RoadVitals

2011 Dodge Durango Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
184
Latest Jun 19, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
23%
of 797 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
14
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2011 Dodge Durango submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 184 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming engine

The 25 most recent of 184, in the owner's own words

ElectricalEngine
Filed Jun 19, 2026

Car shut off whike driving and couldn't control the vehicle

NHTSA ID
11745183
Incident
Jun 18, 2026
Body & structureElectricalEngine
Filed May 25, 2026
Fire reported

To whom it may concern, On [XXX] at around [XXX] PST, I was taking my car to get a car wash at Quick Quack Car Wash located in [XXX] . While waiting in line for the other cars to go in, all of sudden I see a huge fire flame shoot out from under the hood. My car was on full fire extremely rapidly, in front of the multiple cars and near the entrance of this car wash, while this car was in fire I ran inside and asked the personnel for a fire extinguisher, to consume the flames coming out of the hood, as I was extremely concerned about the safety and personnel of this location. As soon as I got the extinguisher, I ran towards the car and started spraying powder everywhere I saw flames coming out from top of the hood and under the car, as flames and melted material dropped down from under the car. When I saw the flames got contained, I saw a water hose near the entrance in which I went and turn on and ran to continue pouring water into the engine bay compartment in order to make sure the fire was fully contained. All I could say is that I was very scared and extremely worried that this car could explode in front of this business with all the people working there. As soon I put the fire out, my friend help me push it out of the way into the much larger empty parking lot in order for the business to continue to conduct their business. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11739932
Incident
May 22, 2026
Engine
Filed Sep 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine overheated after idling for 10 minutes. A mobile mechanic arrived at the residence and replaced the upper and lower coolant hoses and the thermostat; however, the failure persisted, and the coolant reservoir was significantly hot. A second mechanic diagnosed that the head gasket had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another mechanic to be diagnosed. The used car dealer where the vehicle was purchased was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 260,000.

NHTSA ID
11685364
Incident
Aug 22, 2025
Mileage
260,000 mi
EngineSteeringSuspension
Filed Jan 26, 2025
Crash reported

I was in a blizzard a few days ago on the freeway & got caught in a ditch, but thankfully got out. I wasn’t going that fast & couldn’t due to not being able to see through the snow well so I can drive safely. In order not to crash because there were semi trucks around, I had to whip the steering wheel along with the weight of the car on the snow in order not to crash due to the car being big & it was sliding pretty heavy & somehow a couple things went out of wack after turning my steering wheel. Definitely a scary experience. It is very hard to turn out of no where, as well it’s rare at times when it turns just a little smoothly. Also, once when first pulling off, it makes a consecutive clicking noise coming from or by the tires. When I give it acceleration while turning, as well, it makes that clicking sound. Then there’s just something about the engine or the drive train that sounds off. I’m still learning as I go about fixing what needs to be done.

NHTSA ID
11638640
Incident
Jan 22, 2025
Engine
Filed Jul 5, 2024

Chrysler has had a known issue with the ignition module nodes on its Dodge vehicles since 2013. However, they have failed to issue a recall on the 2011 and higher Dodge vehicles. My ignition module node is going out in my vehicle and the dealership will not recognize this as any kind of recall and is making me pay for the reprogramming and for the keys to be replaced in addition to a car rental. I am having to pay $800. This is a well-known and documented ongoing Nationwide safety issue. Dodge employees have received the attached bulletin making them aware of this known issue but has failed to initiate a recall. According to their attached safety recall report for previous Dodge years, The Ignition Node (WIN) Module on your vehicle may have unintentional movement of the Frequency Operated Button Ignition Key (FOBIK) from the “ON” to the “Accessory” position while driving. This could cause unintended engine shut off and increase the risk of a crash.

NHTSA ID
11599278
Incident
Jun 17, 2024
EngineFuel systemSteering
Filed Jun 2, 2024

Engine stopped while driving and steering was pulling to the right..was able to start back up and park it..has p0303 code..and p0300 code pending...checked number 3 spark plugs. And engine seems to be burning oil..cleaned up spark plugs and white smoke is coming out driver side exhaust pipe..will try changing pvc valve next..

