2020 DODGE Durango Problems

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

12 complaints

The break lights do not have a proper seal and the LED lights are shorted out on the rear exterior brake lights. This is a safety issue and should be recalled.

Mar 31, 2025

Taillight "racetrack" style went completely due to water and moisture. Had to spend over $1200 and some change just to replace the unit. No license plate light either due to water damage.

Mar 30, 2025

Rear racetrack taillight collects water and the leds short out making the taillight not work

Aug 19, 2024

Rear taillamp goes out and is a safety issue , it is a known issue, there is a similar problem with years 2021 and above and a recall was issued , water gets in the light and causes problems , it also causes the license plate light to go out in which a cop can stop you and issue you a ticket , the light has failed in all sorts of ways that can be a safety issue in the day or night , it's all over the forums and general internet, my light has water and is starting to fail as well as the license plate light , I asked a police officer and was told if stopped they may issue me a ticket , im disabled with issues in my arm and can no longer be able to be handy with tools , seeing this is a widespread issue and a recall has been issued for other years why has this 2020 and previous years have been overlooked , it is a Hazzard if you cannot see rear taillights and if your vehicles plates cannot be seen by traffic cameras for bridges, tolls or street cams for various reasons that can include security issues as well as safety.

May 17, 2024

The rear tailgate bar has been going out due to water leaks. Whenever it rains, water is pooled up inside the light and is causing the light bar to dim.

Apr 01, 2024

+ 7 more complaints for this component

ENGINE

4 complaints

Under heavy load or high RPM the engine starts shaking badly and the engine loses power and is very unresponsive to throttle. After 30 seconds of light use the problem goes away but comes back immediately upon heavy load or high rpms. There is a technical service bulletin about this, TSB: 09-011-25. The computer indicates a severe misfire on cylinder #1. I first took the Durango to my mechanic since it is out of warranty. The replaced the coil on cylinder #1 and all spark plugs, but the problem continued since the issue is a manufacturer's defect inside the engine. When this occurred the engine light came on the dashboard but nothing prior to the shaking, only after the shaking started.

Dec 11, 2025

When accelerating, the vehicle tends to lose all power and starts to decelerate and check engine lights comes on, also states the start stop function is disable. Really tough trying to drive on highways because of this happening quite often.

Nov 05, 2025

When accelerating to pass another car in front of us on a 2 lane highway we experienced a loss of power and all instrumentation flashed on/off/on, then it posted a check engine light and stated that auto start stop wasn't working. Power came back and we finished the pass but it could have resulted in a head on collision.

Sep 09, 2025

Leaking transmission oil cooler, due to clamp installation by factory. Known issue which dodge created service bulletin for but does not correct sending bill to consumer, for manufacturer defect

Mar 06, 2024

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 complaints

Puerto Rico State Government vehicle (Policia de Puerto Rico). Front panel lights show a Warning/safety panel light related to Air Bags. Same as Dodge Charger that have an urgent safety recall by Dodge.

Sep 29, 2025

After vehicle battery replacement, infotainment system not working properly, to include the backup camera not engaging in reverse.

Jul 07, 2025

There is a software defect that could result in injury or death: if you forget to turn the car off and exit the car with the car key, there is no warning. I am hard of hearing and sometimes do not notice that I did not turn the car off because I cannot hear the hum of engine, and, because the car uses a key fob, rather than an ignition key, you can leave the car with the key but while the car is still on. I park the vehicle outside, but if I parked it in an attached garage carbon monoxide could seep into the house, something that is known to occasionally result in deaths. The car's software knows that the car is on and knows that the key fob has left the car. At that point, there should be a beep of the horn to warn the driver that something is amiss. Seems like a serious liability issue for the car company and something that would be easy to fix: a software update.

