How Long Do Dodge Durangos Last? (Solved and Explained!)

The Dodge Durango is a mid-size sports utility vehicle that has been in production since 1997.

The current generation of the Durango features unibody construction and is built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The Durango offers rugged off-road potential, 3 rows of seats, and comes in an SRT spec for drivers looking for the perfect mix of speed and practicality.

In this article, we’ll take a look at how many years of service you can expect from the Dodge Durango.

Here is the short answer to how long does the Dodge Durango Last: 

The Dodge Durango has a healthy life expectancy of 250,000 miles. When taking into account the average miles driven per year of 15,000 – the Durango is built to last for up to 16 years. This is dependant on regular vehicle maintenance and good driving habits.

How Many Miles Can You Expect from a Dodge Durango?

A quick look into the used car market indicates that the Dodge Durango is built to last.

Several model years for sale date as far back as the early 2000’s, reportedly running in good condition, this is a positive indicator of longevity. 

Based on owners’ reports and anecdotal evidence we can suggest that the average life expectancy of the Dodge Durango is 250,000 miles or roughly 16 years before breaking down or needing expensive repairs; there have been rare instances of Durangos clocking up 400,00 miles.

As with most cars, case-to-case reports of longevity can vary greatly and is dependent on a number of factors, the most important ones being:

• Driving habits
• Service and maintenance intervals
• Frequency of off-road use

Aggressive driving will increase rate of wear and tear on vehicle components and can significantly reduce vehicle longevity.

Taking good care of your Durango and keeping up to date with factory scheduled servicing, as well as relatively conservative driving habits, will ensure you’ll be well on your way to more than 16+ years of service.

How Soon Should You Expect Rust on a Dodge Durango? 

The Dodge Durango has had fluctuating ups and downs when it comes to rust, with several mixed reports telling vastly different stories.

Owners of 2000 and 2001 Dodge Durangos report being rust-free from purchase to present, while other owners of model years as recent as 2017 report rust accumulation after just a year of ownership. Historically, the 2004-2007 model years have had the highest number of rust-related complaints.

As there seems to be no clear indication of when to expect rust on certain models, we recommend investing in ceramic coating regardless of which model year you purchase.

Alternatively, rust-proofing sprays are widely available in hardware stores and should be applied before taking on any rugged terrain. 

Residents of areas particularly prone to rust such as the Salt Belt states, or coastal and snowy regions should take extra precautions to avoid rust.

Standard rust proofing measures include

• Regular car washes
• Rustproofing sprays
• Keeping the car’s interior dry
• Ceramic coating (for a more long-term investment) 

Related: 11 Most Common Dodge Durango Problems (Explained)

How Long Does the Dodge Durango Last Compared to Similar Car Models?

In a market with consistent demand for SUVs, the Dodge Durango stands out as an excellent choice.

With above-average reliability scores, proven longevity, and enough features to make daily commuting enjoyable, the Durango offers superb value for money.

In this segment, we’ll see how the Dodge Durango stacks up to its competitors. 

Dodge Durango vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Being built on the same platform, similarities are to be expected when looking at the Grand Cherokee and Durango. However, there are a few notable differences that could greatly influence your buying decision.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has an expected lifespan of 200,000 miles, making it slightly less than the Durango which features a life expectancy of 250,000 miles.

In terms of maintenance cost to reach high mileage, the difference between these two SUVs is a mere $9. With the Grand Cherokee costing $666 a year to maintain, while the Durango costs $675, according to Repair Pal. 

If hauling capacity is your main priority, the Dodge Durango comes with a third row of seats while the Grand Cherokee has no such spec available on any trim.

However, if off-roading capabilities are more important, the Jeep Grand Cherokee stands above the Durango with its more robust four-wheel-drive system.

Dodge Durango vs. Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer has an average lifespan of 150,000-200,000 miles, making it substantially less future-proof than the Durango which boasts a 250,000 miles life expectancy.

On top of the Ford Explorer having poorer predicted longevity than the Dodge Durango, the Explorer also costs an extra $100 in maintenance costs per year. 

The Dodge Durango costs $675 per year to maintain while the Explorer costs $775. 

The Ford Explorer has an advantage over the Durango in terms of technology. Featuring Active Park Assist, a more intuitive infotainment system, and a 180-degree front camera, the Ford Explorer comes with standard tech not available on the Dodge Durango. 

When it comes to overall value for money, the Dodge Durango is the superior choice, with lower maintenance costs and a higher lifespan than the Explorer. 

Dodge Durango vs. Chevrolet Traverse

With a life expectancy of 200,000, the Chevrolet Traverse comes close to matching the 250,000 mile average of the Dodge Durango.

It is also important to note that the Traverse currently stands as the more affordable alternative to the Durango. 

On top of having similar predicted reliability and a lower starting price, the Chevrolet Traverse also offers slightly lower annual maintenance costs.

With an average yearly cost to maintain of $656, the Traverse costs $19 less than the Durango which will set you back $675 a year. 

When looking at the performance numbers, the Traverse is unable to compete with the engine choices of the Dodge Durango. 

