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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 665

Of the 2001 reports, 60 involved a crash and 20 involved a fire. 55 people were injured.

Primary concernSuspension264 reports · 40% of complaints
Owner complaints665Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship7 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Suspension264
  2. Power train105
  3. Electrical system90
  4. Engine and engine cooling54
  5. Service brakes54
  6. Steering48
  7. Hydraulic45
  8. Air bags43

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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.

  1. Power train, Sep 7, 2004

    THE CHILD PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR. THERE WERE NO KEYS ,THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACK. *JB

  2. Suspension, Sep 1, 2004

    FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS ARE WEARING OUT PREMATURELY. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO PASS INSPECTION, UNLESS REPLACED. *AK *TC

  3. Suspension, Aug 31, 2004

    PE 03-032, FRONT SUSPENSION/UPPER BALL JOINTS: WHILE GETTING A FRONT END ALIGNMENT CONSUMER FOUND THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WORE OUT. *AK *NM

  4. Suspension, Aug 29, 2004

    I WAS TURNING A CORNER GOING LESS 10 MILES AN HOUR,WHEN I HEARD A POP, LIKE A FLAT TIRE WOULD MAKE ,AND THEN THE CAR SHIFTED TO THE LEFT DRIVER SIDE. THE WHEEL HAD BROKE OFF WHERE THE BALL JOINTS MEET. THE TIRE WAS SITTING UNDER THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FRAME. THE COMPLETE DAMAGE AND REPAIRED PARTS TO THE VEHICLE, WAS THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS, TWO BOOTS AND AN ALIGNMENT WAS DONE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP(SPRADLEY MOTORS),WHERE THEY GOT APPROVAL FROM THE WARRANTY TO FIX AND REPLACE. I DON'T KNOW IF PART IS AVAILABLE. *JB

  5. Steering, Aug 25, 2004

    WHILE DRIVING 12 MPH FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OUTER TIE ROD SNAPPED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK

  6. Steering, Suspension, Aug 24, 2004, crash

    I WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN TO ENTER A PARKING RAMP AT WORK WHEN UNEXPECTEDLY I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL MY VEHICLE, AS A RESULT I COLLIDED WITH A CONCRETE WALL.*AK I HAD SOME DIGITAL PICTURES TAKEN AS THE POLICE WOULD NOT COME TO FILE A REPORT ON PRIVATE PROPERY. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MAJOR DAMAGE AND I'M CONVINCED THIS IS RELATED TO A POOR DESIGN/WEAK PARTS USED IN THE STEERING LINKAGE/SUSPENSION SYSTEM.

  7. Suspension, Aug 23, 2004

    BALL JOINTS DEFECTIVE. *AK

  8. Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 22, 2004

    #1-3 INCIDENTS OF FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS LOCKING UP CAUSING SIGNIFICANT STEERING AND CONTROL PROBLEMS, REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FRONT HUB BEARINGS AS A RESULT AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE; #2-LEFT UPPER BALL JOINT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT TO MAINTAIN SAFETY OF VEHICLE (RIGHT SIDE BEGINNING TO MAKE THE SAME SOUND); #3-MULTIPLE INCIDENTS (AT LEAST 5) OF CEL COMING ON WITHIN LAST 9 MONTHS-THE LAST (8/20/04) INDICATES THAT THE FUEL PUMP, GAS TANK, AND OTHER COMPONENTS WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED AS THE GAS TANK BECOMES CONCAVE AFTER THE VEHICLE RUNS FOR 15-30 MINUTES LEADING TO A POSSIBLE EXPLOSION. *JB