NHTSA ID
11591992
Incident
May 27, 2024
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Apr 26, 2024

This SUV has had 2 recalls for the same fuel system relay problem, And now after approximately 2or3 yrs ago, and now it's doing the same exact thing again, you'll be driving down the road and it will just shut off and a red lighting built will show up, lucky we had a safe place to pull off the road and get stopped, but this is a very dangerous situation for my wife and kids to be in

NHTSA ID
11585408
Incident
Apr 25, 2024
ElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 17, 2023

Car dies while driving at speed. Also will die at low speeds such as when turning or parking or waiting at a stop light. Sometimes have to wait before restart if dies at speed. If dies at low speed will start right back up. Dealer says no codes. Even when it died while on the techs computer he could not see a problem. These cars have been notorious for electrical problems due to Totally Integrated Power Module. Fuel relay recall did not solve the issue.

NHTSA ID
11550407
Incident
Jan 1, 2023
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 4, 2023

While driving without notice transmission light flashes and the 2011 Dodge Durango will not shift out of gear. I have had this problem in the past and told dealer but they always say they have no codes and on test drive cant confirm the issue. The first time it happened was around the 50 000 mile mark I thought nothing of it back then as I restarted the car it went away. Over the years it go worst to the point that it would happen at least once or multiple times during my daily commute it I told the dealership about it but no codes and they said on a test run no problems. I stopped driving the car in 2019 because it was too dangerous to drive daily especially in traffic due to the car unable to shift gears left me stranded in the middle of the freeway many times waiting to restart car and car would behave normal until the transmission light comes on where i have to power off durango and restart where ever it happens freeway stop signs lights or where ever it decides to happen. I want to get this car running again but dont have the money to fix an issue that i had when it was still covered by the extended warranty and now i have to pay out of pocket because im over the milage so this car has been sitting and i feel as i been ripped off because of al the issues. Im end up dying in this thing if i take it out. Ive donr the recalls and now i see another recall for the same issue that they said they fixed is been reissued im certain all of the issues is tied to the computer unit it i already had one replaced in this car because when i took it for the alternator issue when the car just died with no warning they told me it was fried. All the recall issues that have been mandated are all the issues i had car stalling not starting battery dead and drained fuel relay power module no power how is this not a lemon. this car is a saftey issue on so many levels. Im now trying to get this car running and im still having the same issues i have 129000 miles on it now

NHTSA ID
11548238
Incident
Oct 4, 2023
Engine
Filed Sep 5, 2023
Fire reported

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle and became aware there was smoke coming from under the hood. No warning light was illuminated. The contact opened the hood and saw that there were flames coming out of the alternator. The contact stated that her husband blew on the alternator and was able to extinguish the fire. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact was unaware if the vehicle was considered a total loss. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

NHTSA ID
11542752
Incident
Sep 3, 2023
Mileage
106,000 mi
Engine
Filed May 3, 2023
Fire reported

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated after driving at approximately 40 mph approximately three miles the vehicle was parked. The contact stated there was a burning odor present. The contact was informed that the vehicle was smoking. The contact witnessed smoke emanating from the engine compartment and opened the hood. The contact observed fire emanating from the engine compartment. The fire was extinguished with a fire extinguisher borrowed from a nearby service station. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID
11520199
Incident
May 2, 2023
Mileage
12,000 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 8, 2023

Started idling rough and jerking when accelerating from a complete stop (traffic lights, intersections, etc) and when accelerating after braking in traffic.

NHTSA ID
11510887
Incident
Feb 1, 2023
Engine
Filed Oct 24, 2022

Vehicle continues to die while driving. Fortunately the vehicle dies when slowing down to a stop or turn. It has been recalled for this twice.

NHTSA ID
11490715
Incident
Oct 24, 2022
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Sep 25, 2022

The engine valve stem failed prematurely due to poor quality manufacturing. Due to this low quality product it has created low compression in the engine. This has triggered multiple codes such as misfire, ETC, and has affected the acceleration of the vehicle as well as performance and at times from even starting. My family's safety has been put at risk due to stalling of the vehicle in traffic.This was inspected by a proper mechanic who looked into my engine with a camera and used diagnostic tools. There was no lights active during fault..

NHTSA ID
11486244
Incident
Sep 23, 2022
Engine
Filed Jun 14, 2022

My cars fuel pump is being recalled which is causing starting issues and at times the car wont start. When driving the car it feels a bit of a lag or a loss in power. i have called for the recall parts to be fixed at the dealer for months now. they claim there is part issues or shipping issues on the parts. This an important part needs to be fixed and may cause more damage in the future to the engine if not fixed in a timely manner.

NHTSA ID
11469274
Incident
Apr 14, 2022
Engine
Filed Mar 30, 2022

Car keeps stalling when pressing on the brake. even after the recall fix. Was only happening occasionally now more often. Happened on the expressway

NHTSA ID
11459015
Incident
Mar 30, 2022
Engine
Filed Mar 29, 2022

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and making a turn or depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle would stall without warning. The contact stated that after each failure, the vehicle would be restarted and operate as designed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 128,450.

