Years to avoid

Dodge Durango Years to Avoid

The 2018, 2021, 2019, 2022 model years stand out as the weakest in this Dodge Durango dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.

Data updated April 2026

Weakest year
2018

64/100 reliability

Model average
72/100

18-point range

Complaints, weakest year
219

9 crash · 0 fire reports

Recalls, weakest year
5

NHTSA campaigns on file

Bottom line

Why the 2018 Dodge Durango ranks last

The 2018 scores 64/100, rated good, versus a model average of 72/100. NHTSA data contains 219 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns for this model year.

Its most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (74), Exterior Lighting (40), Unknown Or Other (18), Seats (16). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.

Inspect the full 2018 Dodge Durango record →

Evidence by year

The weakest Dodge Durango model years compared

2018 Dodge Durango

64/100Good
Complaints
219
Recalls
5
Crash reports
9
Fire reports
0

Top issues: Electrical System (74), Exterior Lighting (40), Unknown Or Other (18)

View 2018 details →

2021 Dodge Durango

65/100Good
Complaints
159
Recalls
7
Crash reports
7
Fire reports
2

Top issues: Exterior Lighting (50), Electrical System (34), Structure (11)

View 2021 details →

2019 Dodge Durango

67/100Good
Complaints
128
Recalls
4
Crash reports
4
Fire reports
2

Top issues: Exterior Lighting (30), Electrical System (29), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (14)

View 2019 details →

2022 Dodge Durango

71/100Good
Complaints
47
Recalls
6
Crash reports
2
Fire reports
1

Top issues: Exterior Lighting (15), Electrical System (9), Power Train (9)

View 2022 details →

Better alternatives

Stronger Dodge Durango years to put on your shortlist

Model yearScoreComplaintsRecallsResearch
202682/10000View year
202578/10050View year
202478/10060View year

Read this carefully

“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN

A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.

Source trail

Where this Dodge Durango data comes from

VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Dodge Durango research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.

Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.

Buyer questions

Dodge Durango research FAQ

Which Dodge Durango years should I avoid?

2018, 2021, 2019, 2022 score materially below the strongest Dodge Durango years in this dataset. The 2018 is the weakest at 64/100, with 219 owner complaints and 5 recalls on file.

Does a low-scoring Dodge Durango year mean every car is bad?

No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.

What should I buy instead of the worst Dodge Durango year?

The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2026 (82/100), 2025 (78/100), 2024 (78/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.

Check the actual car

Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.

Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Dodge Durango you are considering.