VVT Cam Phaser / Oil Control Solenoid Failure (Pentastar V6)
high- Typically appears
- 60–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $800 – $2,800
2014 Dodge
DurangoSUV
3.6L V6 Pentastar · SUV
The 2014 Dodge Durango is a third-generation, unibody, three-row SUV built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Dodge repositioned the Durango as a genuine family hauler with car-like ride manners, available AWD, and — uniquely in its class — standard third-row seating across most trims. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 is the volume engine; the 5.7L HEMI V8 adds serious towing muscle (up to 7,400 lbs) and is the choice for buyers who regularly pull trailers. For the 2014 model year Dodge refined the interior with the Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen system, which received high marks for usability. Ride quality is genuinely comfortable for a three-row SUV, and the optional AWD system handles Wisconsin winters capably. Fuel economy with the V6 is reasonable for the class, though the V8 will cost you at the pump. This generation has a mixed reliability record. The Pentastar V6 and HEMI V8 are proven engines, but the variable valve timing (VVT) system — specifically the cam phasers and oil control solenoids — is a known pain point if oil changes are deferred. Buyers and owners should treat oil change intervals seriously on this engine family.
Reliability
3/5
Verified data
Specs shown for Durango AWD — 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
AWD
Fuel
Gasoline
MPG
18 city / 25 hwy / 20 combined
Seats
7
Doors
4
Body
SUV
MSRP
$30,995
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2014 Dodge Durango is a third-generation, unibody, three-row SUV built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Dodge repositioned the Durango as a genuine family hauler with car-like ride manners, available AWD, and — uniquely in its class — standard third-row seating across most trims. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 is the volume engine; the 5.7L HEMI V8 adds serious towing muscle (up to 7,400 lbs) and is the choice for buyers who regularly pull trailers. For the 2014 model year Dodge refined the interior with the Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen system, which received high marks for usability. Ride quality is genuinely comfortable for a three-row SUV, and the optional AWD system handles Wisconsin winters capably. Fuel economy with the V6 is reasonable for the class, though the V8 will cost you at the pump. This generation has a mixed reliability record. The Pentastar V6 and HEMI V8 are proven engines, but the variable valve timing (VVT) system — specifically the cam phasers and oil control solenoids — is a known pain point if oil changes are deferred. Buyers and owners should treat oil change intervals seriously on this engine family.
Known for
- Three-row seating standard — rare in the segment
- Best-in-class towing (up to 7,400 lbs with HEMI V8)
- Uconnect 8.4" infotainment widely praised for ease of use
- Pentastar 3.6L V6 is fuel-efficient and smooth
- AWD system well-suited to Midwest winters
Best for
- Families needing occasional third-row access
- Light-to-moderate trailer towing (V8 trim)
- Drivers who want SUV space with a car-like ride
- Wisconsin winter commuters (AWD models)
Watch for
- VVT cam phaser and oil control solenoid failures if oil changes are skipped
- Transmission shift quality issues on high-mileage examples
- Electronic gremlins — TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failures reported on FCA vehicles of this era
- Rear HVAC blend door actuator failures
- Rust on undercarriage and brake lines from road salt exposure
Common issues by mileage
6 knownTIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure
medium- Typically appears
- 60–150k mi
- Estimated repair
- $500 – $1,400
Rear Blend Door Actuator Failure
medium- Typically appears
- 50–100k mi
- Estimated repair
- $200 – $500
8-Speed Transmission Shudder / Harsh Shifts
medium- Typically appears
- 70–130k mi
- Estimated repair
- $300 – $1,200
Oxygen Sensor / Heater Circuit Faults
medium- Typically appears
- 80–150k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $450
Undercarriage / Brake Line Rust
high- Typically appears
- 60–200k mi
- Estimated repair
- $400 – $2,000
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 5,000–6,000 miles (don't push to the 10k OLM limit on high-mileage engines) Engine oil & filter change
The Pentastar V6 VVT system depends on clean oil for cam phaser and solenoid operation. Extended intervals are the #1 cause of expensive VVT failures on this engine.
- 2 Every 40,000–50,000 miles Transmission fluid service
FCA marks the 8-speed 'lifetime filled' but upper-Midwest driving conditions (temperature swings, towing) degrade fluid. Servicing it proactively is cheap insurance against a $3,000+ rebuild.
- 3 Every 60,000 miles or at signs of cracking/glazing Serpentine belt inspection
Wisconsin cold snaps cause belts to harden and crack faster. A belt failure leaves you stranded and can cause accessory damage.
- 4 Every 30,000 miles Spark plugs (Pentastar V6)
The Pentastar's rear bank plugs are awkward to access; many shops skip them. All six should be replaced together to maintain even combustion.
- 5 Every 2–3 years Brake fluid flush
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, lowering boiling point. Critical on a 4,800+ lb SUV doing winter driving in Wisconsin.
- 6 Every 5 years / 100,000 miles Coolant system flush
OAT coolant degrades in freeze-thaw cycles. Flush and refill to maintain freeze protection well below -34°F for Wisconsin winters.
- 7 Monthly during winter (November–March), full inspection each spring Undercarriage wash & inspection
Road salt in Lake Geneva area attacks brake lines, exhaust, and suspension. Catching early rust saves hundreds over full brake line replacement.
- 8 Every fall before winter season Battery load test
Cold-cranking demand on the 3.6L or 5.7L in sub-zero temps is high. A battery showing 70% or less capacity should be replaced before January hits.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$700 – $1,600
Fuel
At $3.50/gal and 15,000 mi/yr: ~$2,600/yr with V6 (20 mpg combined); ~$3,400/yr with HEMI V8 (~15 mpg combined in real-world mixed driving)
Insurance
Typically $1,200–$1,800/yr for a family in the Lake Geneva area, depending on driving record and coverage level. Three-row SUVs in this class generally insure at moderate rates.
The Durango is a mid-cost SUV to own when well-maintained. Routine service (oil, trans fluid, brakes) is the bulk of annual spend on a healthy example. The big bill risk is VVT system work ($800–$2,800) if oil changes were skipped by a prior owner, or TIPM replacement ($500–$1,400). Budget an extra $500–$1,000/yr on a used example with unknown service history until you've verified the key items are in good shape.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Load-test the battery every October — cold cranking demand on a 3.6L or 5.7L in sub-zero temps will expose a weak battery fast
- Switch to full-synthetic 0W-20 or 5W-20 if not already in use; cold starts are where VVT cam phasers wear most
- Flush washer fluid reservoir and top off with -30°F or colder rated fluid; the stock lines freeze in Lake Geneva winters
- Inspect and replace wiper blades with winter-rated heavy-duty blades before first snowfall
- Flush brake fluid if it's been 2+ years — moisture in the fluid raises risk of vapor lock and promotes internal rust in ABS components
- Wash the undercarriage weekly or after heavy salting events; pay special attention to brake line routing along the frame rails
Summer
- Check tire pressure monthly — every 10°F rise in temp adds ~1 PSI; overinflated tires reduce traction and wear unevenly
- Inspect the A/C system — the Durango's cabin is large and the compressor works hard in July/August heat; low refrigerant shows up as weak cooling from the far rear vents first
- Check coolant freeze/boil-over protection with a test strip; the system should be protected to at least 265°F boil-over for towing in summer heat
- Inspect serpentine belt for glazing or cracking — heat accelerates belt degradation especially after a hard Wisconsin winter
Comparable vehicles
2014 Chevrolet
Traverse
Three-row crossover SUV at a similar price point; more car-like but lower tow rating. Better reliability reputation for this model year, but less performance.
2014 Ford
Explorer
Direct three-row competitor with available AWD, similar pricing, and strong resale. EcoBoost engines offer decent fuel economy; more refined interior on higher trims.
2014 Jeep
Grand Cherokee
Same platform, same engines, similar driving feel — but only two rows. Choose the Grand Cherokee if you don't need the third row and want a slightly smaller footprint.
2014 Toyota
4Runner
Body-on-frame vs. Durango's unibody, so ride is rougher — but the 4Runner is legendary for longevity and resists Wisconsin rust better. Good choice if off-road or extreme durability matters most.