2018 Dodge Durango Safety Report
2018 Dodge Durango Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Dodge Durango
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Dodge Durango. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (5) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (221) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 9 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Exterior Lighting | Compare exterior lighting issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2020 | Compare against the 2020 Dodge Durango with 49 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Dodge Durango before buying across this generation. |
Dodge Durango Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Dodge Durango years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Dodge Durango | 131 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Dodge Durango | 204 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Dodge Durango | 49 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Dodge Durango | 159 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Dodge Durango | 167 | 7 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Dodge Durango | 497 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2018 Dodge Durango Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Dodge Durango, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Exterior Lighting
36 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Exterior Lighting issues Dodge onlyElectrical System
35 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Dodge onlyUnknown Or Other
16 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Dodge onlySeats
16 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Seats issues Dodge onlyEngine
10 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Dodge onlyElectrical System,Exterior Lighting
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Exterior Lighting issues Dodge onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Dodge Durango
Reliability Score
The 2018 Dodge Durango receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2018 Dodge Durango
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Antilock/Tractive Control/Electronic Limited Slip: Control Unit/Module Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles for potential service brake issues. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System, Wiring: Front Underhood Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 for potential electrical system issues. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Rear Tail Lights Leaking Due To Failing Gasket A common issue where rear tail lights leak due to a failing gasket, leading to costly repairs. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Check Engine Light Illumination Multiple reports of check engine light illumination without specific fault codes or issues identified. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k 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:
23% of reported issues involve service brake problems.
23% of reported issues involve electrical system problems.
16% of reported issues involve rear tail light failures.
16% of reported issues involve check engine light illumination.
Recall Details for the 2018 Dodge Durango
The following 5 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Dodge Durango by NHTSA:
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may incorrectly illuminate the brake lights and disable the ABS and electronic stability control (ESC). In addition, the vehicle operator may be able to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
Consequence: A vehicle that can be started and shifted out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in a vehicle rollaway. Disabled ABS and ESC systems can reduce vehicle handling and control in certain driving situations. Brake lights that incorrectly illuminate can fail to properly indicate the driver's intention to following traffic. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the integrated pressure transducer and update the ABS module software, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 94B. This recall replaces previous recall number 22V-426. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-426 will need to have the new ...
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may illuminate the brake lights, and allow the vehicle to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
Consequence: A vehicle that starts and shifts out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside of the vehicle.
Remedy: This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 24V838. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. The remedy includes updated HCU/ABS module software that prevents the HCU/ABS module from falsely reading pressure in the primary circuit. FCA has decided to do a two-Phase Campaign remedy schedule. Phase 1 began November 17, 2022. Phase 2 begin date ha...
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall o...
Consequence: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the c...
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be d...
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
Consequence: If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Dodge Durango
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Dodge Durango with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale purchased on December 27, 2025. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 82,000. While attempting to purchase an extended warranty, the contact was denied the warranty extension due to the odometer fraud. The contact was presented with a report, whi...
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the spark plugs had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, a week later, while the vehicle was idling, it was vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the same mechanic who diagnosed the ...
FORMAL COMPLAINT Safety Recall 94B (NHTSA Campaign No. 24V-838) I hereby submit this complaint regarding the failure to properly complete Safety Recall 94B (NHTSA Campaign No. 24V-838) involving the HCU/ABS module on my 2018 Dodge Durango. On December 23, 2025, I contacted an authorized Dodge dealer located at 5404 S. Illinois Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60012, to remedy the HCU/ABS defect under ...
Over time, the valvetrain in my engine became gradually louder. Because there were no check engine lights or fault codes, I initially assumed this was a normal characteristic of the engine. That changed on January 2, 2026, when I began to hear a pronounced knocking/loud tapping noise accompanied by a cylinder 8 misfire. At that point, I stopped driving the vehicle and had it towed to a repair sho...
Manufacturer Recall Number94B NHTSA Recall Number24V-838 Recall has been active but without a solution since 2022 and reopened in 2024.
I currently own a 2018 Dodge Durango SXT, the rear tail lights leak due to a failing gasket causing thousands of dollars of repairs, as well as electrical issues. This defect, that Dodge is aware of and refuses to recall, causes major safety issues such as the whole assembly to burn out causing visibility issues and other drivers not being able to see you from behind.
Anti lock brakes do not work. First icy conditions it locked up easily. 94B recall was supposed to be "first quarter of 2025"
(Initially) March of 2023 I had an issue with this vehicle 2018 Dodge Durango RT 2wd 5.7L serious electrical problems gauge cluster All lights and warnings indicators showing on Gauge Cluster..failure to start. I had the vehicle Towed to Dodge dealership in Fontana California and it was diagnosed as a power control module failure it fell short of a factory warranty and no recall .. after diagnosti...
My front passenger headrest deployed while I was driving with no impact.
I was driving to work and when I turned into my job the steering wheel became hard. I parked my truck turned it off and turned it back on and all of my dashboard lights came on and didn’t go away. The truck would not go into any gear. Initially, we thought it was a battery problem so they changed out the battery all the lights turned off but my truck is still not going into any gears. I was told d...
