Last updated: 2026-03-04

Dodge Durango

2 Dodge Durango Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Dodge Durango average of 71/100

The Dodge Durango years to avoid are 2018, 2021 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2018 with a reliability score of 64/100. The best Dodge Durango year to buy is 2025 78/100.

Verdict

The 2018, 2021 Dodge Durango score significantly below the model average of 71/100. The weakest year is 2018 with a score of 64/100 due to electrical system (74) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2020 72/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Dodge Durango Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Dodge Durango average of 71/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201864/100Good5219Electrical System (74)
2202165/100Good7159Exterior Lighting (50)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

64
GoodReliability score: 64 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Dodge Durango

The 2018 Dodge Durango has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 219 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Dodge Durango. Severity signals include 9 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (74), Exterior Lighting (40), Unknown Or Other (18).

5 recalls219 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (74), Exterior Lighting (40), Unknown Or Other (18), Seats (16), Power Train (13), Engine (11)

View full 2018 reliability report →
65
GoodReliability score: 65 out of 100, rated Good

2021 Dodge Durango

The 2021 Dodge Durango has good reliability. There are 7 recalls and 159 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Dodge Durango. Severity signals include 7 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Exterior Lighting (50), Electrical System (34), Structure (11).

7 recalls159 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Exterior Lighting (50), Electrical System (34), Structure (11), Power Train (10), Unknown Or Other (10), Engine (10)

View full 2021 reliability report →

What Are Common Dodge Durango Problems?

Top reported issues across all Dodge Durango model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

160 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

159 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

58 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

38 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

37 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

29 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

Best Dodge Durango Year to Buy Instead

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Dodge Durango

The 2020 Dodge Durango has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 62 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Dodge Durango. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Exterior Lighting (17), Power Train (10), Electrical System (7).

Score: 72/100 (Good)3 recalls62 complaints
View full 2020 reliability report →

All Dodge Durango Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Dodge Durango Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Dodge Durango years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Dodge Durango years: 2018 (score: 64/100), 2021 (score: 65/100). These model years score significantly below the Dodge Durango average of 71/100.
What is the best year for the Dodge Durango?
The best year for the Dodge Durango is 2025, with a reliability score of 78/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 5 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Dodge Durango have?
Across all years in our database, the Dodge Durango has a total of 27 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Dodge Durango worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 78/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 71/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Dodge Durango problems?
The most common Dodge Durango problems are electrical system (160 complaints), exterior lighting (159 complaints), power train (58 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Dodge Durango reliable long-term?
The Dodge Durango has an average reliability score of 71/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Dodge Durango generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Dodge Durango generation is the Third generation (WD; 2011) with an average score of 69/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Dodge Durango?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Dodge Durango is $675 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2025 Dodge Durango a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Dodge Durango is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 78/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 5 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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