The rear lights fill up with water when it rains and makes the lights in operable, it's a known issue that is affecting several model year durango's but Chrysler refuses to do anything about.
2017 Dodge Durango electrical problems
severe 54 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
54
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
3crashes
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 54 electrical complaints filed for the 2017 Dodge Durango, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 54 electrical 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.
Electrical accounts for 26% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 10 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 Durango generates consistent electrical complaints spanning critical safety systems. The most widespread single issue is racetrack taillight water intrusion: the rear hatch light assembly's seal fails, allowing moisture to accumulate and corrode internal LED circuits, backup camera, and license plate lights. Repairs cost $1,100–$1,500 per owner accounts, and the defect is documented across multiple model years with a pending class action lawsuit. Dodge has not issued a recall despite hundreds of complaints.
Secondary widespread failure is complete electrical system collapse while driving—loss of throttle, brakes, steering, and door locks simultaneously, trapping occupants inside the vehicle. One well-documented incident occurred at 6,980 miles with adaptive cruise control engaged. Loose wiring harnesses are found during repair but dealers initially state they cannot diagnose the problem.
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failure causes fuel pump malfunction and no-start conditions matching a known 2011–2013 defect, yet 2017 models fall outside the recall window. Engine stalls while driving (including on interstate), sometimes with melted fuel pump connectors from overheating, also recur across complaints.
Dashboard glitches (speedometer failure, warning light illumination), turn signal intermittency, headlight ballast failure, power window malfunction, liftgate spontaneous opening, and stop/start system failure appear frequently. One owner reports a vehicle fire at 60,000 miles with cause undetermined. Airbags failed to deploy in frontal collisions at 30–50 mph in two reported incidents.
Same Dodge Durango electrical reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Racetrack Taillight Water Intrusion & LED Failure
The rear hatch 'racetrack' taillight assembly has a faulty seal that allows water and moisture to accumulate inside, causing corrosion, LED burnout, and complete loss of brake lights, tail lights, license plate lights, and backup camera function. Some owners report insects entering the sealed assembly. The defect appears widespread across multiple model years but Dodge has not issued a recall despite hundreds of complaints and a pending class action lawsuit. Repair requires complete assembly replacement at $1,100–$1,500 per owner accounts.
When: Typically several months to 2–3 years after purchase; water accumulation progressive
Symptoms owners cite: Water visible inside the sealed taillight assembly; Lights dimming progressively; Complete loss of brake, tail, or license plate lights; Backup camera failure; Intermittent flickering of rear lights; Corrosion on electrical connectors inside the assembly; Insects trapped inside the light housing
Repairs/costs cited: Complete racetrack taillight assembly replacement; $1,100–$1,500 per owner reports. Some owners performed temporary fixes (sealing, gasket replacement, drying) with limited long-term success. One owner purchased used assembly from salvage yard.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers state repair is not covered under warranty; no recall issued despite pending class action lawsuit on the issue
TIPM Failure Causing Fuel Pump Malfunction
The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) has failed without warning, causing internal fuel pump failure and complete inability to start the vehicle. One owner reports the TIPM malfunction caused the fuel pump to disintegrate inside the fuel tank. This failure matches the defect described in NHTSA Safety Notice R0 / NHTSA 14V–115 (covering 2011–2013 models), yet this 2017 model falls outside the recall window despite identical symptoms. Repair cost cited as $2,100.
When: Failures reported at 6,980 miles and 28,000 miles; no warning lights or codes prior to failure
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle cranks but will not start; No warning lights or diagnostic codes before failure; Fuel pump internal failure and disintegration
Repairs/costs cited: $2,100 quoted for parts and labor to replace TIPM and repair fuel pump; one owner also had water pump fail 16 days after TIPM replacement at 28,000 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA refused coverage for 2017 model year, stating vehicle falls outside recall window for NHTSA 14V–115 despite identical failure mechanism
Electrical System Cascade Failure & Loss of Multiple Controls
Complete or near-complete electrical system malfunction resulting in loss of power to critical safety systems including steering, braking, accelerator, door locks, windows, and interior controls. One well-documented incident involved total loss of throttle, brake, steering, power windows, and door locks while driving with adaptive cruise control active, trapping the driver inside the vehicle. Another narrative describes simultaneous failure of climate control, window controls, and Uconnect infotainment system.
