VehicleVerdict

2016 Dodge Durango problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2016 Dodge Durango sits mid-pack among Durango years: 221 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 325, with 3 recalls and 2 closed investigations. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across lighting (53), electrical system (46), and transmission (30), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

221

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

30

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Durango years?

Durango NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted3,172 complaints1997: 5 complaints1998: 1,553 complaints1999: 3,172 complaints2000: 1,471 complaints2001: 964 complaints2002: 556 complaints2003: 484 complaints2004: 1,420 complaints2005: 2,001 complaints2006: 1,039 complaints2007: 241 complaints2008: 127 complaints2009: 13 complaints2011: 1,185 complaints2012: 917 complaints2013: 905 complaints2014: 1,029 complaints2015: 666 complaints2016: 221 complaints2017: 305 complaints2018: 326 complaints2019: 204 complaints2020: 69 complaints2021: 252 complaints2022: 79 complaints2023: 42 complaints2024: 17 complaints2025: 12 complaints2026: 11 complaints
Durango NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Durango years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Dodge Durango problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting5324%
Electrical System4621%
Transmission3014%
Other2612%
Engine167%
Speed Control94%
Body & Structure63%
Airbags63%
Fuel System52%
Suspension52%
Brakes42%
Driver Assistance42%
Steering31%
Seats31%
Tires & Wheels31%
Seat Belts10%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2016 Dodge Durango have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V332000Electrical SystemMay 17, 2018 · 4,815,661 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence

If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

16V814000Fuel SystemNovember 10, 2016 · 30,183 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 10, 2016, to April 28, 2016 and equipped with a 3.6L engine built at the Saltillo engine plant. During the assembly of the engine, the fuel rail crossover tube may have been damaged, which, over time, may result in a fuel leak.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly for damage to the fuel rail crossover tube, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S85.

16V168000BrakesMarch 23, 2016 · 21,183 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured December 9, 2015, to January 14, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the left front brake caliper may crack due to being made from an incorrect material.

Consequence

A cracked brake caliper may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front left brake caliper and depending on its casting date, replace it, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 12, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S16.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“PURCHASED VEHICLE USED IN 2018, WITH LESS THAN 30K MILES ON IT. IT CURRENTLY HAS AROUND 48K MILES ON IT, AND THE RACETRACK LED TAIL LIGHT BAR HAS WATER IN IT, CAUSING PART OF THE BAR TO GO OUT. THERE ARE A TON OF PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME ISSUE - FCA NEEDS TO ADDRESS IT AND NOT EXPECT THEIR CUSTOMERS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · March 6, 2020

“WHILE REVERSING TO HOOK BOAT TRAILER UP TO VEHICLE, VEHICLE TOOK OFF AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED IN REVERS. HITTING THE BRAKES DID NOT HELP. THE VEHICLE SLAMMED INTO THE TRAILER WITH BOAT SITTING ON IT AND PUSHED INTO A TREE BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD STOP. FURTHERMORE, THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN INTO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 5, 2017 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE DURANGO. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND STILL IN THE PARK POSITION, IT ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AND CRASHED INTO THE NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER SENT AN INVESTIGATOR WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 6, 2017 · crash

“MY WIFE SHIFTED THE CAR INTO PARK. SHE EXITED THE VEHICLE AND LEFT THE ENGINE RUNNING WHILE SHE GOT OUT . WHEN SHE STEPPED AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE TO GET SOMETHING SHE NOTICED THE VEHICLE ROLLING BACKWARDS AND IT BACKED INTO A DUMPSTER. THE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED AND DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE LIFT GATE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 24, 2018 · crash

“Vehicle was parked in a public parking area. Engine off. No one in vehicle. Vehicle had a combustible event occur under the hood. Fire Department came to extinguish. Vehicle was declared a total loss. Vehicle was in excellent condition and well maintained … no prior history of issues other than…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 27, 2022 · fire

2016 Dodge Durango — common questions

Is the 2016 Dodge Durango reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 221 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Durango year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2016 Durango problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (53 complaints), electrical system (46 complaints), transmission (30 complaints).

Does the 2016 Dodge Durango have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Dodge Durango. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Dodge Durango under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Durango years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Durango years to avoid are 1999, 2005, 1998, 2000, 2004, 2011, 2006, 2014, 2001, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2002, 2018, 2007, 2008, 2009. The cleanest record among Durango years belongs to 1997.

How safe is the 2016 Dodge Durango?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Dodge Durango earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.