MODEL
Dodge Durango Safety
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 66. 23 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 2024 Durango achieved an impressive 83 out of 100 on our Safety Index, placing it in the Strong category. This score marks the highest for the current generation, though other model years within the 2019 to 2025 range have rated as only Average or Below Average. This inconsistency in safety performance is reflected in the federal crash-test results. While the Durango earned 5 out of 5 stars for side-impact protection and 4 out of 5 stars for frontal-impact protection, its rollover rating stands at 3 out of 5 stars. This lower rollover score is a persistent concern, particularly for a vehicle frequently used for family transport. Twenty recalls have been issued across the six model years, indicating a consistent need for Stellantis to address production and engineering issues. Owners have filed 470 complaints, including 16 reported crashes, 9 reported fires, and 18 reported injuries. While these are unverified allegations, the fire-related complaints in particular should prompt careful scrutiny when evaluating a specific used vehicle. The 2024 model year demonstrates a clear improvement in safety metrics, but prospective buyers of earlier models must thoroughly investigate the recall history for their chosen year.
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 8 recalls.