2018 Dodge Durango: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 219 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, exterior lights, and seats. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2018- Owner complaints
- 219
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes reported
- 9
- 4 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2018 Dodge Durango: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/2
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Durango is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2018 Dodge Durango. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, RWD | 21 mpg |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | AWD, RWD | 17 mpg |
| 6.4L 8-cyl | AWD | 15 mpg |
- The 2018 Dodge Durango was sold in three versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Durango that averages well under the EPA 15 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Shocks knocking or failing
20,000–50,000 miles
Racetrack taillight water intrusion
44,000–83,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Dodge Durango, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical741 crash
Water gets into the tailgate racetrack light assembly and shorts it out. That kills the tail lights, license plate lights, and sometimes the backup camera, in some cases before 45,000 miles. The Uconnect touchscreen also "ghost touches", changing radio, climate, seat, and headrest settings on its own. It can fill the screen with weather alerts for counties 100 to 400 miles away. In one crash, the driver backed into an embankment while the backup camera was out. Other reports describe the center console freezing, and a no-start with every warning light lit that was traced to a failed power control module.
Exterior lights40No crashes
Rain or a car wash fills the rear racetrack taillight with water. The light then flickers or burns out in sections, and the license plate lights usually fail with it. Some reports say the brake lights and backup camera go out as well. Failures show up between 44,000 and 83,000 miles. One case included a burning smell. The fix is replacing the whole assembly, quoted at $1,200 to over $2,000. Owners report that the manufacturer and dealers deny coverage and that replacement units can leak again. Drivers have been pulled over and failed state inspection because the rear of the vehicle was dark.
Seats16No crashes
Front active head restraints fire on their own with a loud bang, without any collision. They have deployed while driving, while stopped at lights, while parked, and even with the engine off. Several hit the occupant in the back of the head, and one driver veered briefly at 40 mph. A broken plastic piece inside the headrest is a common finding. The unit cannot be pushed back and must be replaced, quoted at $1,200 in one report. Dealers often say the VIN is not part of the related recall. A separate report describes a driver's seatback reclining suddenly at 35 mph.
Brakes141 crash
Most reports involve the ABS hydraulic control unit and recall 24V-838, also called 94B. Owners describe ABS and brake warning lights, a pedal that locks hard, ABS that fails on ice, and false brake alarms with unwanted automatic braking. A failed module can also shut off AWD, cruise control, and ParkSense. Many complaints say the recall repair is stalled because parts are unavailable or the dealer wants paid diagnostics. One crash at 25 mph followed a pedal that did not respond. Separate complaints cite worn pads at 9,000 miles, squealing, and a pop when stopping.
Transmission13No crashes
The transmission drops into neutral while driving, including at highway speed. The engine revs but the vehicle does not move until it is shut off and restarted. Some reports start before 4,000 miles. Related complaints describe a gear selector that will not stay in park or gets stuck in neutral, a blinking reverse indicator, harsh engagement, slipping, and being stuck in first gear. Several cases involve water. On one SRT, water in a harness connector shorted the axle actuator twice. Another vehicle shut down on the highway in rain. One stall at 65 mph was traced to a failed PCM.
Engine11No crashes
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. Valvetrain ticking or knocking often comes first and may only be noticeable on cold starts. Shops have found metal debris in the oil. Head gasket failure is the second pattern, with coolant entering a cylinder and causing misfires, reported at 47,000 and 120,000 miles. Owners also describe oil pan gasket and coolant leaks, a failed tensioner and pulley, and camshaft parts on backorder that left vehicles parked at the dealer.
Airbags73 crashes
Serious crashes end with no deployment in the most severe reports here. They include a rear-end collision at 70 mph that crushed the front end and a slide on ice into a guardrail, poles, and a tree. Three crashes and three injuries are on file. In one case, a manufacturer inspector said the type of impact would not trigger deployment. Most other complaints in this category describe front active head restraints firing on their own while parked or driving. One owner reports the airbag warning light turning on and off during drives.
