How many miles can a 2018 Dodge Durango last?

In short, a well-maintained 2018 Dodge Durango can typically reach around 200,000 miles, with many owners reporting 180,000 to 250,000 miles. Exceptional care can push past 300,000 miles in some cases.

Durability depends on engine choice, maintenance, and how the SUV is used. This article explains the typical expectations for the 2018 Durango and offers practical steps to maximize its lifespan.

Lifespan expectations for the 2018 Durango

The 2018 Durango was available with several engines and drivetrain configurations, all built on FCA's robust platform. Longevity is influenced by which engine you have, how you drive, and how consistently you maintain the vehicle. Below are the main powertrain options and what they generally mean for durability.

Engine options and durability

Different engines in the 2018 Durango can affect long-term reliability and maintenance needs. Here are the primary choices and a snapshot of their durability considerations.

• 3.6L Pentastar V6 (base engine): A widely used, durable option known for solid reliability when serviced regularly. Typical life with good maintenance is commonly cited around 200,000 miles or more.


• 5.7L Hemi V8: Adds power and torque; generally robust with proper maintenance, but higher fuel use and more wear parts can influence long-term upkeep. Reaching the 200,000–250,000 mile mark is common with attentive care.


• 6.4L Hemi V8 (SRT high-performance variant): High-performance engine with greater stress on components. Durability is still solid if well maintained, but maintenance costs and wear can be higher; longevity to 200,000+ miles is possible, though not as frequent as the V6 or standard V8.

Engine choice matters for ownership costs and upkeep, but all variants benefit from disciplined service and proactive maintenance to maximize lifespan.

What affects longevity

Several factors determine how long a Durango will last, beyond simply choosing an engine. Prospective owners should consider these elements when assessing potential longevity.

• Maintenance history and service records


• Driving conditions: highway miles tend to be gentler on components than frequent stop-and-go city driving


• Towing and payload usage, which increase drivetrain strain


• Climate and exposure to road salt or corrosion-prone environments


• Quality of parts and fluids used (synthetic oil, manufacturer-recommended fluids)


• Adherence to recalls and software updates that fix known issues

In general, a Durango that has been kept up-to-date with regular service and used within reasonable duty cycles stands a stronger chance of reaching high mile totals.

Maintenance practices to maximize lifespan

Adopting a proactive maintenance routine is the best way to push a Durango toward higher mileage. The following practices are widely recommended by technicians and owner communities.

• Follow the factory maintenance schedule, with particular attention to oil changes and fluid service


• Use the recommended oil type (synthetic if advised) and keep a consistent change interval (typically every 5,000–7,500 miles for conventional oil, up to 7,500–10,000 miles for synthetic, depending on conditions)


• Maintain the cooling system: coolant changes, radiator and hose inspections, and thermostat checks


• Regular transmission service as advised by the manufacturer, and address shifting issues promptly


• Brake system upkeep: timely pad/rotor replacement and brake fluid checks


• Keep tires, alignment, and suspension components in good condition to reduce stress on steering and drivetrain


• Protect against corrosion in areas with salt or frequent moisture; wash and wax to protect the underbody


• Address recalls and TSBs (technical service Bulletins) promptly to avoid hidden issues

By adhering to these practices, owners can reduce the risk of sudden failures and improve the odds of achieving higher mileage.

Real-world mileage expectations for the 2018 Durango

In real-world ownership reports, many 2018 Durangos reach about 180,000 to 250,000 miles with diligent maintenance. Some drivers have surpassed 300,000 miles, but achieving those numbers typically involves meticulous upkeep, careful driving, and timely repairs. Factors like prior repairs, accident history, and how the vehicle was used (towing, off-road use, or heavy payload) can shift the outcome significantly.

Summary

The 2018 Dodge Durango can last a long time with proper care. The engine choice (3.6L V6, 5.7L Hemi, or 6.4L Hemi in SRT variants), driving habits, and, most importantly, a disciplined maintenance schedule determine how far it will go. With proactive service, expect commonly around 200,000 miles and often more; exceptional examples can reach 250,000 miles or beyond. Regular upkeep and sensible usage are the best predictors of a long, reliable lifespan for this SUV.

What is considered high mileage on a Dodge Durango?

For a Dodge Durango, high mileage generally starts around 150,000 miles and up, with many well-maintained models lasting 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more. The life expectancy heavily depends on factors like proper maintenance, driving habits, and the specific engine model. 
Factors influencing longevity

• Maintenance: Regular oil changes, fluid checks, and prompt repairs are crucial for extending the life of any vehicle. 
• Engine type: Models with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 or 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engines are known for their durability, with many owners reporting success beyond 200,000 miles. The 4.7-liter engine can also be very reliable with proper care. 
• Driving habits: Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard stops, and overall harsh driving can accelerate wear and tear. 
• Mileage on specific models:
  • Some first-generation Durangos (1998-2003) had more reliability issues, but later generations have seen significant improvements. 
  • There are documented cases of Durangos exceeding 300,000 miles, with one 2004 model reportedly over 421,000 miles, often with consistent maintenance. 

What to look for

• Consistent maintenance records: This is the most significant indicator of a well-cared-for vehicle. 
• Engine and transmission health: Pay attention to any unusual noises or symptoms, especially if the vehicle has extremely high mileage. 
• Vehicle history: Check for any major repairs or accidents that may not be immediately apparent. 

What year to stay away from Dodge Durango?

Years to avoid for the Dodge Durango include the earliest models like 1999-2000, 2004-2005, and 2011-2012, and 2014, due to frequent reports of engine, transmission, electrical, and suspension issues. The 1999 model year is frequently cited as one of the worst due to a high number of complaints, including engine and suspension problems. Early third-generation models like 2011 and 2012 are known for electrical and transmission issues, while the 2014 model year had problems with water intrusion in the tail lights and faulty airbags. 
First generation (1998-2003) 

• 1999-2000: Prone to engine and suspension problems, as well as electrical and transmission failures. The 1999 model has a particularly high number of owner complaints.
• 2001-2003: Transmission issues and electrical problems are common. 

Second generation (2004-2009) 

• 2004-2005: These model years frequently experienced powertrain and suspension issues. The 2005 model also had several recalls. 
• 2006-2009: While generally better, some owners reported issues with the engine and suspension. 

Third generation (2011-2020) 

• 2011-2012: These years are plagued with electrical problems, particularly the TIMP (Transmission Integrated Power Module), and braking issues.
• 2014: Issues included water leaking into the tail lights and airbags that could deploy unexpectedly. 

Fourth generation (2021-Present) 

• 2021-2025: Some owners have reported recurring issues, and in some cases, the vehicles may qualify as a "lemon" under state laws if the problems persist. 

How many miles do 2018 Durangos last?

between 200,000 and 250,000 miles
How Long Do Dodge Durangos Typically Last? The second-generation (2004-2009) and third-generation (2011-present) Dodge Durangos are known to last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles on average.

What is the most common problem with Dodge Durangos?

Transmission Problems
Transmission issues are common in 2021-2025 Dodge Durango models. Many owners report hard shifting, transmission slipping, and overheating.