NHTSA FEDERAL EVIDENCE AUDITAudited: 2026-08-25

2018 Dodge Durango Common Problems & Defect Telemetry

Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 229 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 5 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.

Data Grade: HIGH30 Odometer Verified EntriesMethodology
Executive AI Defect Summary

The 2018 Dodge Durango receives a 3.6/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 229 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 5 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports with a median failure point at 3,500 miles (IQR: 2,85034,000 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $280 – $850 .

2018 Dodge DurangoNear-Luxury2018
DLC Port: Driver lower dash panel near fuse box

*Representative vehicle platform imagery. Body styling varies across generations.

MazicBay Reliability Index
3.6 / 10

35.2 complaints / 10k sold

NHTSA Owner Complaints
229

Verified US federal records

Safety Severity Grade
Critical Risk

Crash, fire & stall audit

Federal Safety Recalls
5

5 Active / Free Remedies

Switch Durango Model Year (2014–2025)
Defect Clustering

Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)

Ranked by NHTSA Complaint Frequency
#1 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & BATTERYCritical Severity88% Match Confidence

Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports

103
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):3,500 milesIQR: 2,85034,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$280 – $850 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
  • Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
  • Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11728001 • Filed: 03/30/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH on the highway, the vehicle stalled. The electronic stability control(ESC) warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. However, on other occasions, when the vehicle ...

ODI #11726621 • Filed: 03/24/2026

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 warr...

ODI #11709881 • Filed: 01/09/2026

Manufacturer Recall Number94B NHTSA Recall Number24V-838 Recall has been active but without a solution since 2022 and reopened in 2024.

#2 STEERING & SUSPENSIONCritical Severity65% Match Confidence

Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports

49
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):44,000 milesIQR: 2,99548,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$450 – $1,400 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
  • Steering wheel pull or highway wander
  • Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11697957 • Filed: 11/06/2025

I was driving to work and when I turned into my job the steering wheel became hard. I parked my truck turned it off and turned it back on and all of my dashboard lights came on and didn’t go away. The truck would not go into any gear. Initially, we thought it was a battery pro...

ODI #11679834 • Filed: 08/11/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while stopped in a Drive-Thru, there was an abnormally loud sound before the driver’s side head restraint unexpectedly deployed. The contact's head was pushed forward with force and struck the steering wheel. There...

ODI #11661737 • Filed: 05/18/2025

Purchased this vehicle used from a dealership and a few months later the racetrack light malfunctioned and stopped working which is also connected to my license plate light. The dealership refused to cover the expense of the light which to my surprise was over two thousand dol...

#3 ENGINE & COOLINGCritical Severity79% Match Confidence

Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports

46
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):12,000 milesIQR: 3,75057,204 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$950 – $3,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
  • Abnormal oil burning / consumption
  • Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
  • Engine overheating / coolant loss
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11754642 • Filed: 08/04/2026

Back to back error codes P0300 P0108 P1404 P0172 Rough running engine. Very strong smell of fuel at two different times while driving. Vehicle not responding to gas pedal while driving on highway. Repairs at thousands of dollars.

ODI #11721995 • Filed: 03/04/2026

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 late...

ODI #11710625 • Filed: 01/13/2026

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 tappin...

#4 BRAKING SYSTEM & ABSCritical Severity83% Match Confidence

Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports

34
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):13,250 milesIQR: 7,45018,572 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$350 – $1,100 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
  • ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
  • Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11713709 • Filed: 01/27/2026

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 ...

ODI #11709881 • Filed: 01/09/2026

Manufacturer Recall Number94B NHTSA Recall Number24V-838 Recall has been active but without a solution since 2022 and reopened in 2024.

ODI #11701740 • Filed: 11/26/2025

Anti lock brakes do not work. First icy conditions it locked up easily. 94B recall was supposed to be "first quarter of 2025"

#5 TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAINCritical Severity75% Match Confidence

Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports

25
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):4,000 milesIQR: 4,00020,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$1,400 – $3,800 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
  • Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
  • Transmission slipping between gears
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11697957 • Filed: 11/06/2025

I was driving to work and when I turned into my job the steering wheel became hard. I parked my truck turned it off and turned it back on and all of my dashboard lights came on and didn’t go away. The truck would not go into any gear. Initially, we thought it was a battery pro...

