Dodge Durango Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 1,318 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Dodge Durango across 27 model years. The 2005 model year has the most (217). The words owners use most often: “transfer case” (10% of reports).
- 1,318power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 105mention a crash
- 42mention an injury
- 10related recalls
- $2,700typical repair cost reported by owners
- 34%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Transfer case: mentioned in 136 of 1,318 complaints (10%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical power train repair on the Dodge Durango at $2,700, and half of them between $880 and $3,900.
Based on 27 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2000–2025), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 917 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 1,318 complaints, 105 mention a crash, 18 a fire, 42 an injury.
Dodge Durango power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Durango | 2 | 14% | 651 |
| 2024 Durango | 5 | 36% | — |
| 2023 Durango | 9 | 28% | 55,000 |
| 2022 Durango | 9 | 16% | — |
| 2021 Durango | 10 | 5% | 63,000 |
| 2020 Durango | 3 | 5% | 29,980 |
| 2019 Durango | 13 | 9% | 40,000 |
| 2018 Durango | 13 | 6% | 11,763 |
| 2017 Durango | 23 | 11% | 12,000 |
| 2016 Durango | 30 | 19% | 23,055 |
| 2015 Durango | 38 | 8% | 29,000 |
| 2014 Durango | 42 | 5% | 32,250 |
| 2013 Durango | 34 | 5% | 44,550 |
| 2012 Durango | 37 | 6% | 49,958 |
| 2011 Durango | 51 | 6% | 51,624 |
| 2009 Durango | 1 | 8% | 88,527 |
| 2008 Durango | 4 | 4% | 118,093 |
| 2007 Durango | 18 | 9% | 102,000 |
| 2006 Durango | 55 | 6% | 109,500 |
| 2005 Durango | 217 | 14% | 110,000 |
| 2004 Durango | 99 | 9% | 101,950 |
| 2003 Durango | 24 | 7% | 41,000 |
| 2002 Durango | 71 | 17% | 81,059 |
| 2001 Durango | 106 | 16% | 69,250 |
| 2000 Durango | 120 | 11% | 57,008 |
| 1999 Durango | 181 | 9% | 76,400 |
| 1998 Durango | 103 | 11% | 68,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (10)
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
Model years: 2023
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Dodge Durango Pursuit vehicles equipped with an instrument panel mounted shifter. The shifter may experience an interference with the shifter boot and come out of gear while driving, which can result in a sudden loss of drive power.
Risk: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the instrument panel mounted shifter boot, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 94A.
Power train:manual transmission:column shift assembly
Model years: 2022
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Charger and Durango vehicles. The shifter assembly was not properly heat-treated, which can prevent the shifter from properly engaging in the "drive" position.
Risk: An improperly engaged shifter assembly may slip out of the "drive" position, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the shifter assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall ZB3.
Power train:driveline:differential unit
Model years: 2019
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. The front differential may have been assembled with pinion gears that are insufficiently hardened, which can lead to the gear teeth wearing down. If both pinion gears have their teeth sufficiently worn off, torque power can not be transferred from the front wheels to the driveline, resulting in loss of power while driving and loss of the PARK function when stationary.
Risk: A sudden loss of power while driving or loss of the transmission PARK function can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front differential, free of charge. The recall began May 21, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W22.
Power train:automatic transmission
Model years: 2018
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
Risk: If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.
Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
Model years: 2017
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Dodge Durango vehicles. The vehicles may have been assembled with rear axle halfshafts that are too short.
Risk: If a halfshaft is too short, it may disengage from the differential causing a loss of drive and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace both halfshafts, free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T55.
Power train:driveline:differential unit
Model years: 2009
Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.
Risk: If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
Fix: On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N08.
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
Model years: 2001, 2002
Problem: On certain van and pickup trucks equipped with automatic transmissions, the ignition/park shift interlock system may become inoperative. This can allow the shifter to be moved out of the "park" position with the ignition key removed (or in the "lock" position). This can also allow the ignition key to be removed when the shifter has not been placed in the "park" position.
Risk: Either of these conditions could allow the vehicle to roll away causing a crash without warning.
Fix: Dealers will replace the gearshift blocker and bracket assembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during january 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train:automatic transmission
Model years: 2007
Problem: On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with automatic transmissions, the software programmed into the powertrain control module can cause a momentary lock up of the drive wheels if the vehicle is traveling over 40 mph and the operator shifts from drive to neutral and back to drive.
Risk: If the drive wheels locked up, loss of vehicle control could occur increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module free of charge. The recall began on october 2, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train:automatic transmission
Model years: 2005, 2006
Problem: On certain pickup trucks, sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with 42rle automatic transmissions, the cup plug that retains the park pawl anchor shaft may be improperly installed. If the shaft moves out of position, the vehicle may not be able to achieve 'park' position.
Risk: If this occurs and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away and cause a crash without warning.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the transmissions and install a bracket to ensure the park pawl anchor shaft is retained in the proper position. The recall began on november 28, 2005. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
Model years: 2001
Problem: Vehicle description: light duty trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with 4-wheel drive. The electric shift transfer case may not fully engage into gear when the operator moves the transfer case selector switch.
Risk: This could cause the transfer case to end up in the neutral position unexpectedly and allow the vehicle to roll away if the parking brake is not applied.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the transfer case control module. Owner notification began april 9, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Bought vehicle new with almost no miles from Dodge Dealer in [XXX] (Paramus Dodge) After 3000 miles I start noticing hard kick when selecting gear from Park to Drive or Reverse gear with noise coming from underneath vehicle almost sounds like broken U joint. Harsh up and downshift when in traffic…
The vehicle fails to start reliably. I have made all the necessary repairs in an attempt to have the car to start reliably. I have replaced items that the average owner would think are normal wear-and-tear items around the starting system. I have also replaced items that the average owner would not…
The radio displays Uconnect box requires service, please visit an authorized dealer. When that happens you cannot use the safety call 911 button, if you are using your phone for navigation, you will not be able to see it. It also makes the vehicle run different.
The contact owns a 2026 Dodge Durango. While driving at an undisclosed speed in a rainstorm, the front window windshield wipers failed to wipe the windshield. The windshield wipers were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the instrument panel failed to display an accurate fuel…
I brought the car to the dealership on June 24th about the car jolting forward and a this coming from the bottom of the car . The car jolts forward when in drive I have 10k miles now after he dealership put 588 miles on my car . Got my car back on July the 20th . I was told that my engine misfired…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Dodge Durangos have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 1,318 owner complaints about power train for the Dodge Durango. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Dodge Durango power train?
Yes: 10 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix power train problems on the Dodge Durango?
Owners report a typical cost of $2,700 (half paid between $880 and $3,900), from 27 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about power train problems on the Dodge Durango?
The most frequent phrase is “transfer case”, in 136 of 1,318 complaints.
Other Dodge Durango problems
- Suspension problems (2,762)
- Electrical System problems (2,727)
- Engine problems (1,296)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (1,138)
- Fuel System, Gasoline problems (1,105)
- Exterior Lighting problems (1,071)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (850)
- Air Bags problems (849)
See all Dodge Durango problems.