2014-2020 Dodge Durango Grille: A Guide to Trims, Swaps, and ACC Compatibility

A Critical Note on Model Years: 2013 vs. 2014-2020

Grille Variants: Decoding the Options

Finding the correct grille for a 2014-2020 Durango can be confusing due to numerous variations based on trim level, optional features, and even specific model years. Understanding these differences is the most important step in buying the right part.

Upper vs. Lower Grilles

The Durango front end has two main grille sections:

• Upper Grille: This is the main, larger grille located between the headlights. It typically consists of a painted or chrome outer frame (surround) and a separate inner mesh or honeycomb insert.
🎬 Watch this step-by-step mesh grille installation tutorial
• Lower Grille: This is the smaller grille located in the lower part of the bumper cover. Its design is most often dictated by the presence of Adaptive Cruise Control.

Trim Level and Bumper Styles

Dodge used several different grille styles that correspond to specific trim packages and their unique front bumpers.

• Standard Trims (SXT, Limited, Citadel, GT before 2018): These models typically feature the classic Dodge "crosshair" design or a honeycomb pattern, often with a chrome or body-color surround.
• Performance Trims (R/T, SRT, 2018+ GT): These trims have a more aggressive front bumper and unique grille designs that are not compatible with the standard models. For example, some aftermarket grilles explicitly exclude R/T and SRT models from 2018-2020. The SRT models, in particular, have their own dedicated grille and bumper components.
🎬 Watch how to remove the SRT front bumper

The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Complication

The single biggest compatibility trap is the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system. If your Durango is equipped with ACC, a forward-facing radar sensor is mounted in the lower bumper area.

• Without ACC: These models use a standard, uninterrupted lower grille mesh.
• With ACC: These models have a special lower grille with a cutout or a specific bracket designed to house the ACC sensor. A grille for a non-ACC vehicle will not work, as it will block the sensor.

Symptoms of a Damaged Grille

Failure of a grille is almost always due to physical damage rather than a defect. Symptoms are typically straightforward and visible.

• Visible Cracks or Holes: The most common symptom is visible damage from impacts with road debris, animals, or minor collisions.
• Loose Fitment or Rattling: Broken mounting tabs can cause the grille to become loose, resulting in rattling or buzzing noises, especially at speed.
• Peeling or Faded Finish: The chrome or painted finish can peel, bubble, or fade over time due to sun exposure and weather, making the vehicle look worn.
• ACC or Parking Sensor Errors: If an impact damages the grille sections that hold the ACC sensor or parking sensors, you may see warning lights or error messages for those systems on your dashboard.

Buying a Used 2014-2020 Durango Grille: What to Check

A used OEM grille is often a smart choice over a new aftermarket part because it guarantees a perfect fit and better material quality. However, a thorough inspection is essential.

1. Confirm the Exact Variant: First, match the part to your Durango's year, trim (SXT, R/T, SRT, etc.), and ACC status. Use photos of your existing grille to compare with the used part. Pay close attention to the insert pattern (honeycomb vs. mesh) and surround color (chrome, black, painted).
2. Inspect All Mounting Tabs: This is the most critical step. Carefully check every plastic tab and clip location on the top, bottom, and sides. These tabs are brittle and frequently break when a grille is removed. A grille with broken tabs will not sit flush, leading to gaps and rattles.
3. Check for Hairline Cracks: Look for small stress cracks in the plastic, especially around screw holes and tab locations. What looks like a small crack can easily break completely during installation.
4. Examine the Finish: For chrome grilles, look for signs of peeling or bubbling. For painted grilles, check for deep scratches or flaking paint. Minor road wear like small rock chips is normal, but widespread finish failure is a red flag.
5. Verify Lower Grille Sensor Mounts: If buying a lower grille for a vehicle with ACC, ensure the sensor mounting bracket and its attachment points are intact and undamaged.

Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins

As of mid-2026, there are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from Dodge or the NHTSA that pertain directly to the grilles on 2014-2020 Durango models. Issues with the grille are almost exclusively the result of impact damage or cosmetic wear. While numerous recalls exist for this Durango generation, they involve other components like the ABS module, rear spoiler, or rearview camera.

Replacement Overview

Replacing the grille on a 2014-2020 Durango requires removing the entire front bumper cover to access the clips and screws holding it in place.

• Difficulty: 3 out of 5. It is manageable for a DIYer with basic tools, but it is more involved than a simple bolt-off, bolt-on part.
• Estimated Time: 1.5 - 2.5 hours.
• Common Tools: Socket set (typically 8mm, 10mm), plastic trim removal tools, flathead screwdriver, and Phillips screwdriver.

The general process involves removing fasteners in the wheel wells, under the bumper, and under the hood before carefully unsnapping the bumper cover from the fenders and grille support. Once the bumper is off, 🎬 See this quick guide on removing the front bumper the grilles can be unclipped and replaced.

Part Number Reference

Below are some known OEM part numbers. Always verify fitment with your vehicle's VIN before ordering.

• 5113712AC / 05113712AC: Upper Grille Surround, Chrome. Fits many 2014-2020 standard trims.
• 68320617AA: Lower Grille. Fits 2018-2020 performance models like R/T and SRT.
• 5113684AB: Lower Grille, Center. For models WITHOUT Adaptive Cruise Control.
• 5113688AC: Lower Grille.
• 5113713AB: Upper Grille Backing Panel/Insert.

Frequently Asked Questions