What are the cons of a Dodge Durango?

The Dodge Durango trades some modern conveniences for strong towing capability and three-row practicality, but its downsides include relatively poor fuel economy, higher ongoing costs, and interior/ride quality that lags some rivals. The third-row space can be cramped, and reliability can vary by model year, so prospective buyers should weigh these factors against the Durango’s advantages.

Below is a detailed look at the main drawbacks, organized by category. It highlights how these issues can affect everyday ownership, who might be most affected, and what to check before purchasing a used or new Durango.

Fuel economy and running costs

Fuel efficiency and overall ownership costs are common sticking points for the Durango, especially with larger engines or when towing. Even in models with the more efficient setup, real-world economy tends to be lower than many peers in the midsize SUV class.

• Relatively low fuel economy compared with many rivals, particularly with the V8 or when towing heavy loads.


• Higher maintenance and repair costs over the life of the vehicle compared with some competitors.


• Costly consumables and wear items can add up, given the Durango’s size and powertrain options.

For buyers prioritizing efficiency and predictable running costs, these factors mean the Durango can be pricier to own than some other three-row SUV choices.

Interior space, comfort, and practicality

The Durango’s three-row layout offers flexibility, but space is not uniform across all seats. The balance between passenger capacity and cargo space varies by trim and configuration, which can limit practicality for some families.

Third-row usability

The third-row seat is usable for children or shorter trips, but adults will typically find it cramped on longer journeys, especially for taller passengers.

• Cramped legroom and shoulder room in the third row on most configurations.


• Rear seating reduces cargo space behind the third row, which can limit luggage capacity when the seats are in use.

Those who regularly run with a full passenger load should test seating comfort and assess how much cargo they typically need with all seats occupied.

Reliability, maintenance, and ownership costs

Reliability history for the Durango is mixed across model years, and some owners report electrical or drivetrain quirks. Maintenance costs can be higher than average for a midsize SUV, particularly on older or high-performance versions.

• Mixed reliability across model years, with reports of electrical glitches, transmission quirks, and other drivetrain issues in some trims.


• Depreciation can be steeper than some rivals, affecting long-term resale value.


• Higher-than-average repair and maintenance costs, especially for V8-equipped models or higher-end trims.

Before buying, review a clean maintenance history and consider an extended warranty or a thorough pre-purchase inspection to gauge expected ownership costs.

Technology, safety, and value

Infotainment systems and available safety features have evolved over time, but some Durango models can feel dated, and advanced driver-assistance tech is not always standard across trims.

• Infotainment and interior tech can feel dated or slow to respond on older trims, with interfaces that lag behind newer rivals.


• Many advanced safety features are optional or require higher trims, increasing the sticker price to get a full suite of aids.


• Resale value and overall perceived value can be lower than some competitors in its class, especially for older model years with aging tech.

If tech and safety features are important, verify exactly which features come standard on the trim you’re considering and be prepared to upgrade to a higher trim or package for a fuller suite of aids.

Driving dynamics and usability

As a large SUV, the Durango offers substantial power and towing capacity, but its size affects maneuverability and refinement on daily driving. The experience varies by engine and trim, and some drivers may prefer sharper handling from competing crossovers.

Parkability and maneuverability

Large dimensions can make parking, tight corners, and urban maneuvering more challenging compared with smaller SUVs.

• Heavier steering feel and reduced nimbleness in tight spaces.


• One-time parking and turning radius considerations for urban driving and apartment parking situations.

For buyers who mainly drive in cities or rely on easy parking, this can be a notable drawback; test-parking a Durango in your typical spaces before purchase.

Ride quality and highway refinement

Ride quality and in-cabin noise can vary by trim and tire choice. Some owners report a busier ride and more wind noise at highway speeds compared with rivals in the class.

• Ride comfort can be less polished on rough pavement due to the Durango’s weight and suspension tuning.


• Higher road and wind noise at speed, especially on models with larger wheels or lower-grade tires.

Consider a test drive on highways and rough roads to gauge whether the ride and noise levels meet your expectations for daily driving and long trips.

Summary

The Dodge Durango remains a compelling choice for buyers who need three-row seating with strong towing capability, but it carries notable caveats: lower fuel efficiency, mixed reliability history, and interior and ride quality that may lag behind some rivals. Its practicality can still shine for families who value space and versatility, provided they are mindful of seating configurations and maintenance costs. Prospective buyers should prioritize test drives, review maintenance histories, and verify the exact tech and safety features included on the desired trim to ensure the Durango meets their needs.

In short, the Durango serves well as a capable family hauler and towing SUV, but its cons warrant careful consideration relative to competing mid-size three-row crossovers and SUVs.

What are the pros and cons of durango?

A Muscle SUV Made For Families: Pros and Cons Of The 2025 Dodge Durango

• Pros of the 2025 Dodge Durango include impressive towing capabilities, muscular powertrains, and more.
• Cons of the 2025 Dodge Durango includes an unimpressive fuel economy and mediocre drive.

What is the most common problem with the Dodge Durango?

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

Is the Dodge Durango a reliable vehicle?

The Dodge Durango's reliability varies by model year, with newer models (especially 2017 and later) showing strong reliability, while earlier generations had more issues. While generally reliable, particularly with consistent maintenance, some common problems to be aware of include transmission and electrical issues in some older models, and suspension or brake wear in older ones. The average annual cost for maintenance is approximately $675, which is slightly higher than the industry average for full-size SUVs. 
Reliability by generation and model year

• Model years 2017 and newer: These are considered reliable, with many positive reviews and improved technology. Specific models like 2017, 2020, 2022, and 2024 are frequently highlighted as having strong reliability ratings. 
• Third-generation (2011-2013): These models had more reported issues, particularly with electrical and transmission problems. 
• First-generation (1998-2003): This generation had more reliability issues than later ones. 

This video provides a 63,000-mile update on a 2023 Dodge Durango GT Premium: 55sScott Diesel GarageYouTube · Sep 7, 2025
Potential common issues

• Transmission: Some models have reported rough shifting and premature failure, though this can often be mitigated with proper maintenance. 
• Electrical: Early models, in particular, had issues with things like faulty wiring or sensors. 
• Suspension: Like most SUVs, suspension components are subject to wear and tear over time. 
• Brakes: Some owners have reported the need for premature brake replacements. 

How to maintain reliability

• Follow the maintenance schedule: Adhere to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance to ensure the vehicle runs well and to prevent minor issues from becoming major repairs.
• Use high-quality parts and fluids: Using quality parts and fluids will help with performance and longevity.
• Promptly address warning signs: If you notice unusual noises or changes in performance, have the vehicle checked by a professional to prevent minor issues from escalating. 

This video discusses potential common issues in Dodge Durango models: 0:15Miles_High_MonsterReddit · Dec 21, 2024

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.