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2016 Dodge Durango problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 Dodge Durango has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 3safety recalls
- 161owner complaints
- 23crash reports
- 1fire report
- 13injuries reported
161 complaints, against an average of 255 for the other 14 Dodge Durango model years.
Every Dodge Durango model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2016 Dodge Durango?
The components named most often in the 161 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2016 Dodge Durango owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 161 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2016 Dodge Durango?22 owners · 13.7%
- Why does my 2016 Dodge Durango stall, lose power or shut off while driving?10 owners · 6.2%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2016 Dodge Durango?6 owners · 3.7%
- Why does water leak into my 2016 Dodge Durango?6 owners · 3.7%
- Why does the auto start-stop system act up on my 2016 Dodge Durango?5 owners · 3.1%
Has the 2016 Dodge Durango been recalled?
3 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Electrical System: Wiring 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 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 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.
Is the 2016 Dodge Durango recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAVehicle short causing can-c bus to stop communicating
Risk: A short in the vehicle causing the CAN-C bus to stop communicating while the cruise control is active and the vehicle speed is below the set speed such that the cruise control system is requesting positive torque at the exact moment of the short it is possible for a positive torque request to be locked on the PCM. This may result in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Fix: Inspect the software level of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and if necessary reprogram the PCM
UK DVSABraking performance may be reduced
Risk: The left front brake caliper housing may have been cast from an incorrect material. Under extreme brake application the left front brake caliper housing may rupture and affect braking efficiency.
Fix: On affected vehicles check and where necessary replace caliper
UK DVSAVehicle electronic systems may malfunction
Risk: On vehicles with Uconnect 8.4 screen radio the computer-controlled electronic systems may be at risk of unauthorized and/or unlawful access which may affect vehicle behaviour.
Fix: Update software on affected vehicles
EU Safety GateThe airbag could rupture when activated, leading to fragmentation of the airbag parts.These small parts could be projected towards the driver/occupants, potentially causing serious or even fatal injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 30/07/2025; Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Request to stop driving; Date of entry into force: 30/07/2025
EU Safety GateThe rear suspension lower control arms on the vehicles concerned may have been incorrectly heat treated during the manufacturing process.This could cause the rear suspension lower control arm to break. A broken rear suspension lower control arm(s), during certain driving conditions, could cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a crash.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
What do 2016 Dodge Durango owners report?
12 of the 161 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
We had an issue with an error message in the middle of driving that stopped the acceleration of the vehicle, this seems to be common, looking at forums online. The inspection request is acceptable. The message we receive is "Shift to P before changing gears". The vehicle will stop in the middle of traffic and sometimes require a complete restart before being able to shift to drive. This has put myself, my wife, and two children in immense danger as the vehicle can stop at any point in time in oncoming traffic. We've taken it to a dealer who inspected the shifter and they didn't see any issues…
The Rear License Plate Light bulb (right) was out and I went to have the bulb replaced. I was quoted over $1100 from the dealer, as the LED racetrack lighting was not properly sealed and is collecting water. The collection of water within the light compartment has caused corrosion within, and the wiring to disintegrate. This is a commonly known, yet not addressed safety issue by DODGE. My vehicle will not pass the MA Safety Inspection at the end of the month. I have read on-line many, many complaints, as well as have spoken to other Durango owners who have experienced this same problem. I have…
Driving in the left lane of an interstate highway at 75mph, in moderate traffic, in daylight hours, clear weather, with my young son. Sudden, unexpected decrease in engine rpm resulted in unannounced, approximate 40 mph reduction in speed. The instrument cluster illuminated stating “ service transmission continue in D. Do Not Shift or Turn Engine Off”. Such an unforeseen event, without brake light illumination, resulted in several following vehicles to take evasive actions, thus preventing a potential mass casualty accident. I was able steer towards the right shoulder at the greatly reduced…
Rear racetrack led lighting is failing. One segment has gone dark. You can only replace the entire assembly for over &1500. I found on line there is a class action lawsuit regarding exactly what I am seeing
Electrical issues involving specific fuses in the vehicle where the f13 fuse constantly fries and melts into the fuse box. Causing an electrical burning smell. No warning lights come on. Certain aspects of the car stop working like the blower motor.
