2018 Dodge Durango Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

Incident: September 22, 2026 · Filed: October 12, 2026

On [XXX], my 2018 Dodge Durango GT (145,076 miles) developed abnormal braking characteristics immediately following a preventive brake-fluid flush performed by Jim Browne Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Dade City, Florida. Before this service, I had experienced no braking problems. Immediately afterward, the brake pedal became unusually soft, spongy, and mushy, accompanied by a pronounced air-hissing sound in the driver's footwell whenever the brake pedal was depressed. Despite these symptoms, the dealership released the vehicle. Relying on that release, I drove approximately 70 miles home while experiencing the abnormal braking condition. Upon arriving home, I contacted the dealership to report the problem. The symptoms raised concerns about possible loss or degradation of power brake assistance, potentially increasing braking effort and creating a collision risk, particularly during emergency braking. On [XXX], Central Florida Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Orlando evaluated and repaired the vehicle. The corrective repairs included replacement of the brake booster and master cylinder. Following these repairs, the braking condition was fully resolved, and performance returned to normal. Although the symptoms developed immediately after the brake-fluid service, the precise mechanical cause and any causal relationship between that service and the subsequent component replacements have not been independently established. I reported the incident to Dodge/Stellantis Customer Care and submitted supporting documentation. On [XXX], Customer Care acknowledged receipt but provided no substantive investigative findings. The vehicle is currently operating normally. I am reporting this incident because of the potential safety implications of abnormal brake system performance immediately following authorized dealership maintenance and the subsequent release of the vehicle under those circumstances. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: May 15, 2026 · Filed: September 19, 2026

Defect causes premature wear and deterioration of camshafts and lifters, causing engine failure.

Incident: September 10, 2026 · Filed: September 10, 2026

I was driving down a 45 mph roadway and my sunroof glass exploded. Nothing hit it and there were no bumps in the road when it exploded

Incident: November 26, 2025 · Filed: September 8, 2026

I purchased a 2018 Dodge Durango. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, moisture was present inside the rear liftgate/racetrack lamp assembly and portions of the rear lighting did not operate. The selling dealership inspected and repaired the vehicle. Its repair invoice states that the left rear tail/running/parking lamp was inoperative because of an open wire between the body control module and the left rear lamp, but I have a picture I uploaded that only one of the passenger side light actually worked so I don' know about the broke wire, but I know the lights didn't work when I purchased the vehicle as our home camera showed after I brought it home. But they did try to fix them. The dealership routed a new wire, taped and waterproofed it, and returned the vehicle after stating that the system worked. I was also told or understood that the racetrack lamp assembly had been replaced, but the repair records I received do not identify a replacement lamp or part number. Approximately one week after the repair, moisture reappeared. The liftgate lamp assembly now contains substantial visible standing water that moves when the liftgate is raised or lowered. Sections along the bottom appear to be dimming or failing, Because raising the liftgate causes the standing water to move toward the upper lamps and electrical connections, I now avoid using it A suggestion drilling a drainage hole in the lamp assembly. I have not drilled, sealed, drained or otherwise modified the assembly. I am concerned that the standing water may contact or corrode the lamp sockets, connectors, wiring, license-plate lamps, backup lamps or rear camera and cause the rear lighting to fail without warning. This could make the vehicle difficult for other drivers to see, especially at night. Cannot drive it at night for safety reasons No crash, fire or injury has occurred. The vehicle and defective component are available for inspection. Photographs, video and dealership repair records are available

Incident: June 15, 2026 · Filed: August 4, 2026

Back to back error codes P0300 P0108 P1404 P0172 Rough running engine. Very strong smell of fuel at two different times while driving. Vehicle not responding to gas pedal while driving on highway. Repairs at thousands of dollars.

Incident: January 1, 2026 · Filed: July 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that a section of the rear light was inoperable. The passenger’s side light was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the tail light needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall or warranty coverage on the vehicle. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Incident: June 17, 2026 · Filed: June 19, 2026

The passenger side active headrest restraint deployed at 3mph in a parking lot. There had been a safety recall for apparently my vin is not covered per dodge. [XXX] If this would have happened on the drivers side at highway speeds, it could have been deadly. The vehicle is at nyle Maxwell in Killeen and the passengers side is being replaced via extended warranty but my issue is getting the divers side replaced BEFORE it hits me in the back of the head. I spoke with dodge customer service and I was advised to submit a complaint. I think the model year range and trims should be expanded as this is still clearly an issue INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: June 10, 2026 · Filed: June 11, 2026

June 11, 2026 Re: Unexpected Passenger-Side Active Head Restraint Deployment – 2018 Dodge Durango R/T To Whom It May Concern: I am reporting an incident involving my 2018 Dodge Durango R/T equipped with leather seats. Vehicle Information: Year/Make/Model: 2018 Dodge Durango R/T Seating: Leather Interior Affected Component: Passenger-Side Active Head Restraint (AHR) Mileage at Time of Incident: 126,207 miles Date of Incident: [XXX] Description of Incident: While traveling on the roadway on [XXX], the passenger-side Active Head Restraint (AHR) suddenly deployed without warning. There was no accident, collision, sudden stop, or any other event that would reasonably trigger the system. The vehicle was being operated normally at the time of the incident. My [XXX] son was seated in the front passenger seat when the headrest unexpectedly deployed and forcefully struck him in the back of the head. The deployment occurred without any impact to the vehicle and caused immediate concern for his safety and well-being. Following the deployment, the headrest remained in the deployed position and appears to require repair or replacement. Given that the system activated without a collision and made forceful contact with an occupant, I believe this represents a significant safety concern. I am aware that similar incidents have been reported by owners of Dodge Durangos and other Stellantis vehicles equipped with Active Head Restraint systems. NHTSA has previously investigated complaints involving headrests deploying without a crash and causing injuries to vehicle occupants. My incident appears consistent with those reported failures. I respectfully request that this incident be documented and investigated as a potential safety-related defect. Please advise whether there are any recalls, technical service bulletins, customer satisfaction programs, warranty extensions INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: May 13, 2026 · Filed: May 13, 2026

Headrest on driver seat ejected at a stop and threw my wife’s head forward.

Incident: May 2, 2026 · Filed: May 4, 2026

While driving, the passenger front headrest suddenly popped forward hitting the passenger in the back of the head aggressively and unexpectedly. No accident involved or any aggressive braking. The vehicle/headrest is available for inspection upon request. The safety of my passenger was put at risk as it punched them in the back of the head. It gave her an instant headache and mildly upset stomach. I have not taken the vehicle to the dealership yet, planning to try and go this week. The headrest has not been inspected by anyone besides me yet. No error messages or lights before or since the event.