PROBLEM GUIDE

2011–2016 Dodge Durango Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated August 2026

782

complaints filed for the 2014 model year

2011–2016

Model years affected

$1,650 – $2,150

Typical repair cost, by problem

IMPORTANT — this vehicle has a severe safety complaint on record: a carbon monoxide leak poisoned all 5 members of a family inside the vehicle, according to the fire department that responded. No recall covers this. Separately, an active headrest spontaneously deploys without warning — the single most frequent complaint category in the sample. The same defect is reported on the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Quick Scan: 20 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

Cabin carbon monoxide leak poisoned an entire family

All 5 family members poisoned, according to the fire department

Check engine light: Off

A carbon monoxide leak poisoned all 5 members of a family inside the vehicle — "fire department detected a carbon monoxide leak in the vehicle. All 5 family members were poisoned." No carbon monoxide or exhaust-related recall covers this model year.

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Active headrest spontaneously deploys without warning

The most frequent complaint category in the sample

Check engine light: Off

The active headrest spontaneously deploys without warning during normal driving or while parked — "headrest suddenly and unexpectedly deployed/exploded, striking the back of my head." This is the single most frequent complaint category in the sample. The same active-headrest defect is documented on the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

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Seat belts fail to retract properly

Driver and passenger positions affected

Check engine light: Off

Driver and passenger seat belts fail to retract properly.

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Tail light water intrusion causes rear LED failures

Water leaks into and pools in the tail lights

Check engine light: Off

Tail light water intrusion causes rear LED failures — "water leaks into and pools in the tail lights."

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Transmission slipping and failure to respond

During acceleration

Check engine light: On

Transmission slipping and failure to respond during acceleration is documented, alongside a transfer case failure.

$1,900155,000 mi

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Exhaust Manifold Bolts May Break

Exhaust manifold bolts may break

Check engine light: Off

Exhaust manifold bolts may break. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 247 owner reports on file.

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Water May Pass Through the Cowl Screen During Heavy Rain or Car Wash

Water passes through the cowl screen during heavy rain or a car wash

Check engine light: Off

Water passes through the cowl screen during heavy rain or a car wash. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 142 owner reports on file.

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Rough Idle and/or Stalling Due to Clogged EGR Tube

Rough idle and/or stalling occurs due to a clogged EGR tube

Check engine light: On

Rough idle and/or stalling occurs due to a clogged EGR tube. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 121 owner reports on file.

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Camshaft Position Sensor Failure Causes No-Start or Stalling

Camshaft position sensor failure causes a no-start condition or stalling

Check engine light: On

Camshaft position sensor failure causes a no-start condition or stalling. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 108 owner reports on file.

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Transfer Case May Shift Into 4WD/4Lo On Its Own

The transfer case may shift into 4WD or 4Lo on its own, without driver input

Check engine light: Off

The transfer case may shift into 4WD or 4Lo on its own, without driver input. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 105 owner reports on file.

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Musty Odor From AC Vents

A musty odor comes from the AC vents

Check engine light: Off

A musty odor comes from the AC vents. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 79 owner reports on file.

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Door Lock Cylinder Switches May Fail

Door lock cylinder switches may fail

Check engine light: Off

Door lock cylinder switches may fail. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 72 owner reports on file.

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Interior Lights May Stay On Continuously, Draining the Battery

Interior lights may stay on continuously, draining the battery

Check engine light: Off

Interior lights may stay on continuously, draining the battery. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 70 owner reports on file.

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Radio Software Update Available

A radio software update is available to address radio issues

Check engine light: Off

A radio software update is available to address radio issues. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 62 owner reports on file.

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Locked Up Wireless Control Module Causes Engine Cranking Problems

A locked-up wireless control module causes engine cranking problems

Check engine light: On

A locked-up wireless control module causes engine cranking problems. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 57 owner reports on file.

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AC Condenser May Develop Refrigerant Leaks

The AC condenser may develop refrigerant leaks

Check engine light: Off

The AC condenser may develop refrigerant leaks. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 49 owner reports on file.

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Front and/or Rear Differential Pinion Seal Leaks Are Common

Front and/or rear differential pinion seal leaks are common

Check engine light: Off

Front and/or rear differential pinion seal leaks are common. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 44 owner reports on file.

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Transfer Case Shift Motor May Fail Open

The transfer case shift motor may fail open

Check engine light: On

The transfer case shift motor may fail open. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 42 owner reports on file.

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Check Engine Light Due to Failed Thermostat

The check engine light illuminates due to a failed thermostat

Check engine light: On

The check engine light illuminates due to a failed thermostat. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 40 owner reports on file.

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Steering Knuckle Repair Kit Threads May Strip Near the Caliper Mounts

Steering knuckle repair kit threads may strip near the caliper mounts

Check engine light: Off

Steering knuckle repair kit threads may strip near the caliper mounts. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 33 owner reports on file.

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Enter your VIN to check for open recalls and technical service bulletins on your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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