What 502 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Dodge Durango Pursuit

Driver headrest deployed without any accident. I was sitting in my car and the headrest made a loud bang and hit the back of my head causing me whiplash

NHTSA ODI 11747251

03/27/2026 Driver headrest popped open while I was sitting in the driver's seat in my driveway for no reason. Other than a very load bang and a headache from being struck in the head, nothing else was damaged.

NHTSA ODI 11732800

Engine light came on, no warning. Took to garage to check diagnostic system, went through system, did some work and light went off. Week later, light back on..took back to garage - they documented all they saw within diagnostic system and sent me to dealer. There was no indication of failure, drove fine but dealer made appt. Did some research and found out this year/make/model had complete engine failure at low mileage. No recall ever made. 3.6L Pentastar V6. Dealer took apart manifold, ran compression test, intake/exhaust valves leaking, engine block flatness - had to replace engine block. No precipitation of this issue other than engine light. A complete engine failure without an accident, at low mileage and a known issue without a recall on a specific engine is quite concerning. I basically paid $14, 400 for a new engine where I could have bought a used Durango . My 2000 Durango had well over 100k miles when I donated to charity and purchased this 2015 in 2016 off lot as used with 22 miles on it. I am not sure how to reconcile this damage and out-of-pocket expense for a known issue when no recall was made. Did I buy a lemon? Given the same engine was put back in, will I have to replace again in another 50k miles? I feel like I am due some type of refund given this problem is a known problem but no recall was issued. Thankfully it did not overheat, blow the engine while driving or cause an accident given this issue was a ticking time bomb.

NHTSA ODI 11731627

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Passenger and driver seat caught on fire spontaneously, engine or battery has also been dying/ malfunctioning, touch screen also has issues. Yes available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Almost burned by seat of if I didn’t smell a burning smell. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not yet. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not yet. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No.

NHTSA ODI 11729015

The fuel pump system has failed. The vehicle will turn over but will not start, it tries to start but keeps dying out as it’s cranking over. My vehicle is the only means of transportation for myself and kids.

NHTSA ODI 11727199

I have not had an issue as of yet...but my insurance company has warned me of 4 recalls that are apparently active on my vehicle and told me to come to your site to verify, but it says there are zero recalls on my vehicle, so I am wary of what to do. I was told by a local mechanic that one of the things listed in the recalls was potentially a issue for me but I would need to take my vehicle to the dealership to have it rectified. I do not want to have to pay for something if it is truly on a recall! I have children and I want my vehicle to be safe not only for them, but for myself and all those on the road around me, please help me verify these recalls are not just unfounded! I will attach a screen shot of what my insurance says is being and needed recalled below!

NHTSA ODI 11726600

On Saturday, March 7, 2026 my husband was driving our 2015 Dodge Durango when the driver seat head rest popped out unexpectedly. There was no accident, no sudden breaking, no impact of any kind, no hitting bump in the road, etc. There was no serious injury or accident caused by this happening, however the sudden and unexpected occurrence caught my husband by surprise as he was driving and startled him. There were no warning lights or sounds. This was completely unexpected. The disengaged head rest is still in on the driver seat. This makes for a very uncomfortable position for the driver and should there be an accident, it could cause injury to the driver.

NHTSA ODI 11723877

Driving down the road on 2 different instances and the head rest deployed on its own fist the driver side next the passenger side. Can’t be reset the clip inside broke. Do accident at all.

NHTSA ODI 11718446

**Subject:** Request for Investigation – Dodge Durango Taillight Water Intrusion and Safety Hazard To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally request that the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA) investigate a widespread and potentially dangerous manufacturing flaw affecting Dodge Durango vehicles. Both my vehicle and a significant number of other Dodge Durango owners have experienced a recurring issue where water enters the taillight assembly. This intrusion causes the taillights to malfunction, resulting in the lights going out unexpectedly. This defect not only compromises vehicle safety by reducing visibility and signaling capability, but also poses a risk of further electrical damage. In some cases, owners have reported concerns about potential electrical failures and even fire hazards due to water exposure within the taillight housing. Given the prevalence of this issue among Dodge Durango owners, I strongly urge the NHTSA to conduct a thorough investigation and require the manufacturer to address this defect. Importantly, any corrective action should be provided at no out-of-pocket cost to affected vehicle owners, as this is a clear manufacturing flaw that impacts safety and reliability. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to your response and to seeing appropriate action taken to protect consumers and ensure vehicle safety. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11712855

2015 Dodge Durango AWD rolls downhill while in Park. Electronic parking brake engages and locks rear wheels, but vehicle still moves. Rear wheels slide while front wheels roll. Occurred multiple times over several years, including a recent incident where a person was nearly struck. Dealer unable to diagnose.”

NHTSA ODI 11711668

While the vehicle was parked and not in operation, the passenger-side active head restraint suddenly deployed forward on its own. There was no collision, no braking event, no external force, and no warning lamps, messages or other systems of the problem or that it was going to occur. The deployment was unexpected and presents a risk of head or neck injury, as the active head restraint is designed to move only during a rear-impact event. This appears to be a known defect, as the manufacturer previously issued Warranty Extension X88 related to unintended Active Head Restraint deployment on certain 2014–2015 Dodge Durango vehicles. A Dodge dealership refused to repair the defect, stating the warranty extension expired, and quoted over $800 for repair. The dealership did not provide a written denial or repair order. This condition involves a federally required safety system and constitutes a safety defect.