When: At 6,980 miles (cascade failure incident); variable onset; climate control issue developed after 3 months of intermittent Uconnect rebooting
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of throttle response while driving; Loss of brake function while driving; Steering lock-up or extreme stiffness; Power windows inoperable; inability to lower windows; Power door locks inoperable; door cannot be opened; Lift gate opens spontaneously; Interior lights malfunction; Climate control system malfunction (heat comes on at full blast and cannot be turned off); Uconnect system reboots intermittently then fails completely; Window controls unresponsive; No warning lights before failure
Codes mentioned: U0100 – Lost Communication with Engine Control Module
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had numerous loose wiring harnesses discovered and repaired over several weeks with incomplete resolution. Another owner was advised by dealer that 3-hour diagnosis would be needed but repair remained incomplete. Software update to Uconnect system did not resolve the problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA advised software update for Uconnect system, which did not resolve the issue
Dashboard & Speedometer Malfunction
Dashboard display glitches, including speedometer failure, warning light illumination, and complete screen grayout. One owner reports speedometer failure that automatically reduces vehicle speed while driving on the freeway, creating a safety hazard. Another owner reports speedometer and dashboard freezing or displaying erroneous information.
When: Reported at 55,000 miles and in other cases at undisclosed mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer failure or erratic speed readings; Dashboard lights glitching on and off; Warning lights (A with exclamation mark) illuminating; Speed automatically dropping while driving; Dashboard screen graying out or freezing; Flickering dashboard display
Codes mentioned: Unspecified warning code (A with exclamation mark) that cannot be cleared
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports dealers could not clear the code or resolve the issue; one owner states dealership claims they 'haven't heard of this happening' when contacted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall repair did not resolve the issue in one case; dealers report inability to clear codes
Engine Stall While Driving
Engine shuts off or stalls unexpectedly while vehicle is in motion, including while on the interstate and at stop signs. One owner reports fuel pump replacement after first stall, but issue recurred after one week when fuel pump connector pins melted from overheating.
When: Incident reports at various mileages; one owner's second occurrence at fuel station; another at stop sign
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts off without warning while driving; Restart difficult; may require 10–20 minute wait; Engine may restart on its own after delay; Melted fuel pump connector pins indicating overheating
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced fuel pump at cost not specified; discovered melted connector pins on main fuel pump wire during fuel tank drop; repair work in progress on wiring and connector replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner states 'it is a known issue in previous models, obviously it is not an issue for Chrysler to fix it until someone is killed in an accident'
Intermittent Turn Signal Failure
Front or rear turn signals stop working intermittently, failing for days to weeks at a time, then resuming function, creating a safety concern for other drivers. One owner reports left turn signal stops working at the same time as rear racetrack light.
When: Intermittent failures lasting days to weeks; resolved for a time then recurred
Symptoms owners cite: Turn signal stops functioning for several days; Function resumes for approximately one week; Turn signal stops again; Front turn signal bulb replacement (including LED) did not resolve issue; Left turn signal and rear racetrack light failing simultaneously
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced front turn signal bulbs with LEDs without resolution; issue persists intermittently
Fuel Pump Connector Overheating & Melting
Fuel pump electrical connector pins overheat and melt, causing loss of fuel pump function. Owner discovered melted connector and main fuel pump wire after first stall and fuel pump replacement.
When: Issue discovered during fuel tank inspection after first engine stall and fuel pump replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Melted connector pins at rear of fuel tank on passenger side; Significant heat damage to connector and main fuel pump wire; Fuel pump failure
Repairs/costs cited: Owner in process of repairing wiring and connector replacement
Climate Control Malfunction – Heat Cannot Be Disabled
Heat system comes on at full blast and cannot be turned off or adjusted, rendering the vehicle unsafe to operate on hot days. Climate control system is integrated with Uconnect infotainment and does not respond to manual controls. On a hot day, interior temperature becomes dangerously high within a few minutes, making it difficult to breathe.
When: No warning lights or symptoms prior to failure; Uconnect system had been intermittently rebooting for 3 months before complete failure
Symptoms owners cite: Heat comes on at full blast; Heat cannot be turned down or off via controls; Climate control unresponsive to manual inputs; Interior becomes dangerously hot within a few minutes on hot days; Uconnect system reboots intermittently before complete failure; Uconnect system then stops functioning entirely; Windows will not roll down
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed electrical system issue requiring 3 hours to diagnose; Uconnect software update performed but did not resolve the problem
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA advised software update for Uconnect system, which did not resolve the issue
Stop/Start System Malfunction
The automatic stop/start function fails to operate correctly. System does not engage properly or engages intermittently. Dealers have replaced the stop/start battery and CEL (presumably Engine Control Unit or related module) without resolving the issue. One owner reports start button produces only clicking noises.