May 02, 2025

I WAS REFUSED MY RECALL BEING FIX BECAUSE I HAD NY PLATES SAYING DUE TO THE VIRUS. I FEEL DISCRIMINATED AGAINST. THIS IS THE SAME AS CALLING A BLACK PERSON THE N WORD. REEDMAN TOLL DODGE SERVICE DEPT IN LANGHORNE, PA. HER NAME IS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

May 01, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

The TIPM (totally intergrated power module) is faulty. The dealer has confirmed this. I have a crank no start on my vehicle. When being inspected the dealer also showed me a melted fuse in the tipm which Is very concerning. This issue occurs daily multiple times a day. There were no check engine lights to help diagnose this issue.

Jun 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that he auto-started the vehicle while it was in the driveway. The contact stated as he came outside, the vehicle was on fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was totaled. The approximate failure mileage was 11,200.

Nov 05, 2021

Fire: 1

STEERING

2 complaints

The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel locked, and the contact depressed the brake pedal but was unable to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering rack pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V154000 (STEERING). The failure mileage was 48,000.

Dec 20, 2024

WHILE DRIVING A BRAND NEW (170 MILES) VEHICLE AT 35 MPH ON A BUSY CITY STREET THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. A MESSAGE "POWER STEERING UNAVAILABLE" POPPED UP AND THE CAR WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO SAID IT MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY A GLITCH IN THE COMPUTER. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION BECAUSE WITHOUT THE ELECTRIC BOOST IT'S VERY HARD TO STEER THE CAR. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED IN A TURN OR WITH A DRIVER THAT WASN'T STRONG THERE WOULD LIKELY BE AN ACCIDENT. THERE ALSO DIDN'T SEEM TO BE A CLEAR EXPLANATION OF WHAT CAUSED THE ELECTRIC STEERING RACK TO FAIL IN SUCH A NEW VEHICLE.

Sep 26, 2020

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

Every time I start my 2020 Dodge Durango I hear and feel a hard shift into reverse. No transmission fluid loss, just increasingly louder & feeling if the shift change. ***Vehicle started this @ 20,000 miles and only has 32,000 on it now.

Oct 28, 2024

Transfer case failure. Several other owners online are reporting the same issue. Why has a recall not been issued for a flawed part, that makes the vehicle u drivable and could grenade while driving.

Oct 04, 2024

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE

2 complaints

Water intrusion into racetrack tail light. This has apparently been an issue for ten years on this style of light on Durangos with no recall or fix offered. There are hundreds of YouTube videos on how to drain water by removing a bolt, applying silicone caulk or other random fixes. Now my rear tail light is so dim it's nearly undetectable and the dealership wants to charge $1600 to fix it. But I read that even though dealers replace the lights, the problem persists because the problem with design is not fixed. No warning lights to tell me my light was out. My son told me he noticed it when I visited him a few days ago. No inspection has been done. You can see water inside that's filled up the light component. I drive this vehicle less than 1000 mi per month. It can pretty much be inspected at any time in my driveway. The problem doesn't need to be confirmed by a dealer. I can take a picture. It's water in a tail light. Very obvious.

May 07, 2023

There is a very sharp side on the back rear taillight that connects with the lift gate. This razor sharp edge has cut myself, husband, and almost my son. The only thing that saved him from getting cut was the sleeve on his shirt. I have reported this issue to Chrysler. An investigation is in process. The man came out to take pictures he also agreed this was a safety issue. Both my husband and I have been left with permanent scars.

Jul 14, 2021

Injuries: 2

SEATS

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that moments after starting the vehicle and while driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact suddenly felt a sharp burning pain in the buttocks area. The contact immediately stopped the vehicle and discovered a burn hole in the clothing and a skin burn to the buttocks. While inspecting the vehicle, a burn hole was discovered in the front driver's seat cushion. During the incident, the contact indicated that the seat heat was in the on position and no flames or burning odor were present inside the vehicle. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer, who indicated an electrical fire had occurred inside the front driver's seat and the entire seat needed to be replaced. The cause of the electrical fire was not determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that an engineer would inspect the vehicle, but no inspection occurred, and no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Nov 18, 2025

Fire: 1

Injuries: 1

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

Vehicle has begun (and is getting worse) to crank with no start on first attempt. I know there was a recall on earlier model for the fuel pump relay.

