2011 Dodge Durango

The 2011 Dodge Durango marked a significant redesign, moving to a unibody platform and offering a more refined driving experience. Engine options included a 3.6L Pentastar V6 producing 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7L Hemi V8 generating 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciated the Durango’s spacious interior, comfortable ride, and towing capability. Common dislikes included the relatively poor fuel economy, some early model-year reliability concerns, and the dated 5-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

3.6L Pentastar V6

• Faulty Cylinder Head(s)
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, check engine light, rough idling, potential engine damage. This was a known issue with some early production 3.6L Pentastar engines.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected cylinder head(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Filter Housing Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks around the oil filter housing, often dripping onto the exhaust manifold causing a burning smell. The plastic housing is prone to cracking or warping.
  • Solution: Replacement of the oil filter housing assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

5.7L Hemi V8

• Hemi Tick
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noise, especially when the engine is cold. Often attributed to lifter issues or exhaust manifold leaks.
  • Solution: Diagnosis is crucial. Could require lifter replacement, exhaust manifold repair/replacement, or other valvetrain component work.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ (depending on the cause and severity)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Exhaust Manifold Bolts Breaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Exhaust leak noise (ticking, hissing), reduced fuel economy, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of broken exhaust manifold bolts and potentially the exhaust manifold itself if warped.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (Both Engines)

• Rough Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, slipping between gears, especially when cold. Can be related to valve body issues, solenoid problems, or worn clutches.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter change. Valve body repair or replacement, or transmission rebuild/replacement if the damage is severe.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid flush) - $4,000+ (transmission rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Load Leveling Shocks Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sagging, especially when loaded, reduced ride comfort, failure of the auto-leveling function.
  • Solution: Replacement of the air shocks or the air suspension pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front suspension, especially over bumps, loose steering, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the lower control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems such as fuel pump relay failure (leading to stalling), starter motor issues, lighting problems, and other seemingly random electrical malfunctions. The TIPM is a known weak point.
  • Solution: Replacement of the TIPM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found, but it was a target of class action lawsuits and extended warranty coverage.
• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not operating, slow window operation, grinding noise when operating the window.
  • Solution: Replacement of the power window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500

Exterior

• Rear Wiper Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear wiper not working.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear wiper motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Dashboard develops cracks, especially in areas exposed to sunlight.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement (expensive) or dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ (replacement)

Summary

The 2011 Dodge Durango is a versatile vehicle with a spacious interior and decent performance, but potential buyers should be aware of some common issues. The TIPM and cylinder head problems on the 3.6L V6 can be expensive to repair, while the Hemi tick and exhaust manifold issues on the 5.7L V8 are also common concerns. Suspension issues and electrical glitches can add to the ownership costs. Pre-purchase inspections are recommended to assess the condition of these components. Overall, while not the most reliable vehicle in its class, a well-maintained 2011 Durango can still provide good value.