About average for the Durango
Owners filed about as many complaints as a typical Durango year. The main thing to watch is the electrical system, which half of owners reported by about 29,000 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 233 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Dodge Durango. The most reported problem area is the electrical system (87, 37% of complaints), followed by the lights, wipers and visibility and the brakes and stability control. That ranks 5th of 13 Durango years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 5 recalls.
3 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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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 2018 Dodge Durango before you buy.
Electrical system
87 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 29,000 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
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale purchased on December 27, 2025. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 82,000. While attempting to purchase an extended warranty, the contact was denied the warranty extension due to the…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 194,000 miles
(Initially) March of 2023 I had an issue with this vehicle 2018 Dodge Durango RT 2wd 5.7L serious electrical problems gauge cluster All lights and warnings indicators showing on Gauge Cluster..failure to start. I had the vehicle Towed to Dodge dealership in Fontana California and it was diagnosed as a power control module failure it fell…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Lights, wipers and visibility
61 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 38,000 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
I was driving down a 45 mph roadway and my sunroof glass exploded. Nothing hit it and there were no bumps in the road when it explodedOwner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that a section of the rear light was inoperable. The passenger’s side light was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the tail light needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 100,000 miles
Brakes and stability control
31 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 18,000 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
On [XXX], my 2018 Dodge Durango GT (145,076 miles) developed abnormal braking characteristics immediately following a preventive brake-fluid flush performed by Jim Browne Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Dade City, Florida. Before this service, I had experienced no braking problems. Immediately afterward, the brake pedal became unusually soft…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Anti lock brakes do not work. First icy conditions it locked up easily. 94B recall was supposed to be "first quarter of 2025"Owner complaint, filed 2025
Engine and cooling
28 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 34,000 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
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the spark plugs had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, a week later, while the vehicle was idling, it was vibrating abnormally.…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 66,700 miles
Over time, the valvetrain in my engine became gradually louder. Because there were no check engine lights or fault codes, I initially assumed this was a normal characteristic of the engine. That changed on January 2, 2026, when I began to hear a pronounced knocking/loud tapping noise accompanied by a cylinder 8 misfire. At that point, I…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Seats and seat belts
23 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 21,000 miles. Parts named most: Front assembly: head restraint (6).
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
The passenger side active headrest restraint deployed at 3mph in a parking lot. There had been a safety recall for apparently my vin is not covered per dodge. [XXX] If this would have happened on the drivers side at highway speeds, it could have been deadly. The vehicle is at nyle Maxwell in Killeen and the passengers side is being…Owner complaint, filed 2026
June 11, 2026 Re: Unexpected Passenger-Side Active Head Restraint Deployment, 2018 Dodge Durango R/T To Whom It May Concern: I am reporting an incident involving my 2018 Dodge Durango R/T equipped with leather seats. Vehicle Information: Year/Make/Model: 2018 Dodge Durango R/T Seating: Leather Interior Affected Component: Passenger-Side…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Transmission and drivetrain
13 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 12,000 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
I was driving down the interstate using cruise control. The lane was slowing so I went to accelerate around and the car made a thud noise. After that, the car started to slow and 2 minutes later stated cruise control off then would not shift above 1st gear.Owner complaint, filed 2024
The contact owns a 2018 dodge durango. While attempting to park the vehicle, the gear shift became stuck in the neutral position. There were no warning indicators illuminated prior to the failure. The contact made multiple attempts to shift the vehicle out of neutral, but was [VIN]. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 29,080 miles
Fuel system
11 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 7,000 miles.
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
Issues filling all the time - the gas pump keeps shutting off like it's full but it's not. Some places like every 1.00 got to reset the pump - some places do not work at all.Owner complaint, filed 2021
I was unable to add fuel to the vehicle within a reasonable amount of time until dodge replaced the fuel filler neck assembly. The fuel would pour out onto the ground or the pump would keep shutting off before the tank was full.Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 500 miles
Driver assist systems
10 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
Parts named most: Automatic emergency braking (5).
