VehicleVerdict

2020 Dodge Durango problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2020 Dodge Durango is among the quieter years of the Durango on NHTSA's books: 69 complaints (79% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

Lighting leads the complaint categories with 20 reports (29% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

69

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other Durango years?

Durango NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 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, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Durango years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Dodge Durango problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting2029%
Electrical System812%
Engine710%
Other69%
Body & Structure46%
Airbags34%
Brakes34%
Speed Control34%
Steering34%
Transmission34%
Tires & Wheels23%
Fuel System23%
Seat Belts23%
Seats23%
Suspension11%

Does the 2020 Dodge Durango have recalls?

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

21V280000AirbagsApril 22, 2021 · 2,721 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Durango vehicles. The Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) fastener may be loose or missing.

Consequence

A loose or missing fastener may cause the side curtain air bag to deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will tighten or replace the fastener, free of charge. Owner notification letters were sent on May 7, 2021. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Y16.

20V191000Driver AssistanceSeptember 10, 2020 · 319,610 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Consequence

The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The tail light burned out because of water intrusion. I understand there is a leaky gasket that lets water in and, in time, this moisture ruins the LED taillight. Mine gave way at 45k miles. One section on the left started fading, then the whole taillight burned out. I was reading on the Internet a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · December 3, 2023

“The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that he auto-started the vehicle while it was in the driveway. The contact stated as he came outside, the vehicle was on fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. There were no injuries…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 5, 2021 · fire

“1, The rear taillights fill up with water making it difficult to see the lights when breaking. 2, The engine had to be repaired due to power failure and was told that the cams and lifters were worn out on drivers' side at 85000 miles. The garage said this should not have happened. And that they…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 31, 1969

“My 2020 Dodge Durango experienced a severe interior dashboard fire that appeared to originate in the center dash/radio area while the vehicle was parkedin driveway. The fire caused extensive melting and burn damage throughout the dashboard, center console, wiring, and surrounding interior…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 26, 2026 · fire

“There is a very sharp side on the back rear taillight that connects with the lift gate. This razor sharp edge has cut myself, husband, and almost my son. The only thing that saved him from getting cut was the sleeve on his shirt. I have reported this issue to Chrysler. An investigation is in…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 12, 2021

2020 Dodge Durango — common questions

Is the 2020 Dodge Durango reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 69 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Durango year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2020 Durango problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (20 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints), engine (7 complaints).

Does the 2020 Dodge Durango have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 Dodge Durango. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2020 Dodge Durango under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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 2020 Dodge Durango?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 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.