Here Are The Dodge Durango Years To Avoid

A midsize sports utility vehicle, the Dodge Durango has been growing in popularity for years. Manufacturing began in 1998, took a brief hiatus in 2003, and then resumed in 2011. What are the Dodge Durango years to avoid if you’re thinking about buying this car?

Discover which Dodge Durango years to avoid by reading on. The safest way to drive is to avoid certain models because they have a lot of issues. You can make a better choice for your future vehicle if you know more about the Dodge Durango models.

Dodge Durango Years to Avoid

In order to have the best driving experience, you should avoid some Dodge Durango years. Our team will show you which models you should avoid at all costs.

You should stay away from the following Dodge Durango years:

• 1999
• 2000
• 2004
• 2005
• 2011
• 2012

Dodge Durango has had some of its worst years in its history.

During these years, the Dodge Durango was not ideal due to a number of unique factors. Next, we will discuss these models to give you a better understanding of why they should be avoided. The problems associated with each model are different.

1999 Dodge Durango

There are serious engine problems with the Dodge Durango 1999 model year. It has been reported that most users experience sudden shutdowns while driving their vehicles. Dodge failed to continue the legacy of the 1998 model year, which was one of its best.  Transmissions, electricals, suspensions, brakes, AC/heaters, interior accessories, etc. are other major issues.

Other minor issues include problems with the windshield, the cooling system, the fuel system, the wheels, the drivetrain, the exterior accessories, the lights, and the steering. It is the suspension, engine, brakes, and transmission that are the most frequently complained about, according to the NHTSA.

In CarComplaints, there are 620 complaints regarding the 1999 model year, with 5 recalls and 3 investigations. There are a lot of problems with the 1999 Durango model year, and it is best avoided. If you are looking to purchase a 1999 Durango, you might want to think twice.

2000 Dodge Durango

Despite the failure of the previous model year, Dodge didn’t learn from its mistakes and the Durango 2000 model year also failed on the market. There have been many complaints about engine problems in this model year. In addition to interior accessories, AC/heaters, suspensions, transmissions, electrical, brakes and steering issues, there are also a number of major problems.

The model year also has a few minor issues. In addition, there are problems with the drivetrain, the windows, wheels, the cooling system, the fuel system, the body/paint, the lights, the seat belt/airbag, and the exterior accessories. The majority of complaints are related to suspension, followed by issues with engines, transmissions, brakes, steering, and interior accessories, according to the NHTSA.

Approximately 313 complaints have been reported about the 2000 Dodge Durango with four recalls and four investigations. There are many major and minor issues with the Durango 2000 that raise questions about its reliability and service. This model year should be avoided at all costs.

2004 Dodge Durango

Dodge Durango’s problems were mostly resolved in 2001-2003 after the 1999 and 2000 models failed. Durango SUVs from these model years aren’t among the best, however, as there are better models available.

The same problem persists with the 2004 model year for Dodge. There are severe engine issues with the 2004 Durango, as well as electrical problems, body and paint issues, interior accessory issues, and cooling system problems. The model year has a few minor issues, including brakes, drivetrains, steering, suspension, AC, fuel systems, lights, windshields, wheels, exhaust systems, etc.

This model year’s most reported problems are engine problems, according to the NHTSA and CarComplaints. In addition, the NHTSA listed a number of complaints concerning electrical, seat belts, airbags, body paint, interior accessories, brakes, drivetrains, transmissions, etc. Like the 1999 and 2000 Durango models, the 2004 Durango also has problems. Dodge Durango of the 2004 model year must also be avoided at all costs.

2005 Dodge Durango

Similarly to previous model years, the 2005 Dodge Durango has engine problems. Engine problems seem to plague Dodge Durango’s worst models. This model year’s most common complaint is engine problems, according to CarComplaints.

Besides fuel system and transmission problems, interior accessories, body/paint, and AC/heating problems are also common with 2005 model year cars. Aside from minor issues with the drivetrain, electrical, brakes, exterior accessories, cooling system, wheels, airbags, seat belts, lights, steering, suspension, etc., there are also some major ones.

NHTSA reports that the most frequent complaints are about the fuel system and then gradually about the engine, electrical system, drivetrain, seat belts, and airbags. A total of 268 complaints have been filed, nine recalls have been issued, and 10 investigations have been conducted regarding the 2005 Durango. The 2005 Durango SUV model year has the same problems as the 2004 model year. Therefore, users should avoid this model year in favor of better models.

2011 Dodge Durango

As a result of the 2005 Dodge Durango, manufacturers were able to reverse the damage. Consequently, we got some of the best Durangos from 2007 to 2009 due to this. It is unfortunate that the 2011 model year was plagued by many problems.

There have been 279 complaints about the 2011 model year, eight recalls, and four investigations, according to CarComplaints. According to both NHTSA and CarComplaints, electrical problems are the most common complaint.

Besides the engine, the fuel system, the air conditioning, heater, and interior accessories, there are a number of other major issues. This model year has minor issues with seat belts, airbags, brakes, windows, drivetrains, steering, lights, cooling systems, suspensions, etc.

NHTSA identifies electrical, engine, fuel, brake, and drivetrain issues as major issues. There are several major and minor issues with the Durango 2011 model year, as you can see in the table below. The 2011 model year should also be avoided since there are better models available.

Dodge Durango Best Years

It is best to buy a Dodge Durango between 1998 and 2020, or between 2007 and 2009. There are the fewest complaints and recalls associated with these model years. Furthermore, they are more reliable, safe, and efficient than previous models. I’d like to share some of my favorite model years with you:

1998 Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango was introduced for the first time in this model year. Durango SUVs became popular because of their performance. With its aggressive design, large interior, and powerful V8 engine, it gained a lot of popularity. In terms of quality, it was good for a first build. I would not recommend purchasing it, even though it is on the best-year list. There are relatively few issues with the 1998 Durango, but it is an old vehicle now. In addition, users should consider other options.

