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2016 Dodge Durango Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2016 Dodge Durango carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering wiring and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Water intrusion in rear taillight/racetrack LED assembly.” 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.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Campaign #18V332000 · May 17, 2018

Issue: 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 cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Fix: 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 disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Campaign #16V814000 · Oct 11, 2016

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 10, 2016, to April 28, 2016 and equipped with a 3.6L engine built at the Saltillo engine plant. During the assembly of the engine, the fuel rail crossover tube may have been damaged, which, over time, may result in a fuel leak.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly for damage to the fuel rail crossover tube, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S85.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

Campaign #16V168000 · Mar 23, 2016

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured December 9, 2015, to January 14, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the left front brake caliper may crack due to being made from an incorrect material.

Risk: A cracked brake caliper may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front left brake caliper and depending on its casting date, replace it, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 12, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S16.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2016 Dodge Durango.

Reported to NHTSA

Water intrusion in rear taillight/racetrack LED assembly

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

50 NHTSA complaints · 2017-04 → 2025-07

“Around Thanksgiving of this year (2022), I noticed that my taillight housing for the center LED Racetrack lighting on my 2016 Dodge Durango was retaining water. I found this odd because light housings are supposed to be sealed and not allow water to enter”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11496498
“WATER POOLING INSIDE OF CENTER RACETRACK TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY HAS CAUSED LED LIGHTS TO SHORT OUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11080854
“WATER LEAKS INTO AND POOLS IN REAR TAIL LIGHTS/BRAKE LIGHT CAUSING THEM TO FAIL. RESEARCH HAS FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11291663

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Oil leak and cylinder misfire in 3.6L engine

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2021-08 → 2023-06

“Component or system failed or malfunctioned: The engine It appears there is a common problem with the 3.6L V6 F DOHC 24V engines in the Dodge and/or Chrysler auto line. The problem is a misfire in cylinder #2”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11500670
“Very common cylinder 2 misfire. Replaced all spark plugs and the cylinder two ignition coil. Replaced upper and lower intake gasket seals, replaced the fuel injector. Still having issues with misfire”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11429563
“The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that he discovered an oil leak in the engine after the check engine warning light illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11450926

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Harsh downshift shock from 2nd to 1st gear

POWER TRAIN

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-04 → 2019-08

“WHEN DOWNSHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 1ST GEAR, TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT SMOOTHLY. EXHIBITS A JOLT FORWARD, ESPECIALLY WHEN COMING TO A FULL STOP. ISSUE OBSERVED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11243436
“TRANSMISSION HARD DOWNSHIFT FROM 2ND TO 1ST GEAR AND VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND FROM 4TH TO 5TH GEAR AT TIMES WHILE UP SHIFTS AT SLOW CRUISING SPEED IT FEELS LIKE IT'S BOGGING BEFORE SHIFTING UP TO 5TH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11229995
“WHILE DECELERATING, AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, EXPERIENCED A SEVERE BUMP DURING DOWNSHIFT CAUSING DRIVER TO LOSE TEMPORARY FOOT TO BRAKE PEDAL CONTACT. OCCURRED IN TRAFFIC APPROACHING TRAFFIC LIGHT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11085083

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unexpected active head restraint deployment

SEATS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2016-09 → 2026-08

“Passenger active headrest deployed while parked on driveway”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11708040
“WHILE DRIVING AT CRUISING SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY, THE FRONT PASSENGER "ACTIVE HEAD RESTRAINT" DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. NO IMPACT, NO LARGE BUMP OR POTHOLE...JUST RANDOM. IT HIT MY WIFE IN THE HEAD/NECK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10903739
“My wife was driving down the road when out of no where her headrest just deployed slamming into the back of her head. After examining the headrest it was clear that a plastic piece had deteriorated causing the headrest to release”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11426712

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended vehicle movement after shifting to park

POWER TRAIN

26 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 → 2023-11

“VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, ENGINE RUNNING, WHILE OWNER WAS PUMPING GAS AT THE STATION. WITH THE DRIVER'S DOOR AJAR, HE WAS STANDING OUTSIDE FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF IN REVERSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10936594
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE DURANGO. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND STILL IN THE PARK POSITION, IT ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AND CRASHED INTO THE NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10954479
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE ELECTRONIC ROTARY CONTROL FAILED TO REVERSE THE VEHICLE AND, INSTEAD, IT INDEPENDENTLY SURGED FORWARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11019434

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unexpected engine shutdown while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

16 NHTSA complaints · 2018-01 → 2025-11

“THE TRUCK JUST SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING AND NOW IT WON'T EVEN START SO I AM OUT OF A CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11109792
“WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY. I HAD TO SHIFT TO PARK AND RESTART THE TRUCK, THEN SHIFT TO DRIVE. THIS HAPPENED AT LEAST TWICE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11297917
“MY CAR STALLED ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. I ALMOST GOT HIT BY AN 18 WHEELER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11330207

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 2 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)

7 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.

23

complaints mentioning a crash

1

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 2016 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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