NHTSA ODI 11707352

When I first got the car I didn’t notice the problem until one day it rained very hard and I didn’t care that much to drive I sat that night out and waited until the next day I go out to my car and my rear light bar the race track taillight completely out like it wasn’t on where my truck is the outside lights where the break lights are was on but the truck area is out I’m receiving citations after citations for this reason I can’t get insurance because they won’t pass the inspection for that light common sense but I told my car lot mega moters here in the Houston area they told me they couldn’t help me with the issue so I’m in a deep depression and I love my car but this issue is going to far now and I’m willing to fix if it’s fixed able but this issue is definitely with dodge themselves I’ve noticed a couple more Durangos rear taillights out on the road also I be wanna stop them and ask about the issue because I need help

NHTSA ODI 11705253

The driver's side head rest deployed while I was driving on the highway without any collision and struck me in the back of the head hard. I did experience some whiplash symptoms for a few days as was confirmed by my chiropractor doctor. Post inspection revealed the plastic retaining brackets failed and the spring force released and deployed the headrest. I contacted Chrysler customer care (reference case #94643848) and was told my vehicle was just past the 10 year warranty period by 3 months and they would not cover the replacement cost. The replacement would be nice but what about the safety aspect? Why wasn't this a mandatory recall? Like the air bags issue years ago.

NHTSA ODI 11701573

Headrests popped off

NHTSA ODI 11699293

The contact's fiancé owns a 2015 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, the front, passenger side headrest air bag deployed without impact. The contact stated that the air bag hit the contact's fiancé in the neck. The contact's fiancé had suffered from neck pain as a result of the incident, but did not seek medical assistance. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and was given the same information as the dealer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11698901

Goodyear Fortera HL, M&S 265 / 50R 20, tread separated from driver side rear tire, [XXX] at 11:15am, while driving speed limit on [XXX] . The tire was not flat (see photos), but the tread was completely gone and I was riding on steel belts. Extensive damage was done to the left rear quarter of the vehicle, and underneath the wheel well. Estimate over $3,500.00. I also had to replace two rear tires, over $500.00. This incident happened while I was out of state and on vacation. When I returned to my home in Florida, I called Goodyear Property Damage group, but they said that they could do nothing to help me without getting the damaged tire back to the company. Unfortunately, Mavis Tire in Matthews, NC disposed of the tire. I offered to send Goodyear photos of the damaged tire and vehicle, but they refused because they said that they needed the tire. No warning lamps, messages or symptoms occurred prior to the incident. AAA, Mavis tire, Classic Collision Ocala and insurance representatives have inspected the vehicle damage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11693343

My Durango was sitting for 2days and caught on fire.Started in the rear back of the truck on the passenger side. Fire Dept said it was Electrical and 10,000 dollars of damage.

NHTSA ODI 11690903

Both headrests in front seat deployed while driving causing neck pain and almost caused an accident. I was driving on the highway and it popped and hit my head forcing my head forward and me losing focus. No warning signs. Looked up the issue and it seems to be a known issue for the vehicle. Have not taken to the dealer as I do not have the money to replace them.

NHTSA ODI 11688745

When driving home from work the car started malfunctioning wrong , accelerating by itself and I started to smell smoke when I pulled over to the side I started smelling smoke as soon I exited the vehicle it started flaming. Everything in my vehicle was burnt the fire department came and stated I should look up any recalls they said it was electrical. I bought the vehicle 30 days ago , dealership will not help neither the loan company I'm stuck with a vehicle who was sold with electrical problems almost to my life.

NHTSA ODI 11688515

-Recall Symptom (2011–2013 Recall P54/V62) Fuel pump relay defect in TIPM caused no-start condition -My Vehicle Failure (2015 Dodge Durango) Repeated no-start condition after fuse failure -Recall Symptom (2011–2013 Recall P54/V62) Relay defect caused fuel pump circuit to overload or fail -My Vehicle Failure (2015 Dodge Durango) Main and auxiliary fuel pumps both failed (“fried” quoted by Dealership) -Recall Symptom (2011–2013 Recall P54/V62) Vehicles stalled or lost power due to electrical fault -My Vehicle Failure (2015 Dodge Durango) Vehicle undriveable due to pump failure and blown fuses -Recall Symptom (2011–2013 Recall P54/V62) Recall remedy: external relay harness installed to bypass defect -My Vehicle Failure (2015 Dodge Durango) No remedy offered; repeated fuse replacements also failed

NHTSA ODI 11683308

The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact returned to the vehicle to retrieve a work bag from the trunk. The contact noticed that there was smoke inside the vehicle, and flames were coming from underneath the front passenger's side seat. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with his breath, hand, and a cloth; however, the smoke persisted. The fire department was contacted and arrived at the scene. The fire department confirmed that the fire originated from the battery. No police report or fire department report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an autobody repair shop by the insurance company for an estimate of the repair. The contact sustained smoke inhalation but had not yet received medical assistance. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.

NHTSA ODI 11679862

The drivers side head rest busted open while driving down the highway. Smacked my head pretty good and startled me while in the roadway.

NHTSA ODI 11678051

Cooling system

NHTSA ODI 11675549

The active headrest failed. It is a safety issue due to it failing out of nowhere with no signs of an issue. It broke free and pushed my head forward aggressively causing neck pain. I am a licensed mechanic and verified the cause of failure.

NHTSA ODI 11674437

Walked out to my car and noticed that my passenger seat headrest had deployed and I am not able to get it to reset back into place. The car was not involved in an accident and hasn’t been driven for several days, this just happened on its own. I’m thankful I wasn’t driving and it didn’t happen to the driver seat and even more thankful that it didn’t happen with a passenger in that seat.

NHTSA ODI 11669070