How Long Do Dodge Durangos Last? (Miles & Years)

The Dodge Durango is a mid-size SUV that debuted in 1997 for the 1998 model year. Manufactured at the Dodge assembly in Newark, Delaware, the Durango has had three generations so far with nearly two million sales.

Some of its coolest features include an optional V8 engine and relatively excellent towing capacity, amongst others.

If you are curious about the Dodge Durango’s lifespan estimate, you’re in luck because we will be letting you in on pertinent information about that below.

Before we head into it, check our list of most common Dodge Durango problems. 

Here is the short answer to how long the Dodge Durango lasts:

The Dodge Durango can last between 200,000 to 250,000 miles and possibly more, with proper maintenance. That’s about 13-16 years of service if you drive 15,000 miles every year. For a mid-size SUV, those are pretty good numbers.

How Many Miles Can You Expect From A Dodge Durango?

If you own or are looking to buy a Dodge Durango, you can expect between 200,000 to 250,000 miles of service from it. However, you’d have to spend your time, money, and attention on ensuring that it gets adequate maintenance.

Not just that, the way you drive could also affect your Durango’s chances of hitting those numbers. Drive carefully and register your Durango for a comprehensive maintenance plan, and it should be good for 250,000 miles or more.

How Soon Should You Expect Rust on a Dodge Durango?

The Dodge Durango can likely go 4-6 years without any rust issues.

However, we discovered from certain Durango forums that rust sometimes appears on Durangos as early as 1-2 years. This is especially true for Dodge Durango models driven on salt-belt roads and coastal areas with salt particles in the air.

The best way to deal with this is by being proactive. “How do I do that?” you may ask. Well, one way to be proactive is by getting periodic rustproofing for your Durango. It’s better if you let a professional handle that for you.

Another precautionary move you could make is giving your car a thorough washing from time to time. If you often drive on salted roads or around coastal areas, take this seriously. That’s because frequent cleaning could help get rid of salt particles.

Also, if your Durango already has rust on it, you can still get it fixed, and we advise doing it as soon as you can. Don’t forget to explore the best and worst Dodge Durango years.

How Long Do Dodge Durangos Last Compared to Similar Models?

The Dodge Durango is currently Dodge’s only SUV offering since they discontinued the Dodge Journey. As you probably know already, many other vehicle models rival it in the mid-size SUV market. Let’s find out how long it lasts compared to some of these rivals.

Dodge Durango Vs. Mazda CX-9

Having won MotorTrend’s SUV of the Year award in 2008, the Mazda CX-9 immediately established itself as one of the best mid-size SUVs. In addition to its impressive gas mileage and potent engine, the CX-9 also lasts up to 250,000 miles or more if it is properly maintained.

The above figure shows that the Dodge Durango and Mazda CX-9 will last for around the same time. However, the Mazda CX-9 has better critics’ ratings and reviews across vehicle platforms, which gives it an edge.

The 2021 Dodge Durango, however, makes a rather solid argument for itself with a reliability rating of 86 out of 100 from J.D. Power. This dwarfs the 2021 CX-9’s quality and reliability score of 77 out of 100.

Dodge Durango Vs. Chevrolet Traverse

The Traverse’s cargo and passenger space alongside stellar safety features have earned excellent ratings from critics and owners year after year. It further cements its top-tier status with an expected lifetime mileage of 200,000 to 250,000 miles.

That makes it equal with the Dodge Durango in terms of longevity. However, the 2021 Dodge Durango has a slightly better reliability rating with 86 to the Traverse’s 85.

Both models will serve you for upwards of 250,000 miles with proper maintenance; however, Chevrolet models are generally more reliable.

Read more: How Long Do Chevrolet Traverses Last? (9 Important Facts)

Dodge Durango Vs. Toyota Highlander

Toyota kicked off the launch of the Highlander in 2000 for the 2001 model year. In its fourth generation, the Toyota Highlander is undoubtedly one of the most elegant mid-size SUVs.

Besides its nice acceleration and excellent safety score, the Toyota Highlander can also serve owners for 300,000 miles or more. That’s more than the expected lifetime mileage of the Dodge Durango and puts it all the way above in terms of durability.

Truth is, the Dodge Durango can also cross 300,000 miles, but there is more proof of the Highlander hitting the mark. For what it’s worth, the 2021 Dodge Durango has a higher reliability score (86) than the Toyota Highlander(85) on J.D. Power.

Read more: How Long Do Toyota Highlander Last? (Solved & Explained!)

How Reliable Is a Dodge Durango?

The Dodge Durango’s reliability often gives it an edge in discussions about longevity. On J.D. Power, the 2021 model notched a quality and reliability rating of 86 out of 100 and ranked 3rd on their list of top-rated mid-size SUVs.

