The Lemon Index2016 Dodge Durango.
The 2016 Dodge Durango is worse than average by owner complaints: 94 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 137, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about lights, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 17 to 21 mpg combined. The best Dodge Durango year is 2020.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 161 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Dodge Durango year. 2016 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 17K to 57K miles on the car (103 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- lights complaints mostly came at 40K–58K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 24K–63K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 14K–43K miles
Recalls 3
- electrical 2018
These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging.
- fuel system, gasoline 2016
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 2016
In the affected vehicles, the left front brake caliper may crack due to being made from an incorrect material.
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 302 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Replace Left Front Axle Half Shaft This bulletin involves inspecting and, if necessary,…
- Adaptive Cruise Control Sensor 1) If you are replacing this part due to the cluster displaying…
- Electric Power Steering Gear If any of the following DTCs exist, it is okay to replace the…
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
- ClosedVehicle rollaway2016–2024
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 $3050–4350 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Center section of rear vehicle lighting failed. Leaving inadequate rear lights.
2016 Dodge Durango owner · NHTSA complaint 11292246
More owner reports
Rear tail lights race track light fills with water and causes electrical issues and tail lights to go out.
NHTSA complaint 11173255
Tail light bar across back collects water (bad seals). Now has shorted out and tail light bar and tag lights do not work. Not covered under my extended warranty
NHTSA complaint 11163449
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Dodge Durango reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.4× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 137; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Dodge Durango year by this measure is 2020.
What are the most common 2016 Dodge Durango problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are lights (36%), electrical (23%) and transmission & drivetrain (23%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Dodge Durango have?
3 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 2016 Dodge Durango get?
17 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 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 2016 Dodge Durango problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 17,000 and 57,500 miles. The middle report was at 40,000 miles, from 103 complaints.
Does the 2016 Dodge Durango have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 23% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Dodge Durango cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $4350 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Dodge Durango have?
3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl.
What Dodge Durango year is better than the 2016?
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