COOLER - ENGINE OIL
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Dodge Durango engine problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Dodge Durango have filed 56 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 75,087 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
56
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Durango | 72 |
| 2012 Durango | 75 |
| 2013 Durango (this page) | 56 |
| 2014 Durango | 44 |
| 2015 Durango | 23 |
| 2016 Durango | 5 |
| 2017 Durango | 13 |
4fires
When does it fail?
Of the 56 engine complaints filed for the 2013 Dodge Durango, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 56 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
COOLER - ENGINE OIL
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗COOLER Engine Oil Please be aware that the oil cooler seal is serviceable as a standalone part and should be considered for replacement as a remedy for fluid leak.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Water Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
2013 Durango owners report cascading engine failures starting early in ownership. Cooling system overheating recurs despite repeated repairs to heater hoses, thermostats, water pumps, and radiators—one owner had four separate service visits within 11 months on a vehicle that was 10 months old. The green-friendly coolant Dodge switched to degrades rubber hoses with no factory warning or service bulletin, requiring replacement of all rubber contacts.
Fuel pump relay failures cause complete shutdown while driving at highway speeds, with NHTSA recalls issued (15V-115, 19V-813) but parts chronically unavailable for months. Alternators catch fire without warning—we see multiple incidents where flames shot from the engine with zero warning lights. A mother of two had the alternator fail at 70 mph on an interstate; the replacement unit failed the same way.
Lifter and camshaft damage surfaces around 90,000 to 175,000 miles, especially on 5.7L Hemi engines. Locked lifters gouge the camshaft, sending metal chunks through the oil; new engine replacement runs $8,600+. Dealerships acknowledge this is very common but Dodge refuses a recall. Pentrastar 3.6L engines tick from rocker arm wear, again a known defect manufacturers won't recall.
Random stalling without warning lights occurs across mileage ranges. Owners also report starting failures, electrical gremlins (dashboard lights dimming when wipers run), and MDS sensor bucking at highway speeds. Some repairs fall outside warranty coverage despite similar extended warranty programs (X56) covering other VINs.
Same Dodge Durango engine reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Recurring overheating and cooling system failures
Engine overheats repeatedly despite repair attempts. Root causes attributed variously to broken heater hose, thermostat malfunction, air pressure in cooling system, water pump failure, radiator failure, and failed EVAP vacuum seal. One owner reported green-friendly coolant that degrades rubber hoses and components without factory testing or service bulletin.
When: Within 2-12 months of purchase; recurrence between 50,000-227,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating on highway and during normal driving; Engine shutdown after overheating; Horrible smell from cooling system; Rubber components degrading in contact with coolant; Temperature gauge indicating overheating without warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Heater hose replacement, thermostat replacement, sensor replacement, water pump replacement, radiator replacement, coolant system replacement. Green coolant required replacement of all rubber hoses and contacts. Repair costs not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge acknowledged issues but did not issue recall or service bulletin for coolant problem. Owner filed lemon-law paperwork.
Fuel pump relay failure causing stalling
Fuel pump relay mounted on ECU board fails intermittently or completely, causing engine to shut down while driving or fail to start. Issue persists or recurs even after NHTSA recall 15V-115 repair. Second recall (19V-813) issued but parts unavailable for extended periods.
When: Between 24,000-100,000 miles; recurring 4 months after 2015 recall repair and again in 2019
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cranks but fails to start or starts and stops after seconds; Vehicle shuts down abruptly while driving at any speed; Intermittent starting issues worse in damp or rainy conditions; No error codes generated when engine is off
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Recall 15V-115, NHTSA Recall 19V-813
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump relay replacement. Holding accelerator pedal down during cranking was temporary workaround. Second failure not covered by warranty despite recall. Typical timeline shows recall repair but subsequent failure months later.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recalls 15V-115 and 19V-813 issued. However, warranty coverage denied for second failure post-recall. Parts frequently unavailable for extended periods.
Alternator failure and fire hazard
Alternator fails and catches fire, creating serious fire hazard. Multiple incidents resulted in vehicle total loss. One instance involved flame reaching approximately twenty feet high. Another car caught fire at 70 mph on interstate with two young children in vehicle.
