2020 Dodge Durango Problems & Owner Complaints

Exterior Lighting 21 3 injury

“There is a very sharp side on the back rear taillight that connects with the lift gate. This razor sharp edge has cut myself, husband, and almost my son. The only thing that saved him from getting cut was the sleeve on his shirt. I have reported this issue to Chrysler. An investigation is in process. The man came out to take pictures he also agreed this was a safety issue. Both my husband and I have been left with permanent scars.”
NHTSA complaint #11424824, 2021 · 2 injury(ies)

“The rear tail lights have a sharp edge that is beak shaped and if you brush up against it on accident it slices into your skin or clothes. I was loading groceries and my arm skimmed over it and sliced a whole piece of skin off. I have researched the incident to see if others have had the same experience looking for a recall or solution after it happened to me and my husband multiple times most recently myself a big cut and I see forums with other people sharing same story.”
NHTSA complaint #11431314, 2021 · 1 injury(ies)

“My entire lighting system in back of truck stopped working. The racetrack lighting system. The license plate lights done. I cannot drive the car at night because I will get pulled over. Dodge saying it is not covered under the extended warranty I purchased.”
NHTSA complaint #11754292, 2026

Electrical System 9 2 fire

“My 2020 Dodge Durango experienced a severe interior dashboard fire that appeared to originate in the center dash/radio area while the vehicle was parkedin driveway. The fire caused extensive melting and burn damage throughout the dashboard, center console, wiring, and surrounding interior components. The infotainment/radio area and electrical wiring sustained significant destruction, resulting in the vehicle becoming unsafe and unusable. After inspection, the dealership indicated that the radio or related electrical components may have overheated. The estimated repair cost was approximately $3…”
NHTSA complaint #11737084, 2026 · fire

“The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that he auto-started the vehicle while it was in the driveway. The contact stated as he came outside, the vehicle was on fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was totaled. The approximate failure mileage was 11,200.”
NHTSA complaint #11439479, 2021 · fire

“My entire lighting system in back of truck stopped working. The racetrack lighting system. The license plate lights done. I cannot drive the car at night because I will get pulled over. Dodge saying it is not covered under the extended warranty I purchased.”
NHTSA complaint #11754292, 2026

Engine 7

“Under heavy load or high RPM the engine starts shaking badly and the engine loses power and is very unresponsive to throttle. After 30 seconds of light use the problem goes away but comes back immediately upon heavy load or high rpms. There is a technical service bulletin about this, TSB: 09-011-25. The computer indicates a severe misfire on cylinder #1. I first took the Durango to my mechanic since it is out of warranty. The replaced the coil on cylinder #1 and all spark plugs, but the problem continued since the issue is a manufacturer's defect inside the engine. When this occurred the en…”
NHTSA complaint #11704575, 2025

“When accelerating, the vehicle tends to lose all power and starts to decelerate and check engine lights comes on, also states the start stop function is disable. Really tough trying to drive on highways because of this happening quite often.”
NHTSA complaint #11697581, 2025

“When accelerating to pass another car in front of us on a 2 lane highway we experienced a loss of power and all instrumentation flashed on/off/on, then it posted a check engine light and stated that auto start stop wasn't working. Power came back and we finished the pass but it could have resulted in a head on collision.”
NHTSA complaint #11686076, 2025

Unknown Or Other 6 1 fire 1 injury

“The rear tail lights have a sharp edge that is beak shaped and if you brush up against it on accident it slices into your skin or clothes. I was loading groceries and my arm skimmed over it and sliced a whole piece of skin off. I have researched the incident to see if others have had the same experience looking for a recall or solution after it happened to me and my husband multiple times most recently myself a big cut and I see forums with other people sharing same story.”
NHTSA complaint #11431314, 2021 · 1 injury(ies)

“My 2020 Dodge Durango experienced a severe interior dashboard fire that appeared to originate in the center dash/radio area while the vehicle was parkedin driveway. The fire caused extensive melting and burn damage throughout the dashboard, center console, wiring, and surrounding interior components. The infotainment/radio area and electrical wiring sustained significant destruction, resulting in the vehicle becoming unsafe and unusable. After inspection, the dealership indicated that the radio or related electrical components may have overheated. The estimated repair cost was approximately $3…”
NHTSA complaint #11737084, 2026 · fire

“Puerto Rico State Government vehicle (Policia de Puerto Rico). Front panel lights show a Warning/safety panel light related to Air Bags. Same as Dodge Charger that have an urgent safety recall by Dodge.”
NHTSA complaint #11690330, 2025

Structure 4 3 injury

“There is a very sharp side on the back rear taillight that connects with the lift gate. This razor sharp edge has cut myself, husband, and almost my son. The only thing that saved him from getting cut was the sleeve on his shirt. I have reported this issue to Chrysler. An investigation is in process. The man came out to take pictures he also agreed this was a safety issue. Both my husband and I have been left with permanent scars.”
NHTSA complaint #11424824, 2021 · 2 injury(ies)

