Home · 2017 Dodge Durango · Complaints

What 209 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Dodge Durango

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (209)Crash / fire / injury (18)Lights (79)Electrical system (61)Engine (28)Transmission & drivetrain (23)Fuel system (15)Steering (11)Body & structure (10)Seats (10)Speed control (10)Brakes (8)

Newest first · 209 complaints · page 1 of 9

May 25, 2026Engine

Vehicle overheats while at a stop. Problem has been happening for past 8 months. Leaking antifreeze under transmission. Shop unable to diagnose problem after various attempts. Researched problem online and discovered many 2017 durango owners are having issue. Many saying it's due to manufacture problem. It's a safety issue for my family and I since I don't know what the problem is to fix it.

NHTSA ODI 11739965

May 8, 2026Speed controlBrakes

Runaway vehicle, police was called after car stopped and I was able to safely park it on the side of the freeway.also a police officer on motorcycle came the the scene to make sure I was able to get a towing scheduled. Dealership currently confirmed gas pedal accelerator needing to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11736460

May 8, 2026

While driving the ABS light came on causing the abs lock to turn off increasing instability to cars performance.

NHTSA ODI 11736461

Apr 29, 2026Electrical systemBrakesEngine

The vehicle involved is a 2017 Dodge Durango. The primary systems malfunctioning include the engine cooling system, braking system, and electrical system. The engine repeatedly overheats while driving and has produced smoke from under the hood, creating a risk of breakdown or fire. The braking system is unreliable, with the brake pedal going down too far and not providing proper stopping power, increasing the risk of a crash. The electrical system malfunctions unpredictably, including windshield wipers and interior controls turning on and off without input. These issues have occurred multiple times and have left the vehicle stranded on the side of the road, including at night. This has placed the driver and passengers at risk in unsafe conditions and traffic environments. The problems began shortly after purchase and have been ongoing. The issues have not been properly resolved. A mechanic was supposed to inspect the vehicle, but it is UNKNOWN if a full inspection was completed. Warning signs included overheating temperature readings, smoke, weak braking response, and electrical irregularities prior to failure. The vehicle is currently not reliable or safe to operate due to these ongoing safety defects.

NHTSA ODI 11734696

Apr 6, 2026Electrical systemFuel system

I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety‑related failure involving the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) in my 2017 Dodge Durango. Although my vehicle is not included in the 2011–2013 recall window for Safety Notice R0 / NHTSA 14V‑115, it experienced the same dangerous malfunction described in that recall. The TIPM failed without warning and caused a catastrophic failure of the fuel pump. As a result, the vehicle would crank but would not start, leaving my wife stranded and requiring a tow to an automotive repair facility. The repair shop confirmed that the TIPM malfunction caused the fuel pump to fail internally and come apart inside the fuel tank. The TIPM installed in the vehicle is part number P68251629AC A, vendor code 16238DA, with an additional number of 16317G. The TIPM was not inspected anyone other than the repair facility and there were no warning lights or codes prior the failure. The quoted cost for parts and labor to correct this safety‑related defect is 2,100. FCA has refused to cover the repair because my vehicle falls outside the recall years, despite the failure matching the symptoms and safety risks identified in NHTSA Campaign 14V‑115. Given the severity of the failure, the safety risk posed to my family, and the clear similarity to the known TIPM defect, I am requesting NHTSA’s assistance in reviewing this incident, determining whether the recall should be expanded to include additional model years, and supporting my request for FCA to cover the full cost of repairs or reimburse me for the necessary corrective work. This failure created a hazardous situation and resulted in significant financial burden for a defect consistent with an already‑recognized safety issue. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this matter and take appropriate action.

