HEMI MDS Lifter Failure
medium- Typically appears
- 80–150k mi
- Estimated repair
- $2,500 – $5,500
2013 Dodge
DurangoSUV
SUV
The 2013 Dodge Durango is a three-row, body-on-frame-derived mid-size SUV built on Chrysler's LX/LC platform, shared with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This generation (2011–2013) brought the Durango back from a hiatus and was well-received for its interior space, available V8 power, and towing capability. The 5.7L HEMI V8 in this particular example is the go-to engine for those who need real muscle — 360 hp and up to 6,200 lbs of towing capacity when properly equipped. Driving the base rear-wheel-drive configuration gives you slightly better highway fuel economy but limits all-weather traction — a meaningful consideration in the Lake Geneva area. Most buyers in the upper Midwest opt for AWD, so if you're looking at a used RWD example, find out why the previous owner chose that config. The interior seats up to seven and the third row, while snug for adults, is genuinely usable for kids. At this age, the 2013 Durango is entering the phase where deferred maintenance and wear items start to add up. The HEMI's cylinder deactivation system (MDS) and the VVT (variable valve timing) hardware are the two systems most worth scrutinizing on any used example. Budget accordingly and this is a capable, roomy truck-based SUV that rewards attentive ownership.
Reliability
3/5
Verified data
Specs shown for Durango 2WD — the most common configuration.
Other trims may vary in engine, drivetrain, or fuel economy. Sign in to see your vehicle's exact specs.
Engine
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Drivetrain
RWD
Fuel
Mid-grade gasoline
MPG
14 city / 20 hwy / 16 combined
Seats
—
Doors
—
Body
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2013 Dodge Durango is a three-row, body-on-frame-derived mid-size SUV built on Chrysler's LX/LC platform, shared with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This generation (2011–2013) brought the Durango back from a hiatus and was well-received for its interior space, available V8 power, and towing capability. The 5.7L HEMI V8 in this particular example is the go-to engine for those who need real muscle — 360 hp and up to 6,200 lbs of towing capacity when properly equipped. Driving the base rear-wheel-drive configuration gives you slightly better highway fuel economy but limits all-weather traction — a meaningful consideration in the Lake Geneva area. Most buyers in the upper Midwest opt for AWD, so if you're looking at a used RWD example, find out why the previous owner chose that config. The interior seats up to seven and the third row, while snug for adults, is genuinely usable for kids. At this age, the 2013 Durango is entering the phase where deferred maintenance and wear items start to add up. The HEMI's cylinder deactivation system (MDS) and the VVT (variable valve timing) hardware are the two systems most worth scrutinizing on any used example. Budget accordingly and this is a capable, roomy truck-based SUV that rewards attentive ownership.
Known for
- 5.7L HEMI V8 power and up to 6,200 lb towing capacity
- Three-row seating in a mid-size SUV package
- Shared Grand Cherokee platform — parts availability is excellent
- Confident highway presence and relatively car-like ride for its class
Best for
- Families needing three-row seating without a full-size SUV footprint
- Owners who tow boats, trailers, or campers regularly
- Drivers who want V8 performance in a daily-driver SUV
- Higher-mileage highway commuters who can absorb the fuel cost
Watch for
- HEMI MDS (cylinder deactivation) lifter failures — a known and expensive problem
- VVT solenoid and cam phaser issues on the 5.7L
- RWD in Wisconsin winters requires quality all-season or dedicated winter tires
- Electrical gremlins and TIPM (totally integrated power module) faults on this generation
- Rust on undercarriage, frame rails, and brake lines from road salt exposure
Common issues by mileage
6 knownVVT Solenoid / Cam Phaser Timing Issues
medium- Typically appears
- 70–130k mi
- Estimated repair
- $300 – $1,200
Oxygen Sensor / Heater Circuit Failure
medium- Typically appears
- 80–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $400
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure
medium- Typically appears
- 60–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $500 – $1,400
ABS / Brake Module Faults
low- Typically appears
- 80–150k mi
- Estimated repair
- $300 – $900
Airbag / SRS System Faults
low- Typically appears
- Any
- Estimated repair
- $200 – $1,200
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 5,000–6,000 miles (do not stretch to OLM maximum on a high-mileage HEMI) Engine oil and filter change — use full synthetic 5W-20
The MDS lifters and VVT cam phasers are oil-pressure dependent. Clean oil is the single best thing you can do to prevent the most expensive failures on this engine.
- 2 Every 40,000–50,000 miles Transmission fluid change
The W5A580 5-speed is durable but runs hot under towing loads. Fresh fluid keeps shift quality crisp and prevents heat-related wear.
- 3 Every 60,000 miles or at first VVT-related code Inspect and clean VVT solenoid screens
Sludge buildup on the solenoid screens is the #1 cause of cam timing codes. Cleaning is cheap; ignoring it leads to phaser replacement.
- 4 Every spring after winter season Inspect brake lines and undercarriage for rust
Road salt in Wisconsin aggressively attacks bare steel brake lines and suspension components. Catch surface rust early before it becomes a safety issue.
- 5 Every 5 years or 100,000 miles Coolant system flush
HOAT coolant degrades over time. Low coolant protection in a Wisconsin winter can crack the block or head on a cold start.
- 6 Every 30,000 miles on the 5.7L HEMI Inspect and replace spark plugs
The HEMI runs 16 plugs (two per cylinder). Worn plugs increase misfires and stress the ignition coils. Budget for a full set replacement — it's a notable labor job.
- 7 Every fall before winter, or at 4–5 years Battery load test
Cold cranking a 5.7L V8 at sub-zero temps puts extreme demand on the battery. A battery that tests marginal in September will likely fail in January.
- 8 Every 30,000–45,000 miles Inspect front/rear differential and transfer case fluid (if AWD)
Even on the RWD model, inspect the rear differential. Worn gear oil accelerates ring and pinion wear, especially under towing loads.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$800 – $1,600
Fuel
At 16 MPG combined and ~15,000 miles/year, expect roughly $2,400–$3,000/year in fuel costs at current mid-grade prices. Highway-heavy drivers will do better; city-heavy will do worse.
Insurance
Typically $1,200–$1,800/year for a driver with a clean record in the Lake Geneva area. Exact rates depend on trim, coverage level, and driver history.
The 2013 Durango with the 5.7L is not a cheap vehicle to own — fuel alone is a significant line item, and the HEMI's MDS system means one deferred repair can run $3,000–$5,000+. For an owner who stays current on oil changes and addresses small codes promptly, annual upkeep runs $800–$1,600 in routine maintenance. Budget a separate repair reserve for the known HEMI and electrical issues, especially as mileage climbs past 80k.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Switch to dedicated winter tires — this is a RWD vehicle and Lake Geneva winters will expose the limits of all-season rubber fast. Winter tires are not optional on this configuration.
- Load test the battery every fall. A 5.7L V8 needs strong cold-cranking amps at -10°F; a weak battery won't make it through January.
- Top off washer fluid with -25°F or lower rated fluid. The large windshield on the Durango ices quickly and standard fluid will freeze in the lines.
- Inspect and treat undercarriage, wheel wells, and brake lines before first snowfall. Salt is the primary killer of this generation's steel brake lines.
- Verify the engine block heater (if equipped) is functional before deep cold arrives. If not equipped, consider having one installed — much easier on the HEMI's oil pressure and lifters at cold start.
- Check antifreeze protection level — should be rated to at least -34°F for Wisconsin conditions.
Summer
- Check tire pressure monthly — tires lose about 1 PSI for every 10°F drop and gain similarly in heat. The Durango's load capacity means proper inflation matters for handling and wear.
- Inspect the A/C system before peak heat. The Durango's cabin is large; a weak refrigerant charge will struggle to keep up on a 90°F day, especially with a full passenger load.
- Check coolant level and condition — summer heat plus towing loads put the cooling system under maximum stress. A failing thermostat or low coolant will show itself fast.
- Inspect tow hitch wiring and connections if trailering season is starting. Corrosion from winter salt can cause trailer brake and signal faults.
Comparable vehicles
2013 Chevrolet
Traverse
Three-row mid-size SUV at a similar price point. FWD/AWD based, more fuel efficient, but less towing capacity and no V8 option. Better real-world reliability scores than the Durango for this year.
2013 Ford
Explorer
Direct competitor in the three-row mid-size SUV space. Unibody construction, more car-like feel, stronger reliability record. Available with EcoBoost V6 for better efficiency, though towing falls short of the HEMI.
2013 Toyota
4Runner
Body-on-frame construction like the Durango, strong V6, excellent long-term reliability. Only seats five but holds value exceptionally well and is a proven platform in harsh climates.
2013 Jeep
Grand Cherokee
Shares the same LX/LC platform and 5.7L HEMI as the Durango. Two-row only, but comes standard with AWD in most trims and has a more refined interior. Parts and shop knowledge fully overlap.