On RepairPal, the Durango earned an above-average 3.5 out of 5 rating and landed at the #3 spot on their list.  

Majority of reviewers on edmunds.com also gave it the frequently coveted 5-star rating, denoting overall satisfaction with the Durango.  

Even though it has its own fair share of issues, the Dodge Durango is certainly one of the most reliable vehicles in its class.

You should also be reading our article which talks about How Long Do Dodge Challengers Last?

The Best and Worst Years for Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango has been produced every model year since 1998. While some models have been very outstanding, some others have been relatively sub-par.

On CarComplaints, the 1999 Dodge Durango has the most complaints with 620. Next up is the 2004 model with 405 complaints; it is also listed as the worst model year by CarComplaints. The 2009 model is perhaps the most impressive, with just 5 complaints within that stretch of time.

Durango owners on Carproblemzoo have reported 14,473 issues across all the model years. The 1999 Durango takes the crown here as well, with 2,037 reported problems so far.

Other terrible models include the 2005 Durango (1,820), 2004 Durango (1,262), and 2011 Durango (1,076). The 2020 and 2009 models have the fewest complaints, with 3 and 18, respectively.

The most common problem on Carproblemzoo is related to the Durango’s suspension, with 2,294 reports. Electrical problems are right next to it with 2,268 reports, and engine cooling problems come in at 3rd with 2,084 reports.

On cars.com, the 2020 Durango has the best rating, with 4.9 from 45 reviews. The 2018 Dodge Durango is next with an impressive 4.8 from a whopping 146 reviews.

Our findings show that the 2009, 2018, and 2020 models are the best Dodge Durango models right now.

What About Recalls for These Models?

Dodge Durango models have been recalled several times over the years. Here is a complete list of all Durango recalls since the 1998 model year:

• 1998: 6
• 1999: 5
• 2000: 4
• 2001: 7
• 2002: 6
• 2003: 6
• 2004: 9
• 2005: 9
• 2006: 10
• 2007: 4
• 2008: 2
• 2009: 4
• 2011: 8
• 2012: 10
• 2013: 11
• 2014: 11
• 2015: 4
• 2016: 3
• 2017: 2
• 2018: 3
• 2019: 2
• 2020: 2
• 2021: 1

The 2013 and 2014 models have the joint-most recalls with 11 so far. The 2021 Durango is the model with the fewest recalls, with just 1 so far.

Dodge Durango Model Year List

Below is a list of all Dodge Durango model years across three generations:

• First Generation: 1998-2003
• Second Generation: 2004-2009
• Third Generation: 2011-2021

We want to mention that the Dodge Durango was not released during the 2010 model year because of a brief hiatus.

Related: How Long Do Honda Pilots Last? (Solved & Explained!)

Are Dodge Durangos Expensive to Maintain?

According to RepairPal, the Dodge Durango has an expected annual maintenance cost of $675. Compared to the maintenance cost of the average vehicle ($651), the Durango has a pretty reasonable maintenance cost.

However, the Durango’s maintenance costs more than the Chevy Traverse’s ($656), the CX-9($539), and the Highlander’s ($489).

How Long Do the Brakes Last?

The Dodge Durango brakes often last between 30,000 to 70,000 miles. Longevity depends on factors such as driving habits and road conditions. The most prominent signs of faulty brakes include squeaking noises, burning smell, pedal vibration, and haphazard responses, amongst others.

How Long Do the Tires Last?

Dodge Durango tires can last anywhere between 30,000 to 60,000 miles (2-4 years).

To make your tires last even longer, rotate the tires frequently and maintain proper inflation as often as you can.

We also advise frequent inspection, especially if you drive on very rough terrains.

How Long Do the Transmissions Last?

The Dodge Durango transmission can last up to 180,000 miles. However, long-term Durango owners advise having the transmission checked out once it hits 100,000 miles.

How Long Do the Spark Plugs Last?

Factory-installed spark plugs on the Dodge Durango can go further than 100,000 miles. However, you may consider replacing the spark plugs every 100,000 miles as a precaution.

What About Insurance Cost?

According to Insuraviz, getting insurance coverage for the Dodge Durango costs $1,582 per year on average. CarEdge also estimates $1,597 as the average annual insurance cost for the Dodge Durango.

The costs may vary depending on your state or region and the insurer you choose to do business with.

Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Dodge Durango

Below are some tips that can improve impact Durango’s longevity:

• Adopt calm and careful driving
• Wash the vehicle regularly to get rid of harmful particles
• Get a solid maintenance plan for the vehicle
• Report any unusual signs to a trusted expert
• Use an authorized repair shop

Was this article helpful?