2018 Dodge Durango Problems

Water in racetrack tailgate taillights

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 stalled, the contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, where it was diagnosed with starter failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that a section of the rear light was inoperable. The passenger’s side light was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the tail light needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall or warranty coverage on the vehicle. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Water in racetrack tailgate taillights

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.

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 authorized Dodge dealer located at 5404 S. Illinois Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60012, to remedy the HCU/ABS defect under the recall. I was informed that the recall repair would be performed free of charge and an appointment was scheduled for December 29, 2025. At the scheduled visit, the vehicle was returned to me in less than 30 minutes without any recall repair being performed. Instead, I was told that paid diagnostics were required and that the estimated repair cost could range from $3,000 to $5,000. I was also informed that the recall repair could not be completed because the HCU/ABS module was not in stock. The dealer later stated that the module would be ordered, but the delivery timeline was repeatedly postponed. On January 27, 2026, the vehicle was returned to me with the same HCU/ABS-related malfunctions. The dealer stated that Recall 24V-838 / FCA 94B had been closed and refused to replace the HCU/ABS module under the recall. Although FCA systems reflect the recall as “completed,” the safety defect has not been remedied. The vehicle continues to display ABS/ESC warnings, and diagnostic trouble codes related to the braking and electronic stability control systems remain present, confirming that the defect described in the recall persists. Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 30118(b) and 49 CFR § 573.6(c)(10), when a safety defect persists or reoccurs after recall repairs, the manufacturer is required to implement additional corrective measures, including repeat repair or replacement of the affected component or system. Closing a recall while the defect remains unresolved does not satisfy federal requirements. I respectfully request regulatory review and appropriate action to ensure that thi

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

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 stalled, the contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, where it was diagnosed with starter failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.

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 authorized Dodge dealer located at 5404 S. Illinois Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60012, to remedy the HCU/ABS defect under the recall. I was informed that the recall repair would be performed free of charge and an appointment was scheduled for December 29, 2025. At the scheduled visit, the vehicle was returned to me in less than 30 minutes without any recall repair being performed. Instead, I was told that paid diagnostics were required and that the estimated repair cost could range from $3,000 to $5,000. I was also informed that the recall repair could not be completed because the HCU/ABS module was not in stock. The dealer later stated that the module would be ordered, but the delivery timeline was repeatedly postponed. On January 27, 2026, the vehicle was returned to me with the same HCU/ABS-related malfunctions. The dealer stated that Recall 24V-838 / FCA 94B had been closed and refused to replace the HCU/ABS module under the recall. Although FCA systems reflect the recall as “completed,” the safety defect has not been remedied. The vehicle continues to display ABS/ESC warnings, and diagnostic trouble codes related to the braking and electronic stability control systems remain present, confirming that the defect described in the recall persists. Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 30118(b) and 49 CFR § 573.6(c)(10), when a safety defect persists or reoccurs after recall repairs, the manufacturer is required to implement additional corrective measures, including repeat repair or replacement of the affected component or system. Closing a recall while the defect remains unresolved does not satisfy federal requirements. I respectfully request regulatory review and appropriate action to ensure that thi

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/T Seating: Leather Interior Affected Component: Passenger-Side Active Head Restraint (AHR) Mileage at Time of Incident: 126,207 miles Date of Incident: [XXX] Description of Incident: While traveling on the roadway on [XXX], the passenger-side Active Head Restraint (AHR) suddenly deployed without warning. There was no accident, collision, sudden stop, or any other event that would reasonably trigger the system. The vehicle was being operated normally at the time of the incident. My [XXX] son was seated in the front passenger seat when the headrest unexpectedly deployed and forcefully struck him in the back of the head. The deployment occurred without any impact to the vehicle and caused immediate concern for his safety and well-being. Following the deployment, the headrest remained in the deployed position and appears to require repair or replacement. Given that the system activated without a collision and made forceful contact with an occupant, I believe this represents a significant safety concern. I am aware that similar incidents have been reported by owners of Dodge Durangos and other Stellantis vehicles equipped with Active Head Restraint systems. NHTSA has previously investigated complaints involving headrests deploying without a crash and causing injuries to vehicle occupants. My incident appears consistent with those reported failures. I respectfully request that this incident be documented and investigated as a potential safety-related defect. Please advise whether there are any recalls, technical service bulletins, customer satisfaction programs, warranty extensions INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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

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. The contact pulled over and shifted into park(P) and became aware that the vehicle was in neutral(N) when the vehicle rolled forward. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed by the mechanic, and it was determined that the PCM needed to be replaced and referred the contact to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the windows independently rolled down and the vehicle was in park(P) but the vehicle rolled forward. The contact turned off the vehicle but observed that the ignition was in the "RUN" position and while attempting to restart the vehicle to properly shut the vehicle off, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the starter motor had burned out and the batteries were drained and needed to be replaced due to an electrical failure. The contact requested information from the dealer about the PCM and was advised that he had missed a software update. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

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 .

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.

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 loose and delivering low voltage to the fuel pump causing it to burn up

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

My front passenger headrest deployed while I was driving with no impact.

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. [XXX] If this would have happened on the drivers side at highway speeds, it could have been deadly. The vehicle is at nyle Maxwell in Killeen and the passengers side is being replaced via extended warranty but my issue is getting the divers side replaced BEFORE it hits me in the back of the head. I spoke with dodge customer service and I was advised to submit a complaint. I think the model year range and trims should be expanded as this is still clearly an issue INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

While driving, the passenger front headrest suddenly popped forward hitting the passenger in the back of the head aggressively and unexpectedly. No accident involved or any aggressive braking. The vehicle/headrest is available for inspection upon request. The safety of my passenger was put at risk as it punched them in the back of the head. It gave her an instant headache and mildly upset stomach. I have not taken the vehicle to the dealership yet, planning to try and go this week. The headrest has not been inspected by anyone besides me yet. No error messages or lights before or since the event.

I had a water pump go out and my battery died while fixing it but when I gave it a jump and started it my ABS and stability lights were on and haven’t turned off. It’s been over a year since they turned on. There is a recall for this on 2022 models why does it not apply to my vehicle?

I was driving on I75 North in Florida near Ocala (exit 358) traveling about 70mph when I approached slowing traffic. I attempted a slow and steady stop without slamming on the brakes. The emergency braking system engaged but the vehicle failed to stop and I was not able to completely floor the brakes. In an effort to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of me and causing a multiple car collision I swerved onto the grassy side of the road. Because the car would not stop completely my passenger front wheel made contact with a concrete ditch and my vehicle flipped over resulting in a total loss.

There is a problem with the rear middle light on the lift gate. Water is getting into them and shorting them out then leading it to need a replacement. This is an on going issue with dodge Durangos. Something needs to be done with this design flaw on the Durango’s because they charge 1400 for the part plus labor for it to be replaced when the light wasn’t built right

2018 DODGE DURANGO WITH 48,000 MILES. REAR TAILLIGHTS FILL WITH WATER. (ALSO KNOWN AS THE RACETRACK LIGHT). THE TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLLY WILL FILL WITH WATER FROM RAIN WATER OR A SIMPLE CAR WASH. THIS CAUSES THE REAR TAILLIGHT TO FLICKER ON AND OFF OR BURN OUT COMPLETELY. THIS IS AN ON GOING ISSUE WITH THE 2014 AND NEWER DURANGO. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW FROM DODGE AND THEY WILL NOT COVER IT AND MAKE IT RIGHT. DODGE HAS ALSO NOT UPDATED THIS DESIGN TO IMPROVE IT EITHER. AFTER REPLACEMENT IT WILL ONLY BE A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE IT WILL DO IT AGAIN. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS POORLY DESIGNED PART. THEN ON TOP OF IT, THE LOCAL DODGE DEALER WILL CHARGE YOU $1200 FOR A NEW ONE. I ATTACHED SOME PICTURES. I ALSO TOOK VIDEO OF THE WATER DRAINING OUT OF THE TAILGATE AND TAILLIGHTS FLICKERING ON AND OFF BUT COULDN'T UPLOAD THEM.

