What causes a Dodge Durango to overheat?

Overheating in a Dodge Durango is typically the result of cooling-system issues, such as low coolant, leaks, a failed water pump, a thermostat that won’t open, a blocked radiator, or cooling fans that aren’t operating. Addressing the problem quickly is essential to prevent serious engine damage.

Common causes in the cooling system

These are the most frequent culprits behind Durango overheating, spanning leaks, component failures and airflow problems.

• Low coolant level due to leaks or improper filling


• Coolant leaks from hoses, radiator, heater core, water pump, or intake manifold


• Faulty or failed water pump


• Thermostat stuck closed or failing to open


• Radiator clogged or restricted by debris or sediment


• Radiator cap not sealing properly or failing to hold the correct pressure


• Cooling fans not operating due to a faulty motor, relay, fuse, or control sensor


• Electrical faults in the fan circuit or temperature sensor


• Head gasket failure allowing coolant loss or contamination of oil


• Blocked airflow to the radiator from debris or a blocked grille

In most cases, overheating stems from a combination of coolant-management problems or a single failing component. Prompt attention helps prevent engine damage and costly repairs.

How to diagnose overheating in the field

If your Durango starts running hot, use these steps to identify the likely cause before visiting a shop. Always prioritize safety and avoid opening a hot cooling system.

1. If the gauge shows hot or a warning light comes on, pull over safely and turn off the engine to cool down.


2. Let the engine cool completely, then check the coolant reservoir and radiator level. Top up if you’re sure there are no leaks.


3. Inspect the engine bay for visible coolant leaks around hoses, the radiator, the water pump, and the heater core lines.


4. Check that the cooling fans turn on when the engine warms up (you may hear or feel them after starting the AC or when the engine reaches operating temperature).


5. Feel the upper radiator hose when the engine is warm; if it stays cool, the thermostat might be stuck closed.


6. Look for signs of head-gasket issues, such as white exhaust, milky oil, or coolant in the oil or combustion chamber.


7. If no obvious leaks are found and the fans operate, consider a cooling-system pressure test and a cap test to check for hidden leaks or improper pressure regulation.


8. For persistent or unclear causes, schedule a diagnostic with a qualified technician who can perform a cooling-system pressure test and use scan tools to check sensors and relays.

Conclusion: A structured diagnostic approach helps pinpoint whether the issue is a simple coolant deficit, a faulty fan or thermostat, or a more serious engine problem requiring professional service.

Preventive maintenance to reduce overheating risk

Routine upkeep can minimize the chances of overheating and extend the life of the cooling system and engine.

• Regularly check coolant level and condition; refill with the manufacturer-recommended coolant type and mix.


• Schedule coolant flushes and replacements at intervals specified in the owner’s manual or by a trusted dealer/mechanic.


• Inspect radiator fins, hoses, clamps, and hoses for cracks, bulges, or leaks; replace worn components.


• Test the thermostat and water pump when cooling symptoms appear; replace as needed.


• Ensure cooling fans operate correctly; replace defective fan motors, relays, fuses, or wiring as needed.


• Verify the radiator cap seals properly and maintains system pressure; replace a worn cap.


• Keep the radiator and condenser clear of debris and ensure adequate airflow through the grille.


• Avoid adding incompatible fluids or mixing coolants; always follow the vehicle’s specification.

Conclusion: Proactive maintenance—focused on the coolant system and cooling fans—reduces overheating incidents and supports engine reliability.

Notes on safety and model-specific considerations

While overheating can affect any Durango generation, some model years may exhibit particular vulnerabilities. If you notice repeated overheating despite basic maintenance, consult a dealership or technician for a targeted diagnostic. Never ignore rising temperature gauges; continued driving with an overheating engine can cause severe damage such as a warped cylinder head or blown head gasket.

Summary

Overheating in a Dodge Durango is most often caused by cooling-system issues such as low or leaking coolant, a failed water pump, a thermostat that won’t open, a clogged radiator, or non-operating cooling fans. A methodical diagnostic approach—checking coolant levels, leaks, fan operation, and potential head-gasket signs—helps identify the culprit. Consistent preventive maintenance, including regular coolant service, hose inspection, and ensuring proper airflow, reduces the risk and protects engine life. If overheating occurs, pull over safely, let the engine cool, and seek professional diagnostics if the cause isn’t immediately evident.

Why does my Dodge keep overheating?

Issue: A malfunctioning cooling system, including the radiator, hoses, or water pump, can contribute to overheating. Solution: Regularly inspect and maintain your Dodge's cooling system. Look for leaks, worn-out hoses, and ensure the radiator is clean and functioning correctly.

