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Engine & cooling

2017 Dodge Durango Engine problems

Owners have filed 29 complaints about the 2017 Dodge Durango's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 14% of all its complaints, most recently on May 25, 2026. They describe 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
29
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries
1
Deaths
0

Engine complaints

Engine & cooling

Vehicle overheats while at a stop. Problem has been happening for past 8 months. Leaking antifreeze under transmission. Shop unable to diagnose problem after various attempts. Researched problem online and discovered many 2017 durango owners are having issue. Many saying it's due to manufacture problem. It's a safety issue for my family and I since I don't know what the problem is to fix it.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11739965
Electrical systemBrakesEngine & cooling

The vehicle involved is a 2017 Dodge Durango. The primary systems malfunctioning include the engine cooling system, braking system, and electrical system. The engine repeatedly overheats while driving and has produced smoke from under the hood, creating a risk of breakdown or fire. The braking system is unreliable, with the brake pedal going down too far and not providing proper stopping power, increasing the risk of a crash. The electrical system malfunctions unpredictably, including windshield wipers and...

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interior controls turning on and off without input. These issues have occurred multiple times and have left the vehicle stranded on the side of the road, including at night. This has placed the driver and passengers at risk in unsafe conditions and traffic environments. The problems began shortly after purchase and have been ongoing. The issues have not been properly resolved. A mechanic was supposed to inspect the vehicle, but it is UNKNOWN if a full inspection was completed. Warning signs included overheating temperature readings, smoke, weak braking response, and electrical irregularities prior to failure. The vehicle is currently not reliable or safe to operate due to these ongoing safety defects.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 11734696
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFuel system

Push start vehicle stalls 3 to 5 times. While driving the dash board flickers on and off. Navigation system screen blacks out radio turns on when I have it off. Reverse camera also glitches and works sometimes. The inside lights dim up and down. The passengers window goes down on its own.and has caused the rain to damage personal items of ours.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11716366
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

We have researched and noticed there was an open recall in the past with the PCM. We are now experiencing issues such as rough idling, poor fuel economy, stalling and poor acceleration.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11714838
Engine & cooling

Bought a used 17 Dodge Durango from Audi Hunt Valley of autonation July of 2024 nothing but any problem misfires camshaft issue camshaft has been replaced twice now in less than a year and now it needs a new transmission. I purchased an extended warranty for engine and transmission. Now they are not covering it I spoke to somebody through corporate office. Put a complaint in. I also contacted Dodge. There's also a claim with them as well. Nobody has reached out for the corporate office so I bought a vehicle that...

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didn't even last a year that needs a transmission. That's not a reliable vehicle safety concern I have all documentation from repair shops that work has been done. I've also have been in contact with an attorney about this so something needs to be done ASAP before I file a lawsuit. I want a different vehicle or my money back.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11661959
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 45 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power, and the instrument panel became inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact safely maneuvered onto an exit and parked the vehicle for several minutes before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and operated normally. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the contact was informed that the cause for the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11639849
Engine & cooling

My car started leaking oil I took it to a local mechanic and I was told that the oil filter housing needs to be replaced. He said that he sees that problem with thos vehicles he even sain that he is surprised that it has been recalled because apparently it breaks easily and it needs to be changed to a metal. Again he mentioned how he sees this problem often with this specific car.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11629613
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFuel system

We have had engine issues since the first couples months of having this car, the engine has been replaced 2 times, and now tipm and start/stop is having issues, this car needs to be recalled

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11611688
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFuel system

The automatic stop/start ERG valve

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11584620
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Durango. The contact stated the engine overheated and fluids of different colors and consistencys leaked from the vehicle. The contact stated that the leaks were coming from the coolant reservoir due to engine overheating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a P0476 small evaporator leak and the hard line going to purge solenoid was cracked. The contact stated that the dealer replaced the oil filter housing...

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system four times. The vehicle was taken to another dealer who performed a diagnostic test and stated that there was a crack in the cooling line. The contact stated the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with 2-star cases. The approximate failure mileage was 99,414.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11576603
Engine & cooling

The manufactured plastic oil housing unit cracked during negative temperatures on [[redacted]] in Webb City MO. I had a pool of oil under my car, and now my engine shakes during low idle. This needs to recalled because it should be replaced with the aluminum housing unit. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11573826
Engine & cooling

Car started leaking coolant underneath. The dealership told us the lines that control the rear heat are leaking. And it's a major job. $ 3100.00 we were told. The coolant lines are back ordered and have had it for over 5 weeks and still not fixed. That is ridicules for a vehicle with only 74K...

Filed Incident Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11572423
Engine & cooling

Bought brand new in 2017 with regular car maintenance, this 2017 dodge durango starting having engine problems now with almost 100k miles on it. at first we had the check engine light on. It has smoke and misfire on cyl 3car didn't star. Mechanic repaired head on rt head on all related gaskets, replaced starter. Now, out of the sudden car starting leaking oil, took it to the mechanic and they said the engined must be replaced because a cylinder rod went through engine block. The car only has 103k miles, it always had regular and proper maintenance.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11546779
Engine & cooling

My vehicle only has 112,008 miles on it and it suddenly/randomly blew a head gasket. I have been told to purchase a new engine. I get ALL my regular and routine maintenance done on time. This has to have been a bad engine that was in my vehicle originally.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11521936
Engine & cooling

The oil cooler/ filter housing leaked causing oil to pool on the motor and leak from the vehicle. It's apparently a common problem with this engine. It's said that if the oil leak wasn't noticed at first the engine would've seized. Definitely a defect on the manufacturers end.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11506651
SuspensionAcceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

I have taken it twice to the dealership. There is an issue with the rpm and i receive several light on my dash. The most dangerous is when I try to speed the RPM goes so high and it stops driving. They told me it had something to do with the recall but the recall has expired so now i have to fix it.

