NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Dodge Durango Safety Ratings
The 2023 Dodge Durango scores 80 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 31 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A 3-star rollover rating stands as the primary concern for the 2023 Dodge Durango, tempering an otherwise strong federal safety profile. This SUV achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, positioning it firmly in the Strong safety band. The score reflects solid crash-test performance and a notably clean recall record, with only a single recall issued for the model year.
The 2023 Dodge Durango AWD SUV received an overall 4-star NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Dodge Durango ranks 105 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 80 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 21.2% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 31 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 105 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Dodge Durango?
The 2023 Dodge Durango represents a meaningful safety step forward from the prior model year. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed from 72/100 in 2022, which sat in the Average band, to 81/100 in 2023, landing firmly in the Strong band. That 9-point gain is driven primarily by a crash-protection sub-score of 57 out of 70, supported by a 5-star side-impact result and a 4-star overall NHTSA rating. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 6 out of 10 reflects that both forward collision warning and lane departure warning remain optional rather than standard equipment, a gap that keeps the Index from pushing higher. The defect record sub-score of 17.5 out of 20 is consistent with the single recall campaign, which is narrowly scoped to Pursuit-trim vehicles with a specific shifter configuration rather than the broader consumer lineup. The 3-star rollover result and its associated 21-percent risk figure are the most consequential safety limitation for buyers to weigh, particularly given the Durango's tall-SUV profile. Taken together, this model year's data profile is the strongest the Durango has posted in the years covered by this guide.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Dodge Durango perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Dodge Durango AWD SUV's side-impact protection received a perfect 5 stars from NHTSA. Its frontal protection is rated at 4 stars. The overall rating for the vehicle is 4 out of 5 stars. Rollover resistance is the weakest aspect of its crash-test performance, earning 3 stars with a 21-percent rollover risk, though dynamic tip testing did not result in a tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17243
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Dodge Durango have any recalls?
The 2023 Dodge Durango has one NHTSA recall campaign. It targets certain 2023 Durango Pursuit vehicles equipped with an instrument-panel-mounted shifter, specifically covering a power train automatic transmission lever and linkage column shift concern. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE26V528000
Risk: A damaged rear spoiler may detach and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace or repair the spoiler and align the liftgate as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 10, 2026. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 61D. Vehicle Identification
Reported 2026-08-13
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT23V640000
Risk: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument panel mounted shifter boot, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 94A.
Reported 2023-09-18
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Dodge Durango?
Owners have filed 31 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Exterior Lighting (10 reports), Electrical System (8), and Power Train (7). Two alleged crashes and two alleged injuries appear in the dataset. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
31 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Dodge Durango?
The 2023 Durango is subject to an open recall for its transmission shifter, a safety concern that transfers with ownership. Prospective buyers should verify that the recall remedy has been completed via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool.
- The 2023 model year Safety Index of 81/100 is a 9-point improvement over the 2022 Durango's score of 72/100, representing a band upgrade from Average to Strong.
- The single recall for this model year is limited to 2023 Durango Pursuit vehicles with an instrument-panel-mounted shifter, covering a transmission lever and linkage column shift defect.
- The 5-star NHTSA side-impact rating is the top crash-test result for this model year, while the 3-star rollover rating with a 21-percent rollover risk is the most notable safety limitation in the federal test data.
- Both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional rather than standard on this model year, which is reflected in the avoidance-tech sub-score of 6 out of 10 within the Safety Index.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Dodge Durango places
The 2023 Dodge Durango qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Dodge Durango safety questions
Was the 2023 Dodge Durango crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Dodge Durango, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Dodge Durango crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Dodge Durango earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 21.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Dodge Durango have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Dodge Durango. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Dodge Durango?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 31 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Dodge Durango. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Durango years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17243), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Dodge Durango 2023.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 105 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.