Last updated: 2026-10-10

Dodge Durango

Dodge Durango Years to Avoid

9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 72/100

Skip the 2018 and 2021 model years. Both sit well below the Durango's own average, mainly because rear taillights fill with water and electrical systems act up. The 2024 is the year to buy, with no recalls and very few owner complaints.

Verdict

Avoid
2018 64/1002021 65/100
Buy
2024 78/100
Model average
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 72/100.

#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

Water gets into the tailgate taillight assembly and shorts it out, killing the tail lights, license plate lights, and sometimes the backup camera. Replacement is quoted at $1,200 to over $2,000. Owners also report the touchscreen changing settings on its own and head restraints firing without a crash.

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

2021 Dodge Durango

The driver-side LED daytime running light often goes dark between 40,000 and 65,000 miles, and dealers replace the whole headlamp, quoted from about $1,400 to over $2,000. The rear taillight also leaks. Some owners report the rear roof spoiler coming loose at highway speed.

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 2021reliability report →

What Are Common Dodge Durango Problems?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

160 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2021, 2019

2018: Water gets into the tailgate racetrack light assembly and shorts it out.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

159 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2018, 2019

2021: The driver-side LED daytime running light goes dark, usually between 40,000 and 65,000 miles.

POWER TRAIN

58 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2021, 2020

2018: The transmission drops into neutral while driving, including at highway speed.

ENGINE

38 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2021, 2019

2018: Camshaft and lifter failure on the 3.6L V6 causes a misfire, a flashing check engine light, and loss of power with shaking, sometimes at highway speed.

SERVICE BRAKES

37 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2021

2019: Most reports concern brake hydraulic recalls 22V426000 and 24V838000 where dealers have no parts, some for a year or more.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

29 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2021, 2020

2019: Coolant lines running to the rear get rubbed through by a factory clamp, dumping coolant and overheating the engine.

Best Dodge Durango Year to Buy Instead

78
GoodReliability score: 78 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Dodge Durango

The 2024 has no recalls and only 6 owner complaints, against 219 for the 2018 and 159 for the 2021. Part of that gap is time on the road, but the 2024 has been out long enough to build a record. Lighting is not among its top reported areas, unlike the weaker years.

Score: 78/100 (Good)0 recalls6 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 Dodge Durango has 0 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Dodge Durango Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Dodge Durango years should I avoid?
Avoid 2018 and 2021. Both are well below the model's own average. The 2018 has the most complaints, led by electrical faults and leaking taillights. The 2021 adds failing daytime running lights and a rear spoiler that can come loose.
Which Dodge Durango years have transmission problems?
The data does not tie transmission trouble to one year. Power train is a top-three complaint area in 2020, 2022, and 2023. Reports describe the transmission dropping into neutral while driving, sometimes at highway speed, so test drive any year carefully.
Is the 2018 Dodge Durango reliable?
Not compared with the rest of the lineup. It has 219 owner complaints and 5 recalls. Water-damaged rear taillights, a touchscreen that changes settings by itself, and head restraints that fire without a crash are the main reports.
Is the 2021 Dodge Durango a good used buy?
It is one to skip. It has 7 recalls and 159 owner complaints, mostly lighting. Driver-side daytime running lights fail and the whole headlamp must be replaced. Some owners also report back-ordered parts for the rear spoiler recall.
Is the 2026 Dodge Durango the safest pick?
Not yet. It rates excellent, but it has no owner complaints because it is too new, not because it is proven. The 2024 is the better choice because it has had enough time on the road to show a clean record.

How we score every Dodge Durango model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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