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Dodge Durango fire or smoke problems

358 of the 13,793 owner complaints about the Dodge Durango describe fire, smoke or burning smell, most of them for the 2011 model year.

owner complaints
358
worst model year
2011
typical repair cost reported
$1,350
typical mileage
74,750
Is there a fix? There are 14 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Aug 15, 2026 · Electrical · WV

First we smelled a light burning smell from the vehicle while driving then the blower motor blew a fuse. The fuse was replaced immediately and we started the vehicle to try to get back home. We then got a dash alert on the vehicle saying that the rear passenger side tail lamp and turn signal was out and at that point our headlights went out while we were driving in the dark trying to get home. We almost crashed. Finally we found a place to pull off the road and at this point I checked the volt meter on the vehicle and it was rapidly surging and twitching up and back down to 14. Kind of flickering. We shut the vehicle off because we could smell something hot. I looked under the hood and the main braided ground wire that attaches the motor to the car body was completely gone. Burned to a powder like a blown light bulb filament and the fuse box under the hood was too hot to touch. It could have easily caught fire on us while driving or could have easily killed up when the lights went out. We called for someone to come pick us up and had to abandon the vehicle at this point. Today we contacted a mechanic and tow truck to come pick our vehicle up. I think this vehicle is having the same safety issue with the alternator that the previous models were having and I feel that it should be covered and fixed by the manufacturer. I will continue contacting over this matter until I get results. This put our lives in danger and were very lucky to be alive.

Filed Aug 10, 2026 · Engine · 11,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2026 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, there was heavy white smoke coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact immediately pulled over and allowed the engine to cool down. The contact was able to continue driving the vehicle; however, the failure returned upon reaching arriving at the intended destination. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle and the emergency services were contacted. When the Fire Department arrived on the scene, the smoke had ceased; however, the odor remained. The Fire Department inspected the vehicle and determined that the fire might have started due to a failure of the cooling hose. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · FL · fire

The vehicle had been parked and unused for approximately 24 hours. We drove it home after staying elsewhere overnight and arrived home about one hour before the incident. About an hour after parking, I asked my fiancé to retrieve our belongings from inside the vehicle. He immediately noticed smoke filling the interior of the vehicle. I opened the hood to try to determine where the smoke was coming from but did not see any visible fire. As I continued looking for the source of the smoke, the vehicle suddenly caught fire. Within approximately 10 minutes, the fire spread rapidly, completely destroying the vehicle and reducing it to a total loss. The flames then spread to my home, causing part of the house to catch fire. Thankfully, we discovered the smoke when we did. Had it gone unnoticed for even a short time longer, our entire house could have caught fire. Firefighters arrived just as the fire began spreading to the house and were able to prevent further damage. Thankfully, no one was injured.

Filed May 25, 2026 · Body, Electrical · CA · fire

To whom it may concern, On [XXX] at around [XXX] PST, I was taking my car to get a car wash at Quick Quack Car Wash located in [XXX] . While waiting in line for the other cars to go in, all of sudden I see a huge fire flame shoot out from under the hood. My car was on full fire extremely rapidly, in front of the multiple cars and near the entrance of this car wash, while this car was in fire I ran inside and asked the personnel for a fire extinguisher, to consume the flames coming out of the hood, as I was extremely concerned about the safety and personnel of this location. As soon as I got the extinguisher, I ran towards the car and started spraying powder everywhere I saw flames coming out from top of the hood and under the car, as flames and melted material dropped down from under the car. When I saw the flames got contained, I saw a water hose near the entrance in which I went and turn on and ran to continue pouring water into the engine bay compartment in order to make sure the fire was fully contained. All I could say is that I was very scared and extremely worried that this car could explode in front of this business with all the people working there. As soon I put the fire out, my friend help me push it out of the way into the much larger empty parking lot in order for the business to continue to conduct their business. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 3, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 117,322 miles · TN · fire

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Passenger and driver seat caught on fire spontaneously, engine or battery has also been dying/ malfunctioning, touch screen also has issues. Yes available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Almost burned by seat of if I didn’t smell a burning smell. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not yet. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not yet. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No.