Limited to a 2.5L four-cylinder engine, the performance potential of the Chevrolet Traverse is eclipsed by the SRT trim available for the Dodge Durango.

Please also read our article: how long do Chevrolet Traverse last?

How Reliable is a Dodge Durango?

The Dodge Durango is a well-rounded daily commuter that offers longevity, performance, and hauling capacity while also being quite reliable. 

It boasts respectable reliability numbers, earning a 3.5 out of 5 from RepairPal, 4 out of 5 from J.D. Power, and 5 stars from Edmunds. 

If you’re in the market for a reliable SUV that can quite literally do it all, the Dodge Durango stands as an excellent choice.

Reliability Compared to Other SUVs

You may also be interested in our article: how long do GMC Yukon last?

The Best and Worst Years of the Dodge Durango

Analyzing the CarComplaints database shows us that historically, the Dodge Durango follows the same pattern with the release of every generation. 

The trend has been high complaints with the debut of every generation followed by a consistent correction that gradually reduces the number of complaints for the succeeding years. 

Although 1999 has the most number of complaints out of all year models, the 2004 Dodge Durango ranks as the worst year for the Dodge Durango, earning the CarComplaints “Avoid Like the Plague” badge. Owners of the 2004 Durango reported engine failure, with an average cost to repair of $5,000 and an average of 115,000 miles when the problem occurs. 

Other problems faced by the early years of each generation include:

• Severe rusting
• Faulty transmission
• Exterior accessory problems
• Electrical problems
• Fuel system problems

When looking for the best models of the Dodge Durango, we recommend choosing any of the year models at the end of every generation. 2003, 2009, and 2021 stand as the best model years of this SUV. 

Related: 24 Best & Worst Dodge Durango Years (Pictures & Stats)

What About Recalls?

Here is the full list of recalls:

• 1998: 6 recalls
• 1999: 5 recalls
• 2000: 4 recalls
• 2001: 7 recalls
• 2002: 6 recalls
• 2003: 6 recalls
• 2004: 9  recalls
• 2005: 9 recalls
• 2006: 10 recalls
• 2007: 4 recalls
• 2008: 2 recalls
• 2009: 4 recalls 
• 2010: 7 recalls
• 2011: 7 recall
• 2012: 9 recalls
• 2013: 10 recalls 
• 2014: 11 recalls
• 2015: 4 recalls
• 2016: 3 recalls
• 2017: 2 recalls
• 2018: 3 recalls
• 2019: 2 recalls
• 2020: 1 recalls
• 2021: 0 recalls

Dodge Durango Model Year List:

Here is the full list of model years and generations of the Dodge Durango:

First Generation DN:

• 1998 Dodge Durango
• 1999 Dodge Durango
• 2000 Dodge Durango
• 2001 Dodge Durango
• 2002 Dodge Durango
• 2003 Dodge Durango

Second Generation ND:

• 2004 Dodge Durango
• 2005 Dodge Durango
• 2006 Dodge Durango
• 2007 Dodge Durango
• 2008 Dodge Durango
• 2009 Dodge Durango
• 2010 Dodge Durango

Third Generation WK2:

• 2011 Dodge Durango
• 2012 Dodge Durango
• 2013 Dodge Durango
• 2014 Dodge Durango
• 2015 Dodge Durango
• 2016 Dodge Durango
• 2017 Dodge Durango
• 2018 Dodge Durango
• 2019 Dodge Durango
• 2020 Dodge Durango
• 2021 Dodge Durango

You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Mazda CX-9 Last?

Is the Dodge Durango Expensive to Maintain? 

The Dodge Durango will cost an average of $675 a year to maintain, with an expected cost of $3,632 over a 5 year period.

How Long Do the Brakes Last?

Dodge Durango brake pads usually last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. Note that driving habits and off-road usage are a big factor in the longevity of the brakes.

How Long Do the Tires Last?

Dodge Durango tires last 2 to 4 years, which means an average of 50,000 miles given the 15,000 miles driven per year. 

Factors affecting the longevity of your tires include road conditions, driving and braking habits, temperatures and frequency of driving. 

How Long Does the Transmission Last?

The transmission on the Dodge Durango is expected to last between 130,000 and 180,000 miles.

How Long Do Spark Plugs Last?

Dodge Durango spark plugs are built to last between 30,000 and 40,000 miles before needing replacement.

What About Insurance Cost?

The average insurance costs for a Jeep Renegade is $186 per month or $2,232 annually.

You may also be interested in our article: how long do GMC Acadia last?

Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Dodge Durango

• Observe regular rust-proofing intervals
• Adopt a regular cleaning regime, especially after driving in snow
• Keep your car stored in a garage to keep the exterior in better condition
• Keep up to date with fluid changes and maintenance
• Keep your interior dry at all times
• Drive carefully to prolong the life of your tires, brake pads, and to get the best possible longevity

Resources

https://www.dodge.com/durango.html

https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/dodge/durango/reliability

https://www.edmunds.com/dodge/durango/2021/consumer-reviews/

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Dodge/Durango/2004/body_paint/rusting.shtml

https://repairpal.com/reliability/dodge/durango