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2011 Dodge Durango Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2011 Dodge Durango carries 8 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering alternator/generator/regulator and service brakes. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “5.7L Hemi camshaft and lifter failure.” Dodge uses Stellantis' Oil Change Indicator — it watches engine load and duty cycle and messages when to change oil, capped at 10,000 miles or 12 months. Know your engine: the 3.6L Pentastar V6 goes 100,000 miles on plugs, while HEMI V8s carry sixteen plugs (two per cylinder) on a roughly 30,000-mile interval — that's a real cost difference at the service counter. HEMI models with MDS cylinder deactivation are especially sensitive to overdue oil.

8 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Campaign #17V435000 · Oct 7, 2017

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.

Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.

SERVICE BRAKES

Campaign #17V572000 · Sep 18, 2017

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles had brake booster shields installed under a previous campaign to prevent water from entering the brake booster and limiting braking ability. This recall is to verify that the brake booster shield installation was performed properly.

Risk: If the brake booster shield was not installed properly, the vehicle's braking ability may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster shield, correcting the installation as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November10, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T59.

SERVICE BRAKES

Campaign #14V154000 · Jan 4, 2014

Issue: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured from January 5, 2010, through September 8, 2013. The subject vehicles have a brake booster with a center shell that may corrode and allow water to get inside.

Risk: The water inside could freeze and limit the braking ability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a water diverter shield to the booster after the booster has been tested to confirm it can hold an acceptable amount of vacuum pressure. If the booster inspection confirms an unacceptable loss of vacuum pressure, the booster will be replaced. Repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is P14.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Campaign #14V391000 · Feb 7, 2014

Issue: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 5, 2010, through December 11, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after a service repair is performed.

Risk: If the vanity lamp wiring shorts, there is an increased risk of fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair any damaged wiring, and install a new sun visor that properly routes the wire, free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P36.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Campaign #15V879000 · Dec 28, 2015

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured December 3, 2009, to September 1, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after having been remedied for a prior recall for the vanity lamp wiring. This recall is also addressing certain vehicles that have not been remedied under that prior recall.

Risk: The vanity lamp wiring may short, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealer will install clearance for sun visor wiring, protection from sharp edges, and replace the sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R71.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign #14V530000 · Apr 9, 2014

Issue: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 5, 2010, to July 20, 2011, and equipped with either a 3.6L or 5.7L engine. In the affected vehicles, the fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.

Risk: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump relay with one external to the TIPM, free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P54. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall 19V813.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Campaign #14V634000 · Aug 10, 2014

Issue: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.

Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign #19V813000 · Nov 14, 2019

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 3.6, 5.7, or 6.4 liter engine and previously recalled under NHTSA Recall 14V530 or 15V115. The fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.

Risk: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) will replace the affected fuel pump relay and related wire harness. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed beginning December 19, 2019. Vehicles that experience a fuel pump failure will receive an interim repair. Owners will receive a second notice when the final remedy becomes available. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V62.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2011 Dodge Durango.

Reported to NHTSA

5.7L Hemi camshaft and lifter failure

ENGINE

9 NHTSA complaints · 2019-01 → 2021-03

“5.7L HEMI ENGINE DEFECT: AT 105,665 MILES THE ENGINE HAS DEVELOPED A FLATTENED CAM ALONG WITH DAMAGED LIFTERS AT NUMBER EIGHT CYLINDER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11166046
“HEMI V8 CAM & LIFTERS FAILURE DOE TO DESIGN FLAW HAD TO ALSO CHANGE OIL PUMP DOE TO METAL SHAVINGS GETTING IN THERE COSTLY REPAIR MINE HAPPENED AT 144,000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11231842
“MY LIFTERS AND CAM SHAFT IS OUT IN MY MOTOR AND WHEN CALLED FOR PRICING FOR A NEW MOTOR THEY SAY THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL NOW I HAVE TO PAY DODGE $3800 DOLLARS TO REPLACE EVERYTHING AND I JUST HAVE 118 THOUSAND MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11403635

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Service brake pedal and booster failure

SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2025-11

“THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE SIMPLY BROKE UPON REGULAR DEPLOYMENT. THE FAILURE HAPPENED ON A LOW GRADE HILL, NOT A STEEP HILL. THE DEALERSHIP, KING'S DODGE, CINCINNATI, REPORTED THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS WEATHER CORROSION TO THE COMPONENTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11288622
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO ENGAGE. IN ORDER TO AVOID A REAR END COLLISON, THE CONTACT SWERVED TO THE LEFT AND DROVE ONTO A GRASS MEDIAN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11110830
“Had an oil check in which they checked the breaks. Reported breaks as a 3. They recommended new brake pads. I only put 6000 miles on the car since I purchased it. It has 24747 miles and needs new rear brakes”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11698315

