Dodge Durango Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Dodge Durango model year (2004–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Dodge Durango Years to Avoid
9 recalls · 991 complaints
28 reported injuries
2 reported deaths
Top issue: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Problem score: 1084
9 recalls · 666 complaints
31 reported injuries
2 reported deaths
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 765
8 recalls · 530 complaints
41 reported injuries
Top issue: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Problem score: 636
Best Dodge Durango Years to Buy
0 recalls · 1 complaint
Main area: VISIBILITY/WIPER
Problem score: 1
0 recalls · 6 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 6
4 recalls · 7 complaints
Main area: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 19
Found the right year? Verify that specific Durango with a free VIN report.
Dodge Durango — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 1 | — | — | 1 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 0 | 6 | — | — | 6 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 1 | 20 | — | — | 23 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 5 | 47 | — | — | 62 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 6 | 119 | 1 | — | 139 | Good |
| 2020 | 2 | 34 | 4 | — | 48 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 3 | 105 | 7 | — | 128 | Good |
| 2018 | 3 | 160 | 2 | — | 173 | Good |
| 2017 | 2 | 146 | 11 | — | 174 | Good |
| 2016 | 3 | 109 | 7 | — | 132 | Good |
| 2015 | 4 | 338 | 23 | — | 396 | Caution |
| 2014 | 8 | 530 | 41 | — | 636 | Caution |
| 2013 | 7 | 441 | 21 | — | 504 | Caution |
| 2012 | 6 | 424 | 18 | — | 478 | Caution |
| 2011 | 5 | 580 | 5 | — | 605 | Caution |
| 2010 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2009 | 4 | 7 | — | — | 19 | Excellent |
| 2008 | 2 | 67 | 1 | — | 75 | Excellent |
| 2007 | 3 | 121 | 22 | — | 174 | Good |
| 2006 | 10 | 497 | 14 | — | 555 | Caution |
| 2005 | 9 | 991 | 28 | 2 | 1084 | Avoid |
| 2004 | 9 | 666 | 31 | 2 | 765 | Avoid |
All 23 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Dodge Durango Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2024Recent Durango models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2024 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2016Mid-decade Durango units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2016 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Durango models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Durango should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2005 Dodge Durango if possible. It has 9 recalls, 991 owner complaints, and 2 reported deaths. The overall problem score is 1084 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Durango to buy?+
The 2026 Dodge Durango is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 1. It has only 0 recalls and 1 complaint on record with NHTSA.
Which Durango has the fewest problems?+
The 2026, 2025, 2009 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Dodge Durango Research
Check a Specific Dodge Durango VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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