Filed Mar 2, 2026 · TX · fire

Vehicle Fire 2021 Dodge Durango GT Blacktop AWD VIN: [XXX] On around [XXX] somewhere between [XXX]pm to [XXX]pm a fire broke out in my 2021 Dodge Durango. The vehicle was parked for the evening and had been unattended for at least4 to 5 hours. At some point during the night the vehicle caught fire from underneath the dash and did severe damage to the vehicle and will most likely be a total loss. The fire melted the dash severely and the flames reached the front windshield and interior roof of the vehicle. It appears the lack of oxygen smoldered the fire and eventually extinguished itself from all windows being closed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 18, 2025 · Seats · 130,000 miles · VA · fire · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that moments after starting the vehicle and while driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact suddenly felt a sharp burning pain in the buttocks area. The contact immediately stopped the vehicle and discovered a burn hole in the clothing and a skin burn to the buttocks. While inspecting the vehicle, a burn hole was discovered in the front driver's seat cushion. During the incident, the contact indicated that the seat heat was in the on position and no flames or burning odor were present inside the vehicle. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer, who indicated an electrical fire had occurred inside the front driver's seat and the entire seat needed to be replaced. The cause of the electrical fire was not determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that an engineer would inspect the vehicle, but no inspection occurred, and no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Oct 2, 2025 · Electrical · OH · fire

My Durango was sitting for 2days and caught on fire.Started in the rear back of the truck on the passenger side. Fire Dept said it was Electrical and 10,000 dollars of damage.

Filed Aug 11, 2025 · Electrical · 154,000 miles · NC · fire · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact returned to the vehicle to retrieve a work bag from the trunk. The contact noticed that there was smoke inside the vehicle, and flames were coming from underneath the front passenger's side seat. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with his breath, hand, and a cloth; however, the smoke persisted. The fire department was contacted and arrived at the scene. The fire department confirmed that the fire originated from the battery. No police report or fire department report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an autobody repair shop by the insurance company for an estimate of the repair. The contact sustained smoke inhalation but had not yet received medical assistance. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.

Filed Dec 28, 2024 · Electrical · CA

Electrical issues involving specific fuses in the vehicle where the f13 fuse constantly fries and melts into the fuse box. Causing an electrical burning smell. No warning lights come on. Certain aspects of the car stop working like the blower motor.

Related recalls

Electrical systemReported November 14, 2019 · 528,594 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 3.6, 5.7, or 6.4 liter engine and previously recalled under the federal safety agency Recall 14V530 or 15V115. The fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.
Risk
A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) will replace the affected fuel pump relay and related wire harness. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed beginning December 19, 2019. Vehicles that experience a fuel pump failure will receive an interim repair. Owners will receive a second notice when the final remedy becomes available. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V62.

Recall number 19V813000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiring: front underhoodReported August 9, 2018 · 12,779 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Risk
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

Recall number 18V524000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiringReported May 17, 2018 · 4,815,661 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 18V332000 · Recall details

Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulatorReported November 21, 2017 · 17,116 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014 Dodge Challenger, Charger, Durango, Chrysler 300, and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Risk
If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T75.

Recall number 17V741000 · Recall details

Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulatorReported July 10, 2017 · 442,214 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Risk
If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.

Recall number 17V435000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported February 27, 2015 · 339,525 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured September 17, 2010, to August 19, 2013, and equipped with a 3.6, 5.7 or 6.4 liter engine, and 2012-2013 Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured January 18, 2011, to August 19, 2013, and equipped with a 3.6 or 5.7 liter engine. In the affected vehicles, the fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.
Risk
A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump relay with one external to the TIPM. The recall began on August 7, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R09. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 14V‑530. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall 19V813.

Recall number 15V115000 · Recall details

Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulatorReported October 8, 2014 · 435,081 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Risk
If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.

Recall number 14V634000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported September 4, 2014 · 189,206 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 5, 2010, to July 20, 2011, and equipped with either a 3.6L or 5.7L engine. In the affected vehicles, the fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.
Risk
A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump relay with one external to the TIPM, free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P54. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall 19V813.

Recall number 14V530000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiringReported July 2, 2014 · 653,562 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 5, 2010, through December 11, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after a service repair is performed.
Risk
If the vanity lamp wiring shorts, there is an increased risk of fire.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair any damaged wiring, and install a new sun visor that properly routes the wire, free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P36.

Recall number 14V391000 · Recall details

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panelReported March 9, 2007 · 328,424 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On some sport utility vehicles, under certain operating conditions, an integrated circuit in the instrument cluster that controls interior lighting may overheat.
Risk
This could potentially cause an instrument panel fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the cluster for damage and replace it free of charge. The recall began on april 2, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-140.

Recall number 07V092000 · Recall details

Questions about the Dodge Durango fire or smoke

Which Dodge Durango years have fire, smoke or burning smell problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2011 (77 complaints), 2004 (68 complaints) and 2005 (31 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix fire, smoke or burning smell on the Dodge Durango?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,350 (median of 27 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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