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: suspension
264 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Jan 12, 2004
PREMATURE FAILURE OF BALL JOINTS ON 2001 DODGE DURANGO COSTING APPROXIMATELY $700 IN REPAIRS. *LA
Steering, Suspension, Jan 12, 2004
I HAVE A 2001 DODGE DURANGO WITH A NUDGE OVER 50,000 MILES. WHEN I RECENTLY MOVED TO VA FROM FL I HAD TO START GETTING VEHICLE INSPECTIONS TO GET PLATES. I TOOK MY TRUCK TO A CHEVY DEALER FOR THE SAFETY INSPECTION AND THEY SAID IT WAS UNSAFE AS THE UPPER RIGHT BALL JOINT WAS IN HORRIBLE SHAPE. I HAD HEARD SOME VERY LOUD POPPING WHEN I TURNED THE WHEEL AND SOMETIMES AFTER TURNING, BUT NEVER GAVE IT MUCH THOUGHT. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO A DODGE DEALER FOR THE SAME INSPECTION BECAUSE I THOUGHT THE CHEVY DEALER MAY HAVE JUST WANTED TO MAKE SOME MONEY ON ME. THE DODGE DEALER REPLACED A FEW BULBS AND SAID IT WAS ROAD READY, "SAFE." THE OTHER DAY MY STEERING FELT SOMEWHAT BOUND WHEN I WAS DRIVING SO I PULLED OVER TO LOOK AND I WAS ASTONISHED TO SEE THAT THE CHEVY DEALER WAS RIGHT. SO IS DODGE WILLING TO LET SOMEONE DIE AFTER A STATE MANDATED SAFETY INSPECTION TO SAVE A FEW DOLLARS? *LA
Suspension, Jan 12, 2004
THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF FRONT END NOISE. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THE FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER UPON RECEIPT OF THIS COMPLAINT. *JB *PH
Suspension, Jan 12, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS A LOUD GRINDING AND THUMPING NOISES COULD BE HEARD. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN OUT AND REPLACED THE RIGHT UPPER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED WITH OUT HAVING READ THE NEWSPAPER THEY WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *CB *JB
Suspension, Jan 8, 2004
PE 03-032, FRONT SUSPENSION/UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE: THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WORE OUT AT 38,000 MILES. *AK BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE WERE REPLACED. *SC *JB
Suspension, Jan 7, 2004
FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS REPLACED ON 2001 DODGE DURANGO (46,000 MILES), AND AXEL WHEEL BEARINGS ALSO REPLACED.*AK
Suspension, Jan 6, 2004
WHILE DRIVING STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE. DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO DEFECTIVE FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS. MECHANIC COULD NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK
Suspension, Jan 2, 2004
HAD TO HAVE UPPER BALL JOINT REPLACED ON MY 2001 DURANGO WITH 40,000 MILES ON IT! HIS IS WAY TO EARLY FOR SUCH A VITAL PART WITH THE ALL THE EXTREME RISK INVOLVED WITH ITS FAILURE. I HEARD THEIR WAS PROBLEMS WITH THIS PART AND MY VEHICLE WAS STARTING TO PULL. I TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND HE WOULD NOT EVEN LOOK AT IT TO TELL ME IF IT WAS SAFE WITHOUT CHARGING ME $80.00. BELL TIRE REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AFTER FINDING THE FAULT DURING THERE FRONT END INSPECTION. *AK
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.
Suspension, Dec 29, 2003
WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS, AND MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE BUSHINGS OF LOWER CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Suspension, Dec 17, 2003
I OWN A 2001 DODGE DURANGO AND THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS HAVE GONE BAD ON THIS VECHICLE UNDER 40,000 MILES. IT IS CAUSING VEHICLE TO SWAY RIGHT.*AK
Suspension, Dec 16, 2003
WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE'S FRONT END COLLAPSED. THE DEALER STATED THE BALL JOINTS FELL OFF THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB EA03-023
Suspension, Dec 16, 2003
I WAS HAVING DIFFICULTY MAKING TURNS. I FELT LIKE MY FRONT LEFT TIRE WAS GOING TO COME OFF WHEN I WOULD MAKE TURNS. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK MY VEHICLE TO MY DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD THAT MY LEFT BALL JOINT WAS BAD AND ADVICED NOT TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE UNTIL I HAD THE PROBLEM FIXED. I WAS ALSO TOLD THE PART I NEEDED WAS ON A NATIONAL BACKORDER AND THEY WERE UNSURE WHEN IT WOULD BE AVAILABLE. I WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM I HAVE WITH MY VEHICLE IS UNDER INVESTIGATION.*AK
Suspension, Dec 16, 2003
HAD TO HAVE UPPER BALL JOINT AND CONTROL ARM BUSHING REPLACED. *AK
Suspension, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Dec 11, 2003
2001 DURANGO R/T. SECOND FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION (11/26/03) @ 35000 MILES. HANDLED BY DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS AND NO ONE KNOWS EXACTLY WHY OR HOW TRANSMISSION IS FAILING. RPM TACHOMETER RACES BETWEEN 100 - 800 RPM DURING DRIVING CONDITIONS INCLUDING LOAD, LIGHT LOAD, FLAT TERRAIN, AND OCCASIONALLY DOWN HILL WHEN DRIVING OF SPEEDS GREATER THAN 45 MPH IN DRIVE AND OVERDRIVE. EXCESSIVELY HARD CLUNG WHEN SHIFTING BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND AND BETWEEN 2ND AND 1ST. 1ST FAILURE (2/6/02) WAS BEFORE PCM AND TRANSMISSION FLASH RECALLS @ 20000 MILES. SERVICE MANAGER INSISTED THAT THIS WAS A NORMAL THING AND HIS JEEP DID THE SAME THING. AFTER MUCH CONVINCING THAT I WOULD PREFER THE OPINION OF A TECH INSTEAD DID THEY TAKE THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIR. VEHICLE WAS KEPT FOR AN ADDITIONAL WEEK THAN WHAT WAS PROMISED FOR DELIVERY. VEHICLE WAS KEPT IN GARAGE FOR THE 2 WEEKS AND WHEN PICKED UP ALL PERSONAL ITEMS, ELECTRONICS, TIRE JACK, ETC WAS MISSING (~ $2700 WORTH) AND ACCUSING ME OF LEAVING MY DOORS UNLOCKED (DID NOT QUITE UNDERSTAND HIS POINT AND AURGUEMENT SINCE IT SAT IN THE DEALERSHIPS GARAGE FOR THE 2 WEEK DURATION). SINCE ... TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ALWAYS GO INTO PARK AND OCCASIONALLY DRIVE, VERBALLY TOLD NOT A BIG DEAL BY DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION BEING FLASHED. NOTICED VEHICLE SURGING WITH RPM INCREASE AFTER DRIVING A WHILE. OH, BY THE WAY, YEA, THE BALL JOINTS NEEDED REPLACED AT ~18000 MILES TOO (10/2002)!*AK
Steering, Suspension, Dec 11, 2003
HAD TO REPLACE UPPER & LOWER BALL JOINTS IN MY 2001 DURANGO AFTER REPLACING PREMATURELY WORN OUT TIRES, DEALER SAID IT WOULD COST CLOSE TO $1,000 SINCE I AM 1,000 MILES OVER MY WARRANTY. ALSO HAD TO REPLACE POWER STEERING PUMP AT A COST OF $600 DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS A RESULT OF THE DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS HOWEVER. *AK
Suspension, Dec 10, 2003
PE 03-032, FRONT SUSPENSION/UPPER BALL JOINT: THE UPPER BALL JOINT WORE OUT PREMATURELY. *AK THE PROBLEM WAS NOTICED DURING MAINTENANCE. *SCC *JB
Suspension, Dec 10, 2003
THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WORE OUT PREMATURELY (PE 03-032, FRONT SUSPENSION/UPPER BALL JOINTS). *AK THE FRONT END POPPED WHILE MAKING TURNS. *NM
Suspension, Dec 8, 2003
MY 2001 DODGE DURANGO HAS BEEN "CLANKING" IN THE FRONT END FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. AFTER TAKING IT TO SEVERAL MECHANICS AND 2 DODGE DEALERS, THE PROBLEM HAS FINALLY BEEN DIAGNOSED - BAD CONTROL ARM AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. MUCH TO MY DISMAY, THIS REPAIR WILL COST OVER A THOUSAND DOLLARS. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS MILES ON IT, WE ARE CONSERVATIVE DRIVERS AND TRY OUR BEST TO MAINTAIN OUR CARS. HAD THIS BEEN THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE I MIGHT NOT HAVE CONTACTED YOU - AS IT TURNS OUT, WE HAVE HAD PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR, SINCE BECOMING OWNERS FEB. 2002. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY OUR LOCAL DEALER, CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SEVERAL INTERNET SITES THAT THIS PART HAS BEEN FAULTY ON MANY VEHICLES, AND MY CAR IS NOT ALONE. AS A RESULT OF DODGE OWNERS EVERYWHERE HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS, I HAVE LEARNED THAT THIS PART MAY BE DEEMED FAULTY AND A RECALL MAY ENSUE AS A RESULT. I FEEL THAT THIS CAR IS TOO "YOUNG" TO BE EXPERIENCING SUCH MAJOR MECHANICAL PROBLEMS, AND SUPPORT A RECALL NOTICE. APPARENTLY THE JOINTS SEPARATE AND THE WHEEL CAN "FALL OFF" WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION.....HOW DANGEROUS! *AK
Suspension, Dec 2, 2003
PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S BALL JOINTS.*MR THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE FRONT BALL JOINTS WERE WORN OUT. *JB *NM
Steering, Suspension, Dec 2, 2003
I OWN A 2001 DODGE DURANGO. IN 2002 I HAD TO HAVE THE WHOLE POWER STEERING RACK AND PUMP REPLACED. N SEPTEMBER OF THIS YEAR I WAS INFORMED THE BALL JOINTS ARE BAD. APPARENTLY THEY HAVE PREMATURELY WORN OUT.*AK
Suspension, Dec 2, 2003
UPON HAVING THE TIRES REPLACED, THE DEALERSHIP NOTICED THAT THE FRONT LEFT UPPER BALL JOINT WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO REPLACE THE PART DUE TO A 800 BACK ORDER. *AK *SCC *JB
Suspension, Dec 1, 2003
VEHICLE FAILED STATE INSPECTION DUE TO PREMATURE WEAR OF UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. PRIOR TO THE INSPECTION, THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED SEVERAL TIMES FOR FRONT END NOISE BY THE DEALERSHIP.*AK
Suspension, Nov 24, 2003
THE OWNER WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THAT THE FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Suspension, Nov 15, 2003
2001 DODGE DURANGO 35,000 MILES PURCHASED NEW FROM DEALER DEFECTIVE BALL- JOINT PROBLEM. *LA