When: Issues from time of purchase or shortly thereafter; one owner's vehicle had 70,751 miles at purchase with issue present from first day
Symptoms owners cite: Stop/start function not working; System intermittently engages or disengages; Start button produces clicking noise instead of cranking; Engine fails to turn over
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer replaced stop/start battery; another replaced CEL; issues persisted in both cases
Headlight Ballast Failure
Headlight ballasts fail, requiring replacement. One owner had to replace ballast on left side, then right side ballast failed shortly after. Not an uncommon issue per owner's research.
When: Multiple ballast failures on same vehicle within short timeframe
Symptoms owners cite: Headlight malfunction; Headlight failure (appears as burnt-out bulb initially but is ballast failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Ballast replacement required on both sides
Power Window Malfunction
Power windows fail to operate or operate intermittently and uncontrollably. Windows go down on their own without input, and some windows will not roll up. One owner's window went down despite attempting to prevent it, causing water damage to personal items during rain.
When: Intermittent failures; one incident triggered by attempting to lower windows or during electrical cascade failure
Symptoms owners cite: Windows will not roll down when commanded; Windows roll down on their own without input; Windows roll up on their own without input; Passenger window goes down automatically and causes water damage
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports passenger side window 'works intermittently'; repair not detailed
Liftgate Malfunction
Power liftgate opens on its own without input, and continues to open after automatic locking is engaged. One owner reports this occurs unless doors are locked, and doors themselves unlock on their own triggering liftgate opening.
When: Ongoing for 2 weeks prior to complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate opens on its own when doors are unlocked; Doors unlock on their own; Liftgate opens immediately after doors unlock; Hood ajar alert appears on dashboard; Liftgate opens and closes spontaneously
Repairs/costs cited: One owner manually closed liftgate during towing but issue persisted
Transmission Shifter Malfunction
Transmission shifter knob moves freely without requiring foot on brake to shift, and shifter does not lock into gear. Dashboard message 'Service Shifter' displays. Multiple owners report researching the issue and finding hundreds of similar reports from Jeep and Dodge vehicle owners.
When: Reported at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter knob moves freely without foot on brake engaged; Shifter does not lock into selected gear; 'Service Shifter' message on dashboard
Vehicle Fire – Origin Undetermined
Vehicle fire started in rear passenger side quarter panel approximately 4 hours after parking in driveway. Rear windshield shattered and rear passenger tire exploded from heat. Fire department extinguished the flames. Cause of failure not determined. This is listed as a critical safety event requiring investigation.
When: At 60,000 miles; occurred 4 hours after parking
Symptoms owners cite: Flames appearing from rear passenger side quarter panel; Rear windshield shattering from heat; Rear passenger tire explosion
Repairs/costs cited: Fire department response required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer and dealer not notified as of complaint submission
Wiring Harness Corrosion & Loose Connections
Multiple loose wiring harnesses discovered in vehicle that has had ongoing electrical issues. Issues persist despite repair attempts over several weeks. One owner's vehicle required a new wiring harness after 5 years of unresolved electrical problems.
When: Discovered after complaint to dealership; electrical issues ongoing since purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Various electrical system malfunctions; Loose wiring harnesses; Persistent electrical issues despite repairs
Codes mentioned: U0100 – Lost Communication with Engine Control Module (in one case with loose harnesses)
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple loose wiring harnesses repaired over several weeks with incomplete resolution; one owner requires new wiring harness
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers continued to state they could not find anything until wiring harness issue discovered
Horn Failure
Horn fails to operate when needed. No warning lights illuminated before failure.
When: At approximately 106,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Horn does not operate
Windshield Wiper Fluid Line Disconnection
Windshield wiper fluid line disconnects itself during operation, causing the driver to stop and reconnect the line manually. This creates a safety issue as it interrupts wiper fluid delivery.
When: Reported as ongoing issue
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield wiper fluid line disconnects while in use; Driver must stop vehicle and reconnect line manually
Repairs/costs cited: Manual reconnection required
Radio/Infotainment System Malfunction
Radio and climate control center display flashes and malfunctions. Radio turns on when not selected. Navigation system screen blacks out. In one incident involving electrical cascade failure, radio stayed on even after vehicle was locked.
When: Various incidents; one occurred 2 days prior to motor vehicle accident
Symptoms owners cite: Radio/climate control screen flashing; Radio turns on unexpectedly; Navigation system blacks out; Radio remains on even with vehicle locked; Radio stays playing after engine off
Reverse Camera Malfunction
Backup camera integrated into racetrack taillight assembly fails due to water intrusion and/or electrical malfunction. Camera glitches and works intermittently or not at all.
When: Varies; linked to racetrack taillight water intrusion or independent electrical issues
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera fails; Backup camera glitches and works intermittently; Backup camera display blacks out or becomes unresponsive
Repairs/costs cited: Complete racetrack assembly replacement ($1,100–$1,500) required if water intrusion is cause
Engine Overheating with Smoke
Engine repeatedly overheats while driving and produces smoke from under the hood, creating a fire hazard and risk of breakdown. Issues began shortly after purchase and have not been properly resolved.
When: Began shortly after purchase; multiple occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating temperature readings on gauge; Smoke visible from under hood; Risk of fire hazard
Brake System Malfunction
Brake pedal goes down too far and does not provide proper stopping power, increasing crash risk. One incident involved complete loss of brake function while driving. Issues began shortly after purchase and have not been properly resolved.
When: Began shortly after purchase; multiple occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes down too far; Brake pedal unresponsive; Loss of brake function while driving; Weak braking response
ParkSense Module Failure
ParkSense parking assistance module fails completely at low mileage. When button is pressed, it produces only a single chime with no functionality.
When: At less than 33,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ParkSense module does not function; Button press produces only single chime; No parking assistance functionality
Vehicle Stalling at Idle in Park
Vehicle shuts off while idling in park position, and automatic stop/start system is not engaged or does not explain the shutoff. Vehicle then restarts successfully.
When: Reported as ongoing issue
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while idling in park; Automatic shutoff when auto stop/start is not engaged
Interior Lighting Malfunction
Interior lights turn on and off without input. Lights dim up and down erratically. In one case, lights stayed on even after vehicle was parked and locked.
When: Various incidents
Symptoms owners cite: Interior lights turn on and off without input; Interior lights dim and brighten erratically; Lights remain on after vehicle is parked and locked
Airbag Deployment Failure
Airbags fail to deploy in frontal collisions despite impact speeds of 30–50 mph. One owner struck a deer at 50 mph; another had a front-end collision at 30 mph. In one case, airbag sensors were destroyed by the impact but should have deployed before sensor destruction. Critical safety system failure.
When: Occurred during motor vehicle accidents
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags do not deploy on frontal impact at moderate speeds (30–50 mph); Airbag sensors destroyed in collision but bag did not deploy; No pre-collision warning system engaged
Engine & Console Shutdown While Driving
Engine and instrument console shut off together while vehicle is in operation. One vehicle was previously bought back from dealer due to this issue, then resold to another owner who experienced the same problem. Issue remains unresolved despite dealer inspection.
When: Ongoing issue; one owner's vehicle had prior buyback but issue persisted after resale
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off while driving; Console/dashboard shuts off simultaneously with engine; Vehicle does not restart immediately
Codes mentioned: U0100 – Lost Communication with Engine Control Module
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple loose wiring harnesses discovered and repaired; issue not fully resolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle previously bought back by dealer; resold without full resolution
Adaptive Cruise Control Malfunction
Adaptive cruise control causes vehicle to slow down unexpectedly without objects in the path or with vehicle well ahead of target vehicle, leading to a complete electrical system cascade failure in one reported incident.
When: Reported at 6,980 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle slows down unexpectedly with no obstacles in path; Cruise control reduces speed with no target vehicle threat
Synthesized from 54 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
I bought my car with 50,000 miles. I didn’t even have 55,000 and my car started have electrical issues with the speedometer, my dashboard started glitching with all the lights including an A with exclamation mark. I took it to the Dodge dealership in Huntsville and said they couldn’t do anything about it since the recall seemed to be repair but they couldn’t clear the code. My truck has had the…
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Dodge durango. Approximately four hours after parking the vehicle in the driveway, flames appeared from the rear passenger side quarter panel of the vehicle. As a result, the rear windshield shattered and rear passenger side tire exploded. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. A fire report was filed. The cause of the failure was not…
The whole back panel of tail, break, blinker, licenses plate lights do not work. The seal does not perform properly and causes water to build up in the lights and fries them. It causes the vehicle to be unsafe when driving due to no lights working. No warnings were given at all just completely quit working.
While driving; the vehicles dashboard, navigation system, entire vehicles light glitches as well as speed diminishes but doesn't completely shuts off only for seconds at a time causing the vehicle to continue accelerating while also pulling back like a chocking sensation as dashboard speed goes from 0mph to a lower speed vehicle was previously traviling at.
Unknown
Rear tail lights (Dodge calls it the 'race track') had water intrude into it and caused them to burn out. I ended up buying a used one from a junk hard and fixed where I feel the water was getting in. So far so good but it's a required by law to have it working as it's the only parking lights on the back. L would have rather had mine replaced with a new oe but not for $1500 for a new one.
Had electrical trouble with your 2017 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 electrical problem on the 2017 Dodge Durango?
It's a meaningful issue. 54 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 35,000 and 57,500 miles, with the median around 45,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 35,000; a quarter make it past 57,500. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2017/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.