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2017 DODGE DURANGO

5.7L V8 Hemi•4WD•AUTOMATIC•gas
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5-Year Cost of Ownership
$13,289 maintenance + known platform issues
~$2,658/yr · 220¢/mile equivalent · $5,982 maintenance + $6,607 expected platform issues
Compare this engine
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3.6L V6 Pentastar
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6.2L V8 Supercharged
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6.4L V8 392
Common Problems & Known Issues

The 2017 Durango is built on Chrysler's WK2 platform, sharing DNA with the Grand Cherokee. The 3.6L Pentastar is generally reliable, but the 5.7L Hemi has well-documented early failures on certain production runs, and the 8-speed ZF transmission has a cooling weakness that causes expensive damage when ignored.

5.7L Hemi Premature Engine Failure (Cylinder Head/Lifter/Cam)

Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Ticking/tapping noise on cold start that persists or worsens, Check engine light with multiple misfire codes, Loss of power, rough idle, Metal shavings in oil, catastrophic failure if driven hard
Fix: Hemi MDS (Multi-Displacement System) lifter failures lead to camshaft and rocker damage. Both cylinder heads typically need R&R, new lifters, camshaft, and rockers. If caught late, you're looking at short block replacement due to bearing contamination. 18-25 labor hours for head work, 30+ for short block.
Estimated cost: $4,500-8,500

ZF 8-Speed Transmission Oil Cooler Failure

Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission slipping, harsh shifts, or delayed engagement, Coolant in transmission fluid or transmission fluid in coolant, Check engine light with transmission temp codes, Transmission failure if cooler leak allows cross-contamination
Fix: Internal transmission oil cooler (inside radiator) develops leaks, mixing coolant and ATF, destroying clutch packs and valve body. Requires new radiator, transmission flush or full rebuild depending on contamination severity, plus coolant system flush. If caught early (fluid flush only), 4-6 hours. Full trans rebuild adds 12-16 hours.
Estimated cost: $800-6,500

Front Driveshaft Center Bearing Failure

Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking or vibration on acceleration, especially from a stop, Rumbling noise that changes with vehicle speed, Vibration felt through floorboard at highway speeds
Fix: AWD models have a two-piece front driveshaft with a center support bearing that wears out. Entire driveshaft assembly typically replaced as a unit. 2.5-3.5 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $600-1,100

Rear Differential Pinion Seal and Bearing Failure

Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear oil leak at rear of driveshaft, Whining or howling noise from rear axle, speed-dependent, Clunking on deceleration if wear is advanced
Fix: Pinion seal leaks are common, but often the pinion bearings are worn when seal fails. If just seal, 2-3 hours. If bearings are damaged, proper setup requires pinion depth/backlash adjustment and crush sleeve replacement, 5-7 hours. Bearing failures noted in NHTSA recall for certain VINs.
Estimated cost: $400-1,800

TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Faults

Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Intermittent no-start, fuel pump not priming, Gauges flickering, random warning lights, Wipers, windows, or locks operating on their own, Codes for multiple systems with no pattern
Fix: The TIPM (fuse/relay box) has internal relay failures causing electrical gremlins. Chrysler issued TSBs for certain issues. Diagnosis is time-consuming (1-2 hours), replacement is 1.5-2 hours. Dealer programming required. Sometimes individual relays can be resoldered by specialists.
Estimated cost: $800-1,500

Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Wear

Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front end, Wandering or loose steering feel, Uneven tire wear on inside edges, Failed state inspection due to ball joint play
Fix: Front upper control arms have pressed-in ball joints that wear, but arms are replaced as assemblies (joints not serviceable separately). Both sides typically done together with alignment. 3-4 hours labor for both sides.
Estimated cost: $700-1,200
Owner tips
  • If buying a 5.7L Hemi, get pre-purchase inspection with oil analysis and listen carefully for lifter tick—walk away if present
  • Change transmission fluid every 60,000 miles and inspect cooler lines; coolant in ATF is a death sentence for the ZF 8-speed
  • Check service records for TSB updates on TIPM and MDS lifter roller replacement (if done under warranty, good sign)
  • AWD models: inspect front driveshaft center bearing andCV boots at every oil change after 60k miles
The 3.6L V6 models are solid buys with proper maintenance; avoid 5.7L Hemi Durangos unless you can verify lifter TSB completion or budget for engine work—transmission cooler monitoring is non-negotiable on all.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
496 jobs across 17 categories
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Mechanic · 20+ years.
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