2016 Dodge Durango Safety Report

2016 Dodge Durango: Strong crash ratings, but significant complaints about lighting, powertrain failures, and three critical safety recalls.

159Complaints
3Recalls
★★★★☆Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
23Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
11Injuries
Most reported components: Exterior Lighting (40)Power Train (20)Unknown Or Other (17)Electrical System,Exterior Lighting (11)Electrical System (7)Structure (5)Engine (4)Suspension (4)Air Bags (4)Electrical System,Engine (3)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Dodge Durango

The 2016 Dodge Durango presents a mixed safety picture, with strong crash test performance but a notable number of consumer complaints and three recalls addressing critical safety components. NHTSA awarded the vehicle an impressive 5-star rating for side impact and 4-star ratings for overall, frontal, and rollover safety, indicating good occupant protection in various crash scenarios. However, the vehicle has accumulated 159 total complaints, including 23 crashes, 1 fire, and 11 injuries, which is a significant volume for a single model year. A concerning pattern emerges from the complaint data, with 'EXTERIOR LIGHTING' being the most reported component (40 complaints), primarily related to the 'racetrack' LED taillights failing due to water intrusion, posing a visibility risk. 'POWER TRAIN' issues are also prominent (20 complaints), with multiple reports of the vehicle stalling, losing power, or unexpectedly shifting into park while driving, which are severe safety hazards. The 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' also features heavily, sometimes in conjunction with 'EXTERIOR LIGHTING' or 'ENGINE' issues, pointing to potential underlying electrical vulnerabilities. The recall history further highlights critical safety concerns. One recall addresses a potential fuel leak in 3.6L engines, increasing fire risk. Another targets cracked brake calipers, which could lengthen stopping distances and increase crash risk. A third recall involves the electrical system, specifically wiring, which could lead to unintended acceleration or inability to deactivate cruise control, a very serious hazard. These recalls, combined with the high number of complaints about power train and electrical issues, suggest that while the Durango performs well in controlled crash tests, its long-term operational reliability and certain component integrity may be compromised, leading to real-world safety incidents.

Reliability Score

The 2016 Dodge Durango receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2016 Dodge Durango

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Dodge Durango:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Exterior Led 'Racetrack' Lighting Failure
Water intrusion into the rear LED 'racetrack' taillight assembly causes corrosion and failure of the lights, including brake and license plate lights, posing a significant visibility and legal issue. Multiple complaints cite high replacement costs.		 Medium Common variable miles
Vehicle Stalling/Loss Of Power While Driving
Drivers report the vehicle unexpectedly stalling, losing power, or displaying 'Shift to P before changing gears' or 'service transmission' messages, leading to loss of acceleration and steering control, increasing crash risk.		 High Occasional variable miles
Fuel System Leaks/Odor
Strong fuel odor inside the cabin or fuel leaks reported, sometimes linked to fuel pump failures or coolant line issues. A recall specifically addresses fuel leaks in 3.6L engines, increasing fire risk.		 High Occasional 90000-100000 miles
Brake Caliper Cracking
A recall identifies a defect where the left front brake caliper may crack, potentially lengthening stopping distances and increasing crash risk.		 High Rare N/A miles
Active Headrest Deployment
Active headrests unexpectedly deploy while the vehicle is parked or unoccupied, making them difficult to reset and potentially causing injury if deployed during normal operation.		 Medium Rare N/A miles
Electrical System Malfunctions (Fuses/Burning Smell)
Reports of specific fuses (e.g., F13) constantly frying and melting into the fuse box, causing an electrical burning smell and failure of components like the blower motor.		 Medium Occasional N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Dodge Durango:

Exterior Lighting 25% of complaints

Predominantly related to the LED 'racetrack' taillights failing due to water intrusion and corrosion, leading to non-functional lights and high replacement costs.

Power Train 12% of complaints

Issues include the vehicle stalling, losing power, or unexpectedly shifting into park while driving, often accompanied by warning messages like 'Shift to P' or 'service transmission'.

Electrical System 4% of complaints

General electrical issues, including fuses melting, burning smells, and various component failures. This component is also frequently cited in combination with lighting and engine issues.

Fuel System, Gasoline 1% of complaints

Reports of strong fuel odors, fuel leaks, and fuel pump failures, with one recall specifically addressing fuel leaks.

Engine 2% of complaints

Complaints include engine stalling, misfires (especially cylinder #2), long crank times, and oil leaks from the top of the engine.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic 0% of complaints

A recall addresses potential cracking of the left front brake caliper, which can affect stopping distance.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Dodge Durango

Is the 2016 Dodge Durango safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Dodge Durango received strong crash test ratings (4-star overall, 5-star side), indicating good occupant protection. However, it has 159 consumer complaints, 23 crashes, and 11 injuries reported, along with three safety recalls addressing critical issues like fuel leaks, brake caliper defects, and potential unintended acceleration. While crashworthy, its operational reliability is a concern due to recurring component failures.

What are common problems with the 2016 Dodge Durango?

The most reported issues for the 2016 Dodge Durango are related to EXTERIOR LIGHTING (40 complaints), primarily the LED 'racetrack' taillights failing due to water intrusion. POWER TRAIN issues (20 complaints) are also common, with reports of the vehicle stalling or losing power while driving. Other significant concerns include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM malfunctions and FUEL SYSTEM problems, including fuel leaks and pump failures.

Are there any recalls for the 2016 Dodge Durango?

Yes, the 2016 Dodge Durango has three recalls. These include a recall for potential fuel leaks in 3.6L engines (increasing fire risk), a recall for cracked left front brake calipers (affecting stopping distance), and a recall related to the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING that could lead to unintended acceleration or inability to deactivate cruise control.

How does the 2016 Dodge Durango perform in crash tests?

The 2016 Dodge Durango received a 4-star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA. It scored 4 stars for Frontal Crash, 5 stars for Side Crash, and 4 stars for Rollover resistance, indicating generally good performance in various crash scenarios.

Should I be concerned about the 'racetrack' taillights?

Yes, the 'racetrack' LED taillight failure is a common and significant concern for the 2016 Dodge Durango, with EXTERIOR LIGHTING being the most complained-about component (40 complaints). Water intrusion leads to corrosion and non-functional lights, which can compromise visibility and make the vehicle illegal to drive at night. Replacement costs are frequently reported as very high.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Prospective buyers should be aware of the 2016 Dodge Durango's strong crash ratings but also its significant number of complaints regarding exterior lighting, powertrain failures, and critical safety recalls. Thoroughly check for recall completion and inspect the rear taillights for signs of water intrusion or failure before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Dodge Durango

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Dodge Durango. The data includes 159 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 23 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 11 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Dodge Durango an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.