NHTSA ODI 11729495

Mar 19, 2026Electrical systemLights

Approximately 3 years ago we noticed water accumulating in the rear light. They refer to it as a race track light bar. Went to dealer who said not covered under warranty, and it would be $1,455 to replace. I did not have the money at that time to replace it. So we kept draining the water, as I noticed the light getting dimmer. I charged the $1455 and replaced it. 1/8/23. I did find that there were numerous complaints. and this week I found water in the entire light had approximately 3 inches of water in it. We drained it and I contacted the dealer who advised that the 24 month warranty was up Jan 2026 (two months ago. I just found information that there is a class action lawsuit regarding this and since they determined ti is a safety issued there is a jury trial scheduled end of this year. and the manufacturer refused to repair or replace. I just took pictures and noticed a fair vertical crack. l am trying to included a picture but cant convert to jpeg. I am very concerned as the rear lights will dim and hopefully I dont get rear ended.

NHTSA ODI 11725587

Mar 11, 2026Lights

Race light tail lights went out. Water can get in around light . Known issue in class action lawsuit

NHTSA ODI 11723562

Feb 7, 2026Electrical systemEngineFuel system

Push start vehicle stalls 3 to 5 times. While driving the dash board flickers on and off. Navigation system screen blacks out radio turns on when I have it off. Reverse camera also glitches and works sometimes. The inside lights dim up and down. The passengers window goes down on its own.and has caused the rain to damage personal items of ours.

NHTSA ODI 11716366

Feb 1, 2026Electrical systemEngine

We have researched and noticed there was an open recall in the past with the PCM. We are now experiencing issues such as rough idling, poor fuel economy, stalling and poor acceleration.

NHTSA ODI 11714838

Jan 25, 2026Lights

UNKNOWN

NHTSA ODI 11713168

Jan 23, 2026Electrical systemLights

I am filing a complaint regarding a known defect with the rear racetrack taillight assembly on the 2017 Dodge Durango GT. The rear racetrack taillight allows water and moisture to enter the sealed housing. Over time, this causes condensation buildup, corrosion, and partial or complete failure of the LED lighting. In my case, the racetrack light has gone out and shows visible water inside the assembly. This issue creates a safety concern because the rear lighting becomes dim or nonfunctional, reducing visibility to other drivers, especially at night or during rain. In some cases, the electrical issues may also affect other vehicle lighting or electrical components. This problem is widely reported by many Dodge Durango owners across multiple model years, yet the taillight assembly design has not been properly corrected. Owners are often required to replace the entire racetrack taillight at high cost, even though the failure is due to a design defect rather than wear and tear. I believe this issue should be formally investigated, acknowledged, and addressed through a recall or manufacturer-supported repair, as it impacts vehicle safety and visibility. + Affects IPC and electrical of vehicle where dimming is not happening and flashes which could lead to IPC failure and high costs additionally. Thank you for reviewing this complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11712862

Nov 22, 2025Electrical systemSpeed controlCrash

I bought my car with 50,000 miles. I didn’t even have 55,000 and my car started have electrical issues with the speedometer, my dashboard started glitching with all the lights including an A with exclamation mark. I took it to the Dodge dealership in Huntsville and said they couldn’t do anything about it since the recall seemed to be repair but they couldn’t clear the code. My truck has had the same issue with the recall. My car was never repaired from the recall. My vehicle is dangerous to drive on the freeway as I will get this code a! And the speed will automatically drop. I really need help as this recall was never resolved on my car

NHTSA ODI 11700967

Nov 16, 2025Electrical system

While driving; the vehicles dashboard, navigation system, entire vehicles light glitches as well as speed diminishes but doesn't completely shuts off only for seconds at a time causing the vehicle to continue accelerating while also pulling back like a chocking sensation as dashboard speed goes from 0mph to a lower speed vehicle was previously traviling at.

NHTSA ODI 11699644

Nov 15, 2025Seats1 injury

I had just parked my vehicle in my drive and turned it off. I opened my door then sat back in my seat to stretch my back, sitting straight up with my head against the headrest, before getting out. As soon as I leaned my head against the headrest it, for lack of better terms, exploded into the back of my head. It hit me with such force I was not sure what had happened as there was nobody around me that could’ve cause it. Sure enough there was no accident to cause it. I have had a headache and back pain for a week due to it.

