2018 Dodge Durango Complaints

ENGINE — Filed 05/15/2026

Defect causes premature wear and deterioration of camshafts and lifters, causing engine failure.

VISIBILITY — Filed 09/10/2026

I was driving down a 45 mph roadway and my sunroof glass exploded. Nothing hit it and there were no bumps in the road when it exploded

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 11/26/2025

I purchased a 2018 Dodge Durango. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, moisture was present inside the rear liftgate/racetrack lamp assembly and portions of the rear lighting did not operate. The selling dealership inspected and repaired the vehicle. Its repair invoice states that the left rear tail/running/parking lamp was inoperative because of an open wire between the body control module and the left rear lamp, but I have a picture I uploaded that only one of the passenger side light actually worked so I don' know about the broke wire, but I know the lights didn't work when I purchased the vehicle as our home camera showed after I brought it home. But they did try to fix them. The dealership routed a new wire, taped and waterproofed it, and returned the vehicle after stating that the system worked. I was also told or understood that the racetrack lamp assembly had been replaced, but the repair records I received do not identify a replacement lamp or part number. Approximately one week after the repair, moisture reappeared. The liftgate lamp assembly now contains substantial visible standing water that moves when the liftgate is raised or lowered. Sections along the bottom appear to be dimming or failing, Because raising the liftgate causes the standing water to move toward the upper lamps and electrical connections, I now avoid using it A suggestion drilling a drainage hole in the lamp assembly. I have not drilled, sealed, drained or otherwise modified the assembly. I am concerned that the standing water may contact or corrode the lamp sockets, connectors, wiring, license-plate lamps, backup lamps or rear camera and cause the rear lighting to fail without warning. This could make the vehicle difficult for other drivers to see, especially at night. Cannot drive it at night for safety reasons No crash, fire or injury has occurred. The vehicle and defective component are available for inspection. Photographs, video and dealership repair records are available

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 06/15/2026

Back to back error codes P0300 P0108 P1404 P0172 Rough running engine. Very strong smell of fuel at two different times while driving. Vehicle not responding to gas pedal while driving on highway. Repairs at thousands of dollars.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 01/01/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that a section of the rear light was inoperable. The passenger’s side light was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the tail light needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall or warranty coverage on the vehicle. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

SEATS — Filed 06/17/2026

The passenger side active headrest restraint deployed at 3mph in a parking lot. There had been a safety recall for apparently my vin is not covered per dodge. [XXX] If this would have happened on the drivers side at highway speeds, it could have been deadly. The vehicle is at nyle Maxwell in Killeen and the passengers side is being replaced via extended warranty but my issue is getting the divers side replaced BEFORE it hits me in the back of the head. I spoke with dodge customer service and I was advised to submit a complaint. I think the model year range and trims should be expanded as this is still clearly an issue INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

SEATS — Filed 06/10/2026

June 11, 2026 Re: Unexpected Passenger-Side Active Head Restraint Deployment – 2018 Dodge Durango R/T To Whom It May Concern: I am reporting an incident involving my 2018 Dodge Durango R/T equipped with leather seats. Vehicle Information: Year/Make/Model: 2018 Dodge Durango R/T Seating: Leather Interior Affected Component: Passenger-Side Active Head Restraint (AHR) Mileage at Time of Incident: 126,207 miles Date of Incident: [XXX] Description of Incident: While traveling on the roadway on [XXX], the passenger-side Active Head Restraint (AHR) suddenly deployed without warning. There was no accident, collision, sudden stop, or any other event that would reasonably trigger the system. The vehicle was being operated normally at the time of the incident. My [XXX] son was seated in the front passenger seat when the headrest unexpectedly deployed and forcefully struck him in the back of the head. The deployment occurred without any impact to the vehicle and caused immediate concern for his safety and well-being. Following the deployment, the headrest remained in the deployed position and appears to require repair or replacement. Given that the system activated without a collision and made forceful contact with an occupant, I believe this represents a significant safety concern. I am aware that similar incidents have been reported by owners of Dodge Durangos and other Stellantis vehicles equipped with Active Head Restraint systems. NHTSA has previously investigated complaints involving headrests deploying without a crash and causing injuries to vehicle occupants. My incident appears consistent with those reported failures. I respectfully request that this incident be documented and investigated as a potential safety-related defect. Please advise whether there are any recalls, technical service bulletins, customer satisfaction programs, warranty extensions INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

AIR BAGS,SEATS — Filed 05/13/2026

Headrest on driver seat ejected at a stop and threw my wife’s head forward.

