Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway and turn off the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the water pump and thermostat. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic, who then diagnosed a failure with the radiator. The vehicle was repaired, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 93,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted and operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted and had become more frequent. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 100,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at 80 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the electric throttle control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the fuel pump system was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the driver's side cylinder to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Took my vehicle to 1 dealership to get fixed they said they couldn't do it because my vehicle was too old and wouldn't be able to find parts. Took my vehicle to 2 mechanics shops that said they could fix it. Insisted I need a wire harness AFTER completing other work they thought would fix it. My daughter came to visit and I told her what was going on. She began to look through wire diagrams of the vehicle and noticed the TIPM being a common factor in the systems that were effected. She took my VIN and noticed a recall that has not been addressed. I bought this vehicle not long ago from an independent dealership... I don't understand how it is legal that neither vehicle maintenance facility informed me of the open recall that has yet to be perform on this vehicle. I don't understand how it is legal for a DEALERSHIP not to inform me that a recall has yet to be address with this vehicle. …
While driving down the road, my vehicle will completely shut off and shut down. Sometimes, emphasis on the sometimes, I can push my key into the ignition a bit more and it will start back up. I lose all function and control of my vehicle. My dash lights and exterior lights completely shut off. I can't steer my car and it comes to a complete stop within seconds because everything locks up. I have had this happen more times than I can even count. It has happened in the middle of me turning at an intersection and has almost caused a collision. I took it in for a diagnosis and was told that there was nothing wrong with my vehicle and they didn't know why it was doing that. There is absolutely no warning for when this will happen. The speed that it happens at varies as there is no rhyme or reason. It happened when my care had 95,000 miles and still to this day. …
Was out running errands and returned home. Pulled in garage and vehicle smelled hot, like on fire. Went to start vehicle back up and remove from garage incase of fire. The vehicle would NOT start. Took vehicle to local repairman. I was informed the alternator caught on fire. If this would of happened on the road, I could have been in a bad accident. Also because my vehicle was parked in the garage, there could of been the possibility of my house and vehicle catching on fire if it would have been worse. My Durango is currently at a independent auto repair shop. The new alternator has been ordered but there is concern that the computer might be destroyed also. The only person to inspect the vehicle would be my auto repairman. Unfortunately, there was absolutely NO warning lamps prior to the alternator burning up.
My 2013 Durango with 124,000 miles has a check engine light on, that indicates cylinder 4 miss fire. The Airpark Dodge service department where I purchased the vehicle has done a diagnostic evaluation and determined that the left cylinder head needs replacing. That falls within the X56 engine left cylinder head extended warranty for some VIN # vehicles, but not mine. The estimated repair is over $5000.00. I am told that the engine can cease up while driving, and that I should not be driving the vehicle. I think my vehicle should be included, especially since this X56 warranty extension has been out since 2014. How do I get this X56 warranty on my vehicle? And how do I get reimbursed for the cost of the repair?
The engine in my vehicle stalls without warning while driving, which poses a significant safety risk, particularly on busy roadways where it could lead to accidents, endangering both myself and other drivers. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed in the past by a certified Dodge dealership auto shop, and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. However, the vehicle or its components have not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Before the engine stalls, the electronic throttle control lamp flashes, the vehicle gives a noticeable jerk, and then the engine shuts down. This problem occurs at any speed but has not happened when the vehicle is at a full stop.
Vehicle has been having issues starting, acts like the fob is not in ignition. Vehicle has locked key in ignition and won't release it. Most dangerous concern is vehicle will completely shut down while driving, regardless of speed, and will not restart until completely stopped and put in park. Most recent occurrence was on interstate 80, 73 MPH on 12/23/2022. Everything except for hazards and radio shuts off and goes black. No warning lights, no codes tracked, just completely fails. Cannot use turn signal, brakes, power steering, nothing. Starting issues started about 12 months ago. Completely shutting down while driving started about 7 months ago. Issue is intermittent and does not show a pattern.
Engine complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2013 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 120 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2013 Dodge Durango, 19% of the model year's 640 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system › hoses/lines/piping/fittings (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Dodge Durango engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2013 Dodge Durango, though it has 11 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Dodge Durango engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 8 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.