2009 Dodge Durango
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.

- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 4WD Slt/Slt Plus, Hybrid 4dr SUV 4WD
- Engines
- 5.7L 8-cyl, 3.7L 6-cyl, 4.7L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 20 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- 201.2–202 in
- Curb weight
- 5,132–5,406 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 21 MPG combined — 19% better than the average 2009 SUV - (17.7 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints8 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 25 for similar models.
Watch out for
- "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Dodge Durango is a SUV - offered with 3 engines (5.7L 8-cyl, 3.7L 6-cyl and 4.7L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 201 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,132 lb (4dr SUV 4WD Slt/Slt Plus).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (20 city / 22 highway), 19% better than the 2009 SUV - average of 17.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2009
- New hybrid version
- Best combined MPG up from 16 to 21
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Durango →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 4WD Slt/Slt Plus | 201.2 in | 76 in | 73.2 in | 118.1 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 5,132 lb | 54/46 |
| Hybrid 4dr SUV 4WD | 202 in | 76 in | 73.6 in | 119.3 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 5,406 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durango HEV Hybrid | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 22 / 21 | +19% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Durango 2WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -18% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Durango 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -18% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Durango 4WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -15% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Durango 2WD FFV | 4.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 15 | -23% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Durango 4WD FFV | 4.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -15% | $4,450 | 592 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Dodge Durango under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Dodge Durango (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe | 21 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 GMC Yukon | 21 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 Ford Expedition | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Nissan Pathfinder | 18 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (4)
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 9, 2018 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 18V021000 · 328,177 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Dec 22, 2016 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 16V947000 · 12,691 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen vehicles manufactured January 17, 2007, to December 18, 2008, and 2010 RAM 3500 cab chassis manufactured September 25, 2009, to February 1, 2010. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
- 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 death.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 11, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S92. Note: This recall covers vehicles that were accidentally excluded from recall 15V-313.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · May 24, 2016 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 16V352000 · 4,648,270 vehicles
- Problem
- 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, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
- 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 rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- 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. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit · Feb 6, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V038000 · 278,674 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.
- Risk
- If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
- Fix
- On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N08.
Not every 2009 Dodge Durango is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Dodge Durango buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Air Bags — 3 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Suspension — 1 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 65,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Dodge Durango. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Durango years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Durango | 20 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Durango | 20 | 200 in | Not rated | 1 | 14 |
| 2025 Durango | 20 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 8 |
| 2024 Durango | 21 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 14 |
| 2023 Durango | 21 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 38 |
| 2022 Durango | 21 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 60 |
| 2021 Durango | 21 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 205 |
| 2020 Durango | 21 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 56 |
| 2019 Durango | 21 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 145 |
| 2018 Durango | 21 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 233 |
| 2017 Durango | 21 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 215 |
| 2016 Durango | 21 | 200 in | Not rated | 3 | 161 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →