Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2014 Dodge Durango
The 2014 Dodge Durango has a moderate number of recalls and owner complaints primarily concerning the electrical system and brakes. Be aware of potential alternator issues and check if recall repairs have been completed. Other issues like airbag or ESC malfunctions may also occur, though these are less commonly reported. It's essential to conduct a thorough inspection and confirm maintenance records before purchasing, as evidence is limited to recall and complaint data.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2014 Dodge Durango has 11 NHTSA recall campaigns and 785 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 #18V332000 Cruise Control cannot be Cancelled NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V741000 Alternator may Fail Resulting in an Engine Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V572000 Incorrectly Installed Brake Booster Shield NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V435000 Alternator may Fail Resulting in Engine Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V461000 Radio Software Security Vulnerabilities NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V643000 Air Bags/Seat Belt Pretensioners may be Disabled NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V636000 Steering Software may Disable Stability Control 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 #14V293000 Cruise Control Unintended Continued Acceleration NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V154000 Loss of Power Brake Assist NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Exterior Lighting 259 complaints
- Seats 165 complaints
- Electrical System 149 complaints
- Engine 74 complaints
- Air Bags 72 complaints
- Unknown or Other 67 complaints
Of the 785 complaints on file, 23 report a crash and 9 a fire; across all 785 complaints, owners report 60 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Alternator may fail
How to check: Listen for unusual noises from the alternator.
Brake booster corrosion
How to check: Check for consistent brake pressure and listen for air leaks.
Airbags disabling
How to check: Confirm recall work done; airbag light on dash should not be lit.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual sounds from the engine area.
Red flag: Loud knocking or squealing noises
- 02
Initial acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth gear changes and engine response.
Red flag: Jerky shifts or sluggish acceleration
- 03
Steady speed
What to check: Monitor for electrical issues like flickering lights.
Red flag: Dashboard lights flickering
- 04
Braking
What to check: Ensure brakes respond well without noise or pull.
Red flag: Pulls to one side or makes noise
- 05
Turning
What to check: Feel for smooth steering with no vibrations.
Red flag: Steering feels loose or vibrates
- 06
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure strong acceleration and stable control.
Red flag: Hesitation in acceleration
- 07
Cruise control test
What to check: Ensure cruise control engages and maintains speed.
Red flag: Cannot engage or disengage cruise
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the alternator been replaced?
- Were all recalls addressed?
- Any issues with the airbag system?
- Have there been any electrical repairs?
- Has the brake booster been checked recently?
- Were there any past accidents?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle history report
- Repair and maintenance records
- Recalls service history
- Title and registration
- Warranty documentation
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2014 Dodge Durango at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2014 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.