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
665 reports, newest first.
Suspension, Dec 13, 2004
I HAVE BEEN HEARING ABOUT DODGE DURRANGO RECALLS FOR YEARS 00-03 AND I HAVE A 2001. I HAVE RECENTLY ON DECEMBER 2 WENT TO GET NEW TIRES AND AN ALIGNMENT WHEN I WAS NOTIFIED THAT MY BALL JOINTS ON ALL 4 WHEELS WERE BAD, ALONG WITH A LOWER BALL JOINT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. I DON'T FEEL THAT CUSTOMERS OF DAIMLER CHRYSLER SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS. I, FOR ONE DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO GIVE OUT TO REPLACE THIS PROBLEM RIGHT AWAY ESPECIALLY AROUND CHRISTMAS. DAIMLER CHRYSLER SHOULD REPLACE THEM BECAUSE THEY HAVE A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT.
Suspension, Dec 11, 2004
FAILED FRONT END BALL JOINTS. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 9, 2004
THE CONSUMER STATED THE ROTORS FAILED PREMATURELY. DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 9, 2004
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY AND THE FAILED TO STOP COMPLETELY. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
Suspension, Service brakes, Air, Dec 2, 2004
DODGE DEALER INDICATED THAT BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ON BOTH FRONT TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO PREMATURE WEAR. HE STATED THE CAR IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE WHEELS COULD FALL OFF. MY CAR HAS ALWAYS HAD PROBLEMS WITH ITS WHEELS. I HAVE REPLACED THE ROTORS TWICE AND HAD TO BY TIRES SOONER THAN I SHOULD HAVE DUE TO PREMATURE AND UNEVEN WEAR EVEN THOUGH I HAD MY TIRES ROTATED AND REALIGNED FREQUENTLY. WHEN WE FIRST PURCHASED THE CAR IN MADE REALLY STRANGE NOISES AT THE FRONT WHEELS. WE TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET FIXED. THE CAR JUMPY WHEN I GO OVER ROUGH AREAS OF A ROAD. IT SEEMS TO BOUNCE IN ALL DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. I HAVE TO BE VERY CONSCIOUS WHEN GOING OVER UNEVEN ROADS OR I MIGHT LOSS CONTROL OF THE STEERING. I FEEL THAT DODGE SHOULD COVER THE COST OF REPAIRING THE BALL JOINTS. I FEEL IT IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. NONE OF MY OTHER CARS HAVE EVER HAD THIS PROBLEM AND I HAVE A FORD RANGER WITH 210,000 MILES ON IT AND IT IS USED FOR OFF ROAD DRIVING.*AK
Suspension, Dec 1, 2004
WHEN WE PURCHASED NEW TIRES ON 11/29/04, WE WERE INFORMED THAT THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS ARE WORN OUT AND READY TO BREAK. WE WERE TOLD THAT THESE NEED TO BE REPLACED ASAP.*AK
Power train, Nov 30, 2004
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE GEAR WOULD ENGAGED WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE DRIVER WAS CONCERNED AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. *JB *SC
Power train, Nov 29, 2004, crash
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND RUNNING IN THE DRIVEWAY CONSUMER'S TWO-YEAR OLD CHILD WAS ABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK INTO DRIVE. VEHICLE COMMENCED TO ROLL. THEN, 8 YEARS OLD CHILD WAS ABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS ROLLING BACKWARD INTO THE GARAGE. CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER LEFT SIDE WHILE TRYING TO GET INTO THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS IN MOTION. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. *AK
Electrical system, Nov 9, 2004
