Dodge Durango Reliability: Will it Last?

Danielle S
Feb 19, 2021

Red 2020 Dodge Durango In Motion

Need an SUV with standard three-row seating but aren’t quite ready for a full-size SUV? A three-row crossover like the 2020 Dodge Durango may be more your style.

How reliable is the 2020 Dodge Durango?

The 2020 Dodge Durango has decent reliability ratings according to owners and experts alike. This SUV has also received a “great” Quality & Reliability rating of 86/100 from J.D. Power.

Vehicle History Reviews:

  • Owner Reviews: 4.85 stars
  • Expert Reviews: 3.2/5

In the article below, we’re covering more details about the 2020 Dodge Durango and how it holds up from a reliability standpoint. This includes information on current recalls and owner complaints filed with the NHTSA.

More about the Dodge Durango

The third and current (as of November 2020) generation of Dodge Durango made its debut for the 2011 model year, so it’s probably due for a redesign somewhere in the near future. Still, this three-row crossover has a lot to offer.

For the 2020 Durango model, there are five trim levels available, ranging from the base SXT to the range-topping SRT. All come standard with seven-passenger seating, though models with second-row captain’s chairs max out at seating for six.

The standard engine on the 2020 Durango is a 3.6L V6, which cranks out 295 horsepower and is available with either rear- or all-wheel drive. If you’re looking for more power, two other engines are available on the 2020 Durango:

  • 5.7L V8 (360 horsepower) on the R/T trim
  • 6.4L V8 (475 horsepower) on the SRT trim

Even if you stick with the base SXT model, however, you’ll still enjoy standard equipment that includes:

  • Push-button start with keyless entry
  • Automatic tri-zone climate control
  • A seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system
  • Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
  • A load-leveling rear suspension

According to J.D. Power and U.S. News & World Report, the 2020 Dodge Durango receives a reliability rating of 4/5, which is better than most. It also comes with a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty for peace of mind.

2020 Dodge Durango Recalls & Complaints

Of course, even some of the more reliable vehicles out there can still run into problems. The 2020 Dodge Durango is no exception. As of November 2020, there is one open recall on this model and an NHTSA complaint regarding its power steering.

Rearview Camera Display Recall

NHTSA Recall ID: 20V191000

Since all vehicles in the United States are now required to be equipped with backup cameras, a vehicle without a reliable rearview camera isn’t exactly the most reliable.

In April of 2020, a recall notice was issued on more than 318,000 Dodge and Jeep vehicles, including the 2020 Durango. This recall affects models equipped with 8.4″ or 12″ touchscreen displays.

Specifically, vehicles affected by this recall have a software error that may cause the rearview camera image to “freeze” on the screen even after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse.

This lingering image can create a distraction and possibly increase the chances of a crash. And of course, this error affects the reliability and function of the backup camera itself.

Dodge is addressing this recall by offering to update the display software at no charge. Owners can also manually update the software without taking the vehicle to a dealership if they prefer.

Loss of Power Steering

NHTSA Complaint ID: 11361267

While no recall has been issued for this problem, a loss of power steering is a potentially serious issue that you should be aware of before you buy a 2020 Dodge Durango.

In this report filed with the NHTSA in September of 2020, the owner of a 2020 Durango claims that the vehicle lost its power steering suddenly while driving around 35 mph and with just 170 miles on the odometer.

After having the vehicle checked out by a mechanic, it is believed that the problem was possibly caused by a software glitch.

Noisy Brakes

Source: VehicleHistory.com Review

Another complaint to be aware of while shopping for a 2020 Dodge Durango comes from a VehicleHistory review posted in September of 2020.

In this review, owner Jean D. reports that she has had issues with the brakes making noises. She mentions that this was an “easy fix,” though she doesn’t explain what the exact fix for the problem was.

Because brake noise can be indicative of underlying brake problems that can affect reliability, this is something to consider as you shop for your next vehicle.

Is a Used Dodge Durango Right for You?

There’s a lot to think about when you shop for a used car, and reliability is probably somewhere near the top of your list of “must-haves.”

Let Vehicle History help you find the most reliable car to suit your needs and budget. With up-to-date specs, reviews, and other data from reputable sources like the NHTSA and J.D. Power, we’re here to make your life easier.

avatar Danielle S
Danielle S. is a writer with more than 10 years of experience covering the automotive industry. She lives in Indiana ("The Crossroads of America") but enjoys road-tripping around the country whenever she gets the chance.
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