2017 Dodge Durango Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 Dodge Durango, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Exterior lighting8028.4%
- Electrical6222.0%
- Engine2910.3%
- Powertrain (other)238.2%
- Driver assistance176.0%
- Fuel system155.3%
- Steering113.9%
- Interior & seats103.5%
- Body & structure103.5%
- Brakes82.8%
- Airbags72.5%
- Suspension41.4%
- Visibility31.1%
- Other / unspecified20.7%
- Seat belts10.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Approximately 3 years ago we noticed water accumulating in the rear light. They refer to it as a race track light bar. Went to dealer who said not covered under warranty, and it would be $1,455 to replace. I did not have the money at that time to replace it. So we kept draining the water, as I noticed the light getting dimmer. I charged the $1455 and replaced it. 1/8/23. I did find that there were numerous complaints. and this week I found water in the entire light had approximately 3 inches of water in it. We drained it and I contacted the dealer who advised that the 24 month warranty was up Jan 2026 (two months ago. I just found information that there is a class action lawsuit regarding this and since they determined ti is a safety issued there is a jury trial scheduled end of this year. and the manufacturer refused to repair or replace. I just took pictures and noticed a fair vertical crack. l am trying to included a picture but cant convert to jpeg. I am very concerned as the rear lights will dim and hopefully I dont get rear ended.
Race light tail lights went out. Water can get in around light . Known issue in class action lawsuit
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle involved is a 2017 Dodge Durango. The primary systems malfunctioning include the engine cooling system, braking system, and electrical system. The engine repeatedly overheats while driving and has produced smoke from under the hood, creating a risk of breakdown or fire. The braking system is unreliable, with the brake pedal going down too far and not providing proper stopping power, increasing the risk of a crash. The electrical system malfunctions unpredictably, including windshield wipers and interior controls turning on and off without input. These issues have occurred multiple times and have left the vehicle stranded on the side of the road, including at night. This has placed the driver and passengers at risk in unsafe conditions and traffic environments. The problems began shortly after purchase and have been ongoing. The issues have not been properly resolved. A mechanic was supposed to inspect the vehicle, but it is UNKNOWN if a full inspection was completed. Warning signs included overheating temperature readings, smoke, weak braking response, and electrical irregularities prior to failure. The vehicle is currently not reliable or safe to operate due to these ongoing safety defects.
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety‑related failure involving the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) in my 2017 Dodge Durango. Although my vehicle is not included in the 2011–2013 recall window for Safety Notice R0 / NHTSA 14V‑115, it experienced the same dangerous malfunction described in that recall. The TIPM failed without warning and caused a catastrophic failure of the fuel pump. As a result, the vehicle would crank but would not start, leaving my wife stranded and requiring a tow to an automotive repair facility. The repair shop confirmed that the TIPM malfunction caused the fuel pump to fail internally and come apart inside the fuel tank. The TIPM installed in the vehicle is part number P68251629AC A, vendor code 16238DA, with an additional number of 16317G. The TIPM was not inspected anyone other than the repair facility and there were no warning lights or codes prior the failure. The quoted cost for parts and labor to correct this safety‑related defect is $2,100. FCA has refused to cover the repair because my vehicle falls outside the recall years, despite the failure matching the symptoms and safety risks identified in NHTSA Campaign 14V‑115. Given the severity of the failure, the safety risk posed to my family, and the clear similarity to the known TIPM defect, I am requesting NHTSA’s assistance in reviewing this incident, determining whether the recall should be expanded to include additional model years, and supporting my request for FCA to cover the full cost of repairs or reimburse me for the necessary corrective work. This failure created a hazardous situation and resulted in significant financial burden for a defect consistent with an already‑recognized safety issue. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this matter and take appropriate action.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle overheats while at a stop. Problem has been happening for past 8 months. Leaking antifreeze under transmission. Shop unable to diagnose problem after various attempts. Researched problem online and discovered many 2017 durango owners are having issue. Many saying it's due to manufacture problem. It's a safety issue for my family and I since I don't know what the problem is to fix it.
