake pedal Additional Information: Dealership personnel advised to “make sure nothing touches the shifter while driving,” indicating the system may be overly sensitive or defective. This is not a reasonable or safe expectation for normal vehicle operation. If this behavior is considered “normal,” it represents a design or safety defect, as unintended shifting into neutral while in motion creates a high risk of crash or injury.

NHTSA complaint #11734986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Durango. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V555000 (POWER TRAIN); but the failure occurred. The contact stated that the vehicle unexpectedly shifted out of park(P). After several attempts, the gear shift lever was shifted to park(P) and remained in park(P). The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11728540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Took vehicle in for cooling issues, leaking coolant. Garage did courtesy inspection and determined oil cooler failure had caused catastrophic damage to the engine, requiring replacement. Mechanic informed me this particular shop deals with this issue 3-5 times every week, with about one per month requiring full engine replacement. The engine is the 3.6L V6 Pentastar, which is standard in Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep and Plymouth vehicles and this is a defect known to the manufacturer. My mechanic informed me that both Dodge and the current manufacturer of the engine had tried and failed to correct the problem, because it is an actual design flaw. Caused in part, by the oil cooler being constructed of plastic and mounted at the top of the engine, it is subject to heat and warping which causes the failure. . Mechanic said this is typical around 100k miles. My Durango has 108k, 6k out of the warranty I bought for $4,500 at the dealership, just shy of 3 years ago. This is a known defect. Why is there no recall or remedy for a consumer now facing a $17,000 engine replacement on a $30,000 used vehicle? Dodge knows this is a problem, what is a consumer’s recourse for trusting they make quality vehicles when this presents a major safety issues to anyone with the 3.6L? My dealership never notified me of this issue, nor did the manufacturer. At least a heads up to change to an aftermarket metal oil cooler, to avoid catastrophic loss? This is wrong.

NHTSA complaint #11709001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Three times now I have a service transmission and it won’t shift but then when taken to dealer they state no codes pop up but I show them a video of what happens each time the dealership says bring it back. First time no codes- no fix, The second time they exchanged the transmission brain and 3 months later the third time and still nothing fixed due to no codes and nothing happened when they drove the car. Something is going on for it to service transmission light to come on and then not shift 3 times now within 6 months. Mileage is under 32,000. Regular maintained with oil changes and tires.

NHTSA complaint #11706891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

When I first got the car I didn’t notice the problem until one day it rained very hard and I didn’t care that much to drive I sat that night out and waited until the next day I go out to my car and my rear light bar the race track taillight completely out like it wasn’t on where my truck is the outside lights where the break lights are was on but the truck area is out I’m receiving citations after citations for this reason I can’t get insurance because they won’t pass the inspection for that light common sense but I told my car lot mega moters here in the Houston area they told me they couldn’t help me with the issue so I’m in a deep depression and I love my car but this issue is going to far now and I’m willing to fix if it’s fixed able but this issue is definitely with dodge themselves I’ve noticed a couple more Durangos rear taillights out on the road also I be wanna stop them and ask about the issue because I need help

NHTSA complaint #11705253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The engine cooling system on my 2021 Dodge Durango GT failed due to ruptured coolant lines, including the rear coolant tubes supplying the rear air conditioning system and both transmission heater hoses. These lines carry engine coolant to the rear HVAC system and transmission. The ruptures caused coolant loss and engine overheating during normal operation. The failure appears related to the routing of the lines near the transmission housing, causing excessive wear not attributable to driver error. This model year has a documented history of similar failures. The vehicle and components are available for inspection and are currently at the dealership. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the vehicle overheated while I was driving at normal speed in traffic. A major overheating warning appeared while driving. Overheating in traffic creates a risk of sudden loss of power or the need to stop unexpectedly, which could result in a collision. Although I was able to drive slowly due to proximity to home, this condition would be hazardous on longer trips. The issue was confirmed by an authorized Dodge dealership, which verified failure of the coolant lines and provided an estimated repair cost of approximately $3,600. The vehicle has only been inspected by the dealership. A third-party warranty provider (Warranty Solutions) denied coverage, and I am disputing the decision. The vehicle remains at the dealership because I do not feel it is safe to drive. No prior warning signs were present. The overheating warning appeared suddenly at approximately 62,000 miles. I noticed the smell of coolant upon arrival at the dealership, indicating an active leak.

NHTSA complaint #11705425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle will not shift into drive. This issue is similar to the ZB3 problem. Improperly heat treated shifter parts failed and will not allow the transmission to shift into drive.

NHTSA complaint #11703635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Last year I notice water in my tail lights. I removed the bolt to help drain the water. Part of my tail lights is now burned out. Now at 77,000+ my start/stop light came on, then the check engine. Scan code was P0304. Misfire on cylinder 4. I changed ignition coil 4, set of spark plugs. It was still misfiring on 4. I had spark plugs on 4 changed. This still did not fix it. The person who changed the spark plugs let me know my lifter/cam was bad. I scheduled with Dodge and they diagnosed it with a blown head gasket. The service rep said the blown head gasket was my fault, however after asking the mechanic said there was no code for over heating or any of that, just the misfire.

NHTSA complaint #11698027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

When I first purchased in November of 2022 3 days after A) I've never had Air Conditioning B) The heat worked when it wanted to. C) 3 days after purchased (road trip) my whole front end was on the floor. I found that the entire front end of the power train was faulty. It had broken off. Costed me $900 to repair. D) The alarm and start up sensor is wired to the radio. E) Won't start without the radio. F) I have to charge my battery to go everywhere G) It shakes over 60 mph

NHTSA complaint #11696873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked and hesitated to respond, and the engine made an abnormal revving sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for brake servicing, the contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V541000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included on the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure had persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. 

NHTSA complaint #11692429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the transmission was slipping while shifting to second gear, and the vehicle lost motive power and failed to respond with the RPM elevated. The message to “Shift to Park and Restart” was displayed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.

NHTSA complaint #11689906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle engine shut off while driving approximately 50mph. No prior issues or warning lamps. The failure happened without any warning. I had over half a tank of fuel at the time of the stall. Loss of engine propulsion is extremely dangerous as I was in rush hour traffic on a major highway in Houston, TX. Luckily the stall occurred at an exit and I was able to safely get to a area to pull over. Dash read out said I needed to be in park to start the engine. Engine started without issue and I finished my drive home.

NHTSA complaint #11688282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.