general problems of the 2018 Dodge Durango - part 1

Water in racetrack tailgate taillights.

Manufacturer recall number94b NHTSA recall number24v-838 recall has been active but without a solution since 2022 and reopened in 2024.

(initially) March of 2023 I had an issue with this vehicle 2018 Dodge Durango rt 2wd 5. 7l serious electrical problems gauge cluster all lights and warnings indicators showing on gauge cluster. . Failure to start. I had the vehicle towed to Dodge dealership in fontana California and it was diagnosed as a power control module failure it fell short of a factory warranty and no recall . . After diagnostic I had the vehicle repaired at my expense . . They repaired the faulty module and vehicle worked normally until this day 2 years later November 24th 2025. . I went to go start my vehicle this afternoon and I have the same exact problem as I had before all warning lights lit up on the gauge cluster and no start accompanied with no emergency flashers and no turn signals and no exterior lights. . This would be the second time the power control module has failed this is a frustrating issue as it is expensive for this repair this vehicle absolutely has a serious problem for this being the second time in 2 years the power control module has failed this needs to be addressed and further investigated please and thank you.

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 mph, the vehicle had started to lose motive power and nearly stalled. The contact stated that the check engine, a yellow "p" and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and shifted into park(p) and became aware that the vehicle was in neutral(n) when the vehicle rolled forward. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed by the mechanic, and it was determined that the pcm needed to be replaced and referred the contact to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the windows independently rolled down and the vehicle was in park(p) but the vehicle rolled forward. The contact turned off the vehicle but observed that the ignition was in the "run" position and while attempting to restart the vehicle to properly shut the vehicle off, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the starter motor had burned out and the batteries were drained and needed to be replaced due to an electrical failure. The contact requested information from the dealer about the pcm and was advised that he had missed a software update. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Rear racetrack led lightning is failing due to water intrusion. This could also possibly cause electrical issues to the license plate lights and back up camera. When in bad weather, other drivers could fail to see the back of my car, and could get into an accident. Yes, dealer stated that the cost is 1500 to fix. The Durango has 60k miles. Dealer only. No warning just a fellow driver reported my racetrack light flickers and dim.

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rearview camera was intermittently inoperative and there was an abnormal sound coming from the infotainment system. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the infotainment system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

First we thought the fuel pump went bad due to the vehicle not starting. Pump was replaced and about 3 weeks later the same issue persisted. When the shop investigated it turns out the fuel tank harness and body side connector needed to be replaced due to connections becoming loose and delivering low voltage to the fuel pump causing it to burn up.

The main control screen acts erratic while driving. A variety of outcomes happen all unprompted - apps and functions open and close, navigation maps bounce locations, phone calls place, radio stations change, volume adjusts, etc. The more worrisome part is the distraction of these things to the driver. And attempts to control the erratic behavior. If not also attempt to turn on, turn off certain aspects (air/heat included) while the system is uncontrollable. Upon researching it - the issue is widespread. Experienced by many others. Is known by the manufacturer that a factory had assembled central consoles with the wrong adhesive. Specifically one was used with a low melting point. When heated by the car heater, it delaminates the screen. Experienced first as some slight bubbling. With each reheat, the adhesive have liquifies again, creating the erratic response by the electronics if not perhaps other more worrisome damage inside the dash as it melts down. Some owners with savvy skills have disassembled the dash, separated the two parts that are adhered with the bad glue (screen and digitizer), cleaned out the adhesive, reassembled without the adhesive and found the erratic uncontrollable behavior of the center console resolved. Dealers quote $1000-$2000 prices to replace the unit, without providing confidence that the new one will be free of the same problematic adhesive. Forums are loaded with owners looking for solutions. Durango is aware. Operation of the vehicle is affected. Drivers distracted. Please look into the issue. It seems both a safety issue and an ethical issue not to fix what is clearly a simple quality issue that has become a profound distraction for so many. This complaint portal does not allow for us to upload videos, but we'd be happy to provide them.

10/28/2024 national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) office of defects investigation subject: report of safety issue - Dodge uconnect radio malfunction the infotainment system in my Dodge vehicle, equipped with uconnect radio, has malfunctioned, affecting safe operation. The radio’s touchscreen has a “delaminating” defect, as described by a Dodge technician, causing erratic, uncommanded screen activity, sometimes leading to unintentional actions such as an inadvertent 911 call. This random, uncontrollable behavior affects critical functions like navigation, radio, and climate controls, creating a significant safety risk by distracting the driver. The issue also impacts the rear-view camera when the screen freezes. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by a Dodge technician as a screen delamination defect, who noted this is a recurring issue with uconnect in Dodge vehicles. No other entities, such as police or insurance representatives, have inspected the component, but the dealership quoted $900 for repairs since my vehicle is no longer under warranty. Given that this defect is widespread and the financial impact is substantial, I am filing this report in hopes of a broader resolution. No specific warning lamps or dashboard messages indicated the problem before it began. The erratic behavior first occurred during normal operation and has continued intermittently. I believe this issue should be investigated as it presents a serious safety concern for Dodge owners. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Engine shuts off randomly by itself. Could be hazardous when it happens while driving on highways. Vehicle must be stopped and placed in park to restart.

Water entered into the rear tail light from rain and shorted the light and caused it to stop working. And is burnt out. This doesn’t have a bulb to replace it’s the entire running light system.

I received recall 22v-426, the dealer reflashed my vehicle but the problem still exists. My brake lights stay on, stability, auto park, traction control and engine lights come on. The dealer now says I need to replace the exact part listed in recall at my own cost. My state inspection has expired and fails a new safety inspection due to this problem.

There is a problem with the rear middle light on the lift gate. Water is getting into them and shorting them out then leading it to need a replacement. This is an on going issue with Dodge Durangos. Something needs to be done with this design flaw on the Durango’s because they charge 1400 for the part plus labor for it to be replaced when the light wasn’t built right.

The radio is flashing a message and beeping asking me if I want to reset the clock. Reverse backup doesn’t work when this is happening and it is a huge distraction while driving.

Tipm failure.

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the tipm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and was taken to another dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the tipm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

There is a known problem with the rear brake lights allowing water into it. It can ruin the electrical and cause brake lights to go out without the drivers knowledge and could cause and accident. Lucky I was able to fix it for now.

My car randomly won’t start could be due to one of the 4 recalls for my make and model I would like have this investigated.

They connect system shuts off randomly impacting the heating and air conditioning. It begins turning on and off distractingly on its own unable to access any features. Disabling use of the back up cameras, heating, navigation, radio or controls of volume.

The "racetrack" lights have pooling water in them and are now not working at all. The back end of the truck is a hazard as you are not able to see it.

Touchscreen display failure. Causes erratic and distracting behaviors of the hvac, radio, navigation, phone, and other systems while vehicle is in use. Prevents setting or changing of safety related settings (ie; lane departure settings, automatic headlamp controls, alarms, etc).

My radio is malfunctioning turns on and off whenever it presses buttons on it’s own like to change the radio, change the climate and it’s blank or screen black the entire time it switches from bluetooth to radio or vice versa.

The radio is started to ghost touch which means that it is randomly choosing anything on the screen. Because it controls many of the cars features, it can cause things to get out of control while trying to drive. I have video which I couldn't upload.

On multiple occasions, my touchscreen pops up asking if I want to update the clock settings. There is actually nothing wrong with my clock. This message continues to repopulate regardless if I hit yes or no. This message deactivates everything else on the touchscreen (radio, navigation, etc) and causes a major distraction while driving. This has happened multiple times over the last month and the only way it ends is when I turn the engine off.

I noticed a small air bubble appear on screen. Thought nothing of it until my screen started taping on things on its own. Changing the air, calling random people, changing the radio station, folds down the headrest for the back seats and exiting out of my maps for directions. This is know as ghost touches. I’ve spoke to multiple people who have had the same problems with their Durangos. This is very very distracting.

The vehicle 8. 4 inch display has become delaminated. It constantly changes comfort, radio, navigation, and WI-fi setting while the vehicle is in motion. This is a serious distraction to the driver and a serious safety issue.

