Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the spark plugs had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, a week later, while the vehicle was idling, it was vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the same mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the cam lobes were worn and needed to be replaced. The mechanic confirmed the findings with the dealer, and it was confirmed that it was a known issue due to the heat treatment to harden the steel not being properly performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not covered under recall or warranty. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. …
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering and braking functionality. During the failure, the vehicle had not lost electrical power with the interior lights and instrument cluster illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer on multiple occasions for the same failure and the power train control module, engine mounts, and an unknown wiring harness were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V524000 (Electrical System). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 50,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated after attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over. The contact then stated that after several attempts to start the vehicle she smelled a burning odor. No warning lights were illuminated. The AAA was notified of the failure and the battery was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where the contact was informed that coolant had leaked in the engine and burned the starter; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the repair cost would be covered. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Over time, the valvetrain in my engine became gradually louder. Because there were no check engine lights or fault codes, I initially assumed this was a normal characteristic of the engine. That changed on January 2, 2026, when I began to hear a pronounced knocking/loud tapping noise accompanied by a cylinder 8 misfire. At that point, I stopped driving the vehicle and had it towed to a repair shop. Based on the symptoms, we initially believed the issue would be limited to a camshaft and lifter replacement. However, after draining the oil and cutting open the oil filter, a significant amount of metal debris was discovered. Further inspection revealed that one camshaft lobe had been worn down nearly smooth and the corresponding lifter had failed. When the camshaft was removed for full evaluation, all other lobes showed normal, even wear. …
I bought this car, brand new off the dealer and it has been in perfect shape until 120,000 miles. All of a sudden the check engine light comes in and turns out it was the head gasket!! 5 years old, hasn't needed a thing and the mechanic tells me I need a new engine!? What good is it if I buy a brand new car and take perfect care of it all to end up with the engine going to [redacted]. I have heard other people saying the same thing with their 3.6l pentastar engine. AT 120K...I don't see that being a coincidence if it keeps happening with the SAME engine at the SAME AMOUNT OF MILES. There is definitely a problem here. P.s won't let me upload documents on the mechanics diagnosis.
My vehicle began to misfire after driving roughly 8 miles, check engine light would flash and ding. After shutting vehicle off for a while and restarting it, problem would be gone until driving approximately 8 miles. Brought to Chrysler service center, where they reproduced the problem and determined it is a camshaft or camshaft related issue. Vehicle is parked at that service center awaiting parts that are backordered until January. Vehicle cannot be driven in this condition. If the camshaft fails catastrophically, it could destroy the entire engine, putting myself and whoever else is in the vehicle in danger.
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 .
Multiple occasions I have taken my vehicle to the local dealership I bought it brand new only owner any time it rains my vehicle stops. I have been going down the highway and it has just shut down in the middle of the highway. My vehicle will no longer start after this last rain and snow dealership is not helping and pretty much says I'm on my own still in the vehicle is paid off and I have had nothing but issues with electrical the car randomly shifting out of gear, brake lights leaking because I feel with water and floorboards, becoming soaked when it rains
While driving on the Thruway, the vehicle tends to misfire which results in lost power to the engine and shaking of the vehicle. The check engine light starts flashing and it becomes unsafe to maintain speeds. The issue was diagnosed as Cylinder 5 Misfire caused by camshaft and lifter failure. This sudden loss of power while driving at highway speeds could cause an accident if it happens during traffic or passing situations. This is a known issue with the 2018 Dodge Durango GT V6 and should be a recall on the vehicle. This is a major engine issue.
2018 Dodge Durango GT with 47,000. The check engine light came on. Took it to a Dodge dealer for service. Diagnosis was head gasket failure, allowing coolant into the cylinder causing engine misfire and potential overheat and a blown engine. This appears to be an ongoing issue with the Penstar V6 engine. This is a safety concern because the vehicle may break down while driving or overheat without warning, creating a power loss while driving
Engine complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2018 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2018 Dodge Durango, 12% of the model year's 233 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2018 Dodge Durango engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2018 Dodge Durango, though it has 5 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 2018 Dodge Durango engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 39,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
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.