The vehicle involved is a 2017 Dodge Durango. The primary systems malfunctioning include the engine cooling system, braking system, and electrical system. The engine repeatedly overheats while driving and has produced smoke from under the hood, creating a risk of breakdown or fire. The braking system is unreliable, with the brake pedal going down too far and not providing proper stopping power, increasing the risk of a crash. The electrical system malfunctions unpredictably, including windshield wipers and interior controls turning on and off without input. These issues have occurred multiple times and have left the vehicle stranded on the side of the road, including at night. This has placed the driver and passengers at risk in unsafe conditions and traffic environments. The problems began shortly after purchase and have been ongoing. The issues have not been properly resolved. A mechanic was supposed to inspect the vehicle, but it is UNKNOWN if a full inspection was completed. Warning signs included overheating temperature readings, smoke, weak braking response, and electrical irregularities prior to failure. The vehicle is currently not reliable or safe to operate due to these ongoing safety defects.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked and hesitated to respond, and the engine made an abnormal revving sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for brake servicing, the contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V541000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included on the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure had persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Just bought the vehicle two months ago and have had to replace multiple things on the vehicle. The first issue was the diming lights and passenger window rolling down while driving along with remote start not working got that fixed now the car wants to turn on when it feels like it. It could be working for two weeks straight then you go to turn the car on after just turning it off five minutes prior and it does not wanna work you mess with the wires, try to jumpstart the wires and unhook the passenger seat heat and adjuster then it starts..
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Runaway vehicle, police was called after car stopped and I was able to safely park it on the side of the freeway.also a police officer on motorcycle came the the scene to make sure I was able to get a towing scheduled. Dealership currently confirmed gas pedal accelerator needing to be replaced.
I bought my car with 50,000 miles. I didn’t even have 55,000 and my car started have electrical issues with the speedometer, my dashboard started glitching with all the lights including an A with exclamation mark. I took it to the Dodge dealership in Huntsville and said they couldn’t do anything about it since the recall seemed to be repair but they couldn’t clear the code. My truck has had the same issue with the recall. My car was never repaired from the recall. My vehicle is dangerous to drive on the freeway as I will get this code a! And the speed will automatically drop. I really need help as this recall was never resolved on my car
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety‑related failure involving the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) in my 2017 Dodge Durango. Although my vehicle is not included in the 2011–2013 recall window for Safety Notice R0 / NHTSA 14V‑115, it experienced the same dangerous malfunction described in that recall. The TIPM failed without warning and caused a catastrophic failure of the fuel pump. As a result, the vehicle would crank but would not start, leaving my wife stranded and requiring a tow to an automotive repair facility. The repair shop confirmed that the TIPM malfunction caused the fuel pump to fail internally and come apart inside the fuel tank. The TIPM installed in the vehicle is part number P68251629AC A, vendor code 16238DA, with an additional number of 16317G. The TIPM was not inspected anyone other than the repair facility and there were no warning lights or codes prior the failure. The quoted cost for parts and labor to correct this safety‑related defect is $2,100. FCA has refused to cover the repair because my vehicle falls outside the recall years, despite the failure matching the symptoms and safety risks identified in NHTSA Campaign 14V‑115. Given the severity of the failure, the safety risk posed to my family, and the clear similarity to the known TIPM defect, I am requesting NHTSA’s assistance in reviewing this incident, determining whether the recall should be expanded to include additional model years, and supporting my request for FCA to cover the full cost of repairs or reimburse me for the necessary corrective work. This failure created a hazardous situation and resulted in significant financial burden for a defect consistent with an already‑recognized safety issue. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this matter and take appropriate action.
Push start vehicle stalls 3 to 5 times. While driving the dash board flickers on and off. Navigation system screen blacks out radio turns on when I have it off. Reverse camera also glitches and works sometimes. The inside lights dim up and down. The passengers window goes down on its own.and has caused the rain to damage personal items of ours.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Lost power steering after I started vehicle after driving. It happens to remove power steering unavailable code after restarting vehicle several times and power steering returns. I believe it may be something with ABS as the ECU and EPS is all connected. If something is off then it goes into limp mode. ABS was resetted and worked fine and not needing to replace the entire electric power steering. All started when I had 88K miles. One time the steering wheel locked on me while I was driving over a bridge with snow and ice on ground.