NHTSA ODI 11699572

Nov 12, 2025Electrical systemFuel system

Unknown

NHTSA ODI 11698980

Oct 9, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked and hesitated to respond, and the engine made an abnormal revving sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for brake servicing, the contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V541000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included on the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure had persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. 

NHTSA ODI 11692429

Oct 5, 2025Seats

While driving, the Active Headrest Restraint deployed on the passenger side WITHOUT accident. It appears the plastic piece that holds the pin broke. Luckily there wasn't a passenger present but this could've done serious head injury. This also puts the driver at risk for the driver side could deploy randomly. There were no messages or warnings or any symptoms indicating to the failure.

NHTSA ODI 11691461

Aug 11, 2025Electrical system

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while attempting to add the vehicle to the insurance company policy, the Carfax history report showed a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 69,752; however, it was later discovered on the Carfax history report that the mileage was 153,000 on December 22, 2022.

NHTSA ODI 11679843

Jul 31, 2025Lights

Lower portions of rear tail light are failing due to water infiltration.

NHTSA ODI 11677641

Jun 28, 2025Speed control

Cruise control will engage and disengage. The cruise light will flicker on screen. When pressed it will not engage or come on at all

NHTSA ODI 11669868

Jun 2, 2025BrakesDriver assistance

When backing with trailer or and hitch usage the car will not allow the driver to turn off the parking assist “off” button its been a ongoing issue with many dodge vehicles and the dealer ships will say a update is needed and charge for it. How ever we dont know when its needed and get stuck in a parking lot tryna back up or in the middle of a street trying to back up a trailer. When you turn it off the button will turn it self back on and brake as if it is an emergency so your stuck with a trailer on the vehicle and cant park.

NHTSA ODI 11664476

May 19, 2025Engine

Bought a used 17 Dodge Durango from Audi Hunt Valley of autonation July of 2024 nothing but any problem misfires camshaft issue camshaft has been replaced twice now in less than a year and now it needs a new transmission. I purchased an extended warranty for engine and transmission. Now they are not covering it I spoke to somebody through corporate office. Put a complaint in. I also contacted Dodge. There’s also a claim with them as well. Nobody has reached out for the corporate office so I bought a vehicle that didn’t even last a year that needs a transmission. That’s not a reliable vehicle safety concern I have all documentation from repair shops that work has been done. I’ve also have been in contact with an attorney about this so something needs to be done ASAP before I file a lawsuit. I want a different vehicle or my money back.

NHTSA ODI 11661959

May 5, 2025Lights

Rear liftgate taillight assembly seal has failed allowing water to get in. As a result, the led lighting element has failed which dramatically reduces rear visibility by other vehicles.

NHTSA ODI 11658994

Mar 26, 2025

I'm reporting the race track tailgate light on my 2017 durango has been taking in water from top of the light. I have been reading about a law suit against Dodge cause of this issue on 2014 thru 2023 dodge durango. So im putting my complaint in on my cause its doing the same thing. part of the lower left side on mine has shorted out due to the water leaking from the top of the race track light.

NHTSA ODI 11650828

Feb 11, 2025Electrical system

My race track tail lights and license plate lights just stopped working all together. This poses visibility issues of a safety concern for those approaching from behind me. No warnings or other symptoms/issues were present. No LED lights were burnt out prior to all of the lights not working all at once. They all were working in the morning when I left for work and then did not turn on when I left work that day. I checked the fuse which is fine. All other lights on the side of the quarter panels (ie. turn signals, reverse lights, tail lights) work and the brake light at the top of the lift gate works properly.

NHTSA ODI 11641957

Older →

Working with the data? Download all 209 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 14, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2017 Dodge Durango verdict →