2016 Dodge Durango problems, complaints & recalls

2016 Dodge Durango recalls (3)

• Recall 18V332000May 17, 20184,815,661 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 16V814000Nov 10, 201630,183 vehicles
  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 16V168000Mar 23, 201621,183 vehicles
  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.

  Remedy: 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.

NHTSA defect investigations

• PE19014Opened Sep 9, 2019Closed Feb 25, 2026

  Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment

  The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments in…

• PE16014Opened Dec 16, 2016Closed Jan 25, 2024

  Vehicle Rollaway

  Basis – On December 16, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE16-014 to investigate 43 vehicle rollaway incidents with operators alleging they had shifted to Park and then exited the vehicle prior to the rollway incidents.  These complaints involved multiple Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) model and model year vehicles that share a common electronic rotary shifter design.  Of the 43 consumer complaints, 25 complaints alleged crashes, and eight complaints alleged at least one injury. Subject Vehicles – When NHTSA opened the investigation, the subject ve…

Recent 2016 Dodge Durango complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Sep 4, 2026FL1 injuredSeats & Seat Belts

   On September 4, 2026, the front passenger Active Head Restraint (AHR/headrest) in my 2016 Dodge Durango unexpectedly deployed and struck my daughter in the back of the head. The vehicle was completely stationary and parked in a parking lot after leaving her doctor’s appointment. I had started the vehicle, but we remained parked talking for approximately 1–2 minutes. There was no collision, impact, sudden stop, or other event involving the vehicle. Without any warning, we…

   NHTSA complaint #11762280 · source
2. Filed Aug 6, 2026FL1 injuredSeats & Seat Belts

   On August 6, 2026, at approximately 6:00 a.m., I was driving my 2016 Dodge Durango northbound to work at approximately 60 mph. It was dark and the roadway was slightly wet from overnight rain. While traveling in the left lane under normal driving conditions, I suddenly heard a loud pop and the driver’s Active Head Restraint/headrest sprung forward, striking me hard in the back of the head. The impact caused my head to be thrown forward and caused me to swerve. I immediately…

   NHTSA complaint #11755339 · source
3. Filed Nov 5, 2025TNElectrical System

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11697733 · source
4. Filed Oct 10, 2025100,000 miNCFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a strong fuel odor in the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed the strong fuel odor. The contact was employed by an independent mechanic, so the independent mechanic inspected the vehicle; however, the contact was unable to diagnose the failure. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11692509 · source
5. Filed Jul 30, 2025MAElectrical SystemLighting

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11677230 · source
6. Filed Jul 22, 2025MDTransmission & Drivetrain

   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,…

   NHTSA complaint #11675495 · source
7. Filed Feb 10, 2025AKLighting

   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

   NHTSA complaint #11641732 · source
8. Filed Dec 28, 2024CAElectrical System

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11632805 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology