Worst Used Dodge Durango Model Years to Steer Clear of
The Dodge Durango has been a choice for families for 3 generations. Since its emergence on the scene in 1998 as Dodge‘s answer to growing SUV demand. Due to its long production and popularity, it is a family vehicle that is often bought used.
We all know that not every year is a great one when it comes to model years. If you are out there on the lookout for a used Durango SUV, there are years that you should avoid. Here are some used Dodge Durango model years to steer clear of.
Older Dodge Durango Problems
Don’t Buy a 1999 Dodge Durango
The 1999 model year had the most complaints filed on CarComplaints.com than any other Dodge Durango year. Realistically, there are probably not that many people out there on the fence about whether or not to buy a used 1999 Dodge Durango. But, for anyone who is, just don’t. There are too many other Dodge Durango years available that are better, newer, and won’t turn off randomly while driving.
2004 Durango
This model year is the second most complained about Dodge Durango year on CarComplaints.com. We see 402 complaints filed for the 2004 Dodge Durango family SUV, and the majority of them is over engine problems. If you are buying a used SUV, engine problems are about the last thing you are looking for.
This was also the first model of the second generation redesign of the Durango SUV. It’s universally understood that buying in the first year of a new model can be risky. This was definitely one time where that knowledge rigns true.
2007 model year
The Dodge Durango in the model year of 2007 earned terrible reliability scores from J.D. Powers, according to US News and World Report. This model year only earned a 2 out 5 for reliability. It also didn’t receive the kindest words from US News. Apparently, this model year for the used Dodge Durango had “mediocre power” in the V6 base engine. Also, the third row was notably tiny and unaccommodating.
The Dodge Durango of 2011
As the year with the third most complaints on CarComplaints.com, we felt this one needed a mention. A warning against the 2011 model year for a used Dodge Durango may be warranted due to a large number of complaints. What were the complaints? Engine problems, again. You might want to steer clear of that 2011 model year, no matter how the low price tag tempts you.
2013 model year for the Dodge Durango
The 2013 model was the last of the second generation of the Dodge Durango. This year was very ‘long in the teeth,’ and due for a redesign, and it was obvious. It earned the lowest possible reliability verdict from Consumer Reports. There were also quite a few complaints about electrical problems for this year.
New generation Dodge Durango
Now in the third generation since its 2014 redesign, the Dodge Durango has had some more recent problem years as well. While the third generation has largely been an improvement. But some years have been a little troublesome, so here’s a heads up in case you are in the market for a more contemporary used Dodge Durango.
2014 Dodge Durango
This is, again, the first model after a fresh redesign. 10 years later, the first model of the new Durango generation needed a year or two to work out some issues. Avoid the 2014 Durango for its first-year kinks. According to CarComplaints, this year had the most complaints of both engine issues and problems with the headlights.
2016 Dodge Durango
This model year earned poor ratings for both reliability and owner satisfaction from Consumer Reports. It also received zero changes compared with the previous 2015 model year. So, paying more for a 2016 because it’s a year newer than the 2015 Dodge Durango is just a waste of money.
Model years to stay away from
These are all model years that had complaints or a history of being unreliable. With so many years of Dodge Durango production, you’ll certainly be able to find the good years of a Dodge Durango. When you’re shopping for a used Durango, avoid these years that had issues.
