Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2013 Dodge Durango
The 2013 Dodge Durango has notable issues with its electrical system, including relay and alternator failures, and multiple brake and airbag recalls. Overall, complaints and recalls are moderate but significant in specific categories, indicating potential reliability issues.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2013 Dodge Durango has 11 NHTSA recall campaigns and 640 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #19V813000 Fuel Pump Relay May Fail Resulting In a Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V572000 Incorrectly Installed Brake Booster Shield NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V435000 Alternator may Fail Resulting in Engine Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V879000 Vanity Lamp Short may Result in Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V115000 Fuel Pump Relay may Fail Resulting in Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V634000 Alternator may Fail Resulting in Engine Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V391000 Vanity Lamp Short may Result in Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V154000 Loss of Power Brake Assist NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V104000 Hard Brake Pedal may Lengthen Stopping Distance NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V560000 Incorrect Seating Capacity Label NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V391000 Occupant Restraint Control Module NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 290 complaints
- Engine 116 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 84 complaints
- Seats 76 complaints
- Service Brakes 74 complaints
- Unknown or Other 54 complaints
Of the 640 complaints on file, 20 report a crash and 34 a fire; across all 640 complaints, owners report 22 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Fuel pump relay failure
How to check: Inspect Totally Integrated Power Module for relay faults.
Brake booster corrosion
How to check: Ensure proper brake booster shield installation.
Incorrect airbag module
How to check: Verify airbag module recall completion.
Vanity lamp wiring short
How to check: Check for electrical issues in sun visor wiring.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Check for electrical system warning lights.
Red flag: Warning lights indicate major issues
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking sounds
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test brake pedal responsiveness.
Red flag: Hard or ineffective brake pedal
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for power loss or stalling.
Red flag: Vehicle stalls or hesitates
- 05
Panic braking
What to check: Ensure ABS functions smoothly.
Red flag: Grinding or lack of ABS feedback
- 06
Parking
What to check: Inspect for any electrical malfunctions.
Red flag: Persistent electrical alerts
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the TIPM module been replaced?
- Were all recalls completed?
- Any history of electrical issues?
- Brake booster shield installation checked?
- Airbag module ever replaced?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Proof of completed recalls
- Recent service records
- Vehicle history report
- TIPM replacement document
- Brake system inspection report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2013 Dodge Durango at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2013 Dodge Durango? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.