2017 Dodge Durango — Should You Buy One?
Typical asking price: $16,000–$25,000. This is one of the more reliable vehicles in its class — here's what to watch for anyway.
Deciding between model years? Compare the 3 Dodge Durango years we've written up →
Kestrel Take
A rare three-row that's genuinely good to drive and can tow, thanks to a rear-drive-based platform and a strong 3.6L V6 (or 5.7L HEMI). Roomy and comfortable, with real capability. Watch Jeep/Dodge electronics, the 8-speed's software, and (on V8s) the HEMI lifter tick. A capable, characterful family hauler if the electronics and engine check out.
What we checked
Reconciled against public records, 2026-09-25
NHTSA holds 210 owner complaints for the 2017 Dodge Durango, and 2 recall campaigns.
A big number here usually means a lot of these were sold, not that it is a bad vehicle — popular models collect more complaints for the same rate of trouble. So the total on its own says little. What is worth reading is the shape of it. 38% of them are about one thing — the lights. That much concentration is a genuine pattern rather than background noise, and it is the first thing to check on any example you look at.
2 recall campaigns cover this model year. Recalls are repaired free, for any owner, with no time limit on most safety campaigns — but only if someone books it in. Ask the seller to show it was done, or have any dealer check the VIN; it takes them a couple of minutes and costs nothing.
Looked at and set aside: the lights (79) — 79 lighting complaints on file; real, but usually a bulb or a housing rather than a reason to walk.
Counts come from the NHTSA complaint and recall database — free, public, and worth checking yourself.
Known Issues for the 2017 Dodge Durango
Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents. How we decide that.
Generally good but verify smooth shifts and any software updates.
Repair cost (estimate): $0-$300
Source: NHTSA complaints filed under electrics and electronics (61), the transmission and drivetrain (23).
Thirsty, especially the HEMI. Not a fault.
Repair cost: Not yet priced
Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the fuel system (16).
Walk-Away Red Flags
- ✗Random electrical faults
- ✗HEMI lifter tick
- ✗Overheating history
- ✗Neglected oil
Good Signs
- ✓3.6L V6 with documented service
- ✓Quiet HEMI (if V8)
- ✓All electronics working
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Found a specific Dodge Durango?
This page covers what goes wrong on the 2017 Dodge Durango in general. A free read looks at the one you're considering— it checks that seller's asking price against the market and names the issues that matter most for this exact year.
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Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.
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