While driving on the Thruway, the vehicle tends to misfire which results in lost power to the engine and shaking of the vehicle. The check engine light starts flashing and it becomes unsafe to maintain speeds. The issue was diagnosed as Cylinder 5 Misfire caused by camshaft and lifter failure. This sudden loss of power while driving at highway speeds could cause an accident if it happens during tr...
The tailgate light has gone out on my 2018 Dodge Durango R/T. Researching online has lead me to discover that this is a known issue that is costing customers thousands of dollars due to a known design flaw. The tailgate light goes out and usually leads to the brake lights and backup camera going out. I do not know when the brakes lights may glitch or go out which can cause an accident. I asked the...
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase on January 10, 2025, the vehicle's mileage was 36,020. After checking the Carfax, the vehicle was flagged for odometer fraud with a current mileage of 74,624. The contact had filed a report with the State Attor...
My vehicle began to misfire after driving roughly 8 miles, check engine light would flash and ding. After shutting vehicle off for a while and restarting it, problem would be gone until driving approximately 8 miles. Brought to Chrysler service center, where they reproduced the problem and determined it is a camshaft or camshaft related issue. Vehicle is parked at that service center awaiting part...
3.6L V6 Engine, Auto Start/Stop light came on followed by check engine light. Codes for multiple misfires, replaced multiple coils and replaced all spark plugs. After all was replaced, still had the same issues. Took it to a local Dodge dealership and they said it was a head gasket but it would have to be sent off to figure out which one.
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while stopped in a Drive-Thru, there was an abnormally loud sound before the driver’s side head restraint unexpectedly deployed. The contact's head was pushed forward with force and struck the steering wheel. There was no injury reported. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed the head restraint's unintended dep...
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the contact noticed an abnormal sound, and the front passenger's side headrest unexpectedly deployed without an impact to the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under an unknown extended warranty coverage; however, the dealer...
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the TIPM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact stated that the...
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V838000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The co...
Rainwater or going through a car wash leaks water into backend lighting compartment which leads to backend lights not working. You can see the water into the lights. Water leaks out the backend when you open or close the back door. No brake lights could cause accidents. Wiring also corrodes and needs replacement due to water corrosion.
Showing 20 of 221 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2018 Dodge Durango
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Seats
Opened 2019-09-09 · Closed 2026-02-25
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deploy...
Component: Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Opened 2021-09-17
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 20...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Dodge Durango
Has the 2018 DODGE DURANGO been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 DODGE DURANGO has 5 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2018 DODGE DURANGO have?
The 2018 DODGE DURANGO has 221 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 9 involved crashes. 4 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 DODGE DURANGO?
The 2018 DODGE DURANGO received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 DODGE DURANGO?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 DODGE DURANGO involve exterior lighting (36 complaints), electrical system (35 complaints), unknown or other (16 complaints). Other affected components include seats, engine, electrical system,exterior lighting.
How many crash reports does the 2018 DODGE DURANGO have?
There are 9 crash reports associated with the 2018 DODGE DURANGO out of 221 total complaints (4.1% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 DODGE DURANGO have?
There are no fire reports for the 2018 DODGE DURANGO in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 DODGE DURANGO?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 DODGE DURANGO.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 DODGE DURANGO?
4 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 DODGE DURANGO. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2018 DODGE DURANGO?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 DODGE DURANGO is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 221 complaints, 5 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 DODGE DURANGO?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 DODGE DURANGO are: 1. EXTERIOR LIGHTING (36 complaints), 2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (35 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (16 complaints), 4. SEATS (16 complaints), 5. ENGINE (10 complaints). EXTERIOR LIGHTING is the single most-reported problem area with 36 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 DODGE DURANGO?
Be cautious of potential service brake and electrical system issues, and check for recalls before purchasing. The 2018 DODGE DURANGO has 221 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2018 DODGE DURANGO?
The 2018 DODGE DURANGO receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 221 owner complaints, 5 recalls, and 9 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Service Brakes, Hydraulic: AntiLock/Tractive Control/Electronic Limited Slip: Control Unit/Module and Electrical System, Wiring: Front Underhood.
What are the known issues with the 2018 DODGE DURANGO?
Known issues with the 2018 DODGE DURANGO include: Service Brakes, Hydraulic: AntiLock/Tractive Control/Electronic Limited Slip: Control Unit/Module, Electrical System, Wiring: Front Underhood, Rear Tail Lights Leaking Due to Failing Gasket, Check Engine Light Illumination. These are based on patterns found across 221 NHTSA complaints. 5 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 Dodge Durango?
Yes, there are recalls for service brakes and electrical system issues.
What are the most common issues reported for the 2018 Dodge Durango?
Common issues include service brake problems, electrical system failures, and rear tail light leaks.
Can the check engine light be a sign of a serious issue?
While the check engine light can indicate various issues, it often does not show specific fault codes or problems.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of potential service brake and electrical system issues, and check for recalls before purchasing.
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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-14