2018 Dodge Durango Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
57/100
#7 most-complained of 15 Durango years
The 2018 Dodge Durango has a complaint index of 57, ranked 7th worst of 15 model years, earning a 'Caution' rating. Electrical System issues dominate at 55% of complaints, with 5 recalls tied to brakes, electrical, and transmission systems.
- Complaints
- 232
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 9 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 17
- 14 city / 22 hwy
Top 2018 Dodge Durango problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System128 (55%)
- Engine34 (15%)
- Other32 (14%)
- Brakes30 (13%)
- Structure & Body26 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain13 (6%)
- Fuel System11 (5%)
- Airbags10 (4%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras10 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (4%)
What owners report
- Touchscreen and infotainment displays flash on and off or reboot repeatedly, disabling climate, radio, navigation, and backup camera controls.
- Backup camera intermittently fails to display, in one case contributing to a low-speed collision with an embankment.
- Airbags failed to deploy in multiple crashes, including a rear-end collision at 65 mph and a crash into a guardrail and tree at 43 mph.
- Automatic emergency braking engaged but failed to bring the vehicle to a complete stop before a collision on a highway.
- Brake pedal reportedly failed to respond during a low-speed stop, resulting in a rear-end crash.
- A wiring harness connector experienced water penetration, shorting the axle actuator and triggering multiple dashboard warning lights shortly after purchase.
2018 Dodge Durango recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V838000Nov 7, 2024Brakes206,502 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 22V426000Jun 9, 2022Brakes206,502 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 18V524000Aug 9, 2018Electrical System12,779 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring:front underhood
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.
Remedy: 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.
2018 Dodge Durango fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14 MPG
- Highway
- 22 MPG
- Combined
- 17 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,350
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- 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.
2018 compared with other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Dodge Durango reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2018 Durango a complaint index of 57 and a 'Caution' verdict, ranking it 7th worst among 15 model years of the Durango. It performs better than 2011-2014 models but worse than 2017, 2019, and later years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2018 Dodge Durango?
- The Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 55% of all complaints (128 of 232), mostly involving touchscreen and infotainment malfunctions at a median mileage of 35,482.5.
- Does the 2018 Dodge Durango have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2018 Durango covering brakes (ABS module issues), electrical system (powertrain control module and software), and transmission (incorrect park lock rod). None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2018 Durango compare to other years?
- The 2018 model's complaint index of 57 is higher than 2017 (43), 2019 (36), and 2020 (21), but lower than 2011-2014, which ranged from 79 to 100 and carry 'Avoid' verdicts.