SEATS — Filed 05/02/2026

While driving, the passenger front headrest suddenly popped forward hitting the passenger in the back of the head aggressively and unexpectedly. No accident involved or any aggressive braking. The vehicle/headrest is available for inspection upon request. The safety of my passenger was put at risk as it punched them in the back of the head. It gave her an instant headache and mildly upset stomach. I have not taken the vehicle to the dealership yet, planning to try and go this week. The headrest has not been inspected by anyone besides me yet. No error messages or lights before or since the event.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 04/01/2026

Water in racetrack tailgate taillights

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) — Filed 06/06/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH on the highway, the vehicle stalled. The electronic stability control(ESC) warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. However, on other occasions, when the vehicle stalled, the contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, where it was diagnosed with starter failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 03/24/2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale purchased on December 27, 2025. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 82,000. While attempting to purchase an extended warranty, the contact was denied the warranty extension due to the odometer fraud. The contact was presented with a report, which indicated that in October of 2025, the mileage was documented at 186,000. After viewing the Carfax Report, the contact discovered that the mileage was 194,000. The contact informed the dealer of the odometer fraud.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE — Filed 02/22/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the spark plugs had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, a week later, while the vehicle was idling, it was vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the same mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the cam lobes were worn and needed to be replaced. The mechanic confirmed the findings with the dealer, and it was confirmed that it was a known issue due to the heat treatment to harden the steel not being properly performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not covered under recall or warranty. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,700.

SERVICE BRAKES,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 01/27/2026

FORMAL COMPLAINT Safety Recall 94B (NHTSA Campaign No. 24V-838) I hereby submit this complaint regarding the failure to properly complete Safety Recall 94B (NHTSA Campaign No. 24V-838) involving the HCU/ABS module on my 2018 Dodge Durango. On December 23, 2025, I contacted an authorized Dodge dealer located at 5404 S. Illinois Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60012, to remedy the HCU/ABS defect under the recall. I was informed that the recall repair would be performed free of charge and an appointment was scheduled for December 29, 2025. At the scheduled visit, the vehicle was returned to me in less than 30 minutes without any recall repair being performed. Instead, I was told that paid diagnostics were required and that the estimated repair cost could range from $3,000 to $5,000. I was also informed that the recall repair could not be completed because the HCU/ABS module was not in stock. The dealer later stated that the module would be ordered, but the delivery timeline was repeatedly postponed. On January 27, 2026, the vehicle was returned to me with the same HCU/ABS-related malfunctions. The dealer stated that Recall 24V-838 / FCA 94B had been closed and refused to replace the HCU/ABS module under the recall. Although FCA systems reflect the recall as “completed,” the safety defect has not been remedied. The vehicle continues to display ABS/ESC warnings, and diagnostic trouble codes related to the braking and electronic stability control systems remain present, confirming that the defect described in the recall persists. Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 30118(b) and 49 CFR § 573.6(c)(10), when a safety defect persists or reoccurs after recall repairs, the manufacturer is required to implement additional corrective measures, including repeat repair or replacement of the affected component or system. Closing a recall while the defect remains unresolved does not satisfy federal requirements. I respectfully request regulatory review and appropriate action to ensure that thi

