YearToAvoid

2017 Dodge Durango Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 23 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2017 Dodge Durango, 11% of its 211 total complaints for the year. Owners report gear-selector confusion, unexpected rollaway, and shift failures at a median 12,000 miles, plus a 2017 recall for short rear axle halfshafts.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
23
11% of 211
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
12,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the vehicle rolling or driving forward unexpectedly after being placed in park, sometimes while exiting or unloading the vehicle.
  • Some describe the transmission failing to engage the selected gear, with the dash indicator flashing and the vehicle stuck until it is shut off and restarted.
  • Several report sudden loss of power or stalling at highway speed with the transmission indicator illuminated, occasionally requiring multiple restart attempts.
  • Owners describe the shifter locking between reverse and park, with the engine revving but the vehicle not moving, creating a risk of collision.
  • One owner reported an oil leak traced to the transmission rear main seal that returned after an initial dealer repair.
  • Some describe harsh jerking or delayed engagement when downshifting or coming to a stop.

When 2017 Dodge Durango transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 22, 2016, latest Oct 9, 2025.

2017 Dodge Durango transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per month2Dec 2016Aug 2017Mar 2018Apr 2019May 2020Oct 2022Apr 2024
23 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2016 to Oct 2025; peak Jul 2019 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2017 Dodge Durango

  1. NHTSA 17V541000Aug 31, 2017Transmission & Powertrain4 vehicles

    Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Dodge Durango vehicles. The vehicles may have been assembled with rear axle halfshafts that are too short.

    Risk: If a halfshaft is too short, it may disengage from the differential causing a loss of drive and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace both halfshafts, free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T55.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Durango model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 2005217 (14%)
  2. 200655 (6%)
  3. 200718 (9%)
  4. 20084 (4%)
  5. 20091 (8%)
  6. 201151 (6%)
  7. 201237 (6%)
  8. 201334 (5%)
  9. 201442 (5%)
  10. 201538 (8%)
  11. 201630 (19%)
  12. 201723 (11%)
  13. 201813 (6%)
  14. 201913 (9%)
  15. 20203 (5%)
  16. 202110 (5%)
  17. 20229 (16%)
  18. 20239 (30%)
  19. 20245 (36%)
  20. 20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does NHTSA have for the 2017 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA lists 23 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2017 Durango, which is 11% of all 211 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission or powertrain recall for the 2017 Dodge Durango?
Yes. Recall 17V541000, reported August 31, 2017, covers 2017 Durango vehicles that may have been built with rear axle halfshafts that are too short; dealers replace both halfshafts free of charge.
At what mileage do transmission problems show up on the 2017 Durango?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 12,000 miles.
Did the 2017 Durango's transmission complaints cause any crashes?
NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 fires or injuries linked to the 23 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2017 Durango.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.