Dodge Durango vs Ford Explorer: reliability compared
From 2006 to 2026, owners filed an average of 284 complaints per model year about the Dodge Durango and 781 about the Ford Explorer.
Side by side
| Dodge Durango | Ford Explorer | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2006-2026 | 2006-2026 |
| Owner complaints | 5,676 | 16,393 |
| Complaints per model year | 284 | 781 |
| Recalls | 55 | 104 |
| Years to avoid | 200620112014 | 20132014201520162017 |
| Best years | 200720162019 | 200720192022 |
| Most common problem | Electrical | Steering |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 13-20 mpg combined (2026) | 19-24 mpg combined (2026) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| Durango | Explorer | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | 1,823 | 1,263 |
| Fuel system | 1,110 | 756 |
| Lights | 952 | 203 |
| Engine | 819 | 2,532 |
| Transmission | 398 | 1,979 |
| Brakes | 394 | 438 |
| Steering | 182 | 3,532 |
| Body | 140 | 3,203 |
| Driver assistance | 155 | 845 |
Questions about the Dodge Durango vs Ford Explorer
Which is more reliable, the Dodge Durango or the Ford Explorer?
Between 2006 and 2026, the Dodge Durango has 3 years to avoid and the Ford Explorer 5. The Dodge Durango has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Dodge Durango drew fewer complaints per model year (284 vs 781), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Dodge Durango or the Ford Explorer?
From 2006 to 2026, the Dodge Durango was covered by 55 recalls and the Ford Explorer by 104.
What years of the Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer should you avoid?
Dodge Durango: 2006, 2011 and 2014. Ford Explorer: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
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