Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Dodge durango. After driving the vehicle, shifting into park, and exiting, the contact stated that the vehicle rolled forward and almost caused a crash. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 15,000. The VIN was not available.
2016 Dodge Durango powertrain problems
severe 30 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
30
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
10crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 30 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 Dodge Durango, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 30 powertrain 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.
Powertrain accounts for 19% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 9 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2016 Durango has serious, unresolved powertrain and electronic control problems—particularly rollaway from Park, hard downshifting, stalling, and limp mode—that dealerships have failed to fix despite multiple visits. Multiple independent safety failures and manufacturer inability to diagnose the root causes make this model a high-risk purchase.
The 2016 Durango powertrain cluster centers on transmission and electronic control failures. The most serious: the vehicle rolling or lurching out of Park without driver input. This happened across mileage ranges—from 15,000 to 77,000 miles—sometimes on driveways, gas stations, or parking lots. A few owners report the vehicle dragging them or injuring occupants. Dealerships and even FCA investigators have been unable to replicate the issue or identify a mechanical cause.
Hard downshifting from 2nd to 1st gear appears chronic and widespread. Owners report harsh lurches when approaching stops, especially at traffic lights. Multiple visits to dealerships—some spanning months—have yielded only software updates and transmission control module reflashes, with no lasting fix.
The electronic transmission control system itself is suspect. Multiple owners state the vehicle rolls or shifts unexpectedly despite putting the shifter in Park. One owner's computer was convinced the vehicle was moving at highway speed while stationary, preventing Park engagement. Shifter knobs have been replaced without solving the core problem.
Engine stalling and limp mode occur unpredictably—at highway speeds without brake lights, on freeway merges, and at idle. Battery voltage drops critically in at least one case, and the Start/Stop system disables unexpectedly, leaving brakes unengaged. Cylinder 2 misfire persists after spark plug, coil, gasket, and injector replacement. One owner suspects a broken cylinder head matching prior Chrysler recalls.
Unintended acceleration, false key fob warnings, shifter lock-ups, and complete dashboard electrical blackout round out the reported failures. Dealers cannot diagnose most issues; some refuse to service the vehicle pending Chrysler investigation.
Same Dodge Durango powertrain reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended rollaway from Park
Vehicle rolls or lurches forward/backward while shifter is in Park position, engine running or off, with no driver input. Several incidents occurred while parked on driveways, parking lots, or at gas stations. Multiple owners report vehicle moving on its own after shifting to Park.
When: Varied; some at low mileage (15k–25k miles), others at higher mileage (40k–77k miles). Often occurs within first few months to first year of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward or forward from Park; No driver input to accelerate; Occurs when parked, engine running or off; Vehicle lurches or surges unexpectedly in Park; Shifter knob blinks or flickers when issue occurs
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter knob replacement attempted in at least one case (narrative #16). Most cases not repaired; dealers unable to diagnose or replicate. FCA investigation team found no mechanical cause in one case (narrative #2).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Action PE16014 referenced as ongoing rollaway investigation. FCA Special Investigation Team reviewed at least one vehicle and determined no mechanical cause. Manufacturer opened cases and promised investigation but most cases remain unresolved.
Hard downshift from 2nd to 1st gear with lurch
Transmission downshifts harshly from 2nd to 1st gear, causing vehicle to jolt or lurch forward, particularly when approaching traffic lights or stop signs. Issue intermittent, repeats over many months or years. Multiple trips to dealership have not resolved it.
When: Occurs over several months to years; some owners report issue from soon after purchase; affects vehicles across mileage range.
Symptoms owners cite: Hard, jerky downshift from 2nd to 1st; Vehicle lurches or jolts forward when coming to full stop; Harsh shift feel, described as 'bump' by technician; Downshift from 4th to 5th also reported as harsh in one case; Upshift from 4th to 5th feels like engine is bogging before shifting
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership attempts include software updates, transmission control module reflash, computer resets. Technicians sometimes cannot replicate issue. One owner has 20 pages of service history mostly relating to hard downshifting. No permanent fix achieved in narratives provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software updates offered; TCM reflash attempted. No successful resolution reported.
Electronic transmission control not recognizing Park state
Transmission control computer fails to recognize or hold Park position. Vehicle may roll, advance, or refuse to lock into Park. Owner believes car is in Park but it is not, or vehicle shifts out of Park on its own. Related to electronic/rotary shift control malfunction.
When: Various, from early ownership to later years. At least one incident at 15k miles, others higher.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls from Park position; Cannot put vehicle in Park because computer thinks speed is too high while stationary; Vehicle shifts out of Park unexpectedly; Electronic rotary shifter fails to reverse properly, surges forward instead; Shifter acts unresponsive or provides no tactile feedback that gear is engaged
Repairs/costs cited: One case notes video evidence of vehicle moving while in Park at dealership. Most cases not diagnosed or repaired. One owner had to use parking brake to prevent rollaway.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer investigator reviewed one case but could not replicate and stated vehicle was fine. No recalls or service bulletins mentioned for this specific issue.
Engine stalling, power loss, limp mode
Engine dies or enters limp mode while driving, reducing power dramatically or completely. Vehicle may stall at highway speeds or idle. Cluster displays warning messages such as 'Service Transmission Continue in D', 'Check Engine', 'Powertrain', or 'Start/Stop System Disabled'. In one case, vehicle suddenly loses engine rpm at 75 mph.
When: Varied; one incident in first few months after purchase (narrative #5), highway incidents (narratives #4, #13), at idle.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls or dies while driving; Sudden, unannounced engine rpm decrease at highway speed; Vehicle enters limp mode (reduced power, acts like in low gear); Cluster warnings: 'Service Transmission Continue in D', 'Check Engine', 'Powertrain', 'Start/Stop System Disabled'; Electrical system shuts down or loses power; Battery voltage drops to critical levels (11.2V, then 10.1V, then ~9V in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid for computer chip update at dealership for stalling issue (narrative #5). No other specific repair costs provided. Most cases not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership offered software/computer chip update in one case. No recalls or TSBs cited.
Erratic shifter behavior and transmission lock-up
Shifter knob becomes unresponsive, locks up, or exhibits electrical glitches. Transmission will not respond to shifter commands or becomes stuck. May be related to water intrusion or electrical corrosion, particularly after rain or extended highway driving.
When: Various; one rental car had three brief incidents in a week that escalated to 20+ second episodes; another affected multiple times during a trip.
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter knob unresponsive or difficult to move; Transmission knob locks; entire electrical panel lights up; Repeated attempts to use push-button start fail to unlock shifter; Gear changes spontaneously without driver input; Shifter beeps or makes noise when brake is pressed; Incidents more frequent in rain and fog, or after extended freeway driving; Vehicle revs and changes gear at idle or while accelerating without driver input
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter knob replaced in at least one case. No permanent fix achieved. Electronics or circuit corrosion suspected by one owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented for these specific incidents.
Unintended acceleration or gear shifting without driver input
Vehicle accelerates, changes gears, or moves without driver pressing accelerator. Includes sudden surges in Reverse, forward motion from Park, or unexpected gear engagement. May occur while parked or while driving.
When: Varied; rental car experienced multiple episodes within a week; one owner at gas station while pumping; others while parked or at low speeds.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without driver input; Sudden, unannounced gear change; High-speed reverse engagement (one case reversed at high speed when backing into trailer); Vehicle lunges forward from Park; Vehicle surges forward in Reverse when attempting to reverse; Vehicle moves at full speed or cannot be controlled once acceleration begins
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports hitting tree, another hitting pole after unintended reverse acceleration causing injury. No repairs documented; vehicles not diagnosed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Start/Stop system malfunction and alternator/battery issues
Auto start/stop system disables unexpectedly or interacts dangerously with vehicle motion. Related to critical battery voltage drop and charging system failure. System may deactivate when driver door opens, leaving vehicle in unpredictable state with brakes disengaged.
When: Early to later in ownership; one battery issue at low mileage; another after long freeway drive in rain.
Symptoms owners cite: Start/Stop system suddenly disabled with warning message; Battery voltage drops critically (11.2V to under 9V while driving); Radio turns off and will not turn back on; Vehicle rolls forward without power when brake released, engine does not restart; Opening driver door disables stop/start, leaving vehicle in unsafe state; Cluster message 'Low Battery Mode. Some Systems Function Reduced'
Repairs/costs cited: One battery replacement mentioned (narrative #5). Voltage issue not resolved; no diagnosis provided in voltage-drop case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA Special Investigation Team determined no mechanical issue in one case; no explanation found for low voltage condition.
Cylinder 2 misfire, spark plug and fuel delivery issues
Persistent cylinder 2 misfire after replacement of spark plugs, ignition coil, intake gaskets, and fuel injector. Owner suspects broken cylinder head, citing prior Chrysler recalls for same issue. No resolution achieved despite multiple repairs.
When: Reported as ongoing; specific mileage not stated.
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light, cylinder 2 misfire codes; Engine misfire despite spark plug replacement; Misfire continues after coil pack and fuel injector replacement; Intake gasket and seal leaks
Codes mentioned: Cylinder 2 misfire
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced spark plugs, cylinder 2 ignition coil, upper and lower intake gaskets, fuel injector. Issue persists. Owner suspects broken cylinder head but repair not attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented. Owner notes prior Chrysler model years had recalls for similar issue but 2016 has not been recalled.
Key fob not detected / false key fob warning
Vehicle displays repeated false warning that 'Key Fob Not in Vehicle' or key fob has left vehicle while driver is inside with fob. Warning persists even when fob is confirmed in vehicle. May be combined with other system failures.
When: Varied; one rental car experienced during a multi-day trip; another ongoing issue in owned vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Cluster message 'Key Fob Not in Vehicle' while driving or parked with fob inside; Message repeats on cluster without resolution; Sometimes unable to get into car or start vehicle; Message may accompany gear shifting or other powertrain issues
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Dashboard and electrical system blackout
Instrument cluster loses all lighting and display while vehicle remains drivable. Dashboard goes dark with no illumination of gauges, warning lights, or information.
When: January 2019 in one case; another unspecified.
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard lights and gauges go completely dark; No lighting or display on cluster; Vehicle remains operable but driver cannot see instruments
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle still in shop with no resolution stated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Fuel door release mechanism failure
Fuel door release button stops functioning. Fuel door cannot be opened via button and must be opened manually from inside trunk.
When: Later months of 2017 in one case.
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel door release button does not work; Fuel door cannot be opened from driver area; Must use string/pulley in trunk to manually release fuel door
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted; owner using manual workaround (trunk pulley) to open fuel door.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Engine knock and transmission noise between gears
Engine produces knocking noise, particularly when accelerating, reportedly between first and second gear. May indicate internal engine or transmission wear.
When: Ongoing in one case from 2018 onward.
Symptoms owners cite: Knocking noise from engine when pressing gas; Noise occurs between first and second gear; Owner suspects lifter issue or internal engine damage
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Synthesized from 30 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The 2016 durango rented from enterprise repeatedly, increasingly but intermittently and without driver input, changed gear, revved and indicated on the screen that there were issues with "key fob not in vehicle and "tires pressure". At first their were three very brief incidents lasting less than three seconds over a week, occurring at idle and when accelerating. Later the occurrences lasted…
Vehicle was in park, engine running, while owner was pumping gas at the station. With the driver's door ajar, he was standing outside for several minutes and suddenly the vehicle took off in reverse. Vehicle was in park and not moving for the several minutes while pumping gas. The vehicle took off, dragged owner by the open door under the vehicle and ran his leg over. Continued moving until it…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2016 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 powertrain problem on the 2016 Dodge Durango?
It's a meaningful issue. 30 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 15,000 and 45,000 miles, with the median around 25,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,000; a quarter make it past 45,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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/2016/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.