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
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the rear camera activated independently, without warning. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.Owner complaint, filed 2022, at 20,000 miles
FORMAL COMPLAINT Safety Recall 94B (NHTSA Campaign No. 24V-838) I hereby submit this complaint regarding the failure to properly complete Safety Recall 94B (NHTSA Campaign No. 24V-838) involving the HCU/ABS module on my 2018 Dodge Durango. On December 23, 2025, I contacted an authorized Dodge dealer located at 5404 S. Illinois Route 31…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Air bags
10 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 owns a 2018 dodge durango. While driving 43 MPH over an icy patch in the road, the vehicle crashed into a guardrail, three telephone poles, and a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained a shoulder injury and medical attention was provided. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 5,000 miles
The driver side headrest "deployed" and pushed the headrest to the back of my head. I was sitting in the driver seat and the vehicle was parked, and when I moved a bag from the front passenger seat to the middle row, the driver side headrest opened on it's own. I cannot compress the headrest together. My concern is this was a faulty…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Suspension
6 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
The 2018 Dodge Durango has a blown rear shock. I have wore shocks out but never seen blown seals. The car barely has 50k and is not covered under warranty, or my extended warranty. They are on backorder and apparently this is not a new problem. The soonest I can get a shock is the 23rd of next month. It is not safe to drive.Owner complaint, filed 2021
At 20,00 mi the shocks starting knocking and dealer said not covered under warranty. At 50,000 mi they are complettly shot no shock action at all and dealer says $500.00 per shock and $150.00 labor per shockOwner complaint, filed 2021
Cruise control and acceleration
6 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
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
on May13th I was slowly pulling into my garage : as I was slowly easing my foot off the brake (but still in contact with the brake pedal), the car suddenly accelerated. I pressed my foot hard on the brake but was unable to stop the car. It was traveling very slowly with only about 5 feet to go when it suddenly accelerated. It struck the…Owner complaint, filed 2022
I had a water pump go out and my battery died while fixing it but when I gave it a jump and started it my ABS and stability lights were on and haven’t turned off. It’s been over a year since they turned on. There is a recall for this on 2022 models why does it not apply to my vehicle?Owner complaint, filed 2025
Body, doors and structure
5 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
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
I was driving down the highway when I heard a loud noise. I looked in my mirrors and saw a piece of my car in the mirror. It was the plastic piece off my door. I couldn't stop being on the highway lucky that it didn't hit another vehicle. I took it to the dealership, sam leman in morton illinois where I was told this happens with…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 15 miles
There is a problem with the rear middle light on the lift gate. Water is getting into them and shorting them out then leading it to need a replacement. This is an on going issue with dodge Durangos. Something needs to be done with this design flaw on the Durango’s because they charge 1400 for the part plus labor for it to be replaced…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Wheels and tires
4 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
I purchased a vehicle from stg auto group in garden grove and noticed a week later while my car was parked in my driveway, that there was a large slash on the front passenger tire on the wheel wall with an orange painted circle around it. I was told by a professional that the dealership noticed it, and circled the slash because was meant…Owner complaint, filed 2019
The contact owns a 2018 dodge durango, equipped with bridge stone tires, tire line: ecopia, tire size:265-50r-20 n/a, and dot [VIN]. The tires were the original tires. The contact stated that while driving about 55 MPH, the tire belts on the rear driver's and the rear passenger's side tires fractured and and caused the tires to vibrate.…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 25,000 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
While on my way to an appointment it was raining and I noticed my car wasn't handling the water on the road like it usually did. It was pulling to one side or jumping around when it hit shallow water. I turned the traction control off and then back on and that seemed to make a difference. That night I got on NHTSA and searched for…Owner complaint, filed 2023
My engine is not cooling while my vehicle drives more will the transmission cool down now my transmission won’t work the correct wayOwner complaint, filed 2022
Dodge Durango complaints by year
Compare the 2018 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2018 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 Dodge Durango | About average | 5 |
| 2018 Toyota Highlander | About average | 5 |
| 2018 Honda Pilot | About average | 7 |
| 2018 Ford Explorer | One of the better years | 7 |
2018 Dodge Durango recalls
Brakes Control unit / module
- Risk
- A vehicle that can be started and shifted out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in a vehicle rollaway.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the integrated pressure transducer and update the ABS module software, as necessary free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Brakes Control unit / module
- 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.
- Fix
- This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 24V838.
Full recall summary
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.
Electrical system Front underhood
- Risk
- A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
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.
Transmission and drivetrain
- Risk
- If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
2018 Dodge Durango questions
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Dodge Durango?
The most reported problem areas on the 2018 Dodge Durango are the electrical system (87 complaints), the lights, wipers and visibility (61 complaints) and the brakes and stability control (31 complaints).
Is the 2018 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 electrical system, which half of owners reported by about 29,000 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 2018 Dodge Durango have?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2018 Dodge Durango. The most recent, from Nov 2024, covers the control unit / module. 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 2018 Dodge Durango problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the electrical system gave a mileage of about 29,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the lights, wipers and visibility gave a mileage of about 38,000 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 2018 Dodge Durango?
We inspect the car with a scan tool and paint gauge, read the history report and tell you whether it is worth the asking price, before you hand over any money.
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