ODI #11666560 • Filed: 06/12/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V83800(Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated the brake lights were illuminated. The contact stated tha...

ODI #11659333 • Filed: 05/06/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle had started to lose motive power and nearly stalled. The contact stated that the check engine, a yellow "P" and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. T...

#6 AIRBAGS & SAFETY RESTRAINTSCritical Severity75% Match Confidence

Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports

19
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):126,207 milesIQR: 126,207126,207 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$400 – $1,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
  • Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
  • Seat belt retractor lockup
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11745257 • Filed: 06/19/2026

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. ... If this would have happened on the drivers side at highway speeds, it could have been deadly. The vehicle is at ny...

ODI #11743620 • Filed: 06/11/2026Odometer: 126,207 mi

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/...

ODI #11737703 • Filed: 05/13/2026

Headrest on driver seat ejected at a stop and threw my wife’s head forward.

#7 FUEL SYSTEM & INJECTIONLow Severity65% Match Confidence

Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports

3
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):22,000 milesIQR: 22,00022,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$650 – $1,250 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
  • Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
  • Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11643724 • Filed: 02/19/2025

First we thought the fuel pump went bad due to the vehicle not starting. Pump was replaced and about 3 weeks later the same issue persisted. When the shop investigated it turns out the fuel tank harness and body side connector needed to be replaced due to connections becoming ...

ODI #11472821 • Filed: 07/07/2022

Had to replace fuel canister and sensor. Had to redo fuel system . The evap sensor appeared while driving, engine light came on and car started driving really weird and shaking. It was freaking out did not drive right.

ODI #11122834 • Filed: 08/27/2018Odometer: 22,000 mi

CANNOT FILL FUEL TANK PROPERLY. WITHOUT MESSING WITH HOW FAR TO PUT FUEL NOZZLE IN OR FLIP ENTIRELY UPSIDE DOWN.IT WILL NOT FILL THE FUEL TANK. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE 22000 MILES I HAVE OWNED THIS BRAND NEW DURANGO. BUT TODAY I HAVE HAD ENOUGH

Safety Enforcement

Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (5)

100% Free Dealer Repair
NHTSA Campaign #18V280000Reported: 01/05/2018

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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.

Safety Consequence: 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.
Manufacturer Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.
NHTSA Campaign #18V332000Reported: 17/05/2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

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.

Safety Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
NHTSA Campaign #18V524000Reported: 09/08/2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

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.

Safety Consequence: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
NHTSA Campaign #22V426000Reported: 09/06/2022

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

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.

Safety Consequence: 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.
Manufacturer Remedy: This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 24V838. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. The remedy includes updated HCU/ABS module software that prevents the HCU/ABS module from falsely reading pressure in the primary circuit. FCA has decided to do a two-Phase Campaign remedy schedule. Phase 1 began November 17, 2022. Phase 2 begin date has not been determined yet. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed July 28, 2020. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z48.
NHTSA Campaign #24V838000Reported: 07/11/2024

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

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.

Safety Consequence: A vehicle that can be started and shifted out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in a vehicle rollaway. Disabled ABS and ESC systems can reduce vehicle handling and control in certain driving situations. Brake lights that incorrectly illuminate can fail to properly indicate the driver's intention to following traffic. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will replace the integrated pressure transducer and update the ABS module software, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 94B. This recall replaces previous recall number 22V-426. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-426 will need to have the new remedy completed.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2018 Dodge Durango

Before purchasing a used 2018 Dodge Durango, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:

1. Cold Start & Idle Diagnostics

Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).

2. Transmission Shift Quality Audit

Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.

3. Federal Recall Completion Check

Verify that all 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.

4. Electrical & Infotainment Drain Check

Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.

Frequently Answered Questions

Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2018 Dodge Durango

Is the 2018 Dodge Durango a reliable used car?

The 2018 Dodge Durango earns a 3.6/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 229 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.

What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2018 Dodge Durango?

The leading complaint category is Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports, with a median failure point around 3,500 miles (IQR: 2,85034,000 mi).

Are there free recall repairs available for the 2018 Dodge Durango?

Yes, the NHTSA records 5 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.