About average for the Durango
Owners filed about as many complaints as a typical Durango year. The main thing to watch is the lights, wipers and visibility, which half of owners reported by about 50,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Durango years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 161 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Dodge Durango. The most reported problem area is the lights, wipers and visibility (53, 33% of complaints), followed by the electrical system and the transmission and drivetrain. That ranks 8th of 13 Durango years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 3 recalls.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2016 Dodge Durango before you buy.
Lights, wipers and visibility
53 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 50,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
Rear racetrack led lighting is failing. One segment has gone dark. You can only replace the entire assembly for over &1500. I found on line there is a class action lawsuit regarding exactly what I am seeingOwner complaint, filed 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that upon visual inspection, the contact became aware that the rear exterior lighting was not functioning properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Electrical system
40 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 50,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
We had an issue with an error message in the middle of driving that stopped the acceleration of the vehicle, this seems to be common, looking at forums online. The inspection request is acceptable. The message we receive is "Shift to P before changing gears". The vehicle will stop in the middle of traffic and sometimes require a complete…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Electrical issues involving specific fuses in the vehicle where the f13 fuse constantly fries and melts into the fuse box. Causing an electrical burning smell. No warning lights come on. Certain aspects of the car stop working like the blower motor.Owner complaint, filed 2024
Transmission and drivetrain
30 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 23,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
Driving in the left lane of an interstate highway at 75mph, in moderate traffic, in daylight hours, clear weather, with my young son. Sudden, unexpected decrease in engine rpm resulted in unannounced, approximate 40 mph reduction in speed. The instrument cluster illuminated stating “ service transmission continue in D. Do Not Shift or…Owner complaint, filed 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that his daughter was in the passenger seat when she activated the push start button and the vehicle rolled backward while in the park position. The contact's daughter got out of the vehicle midway while it was rolling backward and sustained scrapes to her knees and elbows. The…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 77,800 miles
Engine and cooling
16 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 36,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
Oil leak from top of the engine, Vehicle has being well maintained barely has 61,000 miles, well taken care of, oil leak from top of the engine, theres more people having this issue, possible cause: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdKLx_INOAY or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wm5yuuv5KeI theres alot of issues with this leaks and is…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Component or system failed or malfunctioned: The engine It appears there is a common problem with the 3.6L V6 F DOHC 24V engines in the Dodge and/or Chrysler auto line. The problem is a misfire in cylinder #2. Which causes the car to shake when idling or stall when driving. This problem leads to very expensive repairs which requires a…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Brakes and stability control
10 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 52,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
I took my 2016 dodge durango to an independent garage (no longer under warranty) because the booster developed a vacuum leak inside under the dash. After removal, we found the booster was filled with water. I found a recall for earlier year dodge durangos from 2011-2014 with a similar issue (safety recall t59 / NHTSA 17v-572), and the…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 79,100 miles
The contact owns a 2016 dodge durango. While driving 55 MPH, the brakes engaged without warning and almost caused a crash. The vehicle fishtailed down the interstate and spun around in the direction of oncoming traffic. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over to the shoulder. The vehicle was not repaired. The [VIN] was made aware…Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 2,000 miles
Cruise control and acceleration
9 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 31,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
5th time event has occurred. After extended driving when pulling into a parking spot the vehicle will commence to accelerate. Only by aggressively applying the brake to prevent the vehicle from plowing ahead can I place the transmission into park and turn off the vehicle. Chrysler previously acknowledged cruise control problems. I think…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 102,000 miles
While driving on the interstate ,with the cruise control engaged,traffic was slowing down due to road repair, I applied my brakes lightly to disengage the cruise control, but the vehicle remained in a forward thrust. I was fast approaching a vehicle ahead of me, and before I realised I wasnt going to stop with further application of my…Owner complaint, filed 2018, at 36,000 miles
Body, doors and structure
7 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 30,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (5).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while her daughter was taking out an item from the trunk, the rear liftgate inadvertently closed on her back. The contact stated that her daughter's back was badly injured. The contact stated that her daughter was taken to the hospital and was informed that she…Owner complaint, filed 2022
2016 durango liftgate has water damage on the left side within 2 years of it being purchased brand new. I called dodge and they advised me that the car was out of warranty, by less than 500 miles. I recently purchased a 2019 durango liftgate from ebay because mopar has a nationwide shortage on this item and within 60 days it happened…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 50,438 miles
Air bags
6 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owned a 2016 dodge durango. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact fell asleep and crashed into a utility pole. The vehicle nosedived into a ditch. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained a fractured back. The contact's wife sustained third degree burns to the right side and back. The contact's son…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 63,000 miles