  9. Steering, Aug 20, 2004, fire

    ON APRIL 26, 2004 I ARRIVED AT A BUSINESS MEETING AND PARKED MY 2001 R/T DURANGO, AND SET MY ALARM WITH THE KEYLESS ENTRY. FROM MY CLIENT'S OFFICE I NOTICED WHITISH/GRAY SMOKE AND OBSERVED THAT THE SMOKE WAS BILLOWING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF MY TRUCK! I RUSHED OUTSIDE.UPON ARRIVING IN THE PARKING LOT I WAS STOPPED BY THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT FROM APPROACHING MY DURANGO AS THEY WERE AFRAID IT MIGHT EXPLODE.THE FLAMES WERE ALREADY FOUR FEET ABOVE THE HOOD.THE FIRE TOOK MY ENGINE, BUMPERS, LIGHTS, HOOD, FENDER, LEFT FRONT TIRE & SEVERALLY DAMAGED THE CAR DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF MINE & SLIGHTLY DAMAGED THE CAR TO THE LEFT CORNER. STATE FARM'S INVESTIGATION DETERMINED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE IGNITION OF POWER STEERING FLUID ONTO HOT SURFACES OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WITH THE FIRE EXTENDING UPWARD AND OUTWARD, CAUSING THE DAMAGE PRESENT" WHICH WAS THE TOTAL LOSS OF MY VEHICLE. I FILED A SPECIAL INVESTIGATION REPORT WITH CHRYSLER AND THEY SENT ME BACK A LETTER STATING THAT MY CLAIM WAS DENIED. IN OTHER WORDS NOTHING WAS DONE BY CHRYSLER TO CORRECT THE FAILURE ALTHOUGH STATE FARM IS IN SUBROGATION AS THEY FOUND SEVERAL TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS # 19-005-03 AND 19-009-00 THAT THEY FEEL PERTAINED TO THIS EVENT.THE THIRD PARTY FIRE INVESTIGATOR INFORMED ME THAT THIS HAPPENED BEFORE, AND THAT THE PERSON THAT CHRYSLER SENT TO INSPECT VEHICLE WAS NOT A LICENSED FIRE INSPECTOR, AND THAT MR. PITT (CHRYSLER'S REP.) WAS NOT QUALIFIED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE.I WROTE A LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CHRYSLER AND THE DIRECTOR OF CUSTOMER SERVICE. A MONTH LATER RECEIVED A CALL FROM THEM STATING AGAIN THAT MY CLAIM WAS DENIED, AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT TELL ME WHAT THEY DETERMINED CAUSED THE FIRE ON RECOMMENDATION FROM THEIR LEGAL STAFF.I REPLIED IT SOUNDED LIKE THEY WERE TRYING TO HIDE SOMETHING, AND HE TOLD ME THAT HE WOULD REFER MY CLAIM BACK TO THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATION UNIT, AND I AM STILL WAITING FOR A RETURNED CALL. THE LAST CONTACT WAS 7/15/2004. *AK

  10. Suspension, Aug 19, 2004

    WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE OWNER THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINT HAD FAILED. THE CONSUMER WILL HAVE THE MECHANIC FIX THE UPPER BALL JOINT. *JB *SC *JB

  11. Suspension, Aug 12, 2004

    WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR A ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

  12. Air bags, Aug 12, 2004, crash

    THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN IT STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE HEAD ON AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB

  13. Suspension, Aug 12, 2004, crash

    PE 03 032/ FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE: WHILE DRIVING 20-25 MPH THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ON THE RIGHT SIDE BROKE. THE CONDITION CAUSED A VEHICLE ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE VEHICLE STRUCK A SPEED SIGN AND A TELEPHONE POLE. THE CONSUMER WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL FOR A CONCUSSION AND MINOR BRUISES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THEY WERE GOING TO SEND OUT AN INVESTIGATOR CONCERNING THESE ISSUES. *JB *SC *JB

  14. Power train, Aug 4, 2004

    FAILED TRANSMISSION ON 2001 DODGE DURANGO.*MR WHILE DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT ALL REGULAR MAINTENANCE WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE AND FELT THAT THIS FAILURE SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST WHO INSTALLED A RECONDITIONED TRANSMISSION AND TORQUE CONVERTER. THE CONSUMER HAS ANOTHER DODGE TRUCK WHICH ALSO EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COST OF THE NEW TRANSMISSION. *NM *JB