NHTSA ID
11458818
Incident
Mar 28, 2022
Mileage
128,450 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 8, 2022

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the temperature gauge was rising and the vehicle was overheating. There was also an antifreeze odor coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled off the road safely and added antifreeze to the coolant reservoir, and then drove home. A local independent mechanic diagnosed that the radiator and thermostat had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 210,000.

NHTSA ID
11455679
Incident
Mar 1, 2022
Mileage
210,000 mi
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Dec 6, 2021

All current recalls have been performed on this vehicle. While making left and right hand turns after coasting down from a highway speed (55MPH or greater) the vehicle will stall. We will loose all power steering and brakes. No warning lights come on and everything appears normal except the engine is not running. Something in the fuel or electrical system is intermittently failing. I suspect it to be a "Dumb" device. Something that is told to turn on or off but there is no feedback to the computer to set a code when it fails. The vehicle is available for inspection at any time. This started occurring after one of the fuel pump relay recalls. It happens at random and is hard to duplicate, while we do have video of it, the dealer has been unable to duplicate it. The vehicle shows no codes, or anything wrong when it happens. Once the vehicle is stopped, shifted back into park, it will restart and run just fine. This has placed us in unsafe conditions in the middle of the opposing lane, in a turn, trying to restart the vehicle before another car comes around the turn. It is also hard to steer and stop a large SUV when power steering and brakes have been lost. There have been several close calls of getting the vehicle stopped prior to going off the road. The dealer has checked the vehicle over with no solution found for the issue. There has never been any warning lights associated with the vehicle stalling while driving. The vehicle does not know anything is wrong.

NHTSA ID
11442844
Incident
Nov 21, 2021
ElectricalEngine
Filed Sep 21, 2021

VIN: [XXX], MAKE/MODEL: DODGE DURANGO, YEAR 2011, MILES: 189,000 NO WARNING, NO MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT UNTIL AFTER TODAY 09/21/2021, ENGINE WONT TURN OVER, NOT BATTERY, BATTERY IS CHARGED, EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS WORK, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT( ENGINE SYMBOL), & RED NOT YELLOW ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL WHEN TURNING ON VEHICLE, MAKES A CLICKING NOISE WHEN TRYING TO TURN OVER. LIGHT THAT STAYS ON : MIL, LIGHT THAT ONLY STAYS ON BRIEFLY, ETC, VEHICLE WILL NOT TURN OVER TO START NO KNOWN RECALLS. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11433784
Incident
Sep 21, 2021
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 9, 2021

The dealership sold wrecked vehicle without fixing the engine only the body of vehicle was repaired. Engine failure truck cut off while in traffic almost hit another vehicle. Yes the vehicle was repaired @my own experiences, yes the engine light was on ps the vehicle was crash a second time @jerry ulm dodge 2966 N. Dale Mabry

NHTSA ID
11432338
Incident
Feb 24, 2020
Engine
Filed Sep 9, 2021

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. After a few minutes the contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving however, the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that unknown seals in the engine needed to be replaced. The seals were replaced however, the failure recurred. The dealer inspected the vehicle and replaced the wiring harness and the water pump to fix the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11432332
Incident
Mar 2, 2020
Engine
Filed Mar 18, 2021

MY LIFTERS AND CAM SHAFT IS OUT IN MY MOTOR AND WHEN CALLED FOR PRICING FOR A NEW MOTOR THEY SAY THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL NOW I HAVE TO PAY DODGE $3800 DOLLARS TO REPLACE EVERYTHING AND I JUST HAVE 118 THOUSAND MILES I HAVE ALL MY RECEIPTS FOR MY OIL CHANGES ON TIME AND IN MESQUITE, TEXAS

NHTSA ID
11403635
Incident
Feb 1, 2021
Engine
Filed Mar 5, 2021

MY DURANGO WAS RECALLED AND WAS FIXED FOR STALLING PROBLEM AND 2 WEEKS LATER IT STALLED AGAIN

NHTSA ID
11399265
Incident
Mar 2, 2021
Mileage
144,300 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Feb 14, 2021

FUEL PUMP RELAY WAS REPLACED UNDER CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V813000 TO RESOLVE IGNITION TURNOVER ISSUE WHEN STARTING MY CAR. AFTER RECALL WAS FIXED IN JANUARY 2021 THE ISSUE STILL PERSISTS.

NHTSA ID
11396211
Incident
Jan 25, 2021
Mileage
217,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .