# Dodge Durango brake warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 23 - **Most complaints:** 2015 (6) - **Related recalls:** 4 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 23 owner complaints about the brake warning light on the Dodge Durango (2015-2026 models), most for the **2015** model year (6). There are **4 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. ## Dodge Durango brake warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the brake light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 6 | 505 | 1% | | 2016 | 4 | 161 | 2% | | 2017 | 2 | 214 | 1% | | 2018 | 3 | 233 | 1% | | 2019 | 4 | 145 | 3% | | 2021 | 1 | 208 | 0% | | 2023 | 1 | 38 | 3% | | 2026 | 2 | 15 | 13% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Dodge Durango recalls related to the brake warning light **[24V838000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V838000)** (2018-2019 models, reported 2024-11-07): A vehicle that can be started and shifted out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in a vehicle rollaway. Disabled ABS and ESC systems can reduce vehicle handling and control in certain driving situations. Brake lights that incorrectly illuminate can fail to properly indicate the driver's intention to... **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the integrated pressure transducer and update the ABS module software, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2025. **[22V426000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V426000)** (2018-2019 models, reported 2022-06-09): A vehicle that starts and shifts out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside of the vehicle. **Remedy:** This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 24V838. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. The remedy includes updated HCU/ABS module software that prevents the HCU/ABS module from falsely reading pressure in the primary circuit. FCA has decided to do a two-Phase... **[22V140000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V140000)** (2021-2022 models, reported 2022-03-10): An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2022. **[16V168000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V168000)** (2015-2016 models, reported 2016-03-23): A cracked brake caliper may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front left brake caliper and depending on its casting date, replace it, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 12, 2016. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Dodge Durango owners report - "While driving uphill, the vehicle stalled with the message "BRAKES" displayed. The vehicle was restarted and later returned to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. After retrieving the vehicle, approximately 500 miles later, while driving on a back road and crossing a dangerous..." -- owner of a 2026 Dodge Durango, complaint filed 2026 - "Complete brake failure when stopping for a red light. This caused the vehicle to rear end a Jeep stopped at the light. Brake pedal went completely to the floor. This was verified by the investigating State Trooper, who started the Durango and checked the brakes, they went all the way to the floor as indicated in his..." -- owner of a 2023 Dodge Durango, complaint filed 2025 - "Around 50,000 or trailer brake service and traction control warning came on. Took into dealership was told it was hydraulic control unit and abs module that need replaced" -- owner of a 2021 Dodge Durango, complaint filed 2026 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the brake warning light means The red brake warning light most often means the parking brake is still on. If it stays on after you fully release the parking brake, the brake fluid is likely low, which can mean worn pads or a leak in the brake system. A brake light that stays on while driving is a reason to pull over and check, because a fluid leak can lead to loss of braking. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Parking brake on or not fully released** (most common) 2. **Low brake fluid from worn pads** (common) 3. **Brake fluid leak** (less common) 4. **Faulty fluid level sensor or parking brake switch** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Brake warning light](/warning-lights/brake). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Dodge Durango brake light? Yes. NHTSA lists 4 related recalls (24V838000, 22V426000, 22V140000, 16V168000) covering 2015-2022 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Dodge Durango years have the most brake light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2019 Durango model years have the most complaints mentioning the brake warning light, with 6 for 2015. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Dodge Durango with the brake light on? Stop driving. If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. If it stays on, especially with a soft pedal, low fluid, or the ABS light also on, stop driving and have the car towed, because the brakes may fail. ### How do I check if my Dodge Durango has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Dodge dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Dodge Durango warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/dodge-durango): 14 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/dodge-durango): 30 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/dodge-durango): 73 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/dodge-durango): 25 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/dodge-durango): 24 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/dodge-durango): 24 complaints ## Brake warning light on other models - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-cr-v): 561 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-silverado): 383 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-accord): 360 complaints - [Honda Pilot](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-pilot): 223 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-cherokee): 215 complaints - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ram-1500): 208 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/gmc-sierra): 206 complaints - [Honda Odyssey](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-odyssey): 176 complaints - [Chevrolet Equinox](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-equinox): 154 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-grand-cherokee): 142 complaints ## Dodge Durango - [Dodge Durango specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/dodge-durango) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/dodge-durango Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.