Check out the 1998 Dodge Durango reviews and ratings:

• The Edmunds Consumer Review gave it a rating of 3.9
• An average of 4.3 stars from KBB’s Consumer Rating

2009 Dodge Durango

There are few better model years out there than this one. There are fewer complaints about the 2009 Durango on CarComplaints than any other model. Towing and off-roading capabilities are generous thanks to the powerful V8 engine. There are several benefits to this model year, including a large cargo capacity, simple interior controls, and a great fuel economy. In regular models, however, there are some issues like low legroom in the second row, bad mileage, and average interior quality. My list of the best model years includes this one.

The 2009 Dodge Durango has received the following reviews and ratings:

• Consumer Rating: 4.3 out of 5 by KBB
• Consumer Review: 4.4 out of 5 by Edmunds
• The Repairpal Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5

2016 Dodge Durango

Dodge Durango’s 2016 model year is also a great one. The best features include a spacious interior, an improved infotainment system, a powerful V8 engine, a wide towing capacity, and off-road capability. As a result, it is overweight, has a below-average interior, and has poor fuel economy compared to its competitors. In spite of these issues, my list of best-years is dominated by the positives, and that’s why it made the cut.

The 2016 Dodge Durango has received the following reviews and ratings:

• Consumer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 on KBB
• Consumer Review: 4.5 out of 5 on Edmunds
• The Repairpal Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5

2019 Dodge Durango

Another great model year on the list is the 2019 Durango. A low number of complaints have been filed against it on CarComplaints. A third row of seats that is spacious compared to its class, a large touchscreen interface, a powerful V8 engine suitable for towing, and offroad capabilities are some of the best features of this model year. Fuel economy is below average and the look is more compact, while competitors provide better fuel economy. Although these are minor issues, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

2019 Dodge Durango review and ratings:

• Consumer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 on KBB
• Consumer Review: 4.4 out of 5 by Edmunds
• The Repairpal Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5

What Makes These Years Worth Avoiding?

Several factors make these models the Dodge Durango years to avoid when purchasing a used vehicle. In order to understand some of the problems these cars faced, we’ll discuss each one.

Carcomplaints.com lists the following as some of the most prominent problems of these years:

• Engine troubles
• Electrical problems
• Brake issues

In addition to these complaints, there were several others about the Dodge Durango.

Find out more about these three problems found with Dodge Durango models in the following paragraphs. It is possible for each of them to have a different impact on the ownership of a vehicle. Your future could be thrown off course by all of these repairs.

Engine Troubles

These models were most commonly criticized for engine issues, particularly the 2004 model. When the vehicle’s engine shuts down mid-drive, many problems can occur, including loss of vehicle control and deadly car accidents.

The following are some of the other engine problems:

• Sludge-induced engine failure
• Stalled engine without warning
• When it rains, the engine shakes and dies

Dodge Durango models can suffer from a number of issues listed above.

It is dangerous to drive with an engine that has failed or is having any kind of trouble. In addition, engine problems can be expensive, and they often recur over time. Steer clear of the Dodge Durango models we discussed earlier if you want to avoid excessive engine expenses.

Electrical Problems

The next problem is electrical. The car typically won’t start when these issues occur. Dodge Durango models, which we talked about above, are especially susceptible to electrical problems. 2011 models are particularly prone to this problem, though newer models have no longer have it.

Among the other electrical problems are:

• The alternator stopped working
• I can’t start or turn over the engine
• There is a problem with the battery holding charge

The Dodge Durango model isn’t appealing to anyone, especially if you want a model that you can rely on no matter what the weather is like.

A car costs a lot of money. Your vehicle should always be able to start whenever you ask it to at any time during the day. Consider a better-reviewed model instead of the models above for better reliability.

Brake Issues

Last but not least, we have some brake issues. There has been a small number of negative brake reports on almost all models listed above, despite the fact that brakes aren’t a prominent issue in any model. It can cost a lot of money to fix emergency failures or boost breaks. Repairing brakes is not something anyone wants to do, especially if it has to be done repeatedly.

The brake problems have been fixed in the newer models of the Dodge Durango. In order to ensure your car stops correctly every time you press the pedal, you must invest in a car with excellent brakes. With the Dodge Durango, you can stay safe on the road.

Which Years are Safe to Buy Used?

In addition to discussing the worst Dodge Durangos, what are some of the safest? The purchase of a new vehicle involves a lot of considerations.

Dodge Durangos are most popular during the following years, according to carcomplaints.com:

• 2014
• 2015
• 2018
• 2020

As far as Dodge Durango models are concerned, these four models make the most sense.

There are four Dodge Durango models that will work for you if you’re searching for the perfect one. There are no faults as numerous as those in the others, ensuring a positive experience no matter the road.

Dodge Durango Recall History

Since 1998, Dodge Durango SUVs have been recalled 111 times. The following recall histories are detailed:

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Conclusion

When you know the safest Dodge Durango, your driving experience will be more enjoyable. A car that costs more to repair than you anticipated is not something you want to buy. In addition, you should make sure that you are safe. Be careful when choosing a vehicle because faulty ones can put you in a lot of danger.

With this information, you can choose a newer Dodge Durango model that is right for you, based on the problems that appeared with previous models. If you want to invest in the newer versions rather than the faultier ones, there are four excellent options you can choose from.