Why is my car overheating but the coolant is full?

A car can overheat with full coolant if the coolant isn't circulating properly, which can be caused by a stuck thermostat, failing water pump, or a clog in the radiator or hoses. Other common culprits include a malfunctioning cooling fan, air trapped in the system, or a faulty radiator cap.
 
Circulation problems

• Thermostat: A thermostat that is stuck closed can prevent coolant from flowing to the radiator. 
• Water pump: If the water pump is failing, it cannot circulate coolant effectively through the engine. 
• Clogged radiator or hoses: Debris can block the radiator, preventing it from dissipating heat, or clog hoses, restricting flow. 

Air and leaks 

• Air pockets: Air trapped in the cooling system can block coolant flow, as air is not as efficient at transferring heat as coolant. This can happen after a leak or a repair. 
• Faulty radiator cap: A worn-out or faulty radiator cap may not be able to hold pressure correctly, which can lead to overheating. 

Cooling system failures

• Cooling fans: If the cooling fans aren't turning on, they can't pull air through the radiator, especially when the vehicle is idling or moving slowly. 
• Head gasket: A blown head gasket can allow hot combustion gases to enter the cooling system, or coolant to leak into the cylinders. 

This video demonstrates how to check your car's cooling fan: 51s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Jul 30, 2023
What to do

• Check the cooling fans: Turn the car on and turn on the A/C to see if the fans activate. If they don't, there might be an issue with the fan motor or sensor. 
• Inspect for blockages: Look at the front of the radiator to see if there's any debris blocking airflow. 
• Check for air pockets: A weak or non-existent heater can be a sign of air in the system. 
• Consider a professional inspection: Since several issues can cause this, it's best to have a mechanic diagnose the problem to avoid further engine damage. 

Why is my Dodge Durango overheating?

Your Dodge Durango is likely overheating due to a malfunctioning thermostat, a coolant leak, or a clogged radiator. Other common causes include issues with the radiator fan, a water pump failure, or air pockets in the cooling system. To fix it, you can start by checking your coolant level and inspecting for leaks, then have a mechanic diagnose and repair or replace any faulty components.
 
This video shows how to diagnose and fix a Dodge Durango that is overheating due to a clogged radiator and air pockets in the cooling system: 1mOldGuyDIYYouTube · Nov 3, 2020
Common causes and solutions

• Coolant leak: A leak is the most common reason for overheating. 
  • Cause: Leaks can come from the radiator, hoses, water pump, or thermostat housing. 
  • Solution: Inspect hoses, the radiator, and the water pump for leaks or damage. A mechanic can perform a pressure test to find leaks. 
• Faulty thermostat: A thermostat that doesn't open correctly will prevent coolant from circulating. 
  • Cause: A stuck or failed thermostat. 
  • Solution: Replace the thermostat. This is often a straightforward repair if you can access the housing. 
• Clogged radiator: This restricts coolant flow, especially at high speeds. 
  • Cause: Buildup or debris inside the radiator. 
  • Solution: Have a mechanic perform a professional cooling system flush to remove blockages. 
• Radiator fan issues: The fan is essential for cooling, especially when the vehicle is not moving at high speeds. 
  • Cause: A faulty fan clutch, motor, or relay. 
  • Solution: Check that the fan turns on when the engine is hot. If not, it may need replacement. 
• Air pockets: Air trapped in the cooling system can create "hot spots" that cause the engine to overheat. 
  • Cause: Improper refilling of the cooling system after a repair, or a leak that allows air to enter. 
  • Solution: "Bleed" the cooling system to remove air pockets. This is often a job for a mechanic to ensure it's done correctly. 
• Water pump failure: The water pump circulates the coolant throughout the system. 
  • Cause: The impeller inside can corrode and break, or the pump seal can fail. 
  • Solution: Replace the water pump. This is a more complex repair, often done along with other components like the thermostat. 

You can watch this video to learn how to diagnose a busted oil cooler which caused a Dodge Durango to overheat: 53sAlex The Car DoctorYouTube · Feb 26, 2021
What you can do

1. Check the coolant level: Ensure the coolant is at the proper level in the reservoir after the engine has cooled. 
2. Inspect for leaks: Look for puddles of coolant or signs of a leak under the vehicle. 
3. Listen to the fan: Check if the radiator fan is running when the engine is hot. 
4. See a professional: If the problem isn't obvious, a mechanic can properly diagnose and fix the issue, which may involve replacing components like the thermostat or water pump. 

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.