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ProblemsByVin File / 2005-DODGE-DURANGO NHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Dodge

2005 Dodge Durango problems

The 2005 Dodge Durango has 3 critical safety recalls on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 1,567 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.

The 2005 Dodge Durango has 1,567 NHTSA owner complaints and 9 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is fuel system at 537 complaints, typically surfacing around 70,746 miles (~$1,200 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

Dodge Durango owner complaints by model year
Model yearOwner complaintsRecalls
2005 Durango (this page) 1,567 9
2006 Durango 851 10
2007 Durango 275 4
2008 Durango 97 2
2005 Dodge Durango
Photo: Kevauto / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · representative photo of the Dodge Durango
0 5 10
Reliability score
3.4 / 10

Significant reliability concerns on file. Read the trouble spots before buying.

3
Critical
6
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2005 Durango?
Avoid — the steering

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

Buying a used 2005 Dodge Durango? Check these first

Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.

What to inspect on this specific car

⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 117,255 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.

Recalls to confirm are done

Run the VIN from the listing — 9 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.

Verdict for buyers: 3.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.

We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.

See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →
✦ Ask the data · AI

Ask anything about your 2005 Dodge Durango

A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.

Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.

Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.

Embed this reliability snapshot

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<iframe src="https://problemsbyvin.com/embed/reliability/2005-dodge-durango/" width="100%" height="340" style="border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:8px;max-width:640px" title="2005 Dodge Durango reliability snapshot" loading="lazy"></iframe> <p style="font:12px/1.5 system-ui,sans-serif;color:#64748b;max-width:640px;margin:6px 0 0">Source: <a href="https://problemsbyvin.com/2005-dodge-durango/" style="color:#b8540a;font-weight:600">2005 Dodge Durango reliability snapshot — ProblemsByVin</a></p>

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

fuel system
537 reports · fails ~70,746 mi · avg $1,200
moderate
engine
261 reports · fails ~60,705 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
powertrain
179 reports · fails ~117,255 mi · avg $2,500
severe
electrical
123 reports · fails ~80,022 mi · avg $850
severe
airbags
95 reports · fails ~107,103 mi · avg $1,100
critical
steering
70 reports · fails ~96,425 mi · avg $700
critical
cruise control
20 reports · fails ~90,127 mi · avg $600
severe
body
16 reports · fails ~91,044 mi · avg $1,500
severe

Your road ahead on this 2005 Dodge Durango

When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you, what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.

  1. ~31,306 mibrakes~$450
  2. ~50,518 mivisibility~$350
  3. ~55,000 miengine~$3,100
  4. ~68,000 mifuel system~$1,200
  5. ~68,000 mielectrical~$850
  6. ~89,122 misteering~$700
  7. ~90,000 micruise control~$600
  8. ~94,212 misuspension~$900
  9. ~100,000 miairbags~$1,100
  10. ~115,000 mipowertrain~$2,500

"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.

Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2005 Durango's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2005 Durango?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2005 Durango · powertrain
While driving on the freeway, I noticed that my 4 lo warning light was flashing on my instrument panel. Once I came to a safe stop, I could hear what sounded like my 4 wheel drive actively trying to engage itself by making a clanking noise. Several days later, it did the same…
12/31/2014 · at 98,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10669378.0 · see powertrain pattern →
2005 Durango · fuel system
My 2005 Dodge durango limited (hemi) spews about 1 quart of gas out of the filler tube every time I fill up with gas. Dealer says my VIN # ( mfg. Date 3/05) is not covered by their 1st or 2nd recall. I called Chrysler's customer care @ 1-800-853-1403 and was told although I…
12/31/2009 · at 114,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10297672.0 · see fuel system pattern →
2005 Durango · engine
Loss of power when getting on freeway. Engine chugs, rough idle, no power to merge with traffic on freeway. Check engine light came on. Checked codes and found p0308 and p2099. Changed all 8 spark plugs, plugs 4, 6, 8, 3, 5, and 7 show sings of setting in water. Found out Dodge…
12/31/2009 · at 51,308 mi · NHTSA ODI #10297723.0 · see engine pattern →
2005 Durango · fuel system
Each time we fill the fuel tank of our 2005 Dodge durango the tank over flows and fuel comes pouring out around the refueling nozzle and spills out onto the car and all over the ground. This is a potentially hazardous situation in that at least half a gallon of fuel that spiills…
View all 1,567 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2005 Dodge Durango? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 9

critical NHTSA 16V352000 May 24, 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St

These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.
critical NHTSA 15V313000 May 27, 2015

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.
critical NHTSA 14V770000 December 3, 2014

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. For vehicles that were sold, or are currently registered, in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, owners were notified and the recall began on December 5, 2014. For all other vehicles, Chrysler notified owners and the recall began on February 3, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P40 Expanded. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall 16V-352. This recall superseded the passenger air bag portion of recall 14V-354.
View all 9 recalls →

Under investigation 3 open at NHTSA

EA Air Bags › Frontal · opened September 2021

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →

EA Air Bags › Frontal · opened February 2015

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA15001 on NHTSA →

EA Steering · opened March 2006

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA06004 on NHTSA →

How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →

Common questions

Is the 2005 Dodge Durango reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 3.4 out of 10 based on 1,567 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Dodge Durango has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2005 Dodge Durango?

On the NHTSA data, the 2005 Dodge Durango is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 14 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the electrical system; Steering: 70 complaints, classified critical, failures cluster 60,000–137,000 mi; Powertrain: 179 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 83,500–156,000 mi; Reliability score 3.4/10 — below the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What should I check before buying a used 2005 Dodge Durango?

Inspect the fuel system first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 537 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 70,746 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,200 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.

Is the 2005 Dodge Durango a good used car to buy?

It scores 3.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 1,567 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is fuel system. Typical failure occurs around 70,746 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.

What's the most common problem on the 2005 Dodge Durango?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is fuel system, with 537 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 70,746 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,200 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 107,103 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Dodge Durango has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2005 Dodge Durango?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,567 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Dodge/Durango. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Dodge. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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