The Dodge Durango started out as a truck-based SUV but from the current third generation onwards, it gets an all-new unibody platform to compete with its peers in a better way. However, after the redesign, the SUV did run into several reliability issues while the model it replaced had a much better dependable nature. The 2011 Durango faced 763 complaints to date along with 8 recalls. The SUC was also investigated by the NHTSA four times due to the serious headliner fire issue and the integrated power module failures. The recalls also cover the headliner fire issue along with engine stalling issues due to alternator failures and braking system failures. Also, the powertrain-related problems received the highest number of complaints from the owners too according to the official numbers. In its class, the Dodge Durango competes with the Honda Pilot, the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Ford Explorer.
Dodge Durango user complaints and problems
Engine problems
- Sudden engine stalling: Sudden engine stalling has been a major problem for several owners of the 2011 Dodge Durango. All the reports mention that while the vehicles were being driven, they experienced sudden engine stalls. FCA did issue multiple recalls too, to address the problem since the affected number of vehicles is vast.
- Shuddering and thumping from powertrains: In a few instances, the powertrains of the affected vehicles exhibited these symptoms. While driving, the owners faced an abnormal shuddering from the transmission along with an occasional thumping. They also reported hesitation or failure to shift from the transmissions as well.
Safety problems
- Non-deployment of airbags: A few cases of airbag failures were reported against the 2011 Durango. In the event of crashes, the airbags of the affected vehicles failed to deploy, resulting in injuries.
- Brake failure: Apart from the airbag failures, several models of the 2011 Durango were affected by braking system faults too. Due to the faulty systems, the vehicles experienced brake failures. In some instances, the brakes failed to engage properly in an intermittent manner. There have been two recalls regarding this with NHTSA campaign ID 14V154000 and 17V572000.
Electrical problems
- Failure to start: Plenty of cases where the vehicles failed to start were reported. According to the owners, the vehicles failed to start suddenly or would fail to start intermittently.
- Headliner fire: A short circuit from the vanity lamp installed on the headliner caused fires inside the cabin. In some cases, the fires were minimal or there was just smoke due to excessive heat from the short circuits.
Miscellaneous problems
- Power steering failure: The power steering failure has been reported by some owners of the 2011 Durango. The failures occurred while the vehicles were on the move and the steering wheels became extremely hard to turn, making it difficult to control the vehicles. A few owners mentioned that the issue occurred intermittently.
2011 Dodge Durango recalls
|
S.No. |
Recall Date |
NHTSA Campaign ID |
Issues noticed |
Additional remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
April 1, 2014 |
14V154000 |
Loss of Power Brake Assist |
The water inside could freeze and limit the braking ability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Chrysler will notify the owners, and dealers will add a water diverter shield to the booster after the booster has been tested to confirm it can hold an acceptable amount of vacuum pressure. If the booster inspection confirms an unacceptable loss of vacuum pressure, the booster will be replaced. Repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. |
|
2 |
July 2, 2014 |
14V391000 |
Vanity Lamp Short may Result in Fire |
If the vanity lamp wiring shorts, there is an increased risk of fire. |
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair any damaged wiring, and install a new sun visor that properly routes the wire, free of charge. |
|
3 |
September 4, 2014 |
14V530000 |
Fuel Pump Relay may Fail Resulting in Stall |
A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash. |
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump relay with one external to the TIPM, free of charge. The recall began on December 19, 2014. |
|
4 |
October 8, 2014 |
14V634000 |
Alternator may Fail Resulting in Engine Stall |
If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. |
|
5 |
December 28, 2015 |
15V879000 |
Vanity Lamp Short may Result in Fire |
The vanity lamp wiring may short, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire. |
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealer will install clearance for sun visor wiring, protection from sharp edges, and replace the sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2016. |
|
6 |
July 10, 2017 |
17V435000 |
Alternator may Fail Resulting in Engine Stall |
If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire. |
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2018. |
|
7 |
September 18, 2017 |
17V572000 |
Incorrectly Installed Brake Booster Shield |
If the brake booster shield was not installed properly, the vehicle's braking ability may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster shield, correcting the installation as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2017. |
|
8 |
November 14, 2019 |
19V813000 |
Fuel Pump Relay May Fail Resulting In a Stall |
A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash. |
Chrysler will replace the affected fuel pump relay and related wire harness. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed at the beginning of December 19, 2019. Vehicles that experience a fuel pump failure will receive an interim repair. Owners will receive a second notice when the final remedy becomes available. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 10, 2020. |
Should you buy a used Dodge Durango?
The updated Dodge Durango sure offers an incredible value for the asking price and it does get a lot of things right this time too. However, the reliability of the Durango doesn’t seem to be getting along with the popularity of the SUV at all. Moreover, there have been some serious issues reported by the owners such as headliner fires and sudden engine stalling problems, which pose significant safety threats too while driving. The brand has issued several recalls to fix the problems but a significant number of owners are left without any resolution since they were denied the fix from the dealerships due to unavailability of parts. Getting a used Durango would be a good idea if you opt for the previous generation’s models.
