Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 1,567 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Dodge Durango, and it carries 9 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel system | 501 | 32% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 170 | 11% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 168 | 11% |
| Power train | 121 | 8% |
| Air bags | 83 | 5% |
| Electrical system | 78 | 5% |
| Engine | 48 | 3% |
| Unknown or other | 30 | 2% |
| Power train | 26 | 2% |
| Steering | 19 | 1% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
My car is having identical symptoms to a recall for it, but dodge is saying my vehicle is "Not affected", despite having identical symptoms from an identical cause. The check valve on my fuel tank has failed, and it ove
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle, the contact became aware that gasoline was spilling out of the fuel filler neck. The contact stated that the vehicle was previou
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
The carseat will not lock into the base proper in any recline position except 1. 1 is supposed to be for a newborn. When you place the seat (till you hear it "lock" into place per the manual and a CPST) in 2, 3, or 4 the
NHTSA complaint: Carry handle
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Durango. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while refueling the vehicle, the fuel started leaking from the filler neck. The contact waited for a while to refuel the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Durango. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster was not operating properly. The speedometer displayed 50 MPH while the vehicle was parked and the odometer turne
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle, the fuel tank spilled gasoline to the vehicle. The fuel also leaked onto the driveway while the vehicle was parked. Additionally
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
This vehicle will slip in and out 4 wheel drive on its own. This can occur when driving and I’m concerned it will create a dangerous situation, especially if driving at high speeds. When this issue is occurring, making
NHTSA complaint: Power train
NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2005 Dodge Durango. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2
Risk: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rup
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high ab
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious inj
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. For vehicles that were sold, or are currently registered, in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii,
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
| Reliability raw | 48 | below average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 61 | average |
| Maintenance | 71 | good |
| Depreciation | 54 | average |
| Performance | 74 | good |
| Efficiency | 27 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 1,567 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and fuel system is the most reported area with 501 of them (32%). There are 9 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 48/100 (below average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 61/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2005 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 57/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.