# Dodge Durango check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 73 - **Most complaints:** 2018 (24) - **Related recalls:** 7 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 73 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Dodge Durango (2015-2026 models), most for the **2018** model year (24). There are **7 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Dodge Durango check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 6 | 505 | 1% | | 2016 | 7 | 161 | 4% | | 2017 | 9 | 214 | 4% | | 2018 | 24 | 233 | 10% | | 2019 | 15 | 145 | 10% | | 2020 | 5 | 56 | 9% | | 2021 | 3 | 208 | 1% | | 2022 | 1 | 61 | 2% | | 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 check engine light **[23V640000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V640000)** (2023 models, reported 2023-09-18): 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. **[22V866000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V866000)** (2022 models, reported 2022-11-23): An improperly engaged shifter assembly may slip out of the "drive" position, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the shifter assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2023. **[22V284000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V284000)** (2021 models, reported 2022-04-28): An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the EGR valve assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022. **[20V183000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V183000)** (2019 models, reported 2020-03-26): A sudden loss of power while driving or loss of the transmission PARK function can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front differential, free of charge. The recall began May 21, 2020. **[18V280000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V280000)** (2018 models, reported 2018-05-01): If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. **[17V541000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V541000)** (2017 models, reported 2017-08-31): If a halfshaft is too short, it may disengage from the differential causing a loss of drive and increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace both halfshafts, free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2017. **[16V814000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V814000)** (2016 models, reported 2016-11-10): A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly for damage to the fuel rail crossover tube, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 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 - "Shortly after, the "Check Engine" light illuminated. We activated our hazard lights, reduced speed to approximately 10-20 mph, exited the bridge, and pulled into an emergency stopping area. There was no prior warning that there was a problem." -- owner of a 2026 Dodge Durango, complaint filed 2026 - "The contact stated that upon startup and while driving, the check engine and airbag warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the gear shifter became stuck when shifting into drive(D). The rearview camera flickered, displayed incorrect images, and the display screen intermittently froze or turned blue. The vehicle..." -- owner of a 2023 Dodge Durango, complaint filed 2026 - "It happened to me twice 10/24/22 after leaving the dealer on the way home, the service engine light illuminated and remained on. The dealer's service rep said multiple codes were detected by the reader. When we brought it in to the dealer the first time 10/20/22, a total of 27 malfunction codes were in the system...." -- owner of a 2022 Dodge Durango, complaint filed 2022 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Dodge Durango check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 7 related recalls (23V640000, 22V866000, 22V284000, 20V183000, 18V280000, 17V541000, 16V814000) covering 2016-2023 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 check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2017, 2018 and 2019 Durango model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 24 for 2018. 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 check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### 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 - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/dodge-durango): 23 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 ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Dodge Durango - [Dodge Durango specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/dodge-durango) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/dodge-durango Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.