2018 Dodge Durango Safety Report
2018 Dodge Durango: Good crash ratings, but plagued by electrical, braking, and engine complaints with multiple safety recalls.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Dodge Durango
Reliability Score
The 2018 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 2018 Dodge Durango
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Dodge Durango:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting Failure (Racetrack Led) Water intrusion into the rear 'racetrack' LED lighting assembly causes sections to fail, including brake and license plate lights, posing a significant safety hazard due to reduced visibility to other drivers. Many complaints cite costs over $2000 for repair. |
High | Common | 30000-60000 miles |
| Abs Module Malfunction Recalled issue where a malfunction in the ABS module can incorrectly illuminate brake lights, allow shifting out of Park without applying the brake, or disable ABS/ESC, increasing rollaway and crash risk. Multiple recalls (24V-838, 94B) address this. |
High | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Engine Misfires/Failure Complaints describe engine misfires, check engine lights, loss of power, and diagnoses of spark plug failure, camshaft/lifter failure, or head gasket failure, sometimes leading to significant repair costs. |
High | Occasional | 40000-70000 miles |
| Electrical System Wiring Issues Recalls indicate potential wiring issues that could lead to vehicle stalls or unintended acceleration of cruise control, increasing crash risk. Other complaints mention general electrical problems like gauge cluster warnings and failure to start. |
High | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Transmission Park Lock Rod Malfunction Recalled issue where an incorrect transmission park lock rod may prevent the transmission from properly engaging 'PARK', increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and a crash. |
High | Rare | N/A miles |
| Unexpected Headrest Deployment Several complaints report front passenger headrests deploying unexpectedly without impact, causing potential injury or distraction to occupants. |
Medium | Rare | 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 2018 Dodge Durango:
Predominantly related to the rear 'racetrack' LED light bar failing due to water intrusion, affecting brake and license plate lights.
Covers a range of issues from general electrical malfunctions, wiring problems, to specific issues like TIPM failure and gauge cluster warnings.
Includes misfires, head gasket failures, valvetrain noise, and spark plug issues, often leading to loss of power or vehicle stall.
Primarily concerns unexpected deployment of front passenger headrests.
Issues related to ABS module malfunctions, leading to brake light illumination, rollaway risk, or disabled ABS/ESC.
Concerns include transmission park lock rod issues and general transmission problems.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Dodge Durango
Is the 2018 Dodge Durango safe?
The 2018 Dodge Durango received a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with 5 stars for side impact and 4 stars for frontal and rollover. However, it has 5 recalls addressing critical safety issues like ABS module malfunctions, electrical wiring problems, and transmission park lock rod defects. There are also 221 consumer complaints, with significant patterns in exterior lighting failures (36 complaints) and electrical system issues (35 complaints) that can compromise safety.
What are common problems with the 2018 Dodge Durango?
The most reported issues for the 2018 Dodge Durango are related to EXTERIOR LIGHTING (36 complaints), primarily the rear 'racetrack' LED light bar failing due to water intrusion, and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (35 complaints), encompassing various wiring and component failures. Other notable problems include ENGINE issues (10 complaints) like misfires and head gasket failures, and SEATS (16 complaints) due to unexpected headrest deployment.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 Dodge Durango?
Yes, the 2018 Dodge Durango has 5 recalls. These include multiple recalls for the SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE (NHTSA Campaign No. 24V-838, 94B) which can cause vehicle rollaway or disabled ABS/ESC. Other recalls address ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING (NHTSA Campaign No. 18V-524, 18V-332) that could lead to vehicle stalls or unintended cruise control acceleration, and POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (NHTSA Campaign No. 18V-280) concerning an incorrect park lock rod that may prevent proper 'PARK' engagement.
How does the 2018 Dodge Durango perform in crash tests?
The 2018 Dodge Durango received a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. It performed well in side-impact tests, earning 5 stars. For frontal crash tests and rollover resistance, it received 4 stars each.
What should I look out for when buying a used 2018 Dodge Durango?
When considering a used 2018 Dodge Durango, pay close attention to the functionality of all exterior lights, especially the rear 'racetrack' LED bar, and check for any signs of water intrusion in the tailgate area. Ensure all recall repairs, particularly those related to the ABS module and electrical system wiring, have been completed. Listen for any unusual engine noises or signs of misfires, and verify the vehicle's service history for engine-related repairs.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2018 Dodge Durango has solid crash test ratings, its numerous recalls and common complaints, especially regarding exterior lighting and electrical systems, warrant caution. Prioritize verifying all recall repairs are completed and thoroughly inspect the rear lighting and electrical components before purchase.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Dodge Durango
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Dodge Durango. The data includes 221 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 9 reported crashes, 4 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 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.