“The rear tail lights have a sharp edge that is beak shaped and if you brush up against it on accident it slices into your skin or clothes. I was loading groceries and my arm skimmed over it and sliced a whole piece of skin off. I have researched the incident to see if others have had the same experience looking for a recall or solution after it happened to me and my husband multiple times most recently myself a big cut and I see forums with other people sharing same story.”
NHTSA complaint #11431314, 2021 · 1 injury(ies)

“Water intrusion into racetrack tail light. This has apparently been an issue for ten years on this style of light on Durangos with no recall or fix offered. There are hundreds of YouTube videos on how to drain water by removing a bolt, applying silicone caulk or other random fixes. Now my rear tail light is so dim it's nearly undetectable and the dealership wants to charge $1600 to fix it. But I read that even though dealers replace the lights, the problem persists because the problem with design is not fixed. No warning lights to tell me my light was out. My son told me he noticed it when I v…”
NHTSA complaint #11520838, 2023

Air Bags 3

“The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that upon leaving a parking lot, the air bag warning light was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test to determine the cause of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V280000 (Air Bags); however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case number was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 77,528.”
NHTSA complaint #11722425, 2026

“I was driving and the passenger active headrest exploded randomly without any impacts happening”
NHTSA complaint #11660197, 2025

“Drivers seatbelt buckle does not register, resulting in active chiming of the unbuckled seat belt alarm and disengaging of the airbag system. Driver must hold the seatbelt with downward pressure continuously in order to register the seat belt and return the vehicle to normal operating condition, and turn off the airbag system warning signs and chiming. Dealership refuses any assistance without payment despite being a vehicle safety system.”
NHTSA complaint #11595329, 2024

Power Train 3

“Transfer case failure. Several other owners online are reporting the same issue. Why has a recall not been issued for a flawed part, that makes the vehicle u drivable and could grenade while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11618147, 2024

“The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the "Service Shifter" message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact then stated that while driving at 65 MPH, several messages appeared on the instrument panel and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle off to the shoulder of the highway. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a defectiv…”
NHTSA complaint #11517637, 2023

“Every time I start my 2020 Dodge Durango I hear and feel a hard shift into reverse. No transmission fluid loss, just increasingly louder & feeling if the shift change. ***Vehicle started this @ 20,000 miles and only has 32,000 on it now.”
NHTSA complaint #11622266, 2022

Service Brakes 3

“Manufacture defect, steering column rubbing against brake line causing brake line to rupture causing damages with possible danger of fire or possible collision”
NHTSA complaint #11685097, 2025

“During driving the catalytic converter rubbed through both rear brake lines and was rubbing on fuel line as well. 100% stock vehicle with no modifications and has never been in an accident. Checked similar vehicles at local dealership and they seem to have the same issue with brake lines rubbing against exhaust”
NHTSA complaint #11644219, 2025

“The contact owns a 2020 DODGE DURANGO. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph with the cruise control on but not engaged. The contact stated they attempting to accelerate the vehicle however the vehicle had a delayed response. As they passed the vehicle they felt the engine shift underneath their feet. The contact stated that when they removed their pressure off the accelerator pedal they felt the vehicle accelerator activate on its own accord. The vehicle felt as though it activated the cruise control as if it was driving on its own causing the contact to attempt to apply…”
NHTSA complaint #11440881, 2021

Steering 3

“Manufacture defect, steering column rubbing against brake line causing brake line to rupture causing damages with possible danger of fire or possible collision”
NHTSA complaint #11685097, 2025

“The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel locked, and the contact depressed the brake pedal but was unable to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering rack pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V154000 (STEERING). The failure mileage was 48,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11631876, 2024

“WHILE DRIVING A BRAND NEW (170 MILES) VEHICLE AT 35 MPH ON A BUSY CITY STREET THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. A MESSAGE "POWER STEERING UNAVAILABLE" POPPED UP AND THE CAR WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO SAID IT MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY A GLITCH IN THE COMPUTER. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION BECAUSE WITHOUT THE ELECTRIC BOOST IT'S VERY HARD TO STEER THE CAR. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED IN A TURN OR WITH A DRIVER THAT WASN'T STRONG THERE WOULD LIKELY BE AN ACCIDENT. THERE ALSO DIDN'T SEEM TO BE A CLEAR EXPLANATION OF WHAT CAUSED THE EL…”
NHTSA complaint #11361267, 2020

Vehicle Speed Control 3

“I just bought a 2020 Dodge Durango GT PLUS AWD on Thursday 10/19/2023. On Saturday 10/21/2023 while driving this vehicle on the highway, it started accelerating on its own. I had not used the cruise control and was not attempting to use it. It accelerated from 42 mph to 65 mph with no assistance from me. I used the brake and it did slow down. However, every time that I removed my foot from the brake it would continue to speed up again. I drove approximately 10-15 miles to the dealership right then and the entire time I did not touch the accelerator. While exiting the off ramp, the car continue…”
NHTSA complaint #11551215, 2023

