2011 Dodge Durango Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2011 Dodge Durango has a complaint index of 89, the third-worst among 20 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 799 complaints, 8 recalls, and 57 reported fires, with the Electrical System accounting for 65% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 89/100
- #3 of 20 Durango years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 799
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 8
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 15
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 57
- Injuries
- 11
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 17
- 15 city / 21 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 11 / 0
Top 2011 Dodge Durango problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System518 (65%)
- Engine197 (25%)
- Fuel System135 (17%)
- Brakes104 (13%)
- Other52 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain51 (6%)
- Steering27 (3%)
- Airbags21 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires13 (2%)
- Structure & Body10 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the vehicle stalling or losing power while driving, sometimes in traffic or at intersections, tied to the alternator or TIPM.
- Several owners describe electrical smoke, glowing wires, or fires starting under the hood or near the fender after the ignition was left on or shortly after driving.
- Some vehicles failed to restart after stalling, with the starter engaging but the engine sputtering and not turning over.
- Owners report engine oil leaking from the timing chain into the alternator, later requiring cylinder and timing chain gasket work.
- One owner reported airbags failing to deploy in a head-on crash at highway speed.
- Some engine fires were preceded by illuminated battery or oil warning lights and vehicle shaking or unusual noise.
2011 Dodge Durango recalls
8 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V813000Nov 14, 2019Electrical System528,594 vehicles
Electrical system
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 3.6, 5.7, or 6.4 liter engine and previously recalled under NHTSA Recall 14V530 or 15V115. The fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.
Risk: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) will replace the affected fuel pump relay and related wire harness. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed beginning 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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V62.
- NHTSA 17V572000Sep 18, 2017Brakes646,394 vehicles
Service brakes
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles had brake booster shields installed under a previous campaign to prevent water from entering the brake booster and limiting braking ability. This recall is to verify that the brake booster shield installation was performed properly.
Risk: If the brake booster shield was not installed properly, the vehicle's braking ability may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster shield, correcting the installation as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November10, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T59.
- NHTSA 17V435000Jul 10, 2017Electrical System442,214 vehicles
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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 February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.
2011 Dodge Durango fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 15 MPG
- Highway
- 21 MPG
- Combined
- 17 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,825
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Gasoline or E85
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2011 compared with other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Dodge Durango reliable?
- Compared with other Durango model years, 2011 ranks poorly. It has a complaint index of 89, the third-highest of 20 years covered, and carries an Avoid verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Dodge Durango?
- NHTSA complaint data shows the Electrical System is the top problem area, covering 65% of complaints (518 of 799), followed by Engine issues at 25% and Fuel System issues at 17%.
- Does the 2011 Dodge Durango have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2011 Durango, most involving the electrical system, including alternator wiring, TIPM/fuel pump relay, and sun visor wiring issues, plus two brake booster shield recalls.
- Did the 2011 Dodge Durango have engine fires?
- NHTSA complaint data records 57 fire-related complaints for the 2011 Durango, several tied to electrical shorts or engine compartment fires reported by owners.
- How does the 2011 Durango compare to other years?
- The 2011 model ranks third-worst of 20 years, behind only 2005 (complaint index 100) and 2014 (complaint index 95), while years 2018-2025 mostly earn Good or Best verdicts.