Buying a used car or SUV can have several perks, from saving money to knowing the history of the model year. However, learning more about the vehicle doesn’t mean all the info will be positive. Experts found enough negative information about some Dodge models that it recommends avoiding them. The 2016 Dodge Durango is one of these used vehicles to avoid. Here’s a look at its problems and what some better Durango years might be.

What are the common problems with the 2016 Dodge Durango?

The 2016 Dodge Durango appears on Edmunds’ list of midsize SUVs. Redesigned for model year 2014, Durango’s reliability issues didn’t appear until 2016 and 2018. The SUV earned low-reliability scores for a few years, but the 2016 Durango took the cake for bad scores.

The 2014 model year had a two, and the 2015 model year had a three. The model year 2017 jumped way up to four before falling to one again for model year 2018. Reliability wasn’t rated for 2019 and 2020, but the predicted reliability for the 2021 model is one out of five.

Is 2016 a good year for the Dodge Durango?

Experts found that the 2016 Durango has a list of serious problems and is one of the worst years for the SUV. The earned low scores for reliability with significant engine issues, minor engine issues, engine cooling, electrical systems, paint/trim problems with rust, and in-car electronics. It also got two out of five for significant transmission issues, minor transmission issues, and brakes. The remaining eight categories received average or better ratings.

The 2016 Durango has also had three recalls. One is an electrical wiring issue that prevents the cruise control from disengaging. There is also a recall for a possible leak in a fuel system hose. The third is for a possible cracked brake caliper. While the 2016 Dodge Durango has a list of used cars to avoid, that doesn’t mean the 2016 Durangos have problems. However, it is an excellent guide to remember if you want to buy one.

It’s a suggestion, not a rule.

When it arrived for model year 1998, the Durango was based on the Dodge Dakota pickup truck. The current generation of the Durango is built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Edmunds says that includes both the 2016 and the 2021 model years.

The Durango has three rows, and some found the 2016 model year to be refined and capable. It’s a midsize SUV but is more significant than many competitors. Starting in 2014, the Durango received an eight-speed automatic transmission with these engine options. That made its fuel efficiency and performance better. The Durango has 290-hp, 3.6-liter V6 engine or a 360-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V8. It can tow up to 6,200 pounds with the V6 engine and up to 7,400 pounds with the V8 engine.

Some consumers noted that visibility was difficult, but the 2016 model year does an available rearview camera. Other available features include heated leather seats, an upgraded 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, automatic high beam control, an automatic headlamp leveling system, adaptive cruise control, advanced brake assist, and forward-collision warning.

Other features, like active cruise control and forward collision monitoring, are only available on the top trims. New features for 2016 are a stop/start system and Siri Eyes Free in the infotainment system. The 2016 Durango does not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

While keeping poor reliability ratings in mind when looking for a used vehicle is essential, it doesn’t mean the 2016 Dodge Durango you’re considering will be a bad choice. A used 2016 Durango is able to provide owners with rugged capabilities, like towing, in a comfortable midsize SUV.