Electric Power Steering failed at 3 years (2020) as of this date (6/2023) no repair parts (paid for years ago) can be had. Even junkyard parts are VIN-coded making them also useless.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I had just parked my vehicle in my drive and turned it off. I opened my door then sat back in my seat to stretch my back, sitting straight up with my head against the headrest, before getting out. As soon as I leaned my head against the headrest it, for lack of better terms, exploded into the back of my head. It hit me with such force I was not sure what had happened as there was nobody around me that could’ve cause it. Sure enough there was no accident to cause it. I have had a headache and back pain for a week due to it.
While driving, the Active Headrest Restraint deployed on the passenger side WITHOUT accident. It appears the plastic piece that holds the pin broke. Luckily there wasn't a passenger present but this could've done serious head injury. This also puts the driver at risk for the driver side could deploy randomly. There were no messages or warnings or any symptoms indicating to the failure.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Water intrusion on Track Light started with small section becoming dim March 2023. Left license plate bulb/housing went out october 2023 with corrosion on plug. February 2024 entire hatch lighting out (track light + both license plate lights).
Water intrusion into the large tail light causing a short and corrosion that intermittently disables blinkers and running lights
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Runaway vehicle, police was called after car stopped and I was able to safely park it on the side of the freeway.also a police officer on motorcycle came the the scene to make sure I was able to get a towing scheduled. Dealership currently confirmed gas pedal accelerator needing to be replaced.
The vehicle involved is a 2017 Dodge Durango. The primary systems malfunctioning include the engine cooling system, braking system, and electrical system. The engine repeatedly overheats while driving and has produced smoke from under the hood, creating a risk of breakdown or fire. The braking system is unreliable, with the brake pedal going down too far and not providing proper stopping power, increasing the risk of a crash. The electrical system malfunctions unpredictably, including windshield wipers and interior controls turning on and off without input. These issues have occurred multiple times and have left the vehicle stranded on the side of the road, including at night. This has placed the driver and passengers at risk in unsafe conditions and traffic environments. The problems began shortly after purchase and have been ongoing. The issues have not been properly resolved. A mechanic was supposed to inspect the vehicle, but it is UNKNOWN if a full inspection was completed. Warning signs included overheating temperature readings, smoke, weak braking response, and electrical irregularities prior to failure. The vehicle is currently not reliable or safe to operate due to these ongoing safety defects.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle was sitting, not driven and parked for a couple days, got into the car and the saw the front passenger headrest airbag had deployed. Vehicle has not been in an accident or been damaged.
Driving down the road around 35mph and front passenger active headrest deployed out of nowhere. Luckily my daught wasn't taller than what she is or it would have impact the backnof her head.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have taken it twice to the dealership. There is an issue with the rpm and i receive several light on my dash. The most dangerous is when I try to speed the RPM goes so high and it stops driving. They told me it had something to do with the recall but the recall has expired so now i have to fix it.
