2018 Dodge Durango engine problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
26 owners have reported engine problems with the 2018 Dodge Durango, 14% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 50,000 mi.
- Engine complaints
- 26
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Related recalls
- 0
- Median mileage
- 50,000 mi
Specific components reported
Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | 25 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 |
Engine complaints across Dodge Durango years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
No recalls on file.
What owners say
- Filed Aug 4, 2026MDEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
Back to back error codes P0300 P0108 P1404 P0172 Rough running engine. Very strong smell of fuel at two different times while driving. Vehicle not responding to gas pedal while driving on highway. Repairs at thousands of dollars.
NHTSA complaint #11754642 · source - Filed Mar 4, 202666,700 miWIEngine
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the spark plugs had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, a week later, while the vehicle was idling, it was vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the same mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the cam lobes were worn and needed to be replaced.…
NHTSA complaint #11721995 · source - Filed Jan 13, 2026VAEngine
Over time, the valvetrain in my engine became gradually louder. Because there were no check engine lights or fault codes, I initially assumed this was a normal characteristic of the engine. That changed on January 2, 2026, when I began to hear a pronounced knocking/loud tapping noise accompanied by a cylinder 8 misfire. At that point, I stopped driving the vehicle and had it towed to a repair shop. Based on the symptoms, we initially believed the issue would be limited to a…
NHTSA complaint #11710625 · source - Filed Nov 4, 2025NYEngine
While driving on the Thruway, the vehicle tends to misfire which results in lost power to the engine and shaking of the vehicle. The check engine light starts flashing and it becomes unsafe to maintain speeds. The issue was diagnosed as Cylinder 5 Misfire caused by camshaft and lifter failure. This sudden loss of power while driving at highway speeds could cause an accident if it happens during traffic or passing situations. This is a known issue with the 2018 Dodge Durango…
NHTSA complaint #11697385 · source - Filed Sep 3, 2025MNEngine
My vehicle began to misfire after driving roughly 8 miles, check engine light would flash and ding. After shutting vehicle off for a while and restarting it, problem would be gone until driving approximately 8 miles. Brought to Chrysler service center, where they reproduced the problem and determined it is a camshaft or camshaft related issue. Vehicle is parked at that service center awaiting parts that are backordered until January. Vehicle cannot be driven in this…
NHTSA complaint #11684742 · source - Filed Aug 19, 2025INEngine
3.6L V6 Engine, Auto Start/Stop light came on followed by check engine light. Codes for multiple misfires, replaced multiple coils and replaced all spark plugs. After all was replaced, still had the same issues. Took it to a local Dodge dealership and they said it was a head gasket but it would have to be sent off to figure out which one.
NHTSA complaint #11681652 · source - Filed Jun 27, 2025CAEngine
2018 Dodge Durango GT with 47,000. The check engine light came on. Took it to a Dodge dealer for service. Diagnosis was head gasket failure, allowing coolant into the cylinder causing engine misfire and potential overheat and a blown engine. This appears to be an ongoing issue with the Penstar V6 engine. This is a safety concern because the vehicle may break down while driving or overheat without warning, creating a power loss while driving
NHTSA complaint #11669729 · source - Filed Feb 5, 2025MIEngine
Right hand and left hand intake camshaft were damaged by the slider rocker finger follower. Cylinder 5 was the worst. Metal was sent through the overhead and got into the intake phaser. Parts were recently removed by the dealer and should be available if request is made shortly. Failure was found prior to catastrophic failure due to noise from the engine compartment. Vehicle was dropped off in the overnight drop box to allow vehicle the best chance to replicate the noise.…
NHTSA complaint #11640992 · source - Filed Jul 2, 2024TNElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
Between the transmission slipping since 30k, the engine knocking. The check engine flashing. I have changed the coil packs spark plugs, all filters and still nothing, the auto stop/start does not work it flashes Boggs out and loses power. The whole steering wheel and truck vibrates and shakes to a point you feel like you’re on an incline going up a roller coaster. I have replaced batteries 2x the windows no longer auto roll down when using fobs even w new batteries and re…
NHTSA complaint #11598418 · source - Filed Feb 12, 2024MIEngineLighting
Rear tail lights are out. All the Dodge Durangos on the road are ! Safety hazard for people behind me and me! Initially part of the light went out tonight the whole light went out . Cam shaft has went bad twice
NHTSA complaint #11571544 · source - Filed Dec 31, 2023NYEngine
I bought this car, brand new off the dealer and it has been in perfect shape until 120,000 miles. All of a sudden the check engine light comes in and turns out it was the head gasket!! 5 years old, hasn't needed a thing and the mechanic tells me I need a new engine!? What good is it if I buy a brand new car and take perfect care of it all to end up with the engine going to [XXX]. I have heard other people saying the same thing with their 3.6l pentastar engine. AT 120K...I…
NHTSA complaint #11562839 · source - Filed Nov 7, 2023MOElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
My car randomly won’t start could be due to one of the 4 recalls for my make and model I would like have this investigated
NHTSA complaint #11553909 · source
Other 2018 Dodge Durango problem areas
- Electrical System (72)
- Lighting (54)
- Other / Unknown (24)
- Brakes (22)
- Seats & Seat Belts (20)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (11)
- Airbags (7)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (7)
- Transmission & Drivetrain (7)
- Suspension (5)
- Body & Structure (4)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (3)
- Visibility & Wipers (3)
- Steering (2)
- Wheels & Tires (2)
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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