Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA
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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 2018 Dodge Durango submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 27 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.
The 25 most recent of 27, in the owner's own words
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.
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 later, while the vehicle was idling, it was vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the same mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the cam lobes were worn and needed to be replaced. The mechanic confirmed the findings with the dealer, and it was confirmed that it was a known issue due to the heat treatment to harden the steel not being properly performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not covered under recall or warranty. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,700.
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 tapping noise accompanied by a cylinder 8 misfire. At that point, I stopped driving the vehicle and had it towed to a repair shop. Based on the symptoms, we initially believed the issue would be limited to a camshaft and lifter replacement. However, after draining the oil and cutting open the oil filter, a significant amount of metal debris was discovered. Further inspection revealed that one camshaft lobe had been worn down nearly smooth and the corresponding lifter had failed. When the camshaft was removed for full evaluation, all other lobes showed normal, even wear. Only the lobe associated with the failed lifter exhibited catastrophic damage beyond repair. As a result of the metal contamination throughout the engine, a full engine replacement was required rather than a repair of individual components. The basis of my complaint is that this failure appears to be a well-documented and common issue with the 6.4L HEMI engine equipped with MDS. I have since reviewed numerous reports and forum discussions describing nearly identical failures—often beginning with increased valvetrain noise, followed by a single-cylinder misfire and extensive internal damage. This was not the result of neglect or abuse, but rather a known failure mode that ultimately led to the complete loss of the engine.
While driving on the Thruway, the vehicle tends to misfire which results in lost power to the engine and shaking of the vehicle. The check engine light starts flashing and it becomes unsafe to maintain speeds. The issue was diagnosed as Cylinder 5 Misfire caused by camshaft and lifter failure. This sudden loss of power while driving at highway speeds could cause an accident if it happens during traffic or passing situations. This is a known issue with the 2018 Dodge Durango GT V6 and should be a recall on the vehicle. This is a major engine issue.
My vehicle began to misfire after driving roughly 8 miles, check engine light would flash and ding. After shutting vehicle off for a while and restarting it, problem would be gone until driving approximately 8 miles. Brought to Chrysler service center, where they reproduced the problem and determined it is a camshaft or camshaft related issue. Vehicle is parked at that service center awaiting parts that are backordered until January. Vehicle cannot be driven in this condition. If the camshaft fails catastrophically, it could destroy the entire engine, putting myself and whoever else is in the vehicle in danger.
3.6L V6 Engine, Auto Start/Stop light came on followed by check engine light. Codes for multiple misfires, replaced multiple coils and replaced all spark plugs. After all was replaced, still had the same issues. Took it to a local Dodge dealership and they said it was a head gasket but it would have to be sent off to figure out which one.
2018 Dodge Durango GT with 47,000. The check engine light came on. Took it to a Dodge dealer for service. Diagnosis was head gasket failure, allowing coolant into the cylinder causing engine misfire and potential overheat and a blown engine. This appears to be an ongoing issue with the Penstar V6 engine. This is a safety concern because the vehicle may break down while driving or overheat without warning, creating a power loss while driving
Right hand and left hand intake camshaft were damaged by the slider rocker finger follower. Cylinder 5 was the worst. Metal was sent through the overhead and got into the intake phaser. Parts were recently removed by the dealer and should be available if request is made shortly. Failure was found prior to catastrophic failure due to noise from the engine compartment. Vehicle was dropped off in the overnight drop box to allow vehicle the best chance to replicate the noise. Noise was only noticeable during cold starts below 30°f at idle and no load. Once the car warmed up, the noise was much less noticeable and could easily have been overlooked. No check engine lights were illuminated. If problem was not corrected, I'm confident this vehicle would have left me stranded by loss of power during driving putting me and my family in an unsafe situation. I first noticed the objectionable noise in November 2024 but was unable to get it to replicate reliably so a dealer could diagnose it. The problem was replicated by a dealer and components were replaced under warranty @ 53,272 miles. Oil changes were completed in line or ahead of the oil life monitor system in the cars instrument cluster. This seems to be a cold climate design issue with no oil being provided to the intake camshaft to sliding rocker finger follower interface during start up as oil appears to be fed from exhaust side lash adjuster. I suspect this same issue will reappear as the replacement parts are the same with no apparent improvements. Since the repair I've noticed improved fuel economy, smoother accelerations and shifts, and overall less noise. The degradation of these things before was slow enough to be unnoticeable.
Between the transmission slipping since 30k, the engine knocking. The check engine flashing. I have changed the coil packs spark plugs, all filters and still nothing, the auto stop/start does not work it flashes Boggs out and loses power. The whole steering wheel and truck vibrates and shakes to a point you feel like you’re on an incline going up a roller coaster. I have replaced batteries 2x the windows no longer auto roll down when using fobs even w new batteries and re programming electrical system power randomly fails and all lights go out the. Screen goes out stops working for days on end .
Rear tail lights are out. All the Dodge Durangos on the road are ! Safety hazard for people behind me and me! Initially part of the light went out tonight the whole light went out . Cam shaft has went bad twice
I bought this car, brand new off the dealer and it has been in perfect shape until 120,000 miles. All of a sudden the check engine light comes in and turns out it was the head gasket!! 5 years old, hasn't needed a thing and the mechanic tells me I need a new engine!? What good is it if I buy a brand new car and take perfect care of it all to end up with the engine going to [XXX]. I have heard other people saying the same thing with their 3.6l pentastar engine. AT 120K...I don't see that being a coincidence if it keeps happening with the SAME engine at the SAME AMOUNT OF MILES. There is definitely a problem here. P.s won't let me upload documents on the mechanics diagnosis. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My car randomly won’t start could be due to one of the 4 recalls for my make and model I would like have this investigated
Engine light on for to EVAP leak. Airbag warning light on and off periodically throughout drives.
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated after attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over. The contact then stated that after several attempts to start the vehicle she smelled a burning odor. No warning lights were illuminated. The AAA was notified of the failure and the battery was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where the contact was informed that coolant had leaked in the engine and burned the starter; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the repair cost would be covered. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Multiple occasions I have taken my vehicle to the local dealership I bought it brand new only owner any time it rains my vehicle stops. I have been going down the highway and it has just shut down in the middle of the highway. My vehicle will no longer start after this last rain and snow dealership is not helping and pretty much says I’m on my own still in the vehicle is paid off and I have had nothing but issues with electrical the car randomly shifting out of gear, brake lights leaking because I feel with water and floorboards, becoming soaked when it rains
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering and braking functionality. During the failure, the vehicle had not lost electrical power with the interior lights and instrument cluster illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer on multiple occasions for the same failure and the power train control module, engine mounts, and an unknown wiring harness were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V524000 (Electrical System). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Throwing codes of of lost communication of body control module and cylinder 3 misfire.
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.
My engine is not cooling while my vehicle drives more will the transmission cool down now my transmission won’t work the correct way
2018 Durango GT purchased at 30k miles and the oil pan gasket was already worn and leaking oil. Tensioner and pulley also failed. Seems like Mopar utilize low quality parts in general, as minor as they may seem they are vital for me to operate my vehicle safely.
Doing some checking problems with this particular vehicle it seems that the water pump/ radiator has problems. My vehicle has a anti-freeze leak when at idle leaving a stream in the driveway. Thus causing a problem for pets and wildlife. The engine warning light has come on. The a/c compressor makes a noise also. FYI.
MY CAR IS A DODGE DURANGO SRT8, YEAR 2018 , VIN# [XXX], WITH ONLY 20,000 MILES AND THE ENGINE TRANSMISSION BROKE. IT IS UNDER GUARANTEE AND THE DEALER HAS BEING COMPLIANT. I AM AFFRAID THAT IN THE WEB MEDIA MORE OWNERS WITH THE SAME ENGINE ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE AS ME. THERE IS A NOTIFICATION THAT THE ENGINE HAD A FACTORY ERROR IN THE MANUFACTURING, THEY MENTION A PARK LOCK ROD CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I AM SEARCHING IF THERE IS ANY RECALL, BUT IT SEEMS THAT THE PROBLEM IS BEGINNING TO FLOURISH. PLEASE I WILL APPRECIATE MORE INFORMATION AND SUGGESTION FROM YOU OF WHAT SHOULD I DO. THANKS. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AFTER SITTING 45 MINUTES. STARTED AFTER JUMP AND DIED AGAIN NEXT DAY. RECHARGED BATTERY AND IT WORKED SCAN TOOL HAD THREE CODES DEAD BATTERY FOG LIGHT SWITCH AND DRIVERS DOOR SWITCH SECOND ISSUE IS OIL IN THE AIR BOX WHICH THE DEALER IS TRYING TO RESOLVE WITH A PCV VALVE. HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 39 K MILES
I STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT, AND WHEN I TRIED TO ACCELERATE THE CAR STALLED ENGINE LIGHT WAS BLINKING, DRIVE LIGHT ON THE DRIVE STICK WAS BLINKING EVEN THOUGH IT IS ALREADY ON DRIVE. TRIED TO SHIFT IT TO PARK AND DRIVE AGAIN BUT THE DRIVE STICK IS LOCKED AND THE BREAK PADS WERE ALSO LOCKED IN PLACE. TURNED OFF THE AUTO START/STOP AND PUSHED THE START BUTTON WITH THE KEY FOB AND THE CAR STARTED AGAIN. GOOD THING IT WAS A RED LIGHT, BUT I DON'T WANT TO HAPPEN AGAIN ESPECIALLY IF I'M DRIVING WITH MY FAMILY. *TR
THIS LETTER IS A WRITTEN NOTICE TO DODGE/CHRYSLER CORPORATION THAT I AM TIRED OF THE WAY THEY ARE TREATING ME. I PURCHASED A 2018 DODGE DEALER GT, WITH ONLY 2,800 MILES. IT WAS A DEALER DEMO AND IT HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. STARTING FROM INSIDE OF INTERIOR FALLING APART, WHICH WAS FIXED BY DEALER. HOWEVER, AT 8,000 MILES OR SO THE ENGINE STARTED DEVELOPING AN INTERMITTENT RATTLE, THAT HAS GOTTEN WORSE OVER TIME. I HAVE TRIED COMMUNICATING WITH DODGE WITH VERY LITTLE HELP. RIGHT NOW I HAVE AN OPEN CASE WITH DODGE BUT SO FAR MY CASE MANAGER HAS NOT BEEN ANY HELP. MY ENGINE IS GETTING DAMAGED, AND LAST TIME I TOOK TRUCK TO DEALER FOR SERVICE THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THEY WOULD NOT OPEN ENGINE TO LOOK INTO ENGINE WITHOUT ENGINE LIGHT. DODGE IS TREATING ME BAD. THE TRUCK EVEN TURNED OF WHILE DRIVING BUT THAT WAS ONLY ONCE, WHO KNOWS OF LATER IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. I FEEL THIS TRUCK IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE THAT DODGE IS SIMPLY JUST IGNORING.
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.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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