Nov 17, 2025

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

Manufacture defect, steering column rubbing against brake line causing brake line to rupture causing damages with possible danger of fire or possible collision

Sep 04, 2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

The racetrack lighting on the tailgate had water in it and dodge refused to repair or replace...now I have no racetrack lighting and no tag light and they still will not help.

Sep 04, 2025

AIR BAGS

1 complaint

I was driving and the passenger active headrest exploded randomly without any impacts happening

May 10, 2025

WHEELS

1 complaint

My rear wheel on the driver side of the vehicle would not allow me to go or roll like the other three tires so I had to come off the road and head to the nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care to try to get help for my vehichle, due to having a warranty on my tires until 2028. My safety and the safety of others was put at high risk, as I could not control the swaying movement of the vehicle and assumed I must have popped a tire or something was caught underneath my car and was preventing me from driving properly with womping and knocking sounds. After confirmation of the problem, by Firestone I was informed that what occured should not have happened and is a manufacturer problem and was noted on the bill I had to pay a week later to drive my vehicle. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to it happening. My oil was changed and tires were rotated as part of regular maintenance at the dodge dealership were I reside on or around September 2024 and they did not inform me of any issues. I work minutes from my home and only drive a few miles each day. About 2 years ago I purchased this vehicle at 62,000 and have only accumulated 16,000 miles and currently sit at 78,000. I am asking for this request to be reviewed, and the cost be reimbursed and my vehicle to be scheduled for inspection for consumer safety and peice of mind.

Apr 02, 2025

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

During driving the catalytic converter rubbed through both rear brake lines and was rubbing on fuel line as well. 100% stock vehicle with no modifications and has never been in an accident. Checked similar vehicles at local dealership and they seem to have the same issue with brake lines rubbing against exhaust

Feb 21, 2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

While driving the engine began to vibrate violently and the check engine light turned on. Luckily I was close to the dealership because I live in a small town with one major road. I was able to quickly slow down without crashing or causing an accident and slowly drove to dealership. If I was at any significant speed I could have crashed injuring myself and my two small children.

Sep 07, 2024

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

Drivers seatbelt buckle does not register, resulting in active chiming of the unbuckled seat belt alarm and disengaging of the airbag system. Driver must hold the seatbelt with downward pressure continuously in order to register the seat belt and return the vehicle to normal operating condition, and turn off the airbag system warning signs and chiming. Dealership refuses any assistance without payment despite being a vehicle safety system.

Jun 19, 2024

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

My driver side seat belt doesn't roll back up after it is taken off. I have to manually force the belt to go up. This happened to my wife's Jeep Grand Cherokee and there was a recall on hers. This seems to be the same issue. I am afraid that the seat belt will eventually malfunction.

Jan 14, 2024

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

I just bought a 2020 Dodge Durango GT PLUS AWD on Thursday 10/19/2023. On Saturday 10/21/2023 while driving this vehicle on the highway, it started accelerating on its own. I had not used the cruise control and was not attempting to use it. It accelerated from 42 mph to 65 mph with no assistance from me. I used the brake and it did slow down. However, every time that I removed my foot from the brake it would continue to speed up again. I drove approximately 10-15 miles to the dealership right then and the entire time I did not touch the accelerator. While exiting the off ramp, the car continued to attempt to accelerate so I had to continuously hold the brake pedal. As I merged onto the road off the highway, it stopped accelerating so I pressed the gas and it started to sputter and not accelerate. I put my hazard lights on and as I'm attempting to coast to the side of the road, the car began accelerating on its own again. Luckily, I was almost at the Dodge jeep dealer. I made it to the dealership and a manager drove the vehicle in the parking lot and it continued to speed through the parking lot on its own. The vehicle was left with the service department. I bought this vehicle as a safer and more comfortable vehicle for my [XXX] mom to drive and ride. Now I'm scared for her to drive it or ride in it. If she was the driver and this occurred, I wonder what the outcome might have been. It's still in service so I have no idea what the problem it. The message board did show 2 messages as this was occurring. Service throttle control and push start has been disabled. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Oct 22, 2023

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the "Service Shifter" message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact then stated that while driving at 65 MPH, several messages appeared on the instrument panel and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle off to the shoulder of the highway. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective shifter control module. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 29,980.

Apr 18, 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

1 complaint

The start stop system is the Durango is terrible! That was my first problem. My second issue is, out of nowhere. We now have inner engine issues. The engine will not hold compression, but there are no leaks! I have only had a vehicle for six months! Now I am paying on a vehicle. I cannot drive and cannot afford fix!

Apr 04, 2023

SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,WHEELS

1 complaint

The UConnect system in the 2020 Dodge Durango SRT has been compromised. the vehicle has experienced major safety concerns and life threatening issues for the driver. All components from body telemetry to speed control breaking fuel consumption electrical the brain itself the GPS the tracking equipment and software. Somebody a(hacker or Toyota) is remotely hacked and controlling the system just like the voluntarily recall of Jeep. However the UConnect system is a Toyota product or I was lead to believe. The Uconnect system has failed. It has been hacked. The malware has affected every component of the the Dodge Durango. The vehicle needs to be recalled and bought back. Taken off the road. The defective software makes the vehicle a death trap and a malware networking hub. I fear for my life and the safety of my life because of this vehicle. This has been a daily occurrence since 06/14/2022, When I purchased the vehicle.

Jan 14, 2023

STRUCTURE

1 complaint

Rear lift gate opens while driving and will not latch or stay closed. This has happened three times. The second time $10,000 in I-pads for work fell out on the road. Taken to dealership and repaired twice and now it has been sitting at dealership for 3 weeks for the third repair. The last time it happened my grandson had to sit in the cargo area to hold it down due to snow while daughter drove across town to dealership. This is an ongoing issue and many complaints about this online.

Nov 22, 2022

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2020 DODGE DURANGO. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph with the cruise control on but not engaged. The contact stated they attempting to accelerate the vehicle however the vehicle had a delayed response. As they passed the vehicle they felt the engine shift underneath their feet. The contact stated that when they removed their pressure off the accelerator pedal they felt the vehicle accelerator activate on its own accord. The vehicle felt as though it activated the cruise control as if it was driving on its own causing the contact to attempt to apply the brakes however the vehicle failed to stop. The contact floored the brakes however they failed. The contact had to avoid other traffic. The contact stated that during this time they often came within the 3 feet parameter for the Collision Warning to activate however it failed to do so each time it should have. They put their foot on the accelerator where a warning light that stated service regarding speed warning light. The contact lifted the accelerator backwards with their foot to release some of the pressure and pressed the brake at the same time for the vehicle to eventually relieve its own control where the contact was able to control the vehicle. The contact stated that it wasn't till about three minutes later they were able to pull over and come to a stop. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer who were unable to locate the service history. The vehicle had not been diagnosed and or repaired. The contact spoke with the manufacturer and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 26,7500.

Nov 18, 2021

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

The rear tail lights have a sharp edge that is beak shaped and if you brush up against it on accident it slices into your skin or clothes. I was loading groceries and my arm skimmed over it and sliced a whole piece of skin off. I have researched the incident to see if others have had the same experience looking for a recall or solution after it happened to me and my husband multiple times most recently myself a big cut and I see forums with other people sharing same story.

Sep 01, 2021

Injuries: 1

⭐

4.4/5.0

23 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2020 DODGE Durango have?

The 2020 DODGE Durango currently has 45 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2020 DODGE Durango?

The most common problems reported for the 2020 DODGE Durango are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2020 DODGE Durango problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2020 DODGE Durango comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.