AI Damage2020 Dodge Durango: common problems
Owners of the 2020 Dodge Durango filed 55 complaints with NHTSA, most often about exterior lighting and electrical system. The maker issued 482 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 55
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 482
What fails most often
- 1 Exterior lighting 40% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 16% of all complaints
- 3 Engine 13% of all complaints
- 4 Structure 7% of all complaints
- 5 Powertrain 5% of all complaints
- 6 Service brakes 5% of all complaints
- 7 Steering 5% of all complaints
- 8 Vehicle speed control 5% of all complaints
- Exterior lighting: 22 complaints (40% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 6.
- Electrical system: 9 complaints (16% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 143.
- Engine: 7 complaints (13% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 44.
- Structure: 4 complaints (7% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 56.
- Powertrain: 3 complaints (5% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 58.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3.6 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- 5.7 L · petrol · 8 cyl
- 6.4 L · petrol · 8 cyl
- automatic, 8-speed
Drive: AWD, RWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 55 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior lighting | 22 | 0 | 6 |
| Electrical system | 9 | 0 | 143 |
| Engine | 7 | 0 | 44 |
| Structure | 4 | 0 | 56 |
| Powertrain | 3 | 0 | 58 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 | 17 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 | 9 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 0 | 5 |
| Air bags | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| Seats | 2 | 0 | 7 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 | 5 |
| Wheels | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 5 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
So far, it has not affected my brake lights, rear view camera or back up lights. For the most part, it is just dimmed in that passenger lower side of the racetrack light itself and still flickers some. I do worry about the integrity of the wiring now and if any issues will arise.
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.
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.
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.
1, The rear taillights fill up with water making it difficult to see the lights when breaking. 2, The engine had to be repaired due to power failure and was told that the cams and lifters were worn out on drivers' side at 85000 miles. The garage said this should not have happened.
The rear tail lights and the rear “race track” running light have allowed water to enter causing premature failure of a large portion of the light(s). These are not user serviceable parts and should be completely sealed from the elements.
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.
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 the local dealer, who indicated an electrical fire had occurred inside the front driver's seat and the entire seat needed to be replaced.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 829 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (top 39% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Durango has 94 complaints (12 years in the data). This year has 55, below average.
What to check before buying
- Exterior lighting. Headlamps, leveling, sensors and mounts after a frontal hit.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- The Customer May Complain About a Popping Noise, Grinding Noise, or an Intermittent No Reverse or Forward…
The Customer May Complain About a Popping Noise, Grinding Noise, or an Intermittent No Reverse or Forward Transmission Engagement. The Tech May Find Damaged and/or Worn Transmission Output Shaft Splines (850RE…
- TRANSMISSION KIT - WITH TORQUE CONVERTER
- Engine PNs
MY 24-26 WD/DT (5.7L) Code P00B is being misdiagnosed and incorrect parts are being installed causing over repair. Refer to SOL S2609000006 The IAFM Foam Engine Valley Cover (PN 53013735AB) does not provide sufficient…
- Passive Entry O/S Dr Handle Prior to replacing an inoperative passive entry door handle, perform Star…
- EVAPORATOR - AIR CONDITIONING
- Fuel Delivery Module Before replacing the fuel module for DTCs P0461 and P062A and other not start, long…
Fuel Delivery Module Before replacing the fuel module for DTCs P0461 and P062A and other not start, long crank, fuel gauge accuracy and drivability issues, the technician should disconnect the electrical connector at…
- Backup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
- Power Liftgate Intermittently Inoperative
Will Not Open/ Close. Liftgate/Hatch Ajar Message Displayed. Rev A
- Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot
Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
- Blower Motor Makes Loud Noise
- Prior to replacing an inoperative passive entry door handle, perform Star Online S2623000040
- Passive Entry Exterior Door Handle Inoperative When Touched To Lock And Or Unlock
NHTSA lists 482 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Dodge Durango?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: exterior lighting, electrical system, engine. Total complaints: 55. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: headlights and tail lights (25%), warning lights, check engine (15%), smoke, burning smell, fire (7%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2020 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA lists 482 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2020 Dodge Durango from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2020 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.