Ok, so a little backstory on our car. It's a 2015 R/T that we purchased new. We have 39k miles on it and overall it's led a fairly easy life with some summertime towing. Overall we love the vehicle and it's a good combination of size/power. Thank go we actually paid for the extended warranty though, which I never do on vehicles, because we've been needing it! So far on a 5yr old vehicle with 39k miles we've:

Had entire rear bumper replaced/painted and exhaust re-welded. From the factory it was so crooked it actually melted the exhaust cutout area.

Power Steering pump failed/replaced

Water Pump failed/replaced

Gas fill door broke and wouldn't open

At dealer now having either a very loud lifter tick or exhaust leak looked at.

Have the annoying loud thunk from front end when going over bumps that dealer can't seem to find cause of.

Don't get me wrong, as far as SUV's go the Durango is a great combo of fuel efficiency/towing/size/power for us. I am worried about the amount of issues for such a new vehicle though and once the extended warranty ends what might happen. Not sure if maybe this one is just a turd, or if it's a Durango thing.

Looking at other SUV's though I can't really decide which I'd rather get though? We need to seat at least 6, tow 7k+lbs and I refuse to put up with Toyota's lack of anything resembling fuel economy. Any advice for vehicle options?

 

Tesla Model X? Explorer Sport? I'm not sure you'll find much that can seat 6 AND tow >7k lbs without stuffing 6 in to a full-size truck or staying with a Durango.

I had a 2011 Durango with 5.7 Hemi that I bought with around 80k miles on it and didn't have any issues with it other than I didn't like the way it towed my 6k lbs 30' ultra-light travel trailer, so I traded it in on a Ram 1500. My now ex-wife had a 2014 Durango R/T with Hemi that she bought with around 20k miles on the odometer. The only problem she had with it was the water pump started rattling around 39k miles. A new pump was around $120 and took a few hours of garage time to replace. It was actually pretty easy to change out. She ended up trading it in because she felt it was cursed (she was in 3 accidents in about a 6 month period). Of course the accidents and the failed water pump both happened shortly after she filed for divorce so maybe it was karma.

-Rod

 

Sounds like a lot to deal with in a short amount of time... my 2015 RT also had the water pump replaced under warranty as well as the fuel door. I've heard the water pump is a known issue with the V8. At least mine was a tiny leak and it was detected and replaced without it ever leaving me stranded. As for the fuel door... my Maxima and Odyssey have both had the same problem (just not as quick). The rear bumper issue sounds more unique - was it damaged in transit?

No car is perfect but I'm on my second Durango (first one was a 2012 Crew, kept until about 60,000 miles) which now has 97,000 and I think between the two of them the only thing I've ever fixed out of warranty was a worn out seat belt receptacle. And mine sees heavy use towing a camper.

When wife's truck is paid off I will probably get another one. I like the new Expedition's looks and size but the Durango sure is a good all around performer. I suspect you are going to have a few problems with just about any vehicle though.

 

I have to hire attorney my 2018 Dodge Durango has knocking sound that no one can find. I’m tired and this truck is a lemon, no mod Dodge. As far as customer service and corporate go they told me to away very rude.
Peace my brothers