SUV ONLY HAS 42K MILES AND THE MOTOR THAT CONTROLS THE WINDOW FLUID JUST STOP WORKING. THE WIPERS WORK BUT WHEN YOU PUSH THE BUTTON FOR THE WIPES TO SPRAY THE WIDOWS THE MOTOR STOP SOUND AND WILL NOT SPRAY

I BOUGHT A 2018 DURANGO FROM DODGE IN APRIL OR MAY 2019 SUPPOSEDLY "NEW". ITS HAD 2995 MILES ON IT FROM THEM JOYRIDING IN IT THROUGH TOWN. IT HAS BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND THEY DIDN'T DISCLOSE IT BUT CHARGED ME BRAND NEW PRICE. 6 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE WINDSHIELD STARTS CRACKING ON THE SIDE WHERE IT GETS GLUED ON TO THE VEHICLE DUE TO WEATHER CHANGE. OF COURSE SINCE THE DEALERSHIP CHANGED HANDS MAGICALLY THERE IS NOTHING THEY WILL DO AND I CONTACTED DODGE AND THEY REFUSE TO HELP ME. THIS CRACK IS NOT DUE FROM A ROCK OR ANYTHING I DID IT SHOWED UP OVER NIGHT.

While on my way to an appointment it was raining and I noticed my car wasn't handling the water on the road like it usually did. It was pulling to one side or jumping around when it hit shallow water. I turned the traction control off and then back on and that seemed to make a difference. That night I got on NHTSA and searched for recalls with my VIN number. While other 2018 Durango's had recalls on the ESP it said mine wasn't one on them. About a week later it had been storming all night and I was on my way to work the next morning when I come around a curve to deep flowing water covering the road for approx. 30 yards before a small break and then a thin flowing of water for approx. 20 feet which I didn't see because it was still raining. When I hit the deep water it pulled me towards the right ditch, I was able to keep from going in the ditch but it was a constant fight until I was through the puddle. After the first puddle let go of my vehicle there was just enough time for me to feel relieved I had made it through it before I hit the shallow water and my car hydroplaned darting left, entering the ditch, ramping the side of a driveway and going airborne between two trees before coming down on it's front end and sliding 30 feet to a stop. The emergency contact system spoke asking who to contact but none of my ICE was displayed. Thankfully I was wearing my seatbelt although the tensioner didn't lock the belt in place like it should in the event of an accident. Also neither front airbag deployed, only the passenger side air curtain deployed. My passenger side mirror was hit by a mailbox as I ramped the driveway so I assumed that is why the side curtain deployed but the accident crushed and partially removed both my front and back bumper so my 2 front air bags should have deployed as well. An accident report was made and my insurance company ruled my car as a totaled. I told them what happened but I am not sure if the inspected the ESP system or not.

My engine is not cooling while my vehicle drives more will the transmission cool down now my transmission won’t work the correct way

THERE IS A RUBBING/GRINDING SOUND FROM THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE GOING 55+MPH. THE HEATING & COOLING IS SHUTTING OFF AND NOT TURNING BACK ON. RADIO SCREEN IS HOT TO THE TOUCH

69000 MILES, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CODES P0440 WAS THROWN 2X. I ALREADY REPLACED PURGE VALVE AT MY OWN COST. I ALSO INFORMED DODGE. THEY WON'T FIX IT UNLESS I PAY FOR DIAGNOSIS. WHICH I ALREADY HAD ONE DONE. ALSO HEADLIGHT BULB DROPPED AT 38K MILES AND I INFORMED DODGE AND MECHANIC. SHE SAID I DIDN'T HAVE THE WARRANTY ON IT AND THEY WOULDN'T REPLACE UNLESS I PAID FULL COST

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 DODGE DURANGO, EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGE STONE TIRES, TIRE LINE: ECOPIA, TIRE SIZE:265-50R-20 N/A, AND DOT 7XUMEC13017. THE TIRES WERE THE ORIGINAL TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH, THE TIRE BELTS ON THE REAR DRIVER'S AND THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRES FRACTURED AND AND CAUSED THE TIRES TO VIBRATE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT TIRE SHOP AND REPLACED THE TWO TIRES. THE VEHICLE AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 25,000.