When: Between 50,000-100,000 miles; one failure recurring 4 years after previous repair
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke coming from engine compartment near alternator; Small flames visible in alternator area; Burning rubber smell; Battery light illuminating; Vehicle fire with flames shooting out from passenger side; No warning lights prior to failure
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Recall 17V-435
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement approximately $1,200. Replacement alternator had same defect. Some owners report concern about computer/PCM module damage also ($200+ additional cost). New alternators still had battery discharge issues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 17V-435 issued for alternator failure. However, some affected VINs not included in recall. Initial dealer claimed no known fix and demanded out-of-pocket payment with 90-day reimbursement. Approval process slow and inconsistent across dealerships.
Lifter and camshaft failure causing engine misfires
Valve train defect causing lifter roller to lock up and damage camshaft lobe. Locked lifters knock metal chunks off camshaft into oil and engine, causing misfires, ticking noise, and potential complete engine failure. Described as very common in 5.7L Hemi engines across all Dodge vehicles but manufacturer refuses to recall due to cost.
When: Between 91,000-175,000 miles; some instances at 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine misfires on specific cylinders; Ticking noise from engine at idle and under load; Check engine light illuminating with misfire codes; Loss of power while driving; Metal in oil pan; Locked lifter rollers with damaged camshaft lobes
Codes mentioned: Cylinder misfire codes (various cylinders)
Repairs/costs cited: New engine replacement cost $8,649. Alternatively, replacement of camshaft, rocker arms, and lifters ($1,900+ for parts and labor). Lifter parts frequently on backorder with no estimated arrival date.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Known issue acknowledged by dealership mechanics as very common. However, Dodge refuses to issue recall citing expense. Extended warranty (X56) available for some VINs but not all, leaving owners responsible for repair costs exceeding $5,000.
MDS (Active Fuel Management) sensor causing bucking and jerking
MDS sensor malfunction causes vehicle to buck and jerk at 40-80 mph on level ground and hills. Dealership determined sensor issue but attributed it to fuel grade requirement and transmission torque converter locking as normal characteristics rather than defects. Disconnecting sensor resolved the symptom but defeating the economy feature the owner purchased.
When: One month after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Bucking and jerking sensation between 40-80 mph; Engine feels like it will cut out; Symptoms on level ground and hills; Torque converter locking reported as normal characteristic
Repairs/costs cited: MDS sensor disconnected as workaround, disabling eco system to run on 8 cylinders only. Not a permanent fix as owner wanted fuel economy feature functioning.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler techs cited 89 octane fuel requirement (not stated on sales sticker or manual) and claimed torque converter locking and bucket/jerk are normal characteristics. Service manager disconnected sensor. Chrysler Cares case opened but owner reported being 'blown off' by case managers with no callbacks or status updates.
Pentrastar engine rocker arm and valve train wear
Rocker arm bearing failing and roller rocker arm wearing prematurely on 3.6L Pentastar engines. Owners report ticking noise and engine damage, but Dodge refuses to recall citing cost. Issue is a design flaw affecting numerous 2011-2015 model year vehicles.
When: Around 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking noise from driver side engine head; Ticking at idle through entire rev range; Ticking dissipates at highway speeds under load; Engine damage if not repaired; Noise from engine compartment while stationary
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of rocker arms, camshafts, and lifters. Cost approximately $1,900+ for parts and labor. One owner requested reimbursement under extended warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Extended warranty coverage varies. Issue acknowledged as flawed design in Pentastar engines affecting Dodge and other Chrysler models.
Random stalling without warning indicators
Engine stalls abruptly while driving or at standstill with no warning lights or error codes. Stalling occurs at various speeds and locations. Vehicle may or may not restart easily. Some owners suspect alternator or fuel pump relay issues but dealerships unable to retrieve fault codes or reproduce failures.
When: Between 50,000-100,000 miles; becoming more frequent over time
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while stopped at traffic light; Stalling while driving 10-50 mph; Stalling at highway speeds; No warning indicators illuminated; No fault codes retrievable; Multiple restart attempts sometimes required; Intermittent and unpredictable nature
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships unable to reproduce failure or retrieve fault codes. Vehicle not repaired in most cases. Owners speculate fuel pump relay or alternator without confirmation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in some cases but no assistance offered. Possible relation to NHTSA campaigns mentioned but not confirmed. No recall or service bulletin issued for intermittent stalling.
Cylinder head failure and exhaust valve malfunction
Left cylinder head requires replacement due to misfire condition. Exhaust valve placement defective on cylinder head. Extended warranty (X56) covers this for some VINs but not all owners, leaving some responsible for $5,000+ repairs.
When: At 124,000 and 136,000 miles; also at 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light with cylinder misfire indication; Engine can seize while driving per dealership; Exhaust valve not placed properly on head
Codes mentioned: Cylinder misfire codes
Repairs/costs cited: Left cylinder head replacement estimated over $5,000. Exhaust valve repositioning or head replacement required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty (X56) available for some VINs since 2014 but coverage inconsistent. Manufacture determined repair was owner's obligation in some cases despite extended warranty existing.
Starting failures and fuel pump issues
Vehicle fails to start despite cranking attempts. Remote start button sometimes required to start vehicle. Fuel pump relay and TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) implicated. Recall-related incidents where parts unavailable for extended periods.
When: 24,000-100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle does not start when cranked normally; Only starts with remote start button on key fob; Repeated failure to start (50+ times reported); Starter attempting to turn over but vehicle not fully cranking; Failure to start becomes progressively worse since March 2019; No error messages or warning lights
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 19V813000
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump relay and TIPM replacement required. Parts frequently unavailable, with dealers unable to provide timeline.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Active recall (19V813000) issued but parts not available. Dealers advised owners to keep calling with no timeline provided. Inconsistent warranty coverage.
Oil filter housing leak and fire hazard
Oil filter cooling housing leaks oil onto hot engine surfaces. Plastic housing design inadequate for heat and can catch fire, creating combustion hazard. Newer models use aluminum housing which better withstands heat.
When: Low mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaking from filter cooling housing onto engine; Burning smell from engine; Engine running hot smell
Repairs/costs cited: Housing replacement likely required. Plastic housing needs replacement with aluminum design.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Owners report Chrysler cut corners using plastic housing. Newer models upgraded to aluminum.
Check engine light with no reproducible fault
Check engine light illuminates intermittently with no retrievable fault codes or reproducible symptoms. Light comes on in motion and stationary positions, sometimes disappears on its own. Occasional acceleration problems reported when light is on.
When: Starting at 9,800 miles; continues at 48,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light comes on and goes off intermittently; Occasional acceleration issues when light is on; Light appears in both motion and stationary positions; No retrievable fault codes
Repairs/costs cited: Problem continues after oil changes at both independent shops and Chrysler dealerships. No diagnosis or repair completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler dealer unable to determine cause.
Dashboard lighting and electrical issues
Dashboard lights dim or turn off when wipers activated. Lights fail to activate automatically at night despite automatic setting. Transmission and accelerator issues correlated with lighting problems suggesting electrical system defect.
When: Not specified; December 26th date mentioned for light failure
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard lights dim when wipers activated; Time and radio station displays dim; Automatic lights fail to activate at night; High RPM with low speed (35-40 mph) on 2-3 occasions; Issue resolves after vehicle is parked and put in drive again
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership found no issue and blamed sunpass suction cup marks initially, despite sunpass not being present during failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Local Dodge service center claims no defect found.
Engine misfires with metal contamination
Engine misfire accompanied by metal debris in oil pan, indicating internal engine damage from failed lifters or camshaft components. Vehicle continues to be driven despite internal damage risk.
When: At 93,000 and 227,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine misfires; Metal fragments found in oil pan; Check engine light; Vehicle loss of power and seizure without warning
Repairs/costs cited: Oil filter fractured and required replacement. Engine continued to seize after initial repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and directed owner to call NHTSA.
Synthesized from 56 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Please see attached, and advise if you need additional information. As you will see, I've tried to contact someone on multiple occasions in regards to this issue. And as of yet, I have had NO response.
On 12/24/2017 I started my durango to let it warm up before leaving my house, remote start was used. It was making a funny noise so I turned it off and then turned it back on. At this time I saw smoke was coming from the engine. Upon inspection I noticed smoke from the alternator and had to put water on it. I took my durango on 12/26/2017 to dwayne lane's Chrysler and Jeep at 10515 evergreen…
Had engine trouble with your 2013 Dodge Durango?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2013 Dodge Durango?
It's a meaningful issue. 56 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 45 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 50,000 and 95,000 miles, with the median around 75,087. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 95,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Dodge/Durango.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.