Parasitic draw on battery battery died suddenly and stays charged one or two days first time it was shut off for 30 minutes in park was jump started and operating second time sit overnight and battery was completely drained failed to jumpstart applied charger overnight and vehicle started this has been repeated 3 times automatic start system has not functioned since purchased 3 months…
2018 Dodge Durango electrical problems
moderate 77 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
77
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 77 electrical complaints filed for the 2018 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
Electrical accounts for 34% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 10 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 77 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 Dodge Durango has two dominant electrical defects that recur frequently across this cluster. Rear tail light water intrusion affects the racetrack LED assembly housing the license plate lights and backup camera. Water leaks in through failed gaskets and seals, shorting out LEDs. The center section burns out most commonly. Owners report failures as early as 1,000 miles and at 30,000–60,000 miles. Replacement assemblies cost $1,000–$1,500-plus labor, and replacements fail again within a year. FCA acknowledged the issue since 2014 models but has not issued a recall.
Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen delamination is the second major defect. The screen separates from the digitizer due to low-melting-point adhesive that liquefies when heated by the HVAC system. Delamination causes ghost touches—false inputs that randomly change radio stations, adjust climate controls, toggle seat heaters, trigger 911 calls, and disable the backup camera. The screen often stays powered after the engine shuts off, draining the battery. Dealers quote $900–$2,000 to replace the unit and claim they see one-per-day complaint rates. Some technically skilled owners have solved the problem by disassembling the unit, removing the failed adhesive, and reassembling without it. Dodge acknowledges the defect but offers no warranty coverage or recall.
Other recurring failures include infotainment system reboots causing loss of climate control and navigation, parasitic battery drain, and occasional engine stall with loss of power steering and brakes. Dealerships consistently report inability to replicate intermittent issues or claim water damage voids warranty coverage despite design flaws being the root cause.
Same Dodge Durango electrical reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Rear Tail Light Assembly Water Intrusion & LED Failure
Water accumulates inside the rear racetrack LED tail light assembly due to failed gaskets and seals, causing LEDs to short out and burn out. The assembly includes license plate lights and backup camera housing. Owners report the center section of the tripartite tail light is most commonly affected.
When: As early as 1,000-7,000 miles; also reported at 30,000-60,000 miles. Issue documented since 2014 models onward.
Symptoms owners cite: Rear tail lights dim or extinguish completely; License plate lights fail; Backup camera inoperative; Visible water/condensation inside light assembly; Center section of tail light most frequently affected
Repairs/costs cited: OEM replacement parts cost $1,000–$1,500+ plus labor. Dealership quote cited: $1,888.51. Replacement assemblies reported to fail again within 1–2 years despite being new. Parts frequently on back order due to high failure rate.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA customer care acknowledged the problem but refused to provide assistance or issue a recall despite the issue being ongoing since 2014 models. No recalls issued.
Uconnect 8.4" Touchscreen Delamination & Ghost Touches
The infotainment touchscreen delaminates, typically starting at the top and spreading downward. Delamination is caused by improper adhesive (low melting point) used to bond the screen to the digitizer; adhesive liquefies when heated by the vehicle's HVAC system. As the adhesive fails, the screen registers false inputs (ghost touches), causing random and uncontrolled system behavior.
When: Delamination typically begins within 1–3 years of ownership; reports from 2,800 to 82,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Visible bubbling or peeling at top of screen, spreading downward; Screen freezes or becomes unresponsive; Unintended screen inputs changing radio stations, climate controls, navigation; Backup camera display disrupted or unavailable; Screen remains on after vehicle is shut off, draining battery; Constant 'adjust clock' notification pop-up that cannot be dismissed; Inadvertent 911 calls; Navigation maps randomly change location; Heated/cooled seats toggle on/off without input; Phone calls placed or disconnected without driver input
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replacement quotes range from $900–$2,000. Some owners have successfully disassembled the dash, separated screen and digitizer, cleaned out failed adhesive, and reassembled without adhesive, resolving the issue. Full unit replacement recommended by dealers; warranty does not cover the defect. Parts are frequently on back order.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge/FCA acknowledged the issue and confirmed delamination defect in service evaluations. Known issue flagged as recurring in Uconnect systems across multiple Dodge and Chrysler vehicles. No recall issued; no warranty coverage provided; no customer assistance program mentioned.
Infotainment System Reboot & Display Failure
The main infotainment system screen turns black, reboots, or displays a blue screen (when in reverse) unexpectedly while driving or parked. The system loses all functionality during these events, including climate control, navigation, and backup camera. Some owners report a burning electrical smell concurrent with shutdowns.
When: Throughout vehicle operation, reported from early ownership to 82,000+ miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Screen turns completely black or displays solid blue screen; System reboots without warning, especially during navigation use; All controls unresponsive (HVAC, radio, navigation, backup camera, phone); Odometer display fades or turns white during driving; Radio will not turn off even after engine is off; Burning electrical or overheating smell during failures; System partially restarts but functions remain unavailable
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnostic typically recommends full infotainment unit replacement. Some owners report disconnecting and reconnecting the battery cable temporarily resolves the issue, though the failure recurs. No repair cost specified in most narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable or unwilling to replicate the issue during diagnostics. Manufacturers attributed some failures to software updates pushed by FCA/Uconnect rather than hardware defect. No recall issued; no systematic fix provided.
Touchscreen Loss of Responsiveness & Button Lock-Up
The touchscreen becomes unresponsive to user input or locks up completely, preventing access to infotainment functions. In some cases, buttons within the system (e.g., clock adjustment, mode selection) freeze in place and cannot be dismissed, requiring the vehicle to be shut off to reset the system.
When: Intermittent, occurring during normal driving and parking.
Symptoms owners cite: Touchscreen unresponsive to input; Cannot dismiss on-screen notifications (e.g., clock adjustment); Radio, navigation, and climate functions unavailable; System freezes mid-use; Driver must turn vehicle off to reset screen
Repairs/costs cited: Battery disconnection resets the system temporarily. Full unit replacement recommended by dealerships at $900–$2,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer response documented for this failure mode.
Extraneous Weather Alerts & SiriusXM Travel Link Spam
The SiriusXM Travel Link system displays weather alert pop-ups for counties or regions 100–400 miles away from the vehicle's actual location, or for weather events that have already passed. These pop-ups cannot be disabled or corrected through available settings.
When: Recurring during vehicle operation.
Symptoms owners cite: Weather alert pop-ups for distant counties appear on radio/navigation screen; Alerts are not relevant to driver's current location; Pop-ups for outdated weather events appear; Pop-ups distract driver during motion
Repairs/costs cited: No on-vehicle setting allows disabling this feature. SiriusXM and FCA both report inability to address the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: SiriusXM stated no way to disable the feature or correct the location data. FCA provided no resolution.
Power Control Module (PCM) Failure & No-Start Condition
The power control module fails, causing the vehicle to lose electrical function, fail to start, and illuminate all warning lights on the gauge cluster. The failure can recur multiple times over the vehicle's life despite repairs.
When: First occurrence documented at approximately 50,000 miles; recurrence reported 2 years later.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start; All warning lights illuminated on gauge cluster; No emergency flashers, turn signals, or exterior lights; Interior electrical functions unavailable (windows, door locks); No diagnostic trouble codes stored or accessible
Codes mentioned: PCM failure
Repairs/costs cited: Full PCM replacement required. Repair cost not specified. Failure recurred approximately 2 years after initial repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Repair fell outside factory warranty; customer responsible for full cost. Manufacturer offered no assistance.
Transmission Control Module (TIPM) Failure & Stalling
The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) fails, causing the vehicle to stall during driving. The vehicle may fail to restart after stalling. The failure is intermittent and difficult for dealers to diagnose or replicate.
When: Intermittent stalls reported at 84,000 miles; occasional failure to start.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while driving at highway speeds (approx. 60 MPH); No warning lights illuminated prior to stall; Vehicle occasionally fails to start; Intermittent failure makes diagnosis difficult
Codes mentioned: TIPM failure
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement required. Repair performed by two dealers; failure recurred after second repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified; no recall or TSB mentioned.
Gauge Cluster & Instrument Panel Electrical Faults
The gauge cluster and instrument panel experience intermittent electrical failures, including display blanking, flickering, or complete loss of readout. The odometer display may fade or turn white while driving, leaving the driver unable to monitor vehicle speed via the speedometer.
When: Intermittent, reported from early ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Odometer and speedometer display fades or turns completely white; Gauge cluster loses illumination or flickers; Driver unable to monitor speed while display is inoperative; Display returns after short interval
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair cited; dealership recommended diagnostic but issue is intermittent and difficult to replicate.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Infotainment System Power Supply & Battery Drain
The infotainment system draws excessive parasitic current from the battery, draining it within 24–48 hours of parking. In some cases, the screen remains powered and active after the vehicle is shut off, contributing to battery depletion. Auto start/stop system fails to function properly.
When: Recurring throughout ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery dies suddenly after vehicle parked for hours; Repeated battery drain despite repeated jump-starts; Screen remains illuminated after engine shut-off; Auto start/stop system inoperative; Battery does not hold charge longer than 1–2 days
Repairs/costs cited: Requires battery disconnection to fully reset the system. No permanent repair documented; issue recurs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Center Console Electrical Lockup & Climate Control Malfunction
The center console electrical system locks up during driving, preventing the driver from adjusting climate controls, windows, or other integrated functions. The system remains locked until the vehicle is shut off and restarted.
When: Intermittent, occurring during highway driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Entire center console electrical system becomes unresponsive; HVAC system locks at current setting and cannot be adjusted; Windows cannot be operated; Functions unavailable until vehicle is powered off and restarted
Repairs/costs cited: Power cycling (shut off and restart) temporarily resolves the lockup; issue recurs intermittently.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Parking & Driving Assistance Sensor Malfunction
The parking and driving assistance sensors malfunction, causing the system to illuminate warning indicators on the dashboard. The failure is intermittent and recurs even after parts replacement.
When: Reported at 24,667 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Parking assistance indicator illuminates; Driving assistance indicator illuminates; Indicators appear when starting vehicle, opening door, or driving in reverse
Repairs/costs cited: Parking and driving sensors replaced by dealership, but failure recurred. Vehicle not taken back for second repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified.
Door Ajar Warning Light & Faulty Door Latch
A 'door ajar' warning light illuminates for the rear passenger-side door despite the door being properly closed. The cause is an internal fault in the door latch assembly.
When: Mileage not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: Door ajar warning light illuminates for rear passenger-side door; Light remains illuminated despite door being closed
Repairs/costs cited: Rear passenger-side door latch was replaced by dealership, but the failure continued. Customer planned third service visit.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Engine Stall with Loss of Power Steering & Braking
The vehicle loses motive power and stalls while driving, resulting in simultaneous loss of power steering and power braking. Electrical power remains (interior lights and instrument cluster illuminate). The vehicle is difficult or impossible to restart without dealer intervention.
When: Reported at approximately 50,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power while driving; Loss of power steering and power braking; Interior lights and gauges remain illuminated; Failure difficult or impossible to restart
Repairs/costs cited: Power train control module, engine mounts, and unknown wiring harness were replaced by dealership on multiple occasions, but the failure recurred. Vehicle not included in NHTSA Campaign 18V524000 despite exhibiting the exact failure listed in that recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but offered no assistance. Vehicle excluded from applicable recall campaign despite matching recalled defect.
Engine Stall & Failure to Restart on Highway
The engine shuts down unexpectedly while driving at highway speed, leaving the vehicle stranded without power or ability to shift into neutral. No warning lights illuminate prior to stall.
When: Reported at highway speeds; one incident at approximately 65+ MPH.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning at highway speed; Interior lights and power remain on; Vehicle cannot be shifted into neutral; Vehicle cannot be restarted immediately; starts after extended period (approx. 1 hour); No check engine light or warning lights illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle required tow truck removal. Issue resolved spontaneously after approximately 1 hour; no dealer diagnosis or repair performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Transmission Shift Lockup & Brake Lock
While attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle stalls and the transmission becomes locked in Drive. The brake pedal also locks in place, preventing the driver from operating normal controls.
When: Reported at a traffic light during low-speed acceleration.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls at low speed; Engine light blinks and Drive indicator light blinks despite being in Drive; Transmission shift lever locks in Drive position; Brake pedal locks in place and cannot be operated; Vehicle unresponsive to throttle input
Repairs/costs cited: Issue resolved by disabling auto start/stop, then restarting vehicle via push button with key fob.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
ABS System Malfunction & Check Engine Light Cycling
The ABS (anti-lock braking system) cycles on and off intermittently during normal highway driving, triggering the check engine light and ABS warning light. The system commands the driver to shut off and restart the engine via dashboard message.
When: Reported multiple times in 2-week period; occurs in summer and after rain.
Symptoms owners cite: ABS system engages and disengages randomly while driving at highway speed; Check engine light blinks on and off; ABS warning light illuminates; Dashboard message instructs driver to turn off and restart engine; Sensors trigger failure; ABS cycles again a few days later
Repairs/costs cited: Driver has video documentation of issue; no repair attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Paddle Shifter Control Reset Malfunction
The paddle shifters on the steering wheel are controlled through radio settings. Once disabled, they automatically reset to enabled without user input, creating a safety hazard during intersection entry or busy road situations.
When: Recurring issue ongoing at time of complaint.
Symptoms owners cite: Paddle shifters cannot be permanently disabled; Paddle shifters reset to enabled mode each time they are disabled; Engaged paddle shifters prevent normal transmission operation; Driver must manually disengage shifters via steering wheel controls
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; Dodge acknowledged the problem but refused to fix it.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge acknowledged the problem but refused to address it.
Airbag Warning Light & Horn Malfunction
The airbag warning light illuminates, and the horn does not function. The vehicle required multiple service appointments for part ordering and replacement, and the airbag system remains unrepaired at the time of complaint.
When: Airbag issue initially reported March 29, 2019; horn issue discovered during later driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminated; Horn does not sound; Horn believed to be disconnected; Airbag system unresolved after multiple service attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple part replacements required; vehicles required two service appointments with 7+ weeks between appointments. Airbag system unrepaired as of complaint date (July 2, 2019).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Brake Light Warning & Electrical System Failure Due to Moisture
Water intrusion into electrical systems due to heavy rain or car washes causes electrical failures and triggers brake light warnings and other electrical faults. The failures are documented as a known issue but warranty does not cover water damage.
When: Failures occur following heavy rain or car wash events.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake light warning illuminates; Multiple electrical system failures; Failures triggered by moisture exposure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership identifies water damage as the cause but refuses warranty coverage, blaming the customer despite acknowledging the issue is widespread.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership acknowledged as a known issue affecting thousands of 2018 Durangos. Warranty company refused to cover the failure, citing water damage despite the defective design being the root cause.
Synthesized from 77 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Touchscreen display failure. Causes erratic and distracting behaviors of the HVAC, radio, navigation, phone, and other systems while vehicle is in use. Prevents setting or changing of safety related settings (ie; lane departure settings, automatic headlamp controls, alarms, etc).
The Radio is flashing a message and beeping asking me if I want to reset the clock. Reverse backup doesn’t work when this is happening and it is a huge distraction while driving.
The Uconnect Radio has started to delaminate and causes the system to randomly change between radio, satellite radio, navigation, clock, etc. This fully integrated system also controls A/C, Heat, rear backup camera, all adjustable functions in the vehicle, and is unsafe when this happens. Dealership offers to update the radio but it has nothing to do with the software it's the touchscreen.…
(Initially) March of 2023 I had an issue with this vehicle 2018 Dodge Durango RT 2wd 5.7L serious electrical problems gauge cluster All lights and warnings indicators showing on Gauge Cluster..failure to start. I had the vehicle Towed to Dodge dealership in Fontana California and it was diagnosed as a power control module failure it fell short of a factory warranty and no recall .. after…
Had electrical trouble with your 2018 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 2018 Dodge Durango?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 77 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 28 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 18,000 and 50,000 miles, with the median around 34,991. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,000; a quarter make it past 50,000. 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 $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/2018/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.