Defect causes premature wear and deterioration of camshafts and lifters, causing engine failure.
Dodge Durango premature wear problems
103 of the 13,795 owner complaints about the Dodge Durango describe rotors or pads wearing out early, most of them for the 1999 model year.
- owner complaints
- 103
- worst model year
- 1999
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,200
- typical mileage
- 51,090
Is there a fix? There are 9 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Ball joint 85Engine failure 3Grinding brakes 3Pulling 2Water leak 1Slipping 1Shudder 1Hesitation 1
What owners say
I purchased the vehicle brand new in October 2025. Before there was even 3000 miles on the car the brakes had formed a wobble. The brake wobble has worsened with the use of the vehicle. I reported the problem through the Team Dodge website around April but no one responded. I reported it again in May and received a return response. I’m bringing the vehicle in to Team Dodge for inspection this June 12. It’s clear that this issue is a warped rotor. It’s a very common issue with Dodge vehicles.
Vehicle fitted with optional high-performance Brembo brakes as part of the tow-n-go package. Front calipers are seized at just over 40k miles. Passenger side pads worn 1/4" more than drivers side. Luckily did not cause an accident however this seems to be a very common problem with these brakes if you google it, many similar reports. Vehicle barely 4 years old. $5k+ repair bill at a Dodge dealer for new calipers, discs and pads and Dodge won't cover it under (now expired) warranty even though the uneven pad wear was missed at last service (so much for safety inspection).
I had 4 Pirelli tires that were down to 3/32 to the point where the threads were showing near the inner sidewall on the tread in under 15000 miles. Tire information: Pirelli Scorpion Zero All/Season run flat tires Tire Size: 295/45/ ZR20 (110Y) M+S My safety as well as others would've been at severe risk if I wouldn't have replaced my tires. They would've blown out near the inner sidewall on the tread. I brought my vehicle in to the dealership to have an alignment and all specs were in spec which would indicate there shouldn't have been premature or uneven wear on the tire. They did confirm that under 15000 miles is extremely premature for these tires to be worn. The tires have only been inspected by the dealership, nobody else at this time. There were no lights on the dash indicating any sort of issue. I called Pirelli about the issue and they stated that there is no mileage warranty on the tires put on at the time of manufacturing. They stated that this complaint was "definitely not the first they have heard and it is not uncommon for premature wear to occur" but couldn't provide any further comment.
Premature wear on tail housing seal gasket. Water leaks in when it rains and fills the tail light. Water then affects the LED when then flickers before it kills the LED.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge durango. The contact stated that the front passenger's side tire was becoming prematurely worn due to defective tie rods. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic, who inspected the vehicle and advised that there was excessive wear in the upper and lower ball joints that had separated from the tie rod. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue, who stated there was a recall for the failure but the contact's the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v596000 (suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 124,127. Updated 3/13/13
The vehicle is making a very noticeable "clunking noise" during turns and over bumps. The vehicle often falls out of alignment and driving feels unsteady as on of the front wheels is loose. Upon inspection it appears this is being caused by premature wear to the upper ball joints. This has also caused excess wear on the vehicle suspension. As of yet no accident or injury has taken place due to this problem; however, it is a very serious safety concern and needs to be addresses promptly.
Premature wear on upper and lower ball joints on both sides of vehicle. The separation of these components cause the driver to lose control of the steering and could cause the vehicle to roll over causing serious injury or death. In addition to the ball joints, the wheel bearing assemblies fail prematurely which in combination with the ball joint problem greatly increases loss of control of the vehicle. This vehicle also has a problem with the transmission slipping with less than 70,000 miles on it. This causes slow acceleration which could cause an accident resulting in serious injury or death.
Dt:the engine seized without indication. The temperature gauge elevated and within a matter of seconds the engine locked up. The engine was running and the consumer's wife was pulling into driveway. The consumer took the vehicle to a dealer and was told there was a ground strap attached to a coolant tube on the engine, and that resulted in premature wear of cooling tube, allowing escape of coolant. The engine was destroyed. The engine was under warranty, but the coolant tube was not, and they would not honor the warranty. Manufacturer was contacted and would not honor warranty as well.
Dt: contact states: premature wear of upper ball joints and front suspension. Dealer t said car was not under recall. Also, called daimler chrysler and they told him the same thing.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may incorrectly illuminate the brake lights and disable the ABS and electronic stability control (ESC). In addition, the vehicle operator may be able to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
- Risk
- A vehicle that can be started and shifted out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in a vehicle rollaway. Disabled ABS and ESC systems can reduce vehicle handling and control in certain driving situations. Brake lights that incorrectly illuminate can fail to properly indicate the driver's intention to following traffic. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the integrated pressure transducer and update the ABS module software, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA's number for this recall is 94B. This recall replaces previous recall number 22V‑426. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V‑426 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Recall number 24V838000 · Recall details
Service brakes, air: antilock: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Durango and Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles. Due to a software malfunction, the ABS control module may disable the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
- Risk
- Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning July 11, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 55B.
Recall number 24V415000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may illuminate the brake lights, and allow the vehicle to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
- Risk
- A vehicle that starts and shifts out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- This recall is replaced by the federal safety agency recall number 24V838. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. The remedy includes updated HCU/ABS module software that prevents the HCU/ABS module from falsely reading pressure in the primary circuit. FCA has decided to do a two-Phase Campaign remedy schedule. Phase 1 began November 17, 2022. Phase 2 begin date has not been determined yet. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed July 28, 2020. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z48.
Recall number 22V426000 · Recall details
Service brakes
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles had brake booster shields installed under a previous campaign to prevent water from entering the brake booster and limiting braking ability. This recall is to verify that the brake booster shield installation was performed properly.
- Risk
- If the brake booster shield was not installed properly, the vehicle's braking ability may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster shield, correcting the installation as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November10, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T59.
Recall number 17V572000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured December 9, 2015, to January 14, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the left front brake caliper may crack due to being made from an incorrect material.
- Risk
- A cracked brake caliper may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front left brake caliper and depending on its casting date, replace it, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 12, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S16.
Recall number 16V168000 · Recall details
Service brakes
- What is wrong
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured from January 5, 2010, through September 8, 2013. The subject vehicles have a brake booster with a center shell that may corrode and allow water to get inside.
- Risk
- The water inside could freeze and limit the braking ability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a water diverter shield to the booster after the booster has been tested to confirm it can hold an acceptable amount of vacuum pressure. If the booster inspection confirms an unacceptable loss of vacuum pressure, the booster will be replaced. Repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is P14.
Recall number 14V154000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
- What is wrong
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 11, 2011, through October 1, 2012. Under certain braking events, the Ready Alert Braking System (RAB) may result in the driver experiencing a hard brake pedal feel.
- Risk
- If the driver experiences a hard brake pedal, the driver may not push the pedal as intended, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS module software, free of charge. The recall began on April 3, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number associated with this recall is P05.
Recall number 14V104000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- On certain sport utility vehicles with anti-lock brake system (ABS), the ABS control module software program may cause the rear brakes to lock up during certain braking conditions.
- Risk
- This could result in a loss of vehicle control and a crash could occur without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the ABS control module. The recall is expected to begin on december 12, 2005. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 05V554000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The rear brake tube can contact an underbody crossmember eventually wearing a hole in the tube.
- Risk
- If the tube were perforated, there would be a reduction in braking from the rear wheels, increasing stopping distances.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a rubber isolator on all vehicles that do not indicate tube contact. Vehicles that show contact and have less than 45,000 miles and no signs of red rust will have the rubber isolator installed with silicone to protect the tube where the coating has worn off. Vehicles that exhibit contact, and have more than 45,000 miles or show signs of red rust, will have the brake tube replaced with the production tube and isolator.
Recall number 99V341000 · Recall details
Questions about the Dodge Durango premature wear
Which Dodge Durango years have rotors or pads wearing out early problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1999 (38 complaints), 1998 (20 complaints) and 2000 (18 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix rotors or pads wearing out early on the Dodge Durango?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,200 (median of 9 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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