1998-2023 Dodge Durango Problems: 12 Known Issues

The TIPM can develop internal relay failures causing various electrical problems including no-start conditions, fuel pump not activating, horn honking randomly, and other erratic electrical behavior. This is a known Chrysler issue.

Recall 18V332 includes selected 2014–2018 Dodge Durango vehicles built June 2, 2013–May 23, 2018 with affected controller software. Controller software can retain a torque request if a short interrupts CAN-C communication while cruise control requests acceleration. Cancellation can then fail, causing continued speed or acceleration.

On these Durangos, owners report the A/C blowing warm air, cutting in and out, or blowing hot air from the passenger vents while the driver's side stays cold. Several causes can produce these symptoms, and some fixes are software, not parts. Software faults (documented by Chrysler/FCA): bulletin 24-004-17, which replaces 24-009-14, covers 2014-2015 Durangos with dual-zone (sales code HAF) or 3-zone (HAH) automatic climate control. It lists three faults: the HVAC shuts off during a cold-engine start because of low voltage and has to be turned back on by hand, the blower speed is erratic in auto mode, and a brief burst of hot or cold air comes out after the temperature setting is changed. Bulletins 24-003-14 and 24-005-15 cover 2014 Durangos whose cabin stays too warm even after the setpoint is lowered. A separate bulletin covers 2012-2013 dual-zone and 3-zone Durangos built between Jan. 18 and Aug. 8, 2012, where the A/C does not work after a remote start. All of these are fixed by reprogramming the HVAC module. Mechanical faults (owner reports): one 2011 owner whose A/C kept cutting in and out says a shop replaced the compressor, condenser, blend door actuator, blower motor, resistor, and the passenger temperature and recirculation actuators, spending over $2,500, and the problem continued. The owner then found the actual cause was a temperature door, a $42 part. Another owner reports hot air from the passenger side only, with the driver's side working normally.

The alternator can fail prematurely, causing charging system issues. The Durango has many electrical systems that put demand on the charging system. High electrical loads accelerate alternator wear.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) recalled 2014-2015 Dodge Durango SUVs whose radios contain software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems. This is a safety recall, not an infotainment convenience bulletin: NHTSA warns that exploitation may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing crash risk. Durango owners who have had ongoing Uconnect complaints should note that this particular recall is specifically about the security flaw, and the remedy is a software flash rather than a radio replacement. NHTSA's 1,416,903-unit figure covers the full campaign across all brands involved.

The Uconnect infotainment system can experience freezing, random reboots, and connectivity problems. Bluetooth pairing issues and touchscreen responsiveness problems are common.

The plenum pan gasket on the underside of the intake manifold fails, allowing engine oil to be sucked into combustion chambers. Causes excessive oil consumption, pinging, and visible oily sheen inside intake manifold through throttle body. Common on all 5.2L and 5.9L Magnum V8 engines.

HEMI engines with Multi-Displacement System (MDS) can develop a ticking noise from the MDS lifters. This is most noticeable at idle and during light acceleration. While often not immediately harmful, it can indicate lifter wear.

Upper and lower ball joints wear prematurely, causing clunking, loose steering, and in worst cases wheel separation. DaimlerChrysler ran safety improvement campaign 04V596 to replace the front upper ball joints on 2000-2003 four-wheel-drive models built January 1999 to December 2002. Same components used in 1998-1999 models which share the design. Failures reported as early as 49,000 miles.

The ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic can experience harsh shifts, hesitation, or clunking, particularly when cold or during low-speed maneuvers. While generally reliable, some owners report shift quality concerns.

The water pump on the 3.6L Pentastar V6 can fail, causing coolant leaks and overheating. The pump is internal and driven by the timing chain, making replacement labor-intensive. Typically fails between 80,000-120,000 miles.

Input and output shaft seals on NV231, NV242, and NV244 transfer cases fail from heat cycling and age. Causes fluid leaks, grinding or whining noise during 4WD engagement, and 4WD indicator light issues.