A few weeks ago we had a car accident, it was a front impact between 40 and 45 MPH, the vehicle was a total loss but the airbag system didn't deploy with the impact.Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 4,500 miles
Seats and seat belts
6 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
On September 4, 2026, the front passenger Active Head Restraint (AHR/headrest) in my 2016 Dodge Durango unexpectedly deployed and struck my daughter in the back of the head. The vehicle was completely stationary and parked in a parking lot after leaving her doctor’s appointment. I had started the vehicle, but we remained parked talking…Owner complaint, filed 2026
On August 6, 2026, at approximately 6:00 a.m., I was driving my 2016 Dodge Durango northbound to work at approximately 60 mph. It was dark and the roadway was slightly wet from overnight rain. While traveling in the left lane under normal driving conditions, I suddenly heard a loud pop and the driver’s Active Head Restraint/headrest…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Fuel system
5 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a strong fuel odor in the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed the strong fuel odor. The contact was employed by an…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 100,000 miles
I have owned a 2013 Dodge Durango Citadel and traded it when it got to 100K because the fuel pump failed and now I own a 2016 Dodge Durango Limited and I'm currently at 99K miles and this fuel pump has failed. There needs to be a recall on the fuel pumps with the Dodge Durangos. The car will hesitate to start and malfunction while in…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Suspension
5 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
While reversing turning the steering wheel, the lower control arm broke causing the tire to come off and causing a collision.Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 49,403 miles
The contact owns a 2016 dodge durango. While driving various speeds, the contact heard a loud abnormal noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. Coon rapids chrysler dodge jeep ram (10541 woodcrest dr nw, coon rapids, mn 55433, (763) 290-1011) diagnosed that the rear shocks needed to be…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 40,000 miles
Steering
3 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
Steering locks while driving, usually making a left lane change or turn. This occurs multiple times even on short trips (less than 10 miles). No warning lightsOwner complaint, filed 2020
I was driving home from the store on dec 8th 2019. When I went to make a left onto my street, my wheel locked up and I hit the curb at a low rate of speed. A warning came on that said "power steering unavailable" (see picture)Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 45,711 miles
Driver assist systems
3 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
3 malfunctions within a month time frame. The car will start and run normally. Then it will suddenly come to a halt because the engine will continue to run but the transmission knob will not be able to move, and the entire electrical panel lights up. Repeated attempts to use the push button start to unlock the transmission knob and be…Owner complaint, filed 2021
My car showed all kinds of notices on the screen and was not turning on correctly and shaking while driving or standing. I took it to the dealer and was told my entire engine will have to be replaced due to oil sludge on the engine and this will cost be around $9000. I’ve been researching and it seems this tends to happen a lot to dodge…Owner complaint, filed 2021
Wheels and tires
3 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Durango equipped with Sailun Tires, Tire Line: Atrezzo SVR LX, Tire Size: 265/50/R20, DOT Number: [VIN]. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH in the passing lane, the front driver's side had a blowout, causing the vehicle to be pulled into the grassy area towards the railing. The contact maneuvered the…Owner complaint, filed 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Durango equipped with Windforce Tires, Tire Line: Performax, Tire Size: 285/60/R18, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle started to wobble. Upon inspection, she noticed that there were bubbles on the driver's and passenger's side rear tires. Additionally, the tire…Owner complaint, filed 2022
Dodge Durango complaints by year
Compare the 2016 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2016 midsize SUVs
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 Dodge Durango | About average | 3 |
| 2016 Toyota Highlander | One of the better years | 3 |
| 2016 Honda Pilot | Among the worst years | 8 |
| 2016 Ford Explorer | Among the worst years | 15 |
2016 Dodge Durango recalls
Electrical system Wiring
- Risk
- If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Fuel system
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly for damage to the fuel rail crossover tube, replacing it as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 10, 2016, to April 28, 2016 and equipped with a 3.6L engine built at the Saltillo engine plant. During the assembly of the engine, the fuel rail crossover tube may have been damaged, which, over time, may result in a fuel leak.
Brakes Caliper
- Risk
- A cracked brake caliper may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front left brake caliper and depending on its casting date, replace it, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured December 9, 2015, to January 14, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the left front brake caliper may crack due to being made from an incorrect material.
2016 Dodge Durango questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Dodge Durango?
The most reported problem areas on the 2016 Dodge Durango are the lights, wipers and visibility (53 complaints), the electrical system (40 complaints) and the transmission and drivetrain (30 complaints).
Is the 2016 Dodge Durango a good year to buy?
About average for the Durango. Owners filed about as many complaints as a typical Durango year. The main thing to watch is the lights, wipers and visibility, which half of owners reported by about 50,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Durango years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2016 Dodge Durango have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Dodge Durango. The most recent, from May 2018, covers the wiring. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2016 Dodge Durango problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the lights, wipers and visibility gave a mileage of about 50,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the electrical system gave a mileage of about 50,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Dodge Durango years should I avoid?
The Durango years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2012, 2013 and 2014. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2019 and 2020. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2016 Dodge Durango?
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