Last updated: 2026-03-04
Dodge Durango vs Ford Explorer: Reliability Compared
Dodge Durango
Ford Explorer
Choosing between the Dodge Durango and the Ford Explorer? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two full-size suvs.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Dodge Durango currently leads with an average score of 71/100 compared to 66/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Dodge Durango is more reliable than the Ford Explorer, scoring 71/100 vs 66/100.
The Dodge Durango demonstrates a stronger reliability profile than the Ford Explorer, with a higher average reliability score of 74/100 compared to the Explorer's 68/100. The Durango also has fewer recalls, totaling 27 over nine years, significantly less than the Explorer's 117. Additionally, the Durango's owner complaint rate is lower at 5.4 per 10,000 sold versus the Explorer's 6.8, and it benefits from a slightly lower estimated annual repair cost of $675 against the Explorer's $732. While both vehicles share common issues such as power train and engine problems, the Durango's overall reliability metrics make it the more dependable choice.
Key Differences
- 1Dodge Durango has 90 fewer total recalls
- 2Dodge Durango costs $57 less per year to repair
- 3Dodge Durango scores 5 points higher in reliability
Category Scoreboard
Dodge Durango vs Ford Explorer: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Dodge Durango | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 71/100 | 66/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 9 |
| Total Recalls | 27 | 117 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 5.4 | 6.8 |
| Annual Repair Cost | $675/yr | $732/yr |
| Repair Frequency | 0.2/yr | 0.2/yr |
| Major Repair Risk | 13% | 14% |
| Safety RatingNHTSA overall | 2026 NHTSA | 2026 NHTSA |
| Frontal | ||
| Side | ||
| Rollover | ||
| Year Wins | 6 (1 tied) | 1 (1 tied) |
What Are the Common Problems With the Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer?
The Ford Explorer exhibits a higher total volume of complaints, with significant issues in the power train and unknown or other categories, both of which also feature notable crash-linked incidents. Its structure and electrical system problems are also prevalent, though they result in fewer crashes. Conversely, the Dodge Durango's primary concerns lie in the electrical system and exterior lighting, with relatively fewer power train issues compared to the Explorer. The Durango's air bags, despite fewer total complaints, present a higher proportion of crash-linked incidents, highlighting a critical safety concern not as evident in the Explorer's profile.
| Component | Dodge Durango | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 0.5Very Low | 1.6Low |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1.3Low | 0.7Very Low |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 1.3Low | —None |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.2Very Low | 1.1Low |
| STRUCTURE | 0.1Very Low | 1Very Low |
| ENGINE | 0.3Very Low | 0.4Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.3Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.2Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.1Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| SUSPENSION | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| SEATS | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | —None | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | —None |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | —None |
| FUEL SYSTEM | —None | —None |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Dodge Durango or Ford Explorer?
How Does Dodge Durango vs Ford Explorer Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Dodge Durango | Ford Explorer | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 78/1000R / 5C | 72/10014R / 65C | Dodge Durango |
| 2024 | 78/1000R / 6C | 73/1006R / 14C | Dodge Durango |
| 2023 | 75/1002R / 27C | 71/10012R / 84C | Dodge Durango |
| 2022 | 71/1006R / 47C | 65/10021R / 208C | Dodge Durango |
| 2021 | 65/1007R / 159C | 62/10022R / 354C | Dodge Durango |
| 2020 | 72/1003R / 62C | 54/10029R / 1066C | Dodge Durango |
| 2019 | 67/1004R / 128C | 69/1004R / 252C | Ford Explorer |
| 2018 | 64/1005R / 219C | 64/1005R / 651C | Tie |
| 2026(predicted) | 77/100(predicted) | 72/100(predicted) | Dodge Durango |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Dodge Durango scored 78/100 and the 2024 Ford Explorer scored 73/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Dodge Durango vs the Ford Explorer?
Dodge Durango vs Ford Explorer: Common Questions
- Is the Dodge Durango more reliable than the Ford Explorer?
- Based on our data, the Dodge Durango is more reliable with an average score of 71/100 compared to 66/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Dodge Durango or the Ford Explorer?
- The Ford Explorer has more recalls (117) compared to the Dodge Durango (27). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Dodge Durango or the Ford Explorer?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Dodge Durango has a lower complaint rate at 5.4 per 10,000 sold versus 6.8 for the Ford Explorer. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Which is cheaper to maintain, the Dodge Durango or the Ford Explorer?
- Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Dodge Durango is cheaper to maintain at $675/year versus $732/year for the Ford Explorer.
- Is the Dodge Durango or Ford Explorer safer?
- Based on NHTSA crash test ratings, the Ford Explorer has a higher overall safety rating of 5/5 stars compared to 4/5 for the Dodge Durango. Check sub-ratings (frontal, side, rollover) above for a more detailed safety comparison.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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