“The UConnect system in the 2020 Dodge Durango SRT has been compromised. the vehicle has experienced major safety concerns and life threatening issues for the driver. All components from body telemetry to speed control breaking fuel consumption electrical the brain itself the GPS the tracking equipment and software. Somebody a(hacker or Toyota) is remotely hacked and controlling the system just like the voluntarily recall of Jeep. However the UConnect system is a Toyota product or I was lead to believe. The Uconnect system has failed. It has been hacked. The malware has affected every compone…”
NHTSA complaint #11501744, 2023

“The contact owns a 2020 DODGE DURANGO. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph with the cruise control on but not engaged. The contact stated they attempting to accelerate the vehicle however the vehicle had a delayed response. As they passed the vehicle they felt the engine shift underneath their feet. The contact stated that when they removed their pressure off the accelerator pedal they felt the vehicle accelerator activate on its own accord. The vehicle felt as though it activated the cruise control as if it was driving on its own causing the contact to attempt to apply…”
NHTSA complaint #11440881, 2021

Fuel/Propulsion System 2

“Vehicle has begun (and is getting worse) to crank with no start on first attempt. I know there was a recall on earlier model for the fuel pump relay.”
NHTSA complaint #11699830, 2025

“While driving the engine began to vibrate violently and the check engine light turned on. Luckily I was close to the dealership because I live in a small town with one major road. I was able to quickly slow down without crashing or causing an accident and slowly drove to dealership. If I was at any significant speed I could have crashed injuring myself and my two small children.”
NHTSA complaint #11613264, 2024

Seat Belts 2

“Drivers seatbelt buckle does not register, resulting in active chiming of the unbuckled seat belt alarm and disengaging of the airbag system. Driver must hold the seatbelt with downward pressure continuously in order to register the seat belt and return the vehicle to normal operating condition, and turn off the airbag system warning signs and chiming. Dealership refuses any assistance without payment despite being a vehicle safety system.”
NHTSA complaint #11595329, 2024

“My driver side seat belt doesn't roll back up after it is taken off. I have to manually force the belt to go up. This happened to my wife's Jeep Grand Cherokee and there was a recall on hers. This seems to be the same issue. I am afraid that the seat belt will eventually malfunction.”
NHTSA complaint #11565419, 2023

Seats 2 1 fire 2 injury

“The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that moments after starting the vehicle and while driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact suddenly felt a sharp burning pain in the buttocks area. The contact immediately stopped the vehicle and discovered a burn hole in the clothing and a skin burn to the buttocks. While inspecting the vehicle, a burn hole was discovered in the front driver's seat cushion. During the incident, the contact indicated that the seat heat was in the on position and no flames or burning odor were present inside the vehicle. The vehicle was later driven to…”
NHTSA complaint #11700016, 2025 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“While driving normally, not in an accident, the active head restraint system failed and slammed into my head. If there was traffic this would have likely caused an accident because it was unexpected, severe, and abrupt while leaving me disoriented and with a persistent headache. This is absolutely ridiculous and unsafe.”
NHTSA complaint #11734978, 2026 · 1 injury(ies)

Wheels 2

“My rear wheel on the driver side of the vehicle would not allow me to go or roll like the other three tires so I had to come off the road and head to the nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care to try to get help for my vehichle, due to having a warranty on my tires until 2028. My safety and the safety of others was put at high risk, as I could not control the swaying movement of the vehicle and assumed I must have popped a tire or something was caught underneath my car and was preventing me from driving properly with womping and knocking sounds. After confirmation of the problem, by Firestone I…”
NHTSA complaint #11652427, 2025

“The UConnect system in the 2020 Dodge Durango SRT has been compromised. the vehicle has experienced major safety concerns and life threatening issues for the driver. All components from body telemetry to speed control breaking fuel consumption electrical the brain itself the GPS the tracking equipment and software. Somebody a(hacker or Toyota) is remotely hacked and controlling the system just like the voluntarily recall of Jeep. However the UConnect system is a Toyota product or I was lead to believe. The Uconnect system has failed. It has been hacked. The malware has affected every compone…”
NHTSA complaint #11501744, 2023

Suspension 1

“The UConnect system in the 2020 Dodge Durango SRT has been compromised. the vehicle has experienced major safety concerns and life threatening issues for the driver. All components from body telemetry to speed control breaking fuel consumption electrical the brain itself the GPS the tracking equipment and software. Somebody a(hacker or Toyota) is remotely hacked and controlling the system just like the voluntarily recall of Jeep. However the UConnect system is a Toyota product or I was lead to believe. The Uconnect system has failed. It has been hacked. The malware has affected every compone…”
NHTSA complaint #11501744, 2023