2001 Dodge Durango
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 665 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 25 Durango model years with reports.
Of the 2001 reports, 60 involved a crash and 20 involved a fire. 55 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Suspension, front, hubOct 20, 2008
SKF IS RECALLING 2,805 HUB UNITS, PART NO. BR930361, SOLD AS A SERVICE PART FOR 1997-2004 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES AND 1999-2003 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2-WHEEL DRIVE & REAR AXLE ABS. DUE TO A SPECIFICATION ERROR, THE ROTOR PILOT FOR THE HUB UNIT MAY BE TOO LONG. THIS RESULTS IN THE WHEEL TO NOT BE SEATED FULLY AGAINST THE HUB FLANGE FACE DURING MOUNTING.
IMPROPER SEATING OF THE WHEEL CAN RESULT IN EXCESSIVE VIBRATION, BRAKE ROTOR NOISE, DIFFICULTY REMOVING THE WHEEL AFTER INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, AND POSSIBLY WHEEL-END SEPARATION DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. SHOULD WHEEL-END SEPARATION OCCUR, THE DRIVER COULD LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
SKF WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE HUB UNITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SKF VSM NORTH AMERICA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-644-8999.
Campaign 08E064000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shiftDec 4, 2007
ON CERTAIN VAN AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE IGNITION/PARK SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS CAN ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED (OR IN THE "LOCK" POSITION). THIS CAN ALSO ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION.
EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEARSHIFT BLOCKER AND BRACKET ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 07V555000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical systemSep 7, 2006
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BENCH SEATS ONLY, IF FLUID IS SPILLED FROM THE FLOOR MOUNTED CUP HOLDER, AN UNUSED CONSOLE POWER OUTLET CONNECTOR LOCATED UNDER THE SEAT MAY BECOME CONTAMINATED.
THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGH RESISTIVE SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CONSOLE WIRING CONNECTOR FOR CORROSION, CLEAN AS REQUIRED, AND INSTALL A CAP TO PREVENT ADDITIONAL FLUID FROM CONTAMINATING THE CONNECTOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 30, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 06V339000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingMar 15, 2006
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.
A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.
K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.
Campaign 06E024000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, control arm, upper ball jointDec 21, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4X4), IF MOISTURE LEAKS INTO THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINT, EVACUATION OF THE LUBRICANT AND CORROSION OF THE JOINT MAY CAUSE THE JOINT TO WEAR OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION, WHICH MAY NOT ALWAYS BE HEARD BY THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT MAY ALLOW IT TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS. THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON DECEMBER 21, 2004. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 04V596000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shiftMar 7, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL DRIVE. THE ELECTRIC SHIFT TRANSFER CASE MAY NOT FULLY ENGAGE INTO GEAR WHEN THE OPERATOR MOVES THE TRANSFER CASE SELECTOR SWITCH.
THIS COULD CAUSE THE TRANSFER CASE TO END UP IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION UNEXPECTEDLY AND ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED.
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE TRANSFER CASE CONTROL MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 9, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 01V077000 on NHTSA.gov
Child seatNov 9, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.
Campaign 00V366000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
90 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Apr 28, 2004
THE IGNITION SWITCH OVERHEATED AND MELTED, CAUSING THE IGNITION TO MALFUNCTION. *AK
Steering, Suspension, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 18, 2004
IN MARCH OF 2001 I BOUGHT A 2001 DODGE DURANGO 4X4 THE FIRST YEAR WAS GREAT , THEN DESPITE THE FACT THAT I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN EVEY 3000 MI. FOR WHATEVER WAS MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE , AND THE DEALERS 27 POINT INSPECTION, THE FRONT BRAKES WERE SUDDENLY COMPLETELY SHOT AND COST IN EXCESS OF $450 TO REPAIR LAST JUNE I BELIEVE , RIGHT AFTER GETTING SERVICED AND A FRONT END ALIGNMENT ,I DROVE TO WORK , ATTEMPTED TO SHUT OFF VEHICLE, AND IT REFUSED THE ENGINE SPED UP , THE LIGHTS FLASHED , THE GAUGES WENT WILD, AND IT FINALLY DIED. DAY AFTER DAY THEY CEPT TELLING ME THEY DIDNT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS ,AFTER A WEEK OF BEING WORKED ON THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THE STARTER HAD "GONE" AND IT WOULD BE 24 TO 48 HOURS BEFORE THEY COULD GET ONE ABOUT THE SAME TIME THE FRONT END STARTED TO MAKE A STRANGE GRINDING NOISE WHILE BACKING UP WHILE TURNING....THEY STILL HAVENT FIGURED OUT THIS ONE.....BUT IM WONDERING IF IT IS A BALLJOINT ISSUE ALSO AFTER SEVERAL OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDUELED SERVICES I COMPLAINED THAT THERE WAS FLUID LEFT ON MY DRIVEWAY. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS RUN OFF FROM THE FRAME OF SOME OF THE OLD OIL,....NOW AFTER IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY,THEY FINALLY FOUND THE LEAK....THE POWER STEERING RACK IS LEAKING OH AND I ALMOST FORGOT, WHEN I FIRST GOT THIS VEHICLE, THE LEFT REAR BRAKE LIGHT DIDNT ALWAYS WORK...AFTER 4 OR 5 ATTEMPTS TO GET IT REPAIRED , I HAD A MECHANIC FRIEND OF MINE LOOK IT OVER ...IN LESS THAN 5 MINUTES HE TOLD ME THE CONTACTS IN THE HOUSING WERE DEFECTIVE ....I GOT THE DEALERSHIP TO CHECK INTO IT AND THEY REPLACED IT AND IT HAS BEEN FINE EVER SINCE THIS VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS HAD ITS MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDED SERVICES AT THE INTERVAL REQUIRED , IT WAS VERY EXPENSIVE TO BUY , AND TO MAINTAIN, IT ONLY HAS 40,000 MI. ON IT , AND LOOKS GREAT, BUT APPEARNTLY IT IS A MONEY PITT AND DEATH TRAP ALL ROLLED INTO ONE!!
Electrical system, Apr 7, 2004, fire
A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE CENTER SEAT ON PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH. THERE WERE FLAMES AND HEAVY SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CAUSE OF FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Equipment, Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004
DURANGO ORGINAL STARTED STALLING AND THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON STEADY. WENT TO DEALER AN WAS SUGGESTED PCM WAS BAD NO PARTS AVAILABLE (POWER CONTROL MODULE). PARTS ORDERED. NEW PARTS INSTALLED SAME PROBLEM WHEN LEAVING DEALERSHIP. ON CLOSER INSPECTION TECHNICAN FOUND REAR HEAT INLINE PUMP HAD FAILED INTERNALLY AND HAD PUMPED ANTIFREEZE THROUGH WIRING HARNESS WHICH INTURN WRECKED CRUISE CONTROL, PCM, HEATING AND COOLING CONTROLS. ANTIFREEZE IS CORRSIVE TO COPPER WIRING AND WE DO NOT KNOW HOW FAR THE ANTIFREEZE TRAVELED IN THE DIFFERENT WIRING HARNESS MODULES. DODGE HAS OFFERED TO REPLACE ORIGINAL FAILED INLINE REAR HEAT PUMP BUT WILL NOT PAY LABOR $216.00 DISTRICT MANAGER HAS OFFERED TO GIVE 12 MONTH OR 12,000 MILE WARRANTY BUT WILL NOT GIVE A LONGER WARRANTY ON ELECTRICALL HARNESS EVEN THOUGH HE HAS DETERMINED THIS WILL FIX PROBLEM. BUT NOT REMOVED THE CORROSIVE FROM THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS. TECH WORKING PROBLEM HAS SEE THE SAME PROBLEM BEFORE AT SAME DEALERSHIP ON DURANGO'S
Suspension, Electrical system, Seat belts, Dec 31, 2003
FRONT BALL JOINT FAILURE UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS IN THE 2001 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES. REPORTED CASES OF FAILURE CAUSING ACCIDENTS. MANUFACTURE PROBLEM, CAN'T BE CORRECTED. BALL JOINTS CAN BE REPLACED BUT IT WILL FAIL AGIAN. ALSO DASH LIGHTS FAIL WITHOUT WARNING. SEVERAL TIMES BRAKE LIGHTS AND BLINKERS NOT WORKING. PULL FUSE OUT- NOT BLOWN. PUT BACK IN AND THEY WORK AGAIN FOR AWHILE. ALSO, MIDDLE SEAT, SEAT BELT NOT RETRACTING PROPERLY FOR PASSENGERS. RISK OF BODILY INJURY OR DEATH TO PASSENGERS WITH ALL ABOVE CASES.
Electrical system, Nov 10, 2003
CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO START VEHICLE BECAUSE KEY WAS STUCK IN THE LOCK POSITION IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. *AK
Electrical system, Sep 12, 2003
A FAULTY WIRING HARNESS CAUSED THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS TO OUT WITHOUT WARNING. *NLM *SCC *JB
Suspension, Electrical system, Aug 22, 2003
THE CONTROL ARM AND BALL JOINT EXPERIENCED PREMATURE WEAR. *AK. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE UNDER WARRANTY. THE SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED. *JB
Electrical system, Dec 1, 2002
ASKED LOCAL DEALERSHIP (SANFORD, NC) TO REPAIR. REPLACED FUSE 12000 MILES LATER SAME PROBLEM AND THEY WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR FIRST REPAIR. DT
Electrical system, Sep 3, 2002
COMPUTER DIDN'T RECOGNIZE THE SWITCH TO START VEHICLE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED ,AND THEY CHANGED ELECTRONIC SHIFT TRANSPORT CASE, AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL REOCCURRING.*AK *JB
Electrical system, May 30, 2002
I WAS ENTERING THE FREE WAY ON 05/10 AND MY CAR DIED. IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OR MOVE AT ALL. I WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPAIRED IT. THEY SAID THAT THE COMPUTER DIED AND THEY HAD TO ORDER A NEW COMPUTER. AFTER RECEIVING IT BACK ON 05/18 I DROVE IT FOR 5 DAYS AND THEN ON MAY 23 THE CAR DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. IT IS NOW AT THE DODGE DEALER WHERE THEY ARE WAITING FOR A PART.*AK
Electrical system, May 20, 2002
INTERMITTENTLY, RADIO WILL GO OUT, ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS AND POWER WINDOWS WILL NOT WORK. DEALER CANNOT FIND CAUSE. *AK DEALER FOUND THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS BAD AND HAD IT REPLACED. *SLC
Electrical system, Visibility, May 20, 2002
WINDSHIELD WIPERS SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY RAIN. VEHICLE AT DEALERSHIP AT THIS TIME.*AKWITH THE WINDSHEILD WIPERS INOPERABLE, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO EXIT OFF THE ROAD. THE DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. IT WAS REPLACED. *JG
Electrical system, Mar 26, 2002, fire
STARTER MOTOR SHORTED OUT AFTER VEHICLE WAS STARTED. STARTER MOTOR CAUGHT FIRE. I USED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO NEAREST DODGE FACILITY. STARTER REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. NLM
Electrical system, Feb 1, 2002
VEHICLE STALLED AT 35 MPH, NOT ABLE TO RESTART. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER, # 10 FUSE WAS BLOWN. DEALER COULD NOT FIND STALLING PROBLEM. *AK