2018 Dodge Durango Reliability Score & Common Problems

Owners report that the 2018 Dodge Durango often experiences power train issues, with symptoms including the vehicle unexpectedly shifting into neutral, failing to start, and losing power while driving. Complaints frequently mention transmission slipping, gear shift becoming stuck, and electrical failures affecting the power train. These issues are observed across a range of mileages, from as low as 300 miles to over 170,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, such as vehicles stalling on highways and rolling forward when in park, which could lead to potential accidents. Buyers should be aware that these problems may occur under various conditions, including wet weather, and may involve both mechanical and electrical components.

Owners report frequent engine issues with the 2018 Dodge Durango, particularly involving camshaft and lifter failures, which are often linked to misfires and increased valvetrain noise. Symptoms typically include flashing check engine lights, loss of power, and engine shaking, with some owners noting these problems arise around 47,000 to 120,000 miles. Head gasket failures are also mentioned, leading to coolant leaks and potential engine overheating. Safety implications include the risk of sudden power loss during driving, which could pose hazards in traffic. Prospective buyers should be aware that these issues are reported across both the 3.6L V6 and the 6.4L HEMI engines, with some complaints indicating metal debris contamination necessitating full engine replacements.

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Durango frequently report issues with air bag systems, particularly with headrests deploying unexpectedly. Multiple complaints describe headrests deploying without impact, both while driving and when the vehicle is parked, with at least one incident resulting in injury. Additionally, there are reports of air bags failing to deploy during crashes, including one at highway speeds, leading to injuries in some cases. These issues are noted at low mileages, around 5,000 to 6,000 miles. Potential buyers should be aware of these air bag system concerns, as they involve crashes and injuries.

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Durango frequently report issues with the suspension system, particularly involving blown rear shocks and struts. Symptoms described include knocking and clunking noises, increased body roll, and rear-end sway, especially noticeable at highway speeds. Complaints often mention these issues occurring around 20,000 to 50,000 miles. One report involves a crash with an injury due to the vehicle failing to stop, resulting in a rollover after hitting a concrete ditch. Additionally, some owners note long delays for replacement parts, with shocks and struts on backorder, impacting the vehicle's drivability.

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Durango frequently report issues with sudden, unintended acceleration, particularly when driving at low speeds or moving from a stop, as described in two separate incidents involving crashes. These complaints often involve the vehicle unexpectedly accelerating while the driver is attempting to brake or shortly after shifting from neutral to drive. Additionally, one owner describes a delay in acceleration from a stop, while another mentions the vehicle's speed increasing unexpectedly when using adaptive cruise control. The issues are reported at various mileage points, with one owner experiencing problems shortly after acquiring the vehicle. The unintended acceleration has resulted in property damage and poses potential safety risks, especially in confined spaces or at higher speeds.

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Durango frequently report issues with refueling, as the gas pump repeatedly shuts off prematurely, making it difficult to fill the tank. Symptoms described include the need to reset the pump frequently, fuel spilling onto the ground, and having to manipulate the fuel nozzle by holding it upside down to continue fueling. These issues are noted by some owners as occurring as early as within the first 22,000 miles of ownership. No complaints mention crashes, fires, or loss of control related to these refueling difficulties. Potential buyers should be aware of these fueling challenges when considering this model.

Owners of the 2018 Dodge Durango report steering issues primarily related to handling and control. One complaint describes a severe loss of control in wet conditions, resulting in a crash where the vehicle hydroplaned and airbags did not deploy as expected. Another owner mentions intermittent problems with the vehicle not turning as intended during right turns, despite recalibration efforts. These issues appear at varying mileages, with one report noting problems at around 10,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of hydroplaning and steering failures leading to potential loss of vehicle control.