These Are Third

Electrical problems dominate the early model years of the third-gen Dodge Durango.

Dodge Durango is a vehicle of sheer fierceness. Being a mix between muscle car tendencies and SUV convenience, this 3-row is like none other. Dodge has put in some serious work with this vehicle, making it one of the fastest and most potent mid-size SUVs in the game.

But just like any other man-made piece of machinery, there are some flaws along the way that you should take notice of when trying to buy one. So, without further ado, let's take a deep look at some of the worst years of the Dodge Durango, what you can expect to get out of this vehicle, and every other detail you need to know before making a move.

RELATED: Tenth-gen Chevrolet Suburban Model Years You Should Avoid Buying Used

According to the CarComplaints website, the 2011 Dodge Durango has the highest number of overall complaints among the third-generation Durangos. High repair costs and low-mileage problems make this model year the worst of the lot.

The 2011 model year is plagued with electrical problems with over 150 complaint cases. The TIMP tends to malfunction with this model, and the vehicle won't start. "Only after approximately 52k miles, our well cared for '11 Durango Citadel began to act completely possessed when trying to start the vehicle. It first began only during cold winter mornings and has slowly progressed. Whenever I try to start the vehicle with the remote, it fully starts and then shuts off a few seconds later. When we start the vehicle manually, the problem gets even worse--the vehicle seems "stuck" in the cranking mode and never fully turns over," Reported one Durango owner. This issue often happens in the early stages of a 2011 Durango's lifetime.

The standard solution to this problem is replacing the TIMP, which typically costs around $1250.

Another big issue with this model year is that the engine stalls and often dies while driving. This can be very hazardous and cause irreversible damage. The company has stated no particular reason or solution as this remains one of the most reported problems regarding this model.

The 2012 model year carries the same problems as its predecessor as its main dilemmas, with a flare of new hassles. It features all the TIMP-related issues with the same level of severity and frequency.

This model also suffers in the braking department. It tends to have a problem with braking at different velocities. There has been a recall on this problem, but according to the reports, the issue remains unsolved even after the recall, and many owners are concerned that they might end up in a tragic incident. Moreover, there are several interior problems regarding this model that are more on the minor side but nonetheless can cause some trouble.

Next on the list of naughty Durangos is the 2014 model year. This model year has major light problems. Many complaints have reported water intrusion into the tail lights. It might not sound as costly as it actually is, but it usually takes numbers north of $1000 to replace the tail lights and fix this issue.

This model also deals with the sudden release of airbags without any cause. This is a minor issue compared to its light problems, but the recurrence of it makes it an irritating experience.

RELATED: These Are The Best Fourth-gen Dodge Ram 1500 Trims To Buy Used

A well-maintained Dodge Durango can hit numbers anywhere between 200,000 and 250,000 miles on the odometer. There are chances of going beyond these figures if you follow every little step in the process of looking after your vehicle.

Your best chance of getting every last bit of juice out of your vehicle is to follow the recommended schedule provided by the manufacturer. So, here are some of the most crucial steps in maintaining your Durango suggested by Dodge, the manufacturer itself:

According to RepairPal, the average cost of maintaining a Dodge Durango year-round is $675, way below the class average of $784.

RELATED: These Are The Best Third-Gen Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup Truck Trims To Buy Used

Dodge Durango is a powerful vehicle with many great attributes, offering high-level reliability and top-notch safety features, putting it in a great position against the competition. This applies to most third-gen model years, but some black sheep exist. The 2011, 2012, and 2014 model years host some undesirable issues, making them hard to approach. Avoid these particular models, and there is a good chance you will make a successful purchase. Also, make sure to inspect your vehicle of choice with a trusted technician to avoid any potential trouble.

Hamed is a literature student, writer, musician, and car enthusiast. His favorite topics to write about are cars, tech, and gaming. When he's not writing, he's either playing music or listening to it.