MODEL
Dodge Durango
NHTSA safety across every Dodge Durango model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Dodge Durango we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 83 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2021 at 67. 20 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Dodge Durango is a three-row, body-on-frame-adjacent midsize SUV that has carved out a distinct identity as one of the few performance-leaning family haulers in its segment. Aimed at buyers who want genuine V8 muscle alongside people-mover practicality, the Durango competes in a crowded space but stands apart through its rear-wheel-drive roots and available high-output engines. Our coverage spans the 2019 through 2025 model years.
The Durango's safety picture across our 2019 to 2025 coverage window is genuinely mixed, and shoppers deserve a clear-eyed look at the numbers before signing anything. The best NHTSA Safety Index we recorded for this generation is 83 out of 100, earned by the 2024 model, which lands in the Strong band. That is encouraging, but other years in this range have fallen into the Average and Below Average bands, meaning consistency has been a real issue for this platform. Crash-test results tell a similar story of highs and lows: the best figures we have show a solid 5 out of 5 stars in the side-impact test and a respectable 4 out of 5 in the frontal test, but the rollover rating sits at just 3 out of 5 stars, a figure that reflects the Durango's tall, relatively narrow stance and is worth taking seriously for a vehicle families use on highways. Twenty recalls across six model years is a meaningful number for any nameplate, signaling that Stellantis has had to address a steady stream of production and engineering issues on this truck. Owner complaints total 470, with 16 reported crashes, 9 reported fires, and 18 reported injuries in the dataset. These are unverified allegations, but the fire-related complaints in particular warrant attention when evaluating any specific used example. The 2024 model year represents the clearest safety progress, but buyers of earlier years should research their specific model year recall history before purchasing.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Durango for its rare combination of V8 performance, genuine three-row seating, and towing capability in a segment that has largely moved toward crossover-style platforms. Most acknowledge the interior and technology have aged relative to newer competitors, and the ride and efficiency are frequently flagged as trade-offs for the model's performance-oriented character.
- Rollover protection is the Durango's weakest crash-test result, earning just 3 out of 5 stars in the best data we have. Buyers with families should factor this into their decision, particularly if highway driving at speed is a regular use case.
- Twenty recalls across the 2019 to 2025 model years is an above-average total. Before purchasing any Durango in this range, verify through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool that all open recalls have been completed by a dealer.
- The 2024 model year achieved the highest Safety Index in our covered range at 83 out of 100 and falls in the Strong band. If safety scoring is a priority, the 2024 model year is the clearest choice within this generation.
- Nine fire-related complaints appear in the owner data across these model years. These are unverified allegations, but prospective buyers of used Durango examples should ask for full service records and pay particular attention to any recall notices related to electrical or fuel system components.
Most-recalled year on record: 2021 Dodge Durango with 7 recalls.