ENGINE — Filed 01/02/2026

Over time, the valvetrain in my engine became gradually louder. Because there were no check engine lights or fault codes, I initially assumed this was a normal characteristic of the engine. That changed on January 2, 2026, when I began to hear a pronounced knocking/loud tapping noise accompanied by a cylinder 8 misfire. At that point, I stopped driving the vehicle and had it towed to a repair shop. Based on the symptoms, we initially believed the issue would be limited to a camshaft and lifter replacement. However, after draining the oil and cutting open the oil filter, a significant amount of metal debris was discovered. Further inspection revealed that one camshaft lobe had been worn down nearly smooth and the corresponding lifter had failed. When the camshaft was removed for full evaluation, all other lobes showed normal, even wear. Only the lobe associated with the failed lifter exhibited catastrophic damage beyond repair. As a result of the metal contamination throughout the engine, a full engine replacement was required rather than a repair of individual components. The basis of my complaint is that this failure appears to be a well-documented and common issue with the 6.4L HEMI engine equipped with MDS. I have since reviewed numerous reports and forum discussions describing nearly identical failures—often beginning with increased valvetrain noise, followed by a single-cylinder misfire and extensive internal damage. This was not the result of neglect or abuse, but rather a known failure mode that ultimately led to the complete loss of the engine.

AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/04/2024

The driver side headrest "deployed" and pushed the headrest to the back of my head. I was sitting in the driver seat and the vehicle was parked, and when I moved a bag from the front passenger seat to the middle row, the driver side headrest opened on it's own. I cannot compress the headrest together. My concern is this was a faulty safety deployment.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 06/01/2020

My touchscreen is malfunctioning. It does what it wants when it wants. Example- it makes my headrest flip up and down Turns the radio stations Turns the heat/air on/off Turns the heated/cooling seats on/off Backup camera doesn’t work half the time I backed into a dirt embankment and cracked my rear bumper because the backup camera wasn’t working at that time Navigation doesn’t work half the time Volume works when it wants Can’t change radio stations sometimes

STEERING,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS — Filed 03/03/2023

While on my way to an appointment it was raining and I noticed my car wasn't handling the water on the road like it usually did. It was pulling to one side or jumping around when it hit shallow water. I turned the traction control off and then back on and that seemed to make a difference. That night I got on NHTSA and searched for recalls with my VIN number. While other 2018 Durango's had recalls on the ESP it said mine wasn't one on them. About a week later it had been storming all night and I was on my way to work the next morning when I come around a curve to deep flowing water covering the road for approx. 30 yards before a small break and then a thin flowing of water for approx. 20 feet which I didn't see because it was still raining. When I hit the deep water it pulled me towards the right ditch, I was able to keep from going in the ditch but it was a constant fight until I was through the puddle. After the first puddle let go of my vehicle there was just enough time for me to feel relieved I had made it through it before I hit the shallow water and my car hydroplaned darting left, entering the ditch, ramping the side of a driveway and going airborne between two trees before coming down on it's front end and sliding 30 feet to a stop. The emergency contact system spoke asking who to contact but none of my ICE was displayed. Thankfully I was wearing my seatbelt although the tensioner didn't lock the belt in place like it should in the event of an accident. Also neither front airbag deployed, only the passenger side air curtain deployed. My passenger side mirror was hit by a mailbox as I ramped the driveway so I assumed that is why the side curtain deployed but the accident crushed and partially removed both my front and back bumper so my 2 front air bags should have deployed as well. An accident report was made and my insurance company ruled my car as a totaled. I told them what happened but I am not sure if the inspected the ESP system or not.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 10/05/2022

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle that was 20 feet away from his vehicle stopped. The contact depressed the brake pedal but it failed to respond, causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of the other vehicle. The air bags deployed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The other driver did not sustain any injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it remained. The dealer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact later became aware that his VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V426000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), which he associated with the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 08/04/2022