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump relay stall / loss of power while driving

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

94 NHTSA complaints · 2018-03 → 2026-08

“The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while reversing into a parking space, the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where the fuel pump relay was replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11759386
“All current recalls have been performed on this vehicle. While making left and right hand turns after coasting down from a highway speed (55MPH or greater) the vehicle will stall. We will loose all power steering and brakes”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11442844
“ENGINE STALLING WHILE DRIVING, SPECIALLY WHILE TAKING A TURN. THIS CAUSE LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER IN THE CAR INCLUDING THE BRAKES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11094029

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Alternator failure with smoke or fire damaging PCM

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

36 NHTSA complaints · 2018-04 → 2026-05

“The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while exiting her residential driveway, driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated that several warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that she heard a noise that came from the engine compartment”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11611380
“THE ALTERNATOR CAUSES MY TRUCK TO STALL AT TIMES, AND NOT START AT OTHER TIMES, I HAVE GONE THROUGH TWO BATTERIES AS A RESULT OF THIS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11113275

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transfer case stuck in AWD low

POWER TRAIN

9 NHTSA complaints · 2018-12 → 2023-10

“TRANSFER CASE SWITCHES FROM AWD TO AWD LOW ON ITS OWN WHICH CAN CAUSE A ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY. THE TRANSFER CASE WILL NOT SWITCH TO AWD LOW WHEN BUTTON IS ENGAGED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11288956
“IT GOES INTO 4LOW WITHOUT TURNING THE SWITCH ON. MAKES IT UNSAFE TO TURN SHARP AND FAST. WE REPLACED THE TRANSFER CASE SWITCH AND IT STILL DOES IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11257867
“MY CAR GETS STUCK IN 4LOW WHEN IN AWD. CAR STALLS ALL THE TIME THEY HAVE NOT FIXED THAT RECALL AS OF YET. MY CHECK ENGINE COMES ON AND TIRE SENSORS TO 0 ON ALL SIDES WHEN TIRES ARE FINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11343978

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag warning light and deployment failure

AIR BAGS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-05 → 2022-09

“Durango was T-boned on driver's side. Durango was turning left into a parking lot from a county road. Tahoe was going 50-55+mph in the same lane and direction as Durango. Durango put on left turn signal, slowed down to ~10mph, and turned left towards parking lot”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11486901
“The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that after start-up, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where she was informed that the wiring on the inside of the driver’s side belt buckle was defective”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11441068
“We were sitting in the driveway, getting ready to go, and all of the sudden the passenger side airbag exploded open, without any warning hitting my passenger in the head. There was no warning at all, it just deployed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11420691

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 5 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Change Indicator)

Every 10,000 mi

Change when the indicator says so — never beyond 10,000 miles or 12 months. Pentastar 3.6L: 0W-20. HEMI 5.7L: 5W-20 (0W-40 for 6.4L SRT). MDS-equipped HEMIs punish stretched oil intervals with lifter and cam wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate every 8,000 miles. Charger/Challenger R/T and Scat Pack: staggered-width setups can't rotate front-to-rear — budget rear tires accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads and rotors at every oil change. Heavy Durangos used for towing and hard-driven Chargers both run through rear pads faster than the front-pad-first rule of thumb suggests.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Spark Plugs

Every 30,000 mi

HEMI 5.7L: sixteen plugs roughly every 30,000 miles — check your year's manual. Pentastar 3.6L (Charger/Challenger V6, Durango V6, Journey, Grand Caravan): 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Grand Caravan/Journey (62TE): ATF+4 service every 60,000 miles in family duty. Charger/Challenger/Durango with the TorqueFlite 8-speed: no published normal interval, but specialists recommend service around 60,000-100,000 miles — sooner with towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

RWD Charger/Challenger and AWD Durango: replace rear diff fluid around 60,000 miles, sooner with towing or drag-strip duty. Limited-slip units need the friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles. HEMIs pull serious airflow — a clogged filter costs measurable power before it throws a code.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles, replace on cracking or glazing. On the HEMI, a shredded belt can take the cooling drive with it mid-drive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace every 20,000 miles where equipped (behind the glovebox on most models). Some earlier Journeys and Avengers shipped without one — check before buying a filter.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (OAT)

Every 100,000 mi

Stellantis OAT coolant is scheduled for 10 years / 150,000 miles; shops commonly refresh by 100,000. OAT-compatible coolant only — mixing chemistries gels the system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Big-audio Chargers and tow-package Durangos lean on the battery hard; weak batteries surface as gremlins in the electronics before they fail to crank.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

22 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

15

complaints mentioning a crash

57

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2011 Dodge Durango reflects Dodge's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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