The Lemon Index2018 Dodge Durango.
The 2018 Dodge Durango is worse than average by owner complaints: 90 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 133, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 15 to 21 mpg combined. The best Dodge Durango year is 2020.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 233 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Dodge Durango year. 2018 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 10K to 42K miles on the car (87 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 11K–46K miles
- lights complaints mostly came at 22K–67K miles
Recalls 5
- brakes 2024
A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may incorrectly illuminate the brake lights and disable the ABS and electronic stability control (ESC).
- brakes 2022
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 2018
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.
Show all 5 recalls
- electrical 2018
These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging.
- transmission & drivetrain 2018
An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
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 377 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Battery Vent Tube Does Not Align With Some New Battery Installations
- Battery Drain Concern, Dual USB Port Normal Operational Draw, Extended Illumination After Key Off
- Battery Drain Concern, Dual USB Port Normal Operational Draw, Extended Illumination Or…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
- ClosedActive head rest inadvertent deployment2019–2026
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 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Dodge Durango SRT SUV AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050–5300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Rear center track light gaskets/seals leak causing lighting failure. This is commonly known, particularly among late model Dodge Durango community. So many can't be wrong.
2018 Dodge Durango owner · NHTSA complaint 11422671
More owner reports
There is a rubbing/grinding sound from the front right tire going 55+mph. The heating & cooling is shutting off and not turning back on. Radio screen is hot to the touch
NHTSA complaint 11363999
Problem with both usb outlets. Power goes in and out while driving. Purchased the vehicle brand new on 09/19/2018. They replaced the radio and still having the same problem. Took vehicle back on this date 01/21/2019.
NHTSA complaint 11171178
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Dodge Durango reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.3× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 133; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Dodge Durango year by this measure is 2020.
What are the most common 2018 Dodge Durango problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (42%), lights (18%) and fuel or ev drive system (9%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Dodge Durango have?
5 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Dodge Durango get?
15 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 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 2018 Dodge Durango problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 10,200 and 42,000 miles. The middle report was at 24,000 miles, from 87 complaints.
Does the 2018 Dodge Durango have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 7% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Dodge Durango cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $5300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Dodge Durango have?
3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl.
What Dodge Durango year is better than the 2018?
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