Suspension61 crash
Shocks and struts wear out early. Knocking starts around 20,000 miles, and some shocks are completely failed or have blown seals by about 50,000. Owners describe rear clunking, more body roll, and rear sway over bridge joints that forces steering corrections at highway speed. Replacement parts are often backordered for weeks, and one dealer quoted $500 per shock plus labor. One rollover crash with an injury followed a failed stop from 70 mph. Another vehicle had ABS and stability lights stay on after a battery jump.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Durango owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Rear Racetrack LED lightning is failing due to water intrusion. This could also possibly cause electrical issues to the license plate lights and back up camera. When in bad weather, other drivers could fail to see the back of my car, and could get into an accident. Yes, dealer stated that the cost is 1500 to fix. The Durango has 60K miles. Dealer only. No warning just a fellow driver reported my Racetrack light flickers and dim.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2025
This is occurring frequent the system freaked abs system came on doing 38 miles an hour. Than system freaked out and brake light came on empty tank showed. Check engine than for 2 miles horn Blasted on its own . After the temperature gauge stopped working and now it continues to state it’s not in park when it is .
Filed with NHTSA, July 2022
Track lighting starting to fail. Water accumulation inside the bottom passenger side of track light. 44,000 miles on vehicle. No damage. Presents safety issue with rear visibility. Can cause short in wiring, causing potential fire.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2022
Tail lights fill with water. This caused a safety risk both of electrical fire and lights failing and increasing risk of an accident when due to not being visible from behind. This is a known issue with Dodge Durangos from 2016 to 2020. There are class action lawsuits and petitions requesting dodge fix the problem. I called Dodge corporate and was advised the situation has not been addressed and that it is not under warranty or recall
Filed with NHTSA, March 2023
The front passenger side headrest Safety mechanism deployed as I was driving down the road and upon looking at it, a piece inside is broken. when the headrest deployed, it hit my passenger in the head, pushing him forward and give him a headache it came out so hard and fast I brought the car to the dealership today, 9/3/24 they said other year, Durango have a recall, but my year is not one of them there were no warning lights.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2024
While stopped at a traffic light, the drivers side front headrest exploded forward hitting my wife in the back of the head. Upon inspection, I noticed part of the plastic hinge inside the headrest had broken or sheared off. Although it did not appear to have caused her personal injury, had this occurred while driving it very well could have caused an accident, due to the impact and loud noise.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2023
The vehicle braking system will start alerting the driver to brake when not necassary. Alarm will sound in the vehicle, and Dashboard will start flashing "BRAKE" multiple times. it did break automatically once while driving, children were present in the vehicle. I am concerned if the vehicle brakes on it own it cause an accident. FCA has sent out a notice that our vehicle VIN is not one that is effected but we are having the same problems.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2023
The hydraulic control unit antilock break system module in vehicle system reads falsely for pressure in primary circuit. I use car for rental service but can no longer use it until it is fixed
Filed with NHTSA, August 2022
How the 2018 compares with other Durango years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2018 has the most owner complaints of the 8 Durango years we cover, about 3.5 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical7412
- Exterior lights4017
- Seats160
- Brakes143
- Transmission136
- Engine114
Where the 2018 fits in the Durango's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2018 is the eighth model year of the Durango's third generation (2011–2023).
It includes the 2014 update.
What changed for 2014
- Redesigned for 2014
- New design features a blackened plastic bumper and outline
Recalls to confirm (5)
Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
24V838000BrakesNov 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may incorrectly illuminate the brake lights and disable the ABS and electronic stability control (ESC). In addition, the vehicle operator may be able to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
Risk: A vehicle that can be started and shifted out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in a vehicle rollaway. Disabled ABS and ESC systems can reduce vehicle handling and control in certain driving situations. Brake lights that incorrectly illuminate can fail to properly indicate the driver's intention to following traffic. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the integrated pressure transducer and update the ABS module software, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 94B. This recall replaces previous recall number 22V-426. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-426 will need to have the new remedy completed.
22V426000BrakesJun 2022
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may illuminate the brake lights, and allow the vehicle to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
Risk: A vehicle that starts and shifts out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside of the vehicle.
Fix: This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 24V838. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. The remedy includes updated HCU/ABS module software that prevents the HCU/ABS module from falsely reading pressure in the primary circuit. FCA has decided to do a two-Phase Campaign remedy schedule. Phase 1 began November 17, 2022. Phase 2 begin date has not been determined yet. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed July 28, 2020. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z48.
18V524000ElectricalAug 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
18V332000ElectricalMay 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
18V280000TransmissionMay 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
Risk: If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.
Also looking at these instead of a Durango?
Cars shoppers compare with the Dodge Durango, with their own 2018 checklists.
2018 owner complaints, side by side
- Chevrolet Tahoe88
- 2018 Dodge Durango219
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