I was driving on I75 North in Florida near Ocala (exit 358) traveling about 70mph when I approached slowing traffic. I attempted a slow and steady stop without slamming on the brakes. The emergency braking system engaged but the vehicle failed to stop and I was not able to completely floor the brakes. In an effort to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of me and causing a multiple car collision I swerved onto the grassy side of the road. Because the car would not stop completely my passenger front wheel made contact with a concrete ditch and my vehicle flipped over resulting in a total loss.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 05/13/2022

on May13th I was slowly pulling into my garage : as I was slowly easing my foot off the brake (but still in contact with the brake pedal), the car suddenly accelerated. I pressed my foot hard on the brake but was unable to stop the car. It was traveling very slowly with only about 5 feet to go when it suddenly accelerated. It struck the water heater which is situated against the rear wall of the garage with enough force to make my neck and shoulders hurt. There was a rubber trash can in front of the heater that may have absorbed some impact. There was a dent in the bumper. Inside the house, on the other side of the wall, the paint and plaster were cracked and somewhat displaced and a bureau pushed away from the wall. This acceleration happened without any warning. This also happened to my 2015 Dodge Durango in Feb 2019. The situation was almost identical; I was almost done pulling into the garage with my foot lightly on the brake when the car suddenly accelerated and struck the water heater, denting it and causing mor extensive damage to 2 walls inside the house. I had my own mechanic and the dealer evaluate that car and they couldn't find anything wrong. I did see reports of this happening to other 2015 Durangos at low speed. We traded in the 2015 Durango to the dealer because of the accident and their assurance that they'd never seen this happen (at the time it wasn't reported in any 2018 Durangos) and we bought the 2018 Durango that was involved in the May 13 acceleration. I plan to call the dealer but am not sure how to remedy the problem

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE — Filed 07/19/2020

I WAS IN A COLLISION, GOING 70*MPH ON THE EXPRESSWAY. GUY IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON HIS BREAKS WITH NO ONE IN FRONT OF HIM. I HAD NO TIME TO STOP, SLAMMED INTO THE BACK OF HIS CAR. NOT A SINGLE AIRBAG DEPLOYED INSIDE THE VEHICLE, THE WHOLE FRONT END WAS SMASHED IN.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 06/02/2019

I WENT THROUGH CHEETAH CAR WASH WITH MY 2018 DODGE DURANGO AND UPON EXITING THE CAR WASH AND RECEIVING GREEN SIGNAL TO DRIVE I SHIFTED FROM "N" TO "D" AND STARTED SLOWLY DRIVING TOWARD THE VACUUM CLEANING AREA. AS I WAS SLOWLY PULLING INTO THE PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND HIT THE POST AND BUILDING, CAUSING IT TO STOP. I CALLED THE POLICE TO THE SCENE AND THEY HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO BASHAM TOWING SERVICE IN BOWLING GREEN, KY. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS VEHICLE FOR MECHANICAL FAILURE, BECAUSE IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON INTERSTATE, THIS COULD HAVE ENDED WAY WORSE. I FOUND INFORMATION ONLINE THAT DODGE DURANGO HAS BEEN HAVING A NUMBER OF SIMILAR ISSUES. HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/DODGE/DURANGO/CAR-ACCELERATES-ON-ITS-OWN-PROBLEMS.PHP

AIR BAGS — Filed 11/18/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING 43 MPH OVER AN ICY PATCH IN THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL, THREE TELEPHONE POLES, AND A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A SHOULDER INJURY AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. A SPECIAL INSPECTOR COLLECTED THE EVENT DATA RECORDER AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE IMPACT WOULD NOT CAUSE THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *DT*JB

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS — Filed 10/05/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND NO ALARM SOUNDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MIKE SMITH CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (409-840-3560, LOCATED AT 1945 I-10, BEAUMONT, TX 77701) AND REPAIRED, BUT THE REPAIR SPECIFICS WERE NOT DISCLOSED. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RETRIEVED, THE SEAT BELT BECAME INOPERABLE AND WOULD NOT RETRACT OR UNLATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ISLAND CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (844-673-0276, LOCATED AT 1239 HYLAN BLVD, STATEN ISLAND, NY 10305) WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS USED INCORRECTLY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT PROVIDED ANY FURTHER EXPLANATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,000.