Was driving and the vehicle stalled well driving, Had a hard time trying to stop and could barley steer the vehicle. Vehicle was flashing shift to park. This has happened two times to me now and I took it to the dealership and it happened to them as well. The radio screen sometimes doesn't light up and it will freeze and won't let you do anything, when cell phone is connected via blue tooth it will disconnect and then reconnect and randomly turn the volume all the way up and music will start playing, A/C will randomly kick on when I didn't have it on due to it being winter time and use only…
Vehicle is going into park while driving, when it does that I have to come to a stop and restart the vehicle. I almost got into an accident and I’m scared for my life driving this. The dealership charged me to change the alternator, the batteries and I still have the same issue.
WHILE MOVING THE CAR LOSES POWER, SHIFT TO P THEN DESIRED GEAR AND COMES TO A STOP. NOT ABLE TO STEER.
Oil leak from top of the engine, Vehicle has being well maintained barely has 61,000 miles, well taken care of, oil leak from top of the engine, theres more people having this issue, possible cause: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdKLx_INOAY or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wm5yuuv5KeI theres alot of issues with this leaks and is expensive repair. i was doing my monthly check up and i found this oil leak. did some research and theres other vehicles with the same Engine size 3.6 wit the same issue.
The back axel on the driver side snapped while going 75 down the highway. Causing major damage and totally the car.
WHILE DRIVING MY 2016 DODGE DURANGO LIMITED, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THEN THE (ABS) LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN MY BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. EVERY LIGHT ON THE DASH AND SYSTEM WARNING WAS LIT UP. THEN THEY STARTED FLICKERING AND THEN THE VEHICLE DIED RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY CITY ROAD DURING PEAK TRAFFIC. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERIES THINKING THAT MAY HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT. I HAVE HAD THE ALTERNATOR CHECKED AND IT IS GOOD. I HAD TO GET IT TOWED TO MY HOUSE AND HAS BEEN SITTING EVER SENSE WITH NO POWER. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE ISSUE IS, BUT FOR A CAR TO DIE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD…
5TH TIME EVENT HAS OCCURRED. AFTER EXTENDED DRIVING WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT THE VEHICLE WILL COMMENCE TO ACCELERATE. ONLY BY AGGRESSIVELY APPLYING THE BRAKE TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM PLOWING AHEAD CAN I PLACE THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK AND TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. CHRYSLER PREVIOUSLY ACKNOWLEDGED CRUISE CONTROL PROBLEMS. I THINK THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THIS IS A DANGEROUS VEHICLE. PREVIOUS FILE NUMBER #10916715.
2016 Dodge Durango: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 Dodge Durango reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 161 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Dodge Durango; the most common categories were exterior lighting (53, 32.9%), electrical system (40, 24.8%), power train (30, 18.6%). There are 3 safety recalls. 23 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 13 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Dodge Durango?
Across 161 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are exterior lighting (32.9% of complaints), electrical system (24.8% of complaints), power train (18.6% of complaints), engine (9.9% of complaints), vehicle speed control (5.6% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 Dodge Durango have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Dodge Durango; the most recent (campaign 18V332000, 2018-05-17) concerns Electrical System: Wiring. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2016 Dodge Durango?
22 of the 161 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Dodge Durango (13.7%) describe headlights, taillights or brake lights failing or condensation in the lamps. One owner wrote: "The lighting system allowed water to enter the lights, causing them to fail as they filled up (from bottom to top) to the point that they won't properly indicate running lights or brake lights." (NHTSA complaint 11550440, October 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2016 Dodge Durango stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
10 of the 161 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Dodge Durango (6.2%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Vehicle turns off while driving. the ignition button goes to acc. the cluster board then says to press brake and put vehicle in park. this is happening every couple trips" (NHTSA complaint 11522749, May 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2016 Dodge Durango?
6 of the 161 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Dodge Durango (3.7%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11500670, January 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does water leak into my 2016 Dodge Durango?
6 of the 161 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Dodge Durango (3.7%) describe water leaks into the cabin, sunroof or trunk. One owner wrote: "The rear track lighting for running lights is burning out due to water intrusion. the entire unit will fail from the water. very common issue with these dodges. no possible fixes other than replacing units and the cost is really high." (NHTSA complaint 11389362, January 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the auto start-stop system act up on my 2016 Dodge Durango?
5 of the 161 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Dodge Durango (3.1%) describe problems with the automatic start-stop system. One owner wrote: "Intermittent start/stop, or extended start after driving for extended time. Vehicle fuel smell during if vehicle goes into an extended start mode. I have complained to Dodge about this problem." (NHTSA complaint 11550084, October 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Durango
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2016 only.