The Lemon Index2013 Dodge Durango.
The 2013 Dodge Durango is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 198 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 269, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 11 recalls, and it gets 15 to 19 mpg combined. The best Dodge Durango year is 2020.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 640 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Dodge Durango year. 2013 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 38K to 104K miles on the car (402 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 44K–105K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 45K–100K miles
- fuel or ev drive system complaints mostly came at 42K–106K miles
Recalls 11
- electrical 2019
The fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.
- brakes 2017
The affected vehicles had brake booster shields installed under a previous campaign to prevent water from entering the brake booster and limiting braking ability.
- electrical 2017
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.
Show all 11 recalls
- electrical 2015
In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after having been remedied for a prior recall for the vanity lamp wiring.
- electrical 2015
In the affected vehicles, the fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.
- electrical 2014
In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
- electrical 2014
In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after a service repair is performed.
- brakes 2014
The subject vehicles have a brake booster with a center shell that may corrode and allow water to get inside.
- brakes 2014
Under certain braking events, the Ready Alert Braking System (RAB) may result in the driver experiencing a hard brake pedal feel.
- seats 2012
The vehicles may have been built with incorrect seating capacity information labels.
- airbags 2012
Some vehicles may have been built with the incorrect airbag occupant restraint control (ORC) module.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Dodge told dealers about
Dodge sent dealers 218 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- There is contact between rear brake caliper adapter mounting bolts and brake dust shield, due
- Squeal Noise From Front Of Vehicle When Braking This bulletin involves verifying the front…
- MIL Illumination: P0300, P0302, P0304 or P0306 (X56 Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedActive head rest inadvertent deployment2019–2026
- ClosedPost 14v-391 headliner fires2015–2016
- ClosedTotally integrated power module failure2014–2015
- ClosedHeadliner fires2014
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge Durango SUV 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Dodge Durango SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3400–4900 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
When stopping there is a clunk in front brakes or suspension. The clunk can be felt in the floor, steering column and brake pedal. Dealer replaced front pads and rotors, problem not fixed.
2013 Dodge Durango owner · NHTSA complaint 10502146
More owner reports
Power lift gate failed to work. When returned to the dealer for service the electronic arm required replacement
NHTSA complaint 10781860
I was told by my Dodge dealer that Dodge is sending only one brake repair a week. I have been waiting since august of 2014, they told me maybe by june of 2015 they might have my brake part. What is Dodge's problem?
NHTSA complaint 10670252
Quick answers
Is the 2013 Dodge Durango reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 2.7× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 269; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Dodge Durango year by this measure is 2020.
What are the most common 2013 Dodge Durango problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (46%), brakes (30%) and engine (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Dodge Durango have?
11 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Dodge Durango get?
15 to 19 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 Dodge Durango safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2013 Dodge Durango problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 38,000 and 104,800 miles. The middle report was at 76,500 miles, from 402 complaints.
Does the 2013 Dodge Durango have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 5% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2013 Dodge Durango cost in fuel a year?
About $3400 to $4900 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Dodge Durango have?
3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl.
What Dodge Durango year is better than the 2013?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2020, 2022 and 2019.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works