2017 Dodge Durango Safety Report
2017 Dodge Durango: Strong crash ratings, but persistent electrical and exterior lighting issues, plus two safety recalls.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Dodge Durango
Reliability Score
The 2017 Dodge Durango receives a reliability score of 65 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 2017 Dodge Durango
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Dodge Durango:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Racetrack Tail Light Water Intrusion/Failure Water and moisture enter the rear racetrack taillight assembly, causing condensation, corrosion, and partial or complete failure of the LED lights, significantly reducing rear visibility. |
Medium | Common | 50000-70000+ miles |
| Electrical System Malfunctions (Dashboard/Stalling) Dashboard flickering, navigation system blackouts, radio turning on/off, and vehicle stalling while driving, potentially related to wiring issues or PCM. |
High | Occasional | 50000-60000 miles |
| Active Headrest Accidental Deployment Headrests deploying without impact or collision, potentially causing injury to occupants. |
High | Rare | Unknown miles |
| Cruise Control Malfunction Cruise control may not deactivate, or may engage/disengage erratically, increasing crash risk (subject of a recall). |
High | Occasional | Unknown miles |
| Rear Axle Halfshaft Disengagement Rear axle halfshafts may be too short, potentially disengaging from the differential, leading to a loss of drive and increased crash risk (subject of a recall). |
High | Rare | Unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Dodge Durango:
Predominantly issues with the rear 'racetrack' tail light assembly failing due to water intrusion, leading to reduced visibility.
Problems include dashboard flickering, navigation system blackouts, stalling, and erratic electrical behavior, some related to cruise control.
Issues such as vehicle jerking, hesitation, abnormal revving, and transmission failure, with one recall for axle halfshafts.
Complaints of rough idling, poor fuel economy, stalling, poor acceleration, and in some cases, multiple engine replacements.
Primarily concerns about the active headrest restraint deploying without an accident or impact.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Dodge Durango
Is the 2017 Dodge Durango safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Dodge Durango has a 4-star overall safety rating, with strong performance in side-impact tests (5 stars). However, it has 204 total complaints, 9 crashes, and 10 injuries reported, along with two safety recalls. While crash protection is good, recurring issues with exterior lighting and electrical systems, and the potential for active headrest deployment, are notable concerns.
What are common problems with the 2017 Dodge Durango?
The most reported issues for the 2017 Dodge Durango are related to EXTERIOR LIGHTING (57 complaints), specifically the 'racetrack' tail light assembly failing due to water intrusion. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (18 complaints) issues like dashboard flickering and stalling are also common, as are POWER TRAIN (14 complaints) and ENGINE (11 complaints) problems, including rough idling and poor acceleration.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 Dodge Durango?
Yes, the 2017 Dodge Durango has two recalls. One is for the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING, where cruise control may not deactivate, increasing crash risk. The second recall is for POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT, where rear axle halfshafts may be too short, potentially causing a loss of drive.
How does the 2017 Dodge Durango perform in crash tests?
The 2017 Dodge Durango received a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. It scored 4 stars for frontal crash, an excellent 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
Should I be concerned about the tail lights on a 2017 Dodge Durango?
Yes, concerns about the tail lights are significant. 'EXTERIOR LIGHTING' is the top complaint category with 57 reports, many detailing water intrusion and failure of the rear 'racetrack' tail light assembly. This is a widely reported issue that can reduce rear visibility and may be subject to a class-action lawsuit.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Consider the 2017 Dodge Durango for its solid crash test performance, but be aware of persistent electrical and exterior lighting issues, and ensure all recalls have been addressed before purchase.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Dodge Durango
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Dodge Durango. The data includes 204 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 9 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 10 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 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.