VehicleVerdict

2017 Dodge Durango problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2017 Dodge Durango sits mid-pack among Durango years: 305 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 324, with 2 recalls and 2 closed investigations. Complainants reported 14 injuries in total across these filings.

Lighting leads the complaint categories with 80 reports (26% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

305

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

15

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

14

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Durango years?

Durango NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 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, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Durango years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Dodge Durango problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting8026%
Electrical System6521%
Engine2910%
Transmission238%
Other207%
Fuel System155%
Steering114%
Seats103%
Speed Control103%
Body & Structure103%
Brakes83%
Driver Assistance72%
Airbags72%
Suspension41%
Visibility & Wipers31%
Tires & Wheels21%
Seat Belts10%

Does the 2017 Dodge Durango have recalls?

2 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.

17V541000TransmissionAugust 31, 2017 · 4 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If a halfshaft is too short, it may disengage from the differential causing a loss of drive and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DEER WAS STRUCK BY VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 50 MILES PER HOUR ON A CITY ROAD. SEVERE DAMAGE TO FRONT DRIVER SIDE TO INCLUDE UNDERCARRIAGE AND ELECTRICAL PARTS. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I FEEL LIKE THEY SHOULD HAVE. I WAS INFORMED BY THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER THAT THE AIRBAG SENSORS WERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · September 24, 2019 · crash

“No lights on the dashboard were on but the radio/ climate control center screen was flashing. Shut screen off. Was involved in motor vehicle accident with front end collision. Police report and insurance notified. Air bags did not deploy. Approximate speed on impacted was 30mph. Two days prior the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 1, 2022 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WITH THE AUTOMATIC MODE OR STOP/START FEATURE ACTIVATED, IT LUNGED FORWARD WHEN THE CONTACT'S FOOT RELEASED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 30, 2017 · crash

“I STARTED TO BACK OUT OF MY DAUGHTERS GARAGE AND FELT THE TIRE HIT SOMETHING. I DIDN'T WANT TO BACK OVER IT SO I PULLED FORWARD, PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, OPENED THE DOOR AND STARTED TO GET OUT. I GOT ONE FOOT ON THE GROUND AND THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF IN REVERSE. I WAS THROWN BACK INTO THE SEAT. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 19, 2017 · crash

“ON JANUARY 6, 2020, I PLACED MY 2017 DODGE DURANGO INTO PARK IN MY HOME'S DRIVEWAY AND EXITED THE VEHICLE, LEAVING THE EMPTY VEHICLE IDLING. APPROXIMATELY 30 SECONDS LATER, THE VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF PARK AND INTO DRIVE AND ROLLED AWAY, FORWARD, INTO MY GARAGE, CAUSING SIGNIFICANT PROPERTY DAMAGE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 6, 2020 · crash

2017 Dodge Durango — common questions

Is the 2017 Dodge Durango reliable?

It is close to typical for the Durango: 305 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2017 Durango problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (80 complaints), electrical system (65 complaints), engine (29 complaints).

Does the 2017 Dodge Durango have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Dodge Durango. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2017 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 2017 Dodge Durango?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 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.