I OFTEN SMELL A BURNED WIRE SMELL WHEN I GET INTO MY 2001 DODGE DURANGO. RECENTLY I GOT IN AND STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE SERVICE 4 WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND THEY SAID TWO MODULES WHERE BURNED UP. 4 WHEEL DRIVE TRANFER CASE MODULE AND THE TIMING MODULE. I DONT UNDERSTAND HOW THESE MODULES ON A NEW VEHICLE WOULD JUST BURN UP AND THE WIRING SMELL STILL CANNOT BE EXPLAINED. I WAS TRYING TO VISIT YOUR SITE TO SEE IF I AM THE ONLY ONE WITH THESE PROBLEMS. I WILL LIST THE NUMBER OF TIMES I SMELLED THIS BURNED WIRING SMELL. *AK
Air bags, Nov 8, 2004
THE CLOCK SPRING HAS FAILED IN MY 2001 DODGE DURANGO 4WD. THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON, THE STEERING WHEEL RADIO CONTROLS ARE INOPERABLE, THE CRUISE CONTROL IS INOPERABLE, AND THE HORN IS INOPERABLE. SOUNDS LIKE THE SAME ISSUE THAT WAS A RECALL ON THE MINIVANS YET LOCAL DEALERS WANT ME TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 29, 2004
DRIVER SIDE FRONT FLUID LEAKS WHEN BRAKES. FRONT CALIPER BRASS O-RING LEAKS. REPLACED WITH CORRECT SIZE O-RINGS AND BLEED SYSTEM. *BF
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Oct 25, 2004
WE PURCHASED THE CAR ON DECEMBER 1 2000 AND IT WAS BACK AT THE DEALER ON DEC 2 2000, FOR OVER HEATING. THEN AGAIN ON 4-05-01 FOR OVER HEATING, AND AGAIN ON 8-30-01 FOR THE SAME, AND AGAIN ON 10-16-01 FOR THE SAME. THEN 12 MORE TIMES AFTER THE LAST DATE LISTED. THERE HAS BEEN 2 NEW ENGINES PUT INTO THIS CAR. THE DEALER HAS PAID FOR THE REPAIRS EVERY TIME BUT ONE. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED I WAS CROSSING TWO LANES OF ON COMMING TRAFFIC WHEN MY CAR DIED, I HAD MY 3 KIDS IN THE CAR. WE WERE ABLE TO ROLE OUT OF THE INTERSECTION BEFORE BEING HIT. WE ARE TRYING TO GET A BUY BACK FROM CHRYSLER. PLEASE HELP. IF YOU HAVE ANY INFO THAT WILL HELP IN THIS PROCESS WE WOULD LOVE TO KNOW ABOUT IT. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.*AK
Visibility, Oct 20, 2004
CONSUMER STATED THE WINDOW MOTOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAS GONE OUT. THE WINDOW WILL NOT GO UP OR DOWN. SHE STATED SHE COULD HEAR THE MOTOR MAKING A NOISE, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. THIS STARTED LAST WEEK SOME TIME. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THIS PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAVE BEEN HAVING A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDOW MOTORS ON THESE VEHICLES. *JB
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 18, 2004
AT 55,000 MILES I HAD TO REPLACE MY RACK AND PINION AND BALL JOINTS. I REPLACED MY BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS LAST YEAR AND HAVE JUST BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THEM AGAIN. MY VEHICLE IS USED FOR LOCAL HIGHWAY DRIVING.*AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Visibility, Oct 12, 2004
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE ROTORS THREE TIMES AND ALSO HAD THEM RESURFACED 3 TIMES IN 3 YEARS. NOW I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE BALL JOINTS ARE IN VERY BAD SHAPE AND MUST BE REPLACED RIGHT AWAY. I HAVE OWNED OTHER DODGE VEHICLES THROUGH-OUT THE YEARS AND I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS ONE. *NM
Suspension, Oct 9, 2004