I HAVE A 2017 DURANGO, THE REAR SHOCK ARE BAD ON IT, THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 26500 ON IT. DODGE CURRENTLY HAS 200+ OF THESE SHOCKS ON BACK ORDER. WITH THE SHOCKS BEING BAD IF I GO OVER A SMALL BUMP IT CAUSES THE BACK END OF THE VEHICLE TO GET LOOSE AND YOU ALMOST LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I'VE LOOKED AT SEVERAL DODGE DURANGO FORUMS AND THIS SEEM LIKE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THEM. I'VE CONTACTS DODGE ALL THEY TELL ME IS THEY ARE WORKING ON MAKING REPLACEMENT PARTS. I'M NOT DRIVING IT CURRENTLY BECAUSE I AM CONCERNED ABOUT LOOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN WAITING ABOUT A MONTH OF REPLACEMENT PARTS AND IT'S GOING TO BE A FEW MORE WEEKS BEFORE THEY HOPEFULLY HAVE THE PARTS. ALSO LOOKING AT THE DODGE FORUMS SOME PEOPLE HAVE HAD 3+ SET OF SHOCKS PUT IN THERE VEHICLE WITH THE SAME RESULT. IT DOES NOT SEEM LIKE DODGE IS TAKING THIS ISSUE SERIOUSLY AND I WOULD HATE FOR SOMEONE TO GET HURT OR KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Rear light has known issue of water protruding into housing causing a short circuit to occur, therefore causing tail light to quit working including license plate lights to quit working causing me to be pulled over when for equipment not operating to find out then my lights had shorted out. Then to find out to get my license plate light in working order i need to spend 1500+ dollars for a design flaw that dodge is still manufacturing. The people of the united states need your help getting this fixed
With the electrical system, the vehicle's rear lighting allows for water intrusion and causing the lighting to short out. An example can be found at the following URL: https://www.dodgedurango.net/threads/this-effing-tail-light.78983/ . This issue costs between $1100-$2000 to fix and requires a whole new rear tail panel. For the visibility/wipers, when the driver attempts to clean the windshield using windshield wiper fluid the windshield wiper fluid line disconnects itself causing the driver to have to come to a stop and re-connect the line.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING CAR ON FREEWAY WHEN THE COMPUTER LOCKED UP SYSTEM OF AWD AND SENSORS. THE BACK TIRES WOULD NOT TURN AND CAR STARTED TO JERK AND SLOWED DOWN. THE DASH BOARD LIGHTED UP AND ALL SENSORS SAID OFF OFF OFF . THE MILEAGE SPEEDOMETER CHANGED TO KILOMETERS AND THE MAPPING SCREEN HAD THE CAR GOING IN A CIRCLE. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS STIFF AND CARS WHERE PASSING ME BY. THE CAR MADE A CLUNKING SOUND WHEN IT FIRST HAPPENED. I GOT SCARED TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO. I SLOWLY GOT OUT OF TRAFFIC AND OFF THE FREEWAY TO PARK THE CAR. HAD THE TOW PERSON COME AND WE HARD TIME GETTING IT TO STAY IN NEUTRAL. I HAD TO STAY IN THE CAR SO IT WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. WHEN GOT IT TO DEALERS FOR REPAIR THE REPAIR PLACE SAID THE COMPUTER MUST HAVE RESET ITSELF AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG?? I FEEL THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM? THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO AS IT COULD BE LIFE THREATING WHEN DRIVING ALONG AND THE COMPUTER TAKES OVER LIKE THAT AND YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OF THE WHEELS. MY TOW PERSON SAW WHAT IT WAS DOING ALSO NOT JUST ME. SO I KNOW IT WAS HAPPENING. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THAT COMPUTER SYSTEM WHERE IT JUST SHUTS DOWN LIKE THAT. IT HAS DONE IT BEFORE ON A SMALLER AREA OF JUST THE HIGH BEAM CONTROLS BUT THIS TIME IT WAS THE WHOLE DRIVING MECHANIZM. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A NEW COMPUTER OR SOMETHING DONE WITH MY CAR SO IT IS SAFER AND MORE RELIABLE. SINCERELY, JAN MILOS
TIRE WEARS PREMATURELY CAUSE VIBRATIONS IN STEERING WHICH CAN CAUSE LOSE OF STEERING CONTROL. BOZAK OF MERRILLVILLE IN TECHNICIAN DESCRIBES THE ISSUE AS DODGE USING LOWER QUALITY TIRES ON A PERFORMANCE SUV. THESE VEHICLES ARE MOST COMMONLY USED FOR HAULING AROUND FAMILIES. I FIND IT DISAPPOINTING THAT THIS WOULD BE THE CASE WHEN A VEHICLE OF THIS PERFORMANCE AND PRICE TAGS HAS BEEN SUBJECTED TO LOWER QUALITY PARTS ESPECIALLY ON AN IMPORTANT ITEM LIKE TIRES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
BOTH SECOND ROW SEAT BELTS FAILED. THE DEALER COMMENT IS THAT BOTH RETRACTORS BROKEN. THE SEAT BELTS FAILED WITHIN 3 YEARS, BUT OUTSIDE THE MILEAGE RESTRICTION FOR WARRANTY REPAIR. THE VEHICLE IS PREDOMINANTLY FOR BUSINESS TRAVEL, WITH LIMITED SECOND ROW PASSENGERS, AND AVERAGING 25K MILES PER YEAR. A DODGE CASE WAS OPENED ON MY BEHALF, BUT I WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN. THE PARTS ARE ROUGHLY $250, BUT LABOR TO INSTALL THEM IS SUBSTANTIALLY MORE, AS THE INTERIOR HAS TO BE DISASSEMBLED. IT IS UNREASONABLE FOR SEAT BELTS TO FAIL WITH 75,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, AND UNDER 200 USES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .