NHTSA & EPA data · updated October 21, 2026

2016 Dodge Durango recalls, problems & safety ratings

Quick answer

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Dodge Durango and 161 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are exterior lighting (53), electrical system (40), power train (30). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 17–21 mpg combined, depending on engine.

The 2016 ranks #7 of 14 Durango model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (264). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 4.9 per model year.

Free. Shows whether a recall applies, plus specs, problems and ratings for your exact vehicle.

Recalls 3

Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2016 Dodge Durango. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

Electrical system · wiringNHTSA #18V332000 · 05/17/2018

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsNHTSA #16V814000 · 11/10/2016

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 10, 2016, to April 28, 2016 and equipped with a 3.6L engine built at the Saltillo engine plant. During the assembly of the engine, the fuel rail crossover tube may have been damaged, which, over time, may result in a fuel leak.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S85.

Service brakes, hydraulic · foundation components · disc · caliperNHTSA #16V168000 · 03/23/2016

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured December 9, 2015, to January 14, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the left front brake caliper may crack due to being made from an incorrect material.

Risk: A cracked brake caliper may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S16.

Common problems

From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.

Most-reported problem areas

Exterior lighting53
Electrical system40
Power train30
Unknown or other26
Engine16
Vehicle speed control9
Structure6
Air bags6

By the numbers

161owner complaints filed
23involved a crash
1involved a fire
13injuries reported

Recent owner reports

09/04/2026 · Seats

On September 4, 2026, the front passenger Active Head Restraint (AHR/headrest) in my 2016 Dodge Durango unexpectedly deployed and struck my daughter in the back of the head. The vehicle was completely stationary and parked in a parking lot after leaving her doctor’s appointment. I had started the vehicle, but we remained parked talking for approximately 1–2 minutes. There was n…

08/06/2026 · Seats

On August 6, 2026, at approximately 6:00 a.m., I was driving my 2016 Dodge Durango northbound to work at approximately 60 mph. It was dark and the roadway was slightly wet from overnight rain. While traveling in the left lane under normal driving conditions, I suddenly heard a loud pop and the driver’s Active Head Restraint/headrest sprung forward, striking me hard in the back…

12/31/2025 · Seats

Passenger active headrest deployed while parked on driveway.

Safety ratings

2016 Dodge Durango SUV 2WD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

2016 Dodge Durango SUV 4WD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Fuel economy

EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2016 Dodge Durango.

Durango AWD

Auto 8-spd · 6 cyl · 3.6 L

18city
25hwy
21combined

Regular

Durango AWD

Auto 8-spd · 8 cyl · 5.7 L

14city
22hwy
17combined

Midgrade

Durango RWD

Auto 8-spd · 6 cyl · 3.6 L

19city
26hwy
21combined

Regular

Durango RWD

Auto 8-spd · 8 cyl · 5.7 L

14city
22hwy
17combined

Midgrade

Other model years

Compare every Dodge Durango year

Questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Dodge Durango have?

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Dodge Durango, most recently for electrical system · wiring (05/17/2018). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Dodge Durango?

Based on 161 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are exterior lighting (53), electrical system (40), power train (30).

Is the 2016 Dodge Durango safe?

The 2016 Dodge Durango earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.

Is the 2016 a good year for the Dodge Durango?

The 2016 ranks #7 of 14 Durango model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (264). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 4.9 per model year.

What gas mileage does the 2016 Dodge Durango get?

EPA ratings for the 2016 Dodge Durango range from 17 to 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.

Own a 2016 Dodge Durango in South Carolina?

Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.

Related vehicles

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: DURANGO, Durango.

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