Filed Incident Suspension · Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11474539
Engine & cooling

The car has a defect on the construction or installation of ridge coolant lines making them very susceptible to failure. Countless reports online of coolant leaks that were not easily recognizable and requires extensive maintenance to correct. My car will requires the transmission to be completely removed and drop to be able to fix a coolant leak.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11474485
Transmission & drivetrainLightsEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle stalled while utilizing the AUTO STOP/START feature. The contact was able to pull over. The shift to park message was blinking and the AUTO STOP/START exclamation was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the headlamp was inoperable. There was an abnormal knocking noise detected from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was unable to duplicate the failure. The...

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vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer; Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (211-10 Jamaica Ave, Queens, NY 11428(844) 291-4802) who was also unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer contacted the owner and informed him a specialist would be looking at the vehicle; however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 80.

Filed Incident Power train · Exterior lighting · EngineNHTSA 11450277
LightsEngine & coolingFuel system

1. My fuel tank will not fill up all the way and will stop at each fill up. I have to manually keep trying to pump the fuel. Almost always I can never fill fully up. This is a known issue and needs to be resolved. 2. I also have an issue with my racetrack tail light with condensation and water getting inside. I have a faulty light as I have had my dealer check for cracks or openings.3. Auto start on/off jerky and sometimes does not start on time and will jolt forward when trying to accerate at stop light.

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11362173
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

Leaving a friends house my '17 dd with 32k miles stalled out while I was in a turn lane on a busy street just at an intersection leading to the highway. The dash lit up with several likes and the only light I could catch was 'power steering issue car will cut off soon' the car was still in the 'run' position and turning to 'off' or 'acc' was not engaging. I could not move or push the vehicle as engage the neutral position was not happening. After calling the tow truck and sitting for about an hour (scared I'd get...

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him by oncoming traffic) I looked in the manual and online to see how to manually engage the neutral position. After a few failed attempts I was able to engage it and move it safely from the street. Tow truck arrived an hour later and now no buttons worked. He had to use the manual key to unlock doors and the dash was lighting up with several warnings. Going too fast to see or describe. Appt is scheduled for 5/28 previously scheduled because two days prior to this event gas gauge indicated almost empty. Went to fill up and was only able to fill 7.7 Gallons before gas pump indicated the car was full. After I stopped pumping the needle only read half a tank but would not let me continue to fuel as it indicated it was already full. *Tr

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11326262
Engine & coolingFire

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 dodge durango. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 mph, the contact noticed that there was grey and white smoke coming from the tail pipe. In addition, the vehicle was running hot while the start and stop waring light and the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact mentioned that coolant was put in the vehicle to cool down the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the coil needed to be...

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replaced and the head gasket was cracked and leaking and needed to be replaced. The contact contacted redlands chrysler jeep dodge ram (500 w redlands blvd, redlands, ca 92373) where they informed the contact that the vehicle was unable to be repaired due to warranty expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11307776
BrakesEngine & cooling

I downloaded and successfully installed a recommended software update to my 2017 dodge durango this past summer. Since then I have noticed that I have difficulty shutting off the vehicle because something has changed in the timing of the the automatic shut-off and when I turn it off. I have occasionally started to leave the vehicle and found that I had not turned it off, but back on. This is an aggravation all by itself, but the reason for my real complaint was not discovered until I hooked up my trailer. I...

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found that I cannot turn off or disable my park assist. When there is a near object such as a trailer, when I try to back up, the brakes lock on. I discovered this while in the middle of the road on a blind corner trying to back into a driveway. I live in the country so I had to go a mile down the road in order to find a place that I could u-turn. I then had to detach and manually park my trailer. I can tell you that was a little scary not being able to back into the driveway to get out of harms way. Oh, the best part, even though the software problem was caused by dodge software engineers, I have to pay to get it fixed. The soonest appointment is 2 weeks from now. Between now and then I have to take a trip to chicago and park where I know I will have to park in tight spaces.

Filed Incident Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 11255042
SteeringTransmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 dodge durango. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle stalled, the engine seized, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to hunter dodge chrysler jeep ram fiat (located at 1130 auto mall dr, lancaster, ca 93534, (661) 948-8411), but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure continued. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 20,500. The vin was not available.

Filed Incident Steering · Power train · EngineNHTSA 11233849
Engine & cooling

While driving on freeway, received a quick temp icon (popped up too quick to see what it said), but I looked at temp and saw the needle was close to the h (hot). After stopping at a gas station and checking the water/coolant level saw it was almost empty. Added coolant. Took it to the dealer the next day and after troubleshooting they found it was the left head gasket was leaking coolant and they had to replace it.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11195944
Acceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

I was supposed to have had recall service completed on my vehicle july 23, 2017. A few days later, I started experience a banging noise and shaking of the car. I contacted service to schedule an appointment and no one returned my call. A little more than a week later on august 4th, while driving between 40 and 50 mph, the car started making a grinding noise, lost power, slowed down as it started to sputter. The sounds and feeling, reminded me of driving a manual car and having it in the wrong gear. I have taken the...

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car in to three dealerships, five times now. Only to be told, no codes were found so nothing can be done. Dodge needs to train its mechanic how to diagnose cars without a code and listen to their customers.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11130789

Dodge Durango engine complaints by year

Durango engine problems, every year

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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