Started today - the car no longer will turn off. The car just dings and does not stop. You can not turn off it won't do it. Claims its not in park and stays running.

This is occurring frequent the system freaked abs system came on doing 38 miles an hour. Than system freaked out and brake light came on empty tank showed. Check engine than for 2 miles horn blasted on its own . After the temperature gauge stopped working and now it continues to state it’s not in park when it is .

Throwing codes of of lost communication of body control module and cylinder 3 misfire.

Between the transmission slipping since 30k, the engine knocking. The check engine flashing. I have changed the coil packs spark plugs, all filters and still nothing, the auto stop/start does not work it flashes boggs out and loses power. The whole steering wheel and truck vibrates and shakes to a point you feel like you’re on an incline going up a roller coaster. I have replaced batteries 2x the windows no longer auto roll down when using fobs even w new batteries and re programming electrical system power randomly fails and all lights go out the. Screen goes out stops working for days on end .

This is the 4th time in 2 weeks that the abs system freaked. I was driving and reached 70mph and it randomly will start slowing kick on the check engine light. Blinks and then throws on the abs warning light. This has happened in summer and the 1 time it has rained day before. The system than alerted me to start/stop engine turn off and turn back on. I did do this. This happens though when I am driving. The sensors go off, a few days later. It will happen again. This is extremely dangerous ! I made a video of it this past time.

Radio and navigation screen, is ghost touching. Just changes settings randomly and often.

Radio/nav system change radio stations on its own. The display goes off/on by itself. The nav system suggested wrong location after an address is typed in. It makes the headlight beams goes on and off. The nav does not retain the settings anymore. I called Dodge and the nav/rad system was replaced at no cost to me. Problem resolved.

The lcd screen for my computer has an awkward spot in the top right corner when I bought my vehicle (which only had a very few miles on it). I thought it was just cosmetic and didn't worry much about it. Eventually, the awkward spot spread into a crack across the top of the screen. I have read online that this is a known problem that occurs on many of the vehicles of the same year and make. The screen began to perform on its own, it pushes multiple buttons constantly. This is more than an irritation it is a safety hazard for my family. The screen controls my heat and air, it turns the heat up and down, from hot to cold and hot again. I cannot defrost my windshield, as the air flow continues to switch from blower to blower. The seat warmers turn on and off. I am unable to control them, and my passengers can be burned. My backup camera does not function properly effecting the safety of everyone around us. The screen has pushed emergency call more than once. And totally controls my phone making calls and randomly hanging up on calls as well as muting or turning on and off apps. This is very dangerous for me, as the driver, trying to grab my phone and stop the emergency calls and other things. I cannot start my car using the auto start to warm up and defrost because the vehicle will not stay on defrost it will continuously switch around. The uconnect usually warns me of traffic hazards and storms in my area, as well as posting the speed limit and directions on the screen. Without these items, I put myself and my passengers at risk each time we are in the car. According to many Dodge, Durango, and general safety forums and blogs I have read, this is a common problem in this vehicle. This should be a safety recall for many reasons. How can I make a claim to get this replaced at no cost.

My 2018 Dodge Durango radio screen is delaminating from the top of the screen working its way down the screen. The screen also freezes up. To the point where the screen is stuck on even when the vehicle is off. When the screen is stuck I can't control any settings, radio, navigation, back up camera won't show, I can't answer the phone hands free. I'm afraid is draining my battery when it stays on like that, I have to disconnect the battery just for the screen to shut off. The adjust the clock notification constantly pops up on the screen. Its unsafe to have to keep disconnecting the battery in an effort to save my battery. It's unsafe to have to take my eyes off the road, to press the button to close out the adjust clock notification. It's unsafe to not have access to my back up camera to check my surroundings. It's not safe when you have no control over your thermostat. It's not safe to not have access to handsfree function when answering a call. The problem has been diagnosed by the dealership, and they say I need to replace the whole radio. The first appearance of the problem was around January of 2021, that's when the screen started pealing, then the adjust the clock notification started popping up during the summer of 2021 and the screen freezing and won't shut off started January 2022.