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Dodge Durango knocking problems

288 of the 13,793 owner complaints about the Dodge Durango describe engine knocking or ticking, most of them for the 2004 model year.

owner complaints
288
worst model year
2004
typical repair cost reported
$4,000
typical mileage
86,004
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Sep 25, 2026 · Engine · 68,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an engine misfire with a ticking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer confirmed that the failure was associated with a previous issue with the left side of the engine. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired by the dealer. The contact stated that the failure persisted after a previous engine repair and that the failure persisted. The contact was concerned that the manufacturer was aware of the failure and covered the repair under a warranty instead of replacing the engine. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure via the telephone. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.

Filed Apr 16, 2026 · Engine · CA

Engine light came on, no warning. Took to garage to check diagnostic system, went through system, did some work and light went off. Week later, light back on..took back to garage - they documented all they saw within diagnostic system and sent me to dealer. There was no indication of failure, drove fine but dealer made appt. Did some research and found out this year/make/model had complete engine failure at low mileage. No recall ever made. 3.6L Pentastar V6. Dealer took apart manifold, ran compression test, intake/exhaust valves leaking, engine block flatness - had to replace engine block. No precipitation of this issue other than engine light. A complete engine failure without an accident, at low mileage and a known issue without a recall on a specific engine is quite concerning. I basically paid $14, 400 for a new engine where I could have bought a used Durango . My 2000 Durango had well over 100k miles when I donated to charity and purchased this 2015 in 2016 off lot as used with 22 miles on it. I am not sure how to reconcile this damage and out-of-pocket expense for a known issue when no recall was made. Did I buy a lemon? Given the same engine was put back in, will I have to replace again in another 50k miles? I feel like I am due some type of refund given this problem is a known problem but no recall was issued. Thankfully it did not overheat, blow the engine while driving or cause an accident given this issue was a ticking time bomb.

Filed Jan 13, 2026 · Engine · VA

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. Only the lobe associated with the failed lifter exhibited catastrophic damage beyond repair. As a result of the metal contamination throughout the engine, a full engine replacement was required rather than a repair of individual components. The basis of my complaint is that this failure appears to be a well-documented and common issue with the 6.4L HEMI engine equipped with MDS. I have since reviewed numerous reports and forum discussions describing nearly identical failures—often beginning with increased valvetrain noise, followed by a single-cylinder misfire and extensive internal damage. This was not the result of neglect or abuse, but rather a known failure mode that ultimately led to the complete loss of the engine.

Filed Jul 22, 2025 · Transmission · OH

My vehicle randomly stalled in the middle of the road (I was unaware of the recall, I was not notified of recall upon purchase of vehicle) when I was towed to shop they confirmed the issue was the fuel pump relay (I believe that is what it’s called that the recall is for) I was charged $700 for 2.5 mile tow and repair. After leaving the shop my vehicle began having other problems shortly after (within a month) my vehicle stopped accelerating like a normal vehicle would, it was harder to accelerate it seemed and then the noise.. it is like a knock or a grind? I was told I needed to replace my engine mount so I did… another $850 later and the noise is worse and it still doesn’t accelerate like it should and they are saying my transfer case needs replacing and that it will cost me 2k just for the parts. My car was in perfect condition before the relay failed.. no issues. So is it another recall or is it damage due to a recall I was never notified of?

Filed Apr 7, 2025 · Engine · MI

Oil Filter Housing Cracked resulting in a major oil leak . My vehicle just turned 125,000 miles. it ended up with an engine knock and needing to replace all of the lifters.

Filed Apr 2, 2025 · Wheels · FL

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.

Filed Jul 2, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · TN

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 .

Filed Mar 10, 2024 · Engine · FL

A new 3.6 Pentastar engine was installed in my 2014 Dodge Durango in July 2019, this repair was over $5,000 and FCA only granted a $1300 goodwill towards the cost. After maintaining the vehicle with a new engine in it, this engine is now failing too. The problem is due to the right cylinder head being damaged. This has caused a knocking noise emitting from the engine and rough idling whenever the vehicle is on. A tune up was done last year in December when check engine light came on, with new spark plugs and filters put in but this has not solved the issued. Taking the vehicle back to mechanic to do further diagnostic, a pressure test was done showing the 6 cylinder had no pressure. A damage head with possible damage to crankshaft rods and rocker arms. This vehicle is our main vehicle for our family, and the price to repair this damage on the second engine this car has had is too high. If we continue driving this vehicle, we would result in total power failure, worst case a blown engine. Complaints have been filed with Attorney General of the state of Florida along with the Better Business Bureau.

Filed Jan 22, 2024 · Engine · NC

Audible ticking noise from valve train. Upon further inspection a discovered a damaged roller follower. Cause of damage was the failure of the needle bearings within the roller follower

Filed Nov 9, 2023 · Engine · NY

Oil Filter Housing Cracked resulting in a major oil leak . My vehicle just turned 120,000 miles this is the 2nd Durango I have owned that has developed the same issue. The first time it ended up with an engine knock this time I hope to have caught it soon enough

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)Reported April 28, 2022 · 1,308 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee WK, 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may stick open, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
Risk
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the EGR valve assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z31.

Recall number 22V284000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported September 29, 2011 · 667 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2012 chrysler vehicles, including 200 and town and country models, dodge vehicles, including charger, durango, grand caravan and journey models and jeep grand cherokee vehicles manufactured from august 31, 2011, through september 13, 2011, that are equipped with 3.6l engines. These engines may experience connecting rod bearing failure due to debris inside the engine block.
Risk
Connecting rod failure may lead to engine seizure which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners and replace the engine free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about november 18, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 11V487000 · Recall details

Questions about the Dodge Durango knocking

Which Dodge Durango years have engine knocking or ticking problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2004 (87 complaints), 1999 (52 complaints) and 2000 (25 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix engine knocking or ticking on the Dodge Durango?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $4,000 (median of 34 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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