CREAKING, CLICKING NOISY FRONT END SINCE 4/2004. REPAIRED ON 4/16/2004 AT FLEMINGTON DODGE CAR & TRUCK COUNTRY. IT IS NOW 10/9/2004 AND THE SAME NOISES ARE STARTING AGAIN, VERY NOISY. I AM TAKING IT BACK TO THE DEALER AGAIN BUT THIS NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED WITH AN APPROPRIATE FINAL RESOLUTION. IT COSTS ME $151.90 TO FIX THIS EACH TIME AND A CAR RENTAL IS REQUIRED. ALSO, IT HAS ONLY BEEN 3.5 MONTHS SINCE THE LAST TIME IT WAS REPAIRED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. *NM
Electrical system, Oct 8, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE HORN HONKED AND THE HEAD LIGHTS FLASHED OFF AND ON WITHOUT WARNING. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Power train, Oct 1, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH DRIVESHAFT FELL OUT. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE PIN, WHICH HOLDS THE DRIVESHAFT IN, BROKE. THE PART AVAILABLE FOR ANALYSIS.*AK
Suspension, Oct 1, 2004
MY 2001 DODGE DURANGO HAS HAD A POPPING NOISE ON THE FRONT END FOR SOME TIME. I RECENTLY HAD TIME TO DISASSEMBLE THE FRONT END AND FOUND THAT MY UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE EXCESSIVELY WORN. I RESEARCHED THE INTERNET TO SEE IF DODGE HAD A RECALL. I ALSO E-MAILED DODGE AND THEY RESPONDED THAT IT IS UNDER INVESTIGATION. UPPER BALL JOINTS, IF ENGINEERED CORRECTLY, SHOULD LAST OVER 100,000 MILES. THE POPPING NOISE HAS BEEN ACTIVE SINCE ~ 50,000 MILES AND I CURRENTLY HAVE 89,000 MILES. I CALLED A LOCAL DODGE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY QUOTED ME $390.00 TO REPAIR ONE UPPER BALL JOINT, WHICH WILL REQUIRE AN ALIGNMENT AS WELL. UPPER BALL JOINTS COST ~ $45.00 AT ANY PARTS DEALER AND ALIGNMENTS ~ $60.00. I DO NOT THINK THAT DODGE SHOULD CHARGE CONSUMERS FOR THEIR FAULTY ENGINEERING. A RECALL SHOULD BE IN EFFECT, BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED CAUSED BY A FAULTY ENGINEERED BALL JOINT.*AK
Visibility, Sep 23, 2004
FOR THE (3) THIRD TIME SINCE WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN 05/2002, THE WINDOW REGULATOR HAS FAILED. THE WINDOW REGULATOR IS A BIG PART THAT FITS INSIDE THE DOOR AND MAKES THE WINDOW GO UP AND DOWN. THIS IS THE THIRD OCCASION WHEN IT HAS BROKEN CAUSING THE WINDOW TO SLIDE DOWN INTO THE DOOR. IT COSTS APPROX. $250-$300 TO GET THIS REPAIRED EVERY TIME. WE ARE NOT DOING ANYTHING EXTRAORDINARY TO WARRANT THIS KIND OF DEFECT IN THIS PART. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM ASAP!!! *JB
Suspension, Sep 23, 2004
THIS IS A CHRONIC ONGOING PROBLEM THAT HAS NEVER BEEN RESOLVED. THE FRONT END OF MY DURANGO WILL NOT STAY ALIGNED FOR EVEN A WEEK. IT IS SO BAD THAT IT PULLS SO HARD TO ONE SIDE, THAT IT BECOMES UNDRIVABLE AND EXTREMELY UNSAFE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, WHO CHARGED ME A LOT OF MONEY, TO CONTINUOUSLY TELL ME THEY HAVE REALIGNED IT AND AS SOON AS I LEAVE THE PARKING LOT IT STARTS PULLING. THEY TRY TO TELL ME IT IS JUST THE ROAD GRADE. IT IS NOT! *JB
Steering, Sep 21, 2004, crash
DRIVING 2001 DODGE DURANGO WITH 36,000 MILES ON I-295 N IN NEW JERSEY GOING 45-55MPH - STEERING SUDDENLY FAILED - CAR WILDELY WENT TO LEFT SLAMMING INTO GUARD RAIL. *AK
Suspension, Sep 15, 2004
2ND ALIGNEMENT IN 6 MONTHS. MECHANIC SHOWED DETERIORATED BALL JOINTS AND PLAY. UNABLE TO CORRECT ALIGNEMENT ISSUES DUE TO SEVERLY WORN BALL JOINT COMPONENTS. WORN TIRES DUE TO CONDITION.*AK
Suspension, Sep 8, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH FRONT END SHOOK VIOLENTLY. DEALER STATED THAT UPPER BALL JOINTS WORE OUT COMPLETELY. *AK *TS
Suspension, Sep 8, 2004
FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS WORE OUT PREMATURELY. *AK *SC