  15. Engine and engine cooling, Jul 29, 2004

    (1) EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE, WHILE DRIVING ON A 20 MILE DIRT MOUNTAIN ROAD WITH VERY LITTLE GRADE AT A SLOW SPEED OF 10 TO 20 MILES AN HOUR. AC WAS NOT ON!. 2) FAILURE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES, OVERHEATING FOR UNKNOWN REASON. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT STAY COOL AND ENDED UP USING OUR 4 GALLONS DRINKING WATER TO KEEP IT COOL. CONSEQUENCE, THE HEADS ON THE TRUCK WARPED DUE TO FAILURE OF THE HEAD GASKET. *AK (3) WHAT WAS DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE; I.E, PARTS REPAIRED OR REPLACED (AND IF OLD PART IS AVAILABLE) A DEALER SERVICE MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE THE NEXT DAY. EXHAUST GASES WERE DETECTED IN THE COOLANT WATER. THIS WAS DUE TO A HEAD GASKET FAILURE. AFTER THE HEADS WERE REMOVED AND SENT TO A HEAD SHOP FOR INSPECTION AND REMOVAL OF COMPONENTS IT WAS DISCOVERED THE HEADS WERE WARPED. THE MECHANIC CONTACTED A DODGE DEALER AND HE WAS ADVISED THE HEAD PART NUMBERS WERE CHANGED DUE TO A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE CURRENT HEADS. NEW HEADS ARE ON ORDER AT THIS TIME AND OTHER COMPONENTS WILL BE INSPECTED OVER THE NEXT 2 DAYS. THE EXPENSE AND INCONVENIENCE OF THIS FAILURE IS COSTING ME APPROXIMATELY $5000.00 OVER THE NEXT 7 DAYS OF NOT HAVING A VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER DRIVEN TO EXCUSIVE HEATING. THE TEMPERATURE WAS ONLY RUNNING .25% HOTTER THAN NORMAL WITH LOSS OF POWER AND WATER OVER FLOWING FROM OVER FLOW BOTTLE. THE TEMPERATURE GAGE WAS ONLY SHOWING JUST BELOW SCALE AND NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE IS JUST BELOW OF THE GAGE. THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED APPROXIMATELY 32 TIMES BEFORE I COULD GET HELP ON THE OTHER END OF THE DIRT ROAD. OUT SIDE TEMP IN THE CANYON WAS NO MORE THAN 85 DEGREES.

  16. Suspension, Jul 7, 2004

    THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WORE PREMATURELY. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE'S WHEEL WOULD SEPARATE WHILE DRIVING. *NM *SC *JB

  17. Visibility, Jun 30, 2004

    WINDOW REGULATOR, PLASTIC PIECE THAT ALLOWS THE WINDOW TO MOVE UP AND DOWN, HAS BROKEN TWICE WITHIN THE LAST YEAR. *AK

  18. Suspension, Jun 23, 2004

    CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. UPON INSPECTION BY THE DEALERSHIP CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

  19. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 22, 2004

    WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES VEHICLE PULSATED/VIBRATED. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. *AK *NM

  20. Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 16, 2004

    MY 2001 DURANGO HAS HAD THE ROTORS GO BAD AND THE BALL JOINTS (BOTH OF WHICH COST ME MONEY). THE VEHICLE HAS 55000 MILES ON IT AND IS DRIVEN 95% OF THE TIME ON THE INTERSTATE SYSTEM. ALTHOUGH I LIKE THE VEHICLE, I THINK THE MFT SHOULD PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT. I ALSO, THINK IT IS TIME FOR A RECALL. I AM HARD PRESSED TO BUY ANOTHER DODGE ( I OWN TWO) KNOWING THAT THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT MY SAFETY!*AK

  21. Equipment, Jun 10, 2004

    A/C FAILED - EVAPORATOR BOX NEEDS TO BE REPLACED - LABOR COSTS ARE ASTRONOMICAL!! I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS MODEL AS WELL AS THE DODGE INTREPID. *AK

  22. Suspension, Jun 8, 2004

    LOUD SQUEAKING UNDER THE FRONT END, AND THE VEHICLE WOULD BECOME VERY UNSTABLE AFTER HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WOULD ACTUALLY BOUNCE IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS AFTER HITTING A LARGE BUMP. TURNING THE WHEEL THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE IN THE WHEEL AND STEERING WHEEL. AT 41,000 MILES, BOTH OF THE FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR "EXCESSIVE WEAR". THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT MOST BALL JOINTS DON'T LOOK THIS BAD UNTIL YOU'VE HIT WELL OVER 100K. WE DO NOT GO 4-WHEELING IN OUR DURANGO, WE DO NOT DRIVE RECKLESSLY. THIS VEHICLE IS OWNED BY AN AMPUTEE WHO USUALLY ONLY DRIVES IT ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS COST US OVER $1,000 TO FIX, AS CHRYSLER WOULD NOT HELP. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE, AND CHRYSLER HAS NOT ISSUED A TSB OR RECALL ON IT BECAUSE SUPPOSEDLY NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED. *AK

  23. Electrical system, Jun 7, 2004

    CAR FAN BLOWER FOR A/C & HEAT JUST STOPPED AT 61,000 MILES. CAR IS ONLY 2001. LOADED DURANGO IN EXCELLENT SHAPE. HARD TO BELIEVE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. DEALER SAID THIS WAS COMMON. TALKED TO MANY PEOPLE SAID IT WAS NOT A COMMON PROBLEM. *AK

  24. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 3, 2004

    MY WIFE AND I OWN A 2001 DODGE DURANGO SLT. GREAT CAR BUT VERY DANGEROUS AND REMARKABLY OBVIOUS DESIGN FLAW IN THE FRONT ROTORS. WE CURRENTLY HAVE 30,000 MILES ON OR DURANGO AND I 'M GETTING READY TO PUT THE THIRD SET OF ROTORS ON THE FRONT END. THE FIRST CHANGED SET WAS PUT ON AFTER ONLY 9200 MILES. OF COURSE AT THE DEALERSHIP YOU GET THE BLAH, BLAH ABOUT HOW IT IS A NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ITEM. WHICH I AGREE IT IS;HOWEVER, IT IS NOT NORMAL TODAY OR YESTERDAY FOR ANY ROTOR ON ANY VEHICLE TO WARP SO BADLY AFTER ONLY 8000 MILES OF USE. ROTORS WARP FROM EXCESSIVE HEAT BUILDUP-> THAT IS A FACT. I DID FURTHER RESEARCH THROUGH VARIOUS DODGE DEALERSHIPS. OF THE FIVE RESPECTIVE DEALERSHIPS CONTACTED ALL FIVE AGREED THAT THE ROTORS ARE UNDERSIZED AND ARE PRE-MATURELY WEARING ON ALL DODGE DURANGOS, BUT THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT. WHEN I CHANGED THE ROTORS AFTER ONLY 8000 MILES I WAS FAIRLY SURPRISED TO SEE ALMOST NO WEAR ON THE FRONT BRAKE PADS. REGARDLESS OF THIS SMALL AMOUNT OF WEAR I DECIDED TO REPLACE THE FRONT PADS WITH NEW HIGH END CERAMIC PADS WHICH HELP WITH REDUCING HEAT BY HELPING DISSIPATE HEAT THROUGH THE CERAMIC MEDIA. AT 17,000 MILES WARPED ROTORS ON THE FRONT END AGAIN, CERAMIC PADS LOOKED GREAT. I DO NOT PULL A BOAT/ RV OR ANYTHING ELSE ON MY VEHICLE. I LIVE IN FLAT CORN COUNTRY NOT COLORADO WITH EXCESSIVE MOUNTAINS THAT WOULD PUT STRAIN ON THE BRAKING SYSTEM. BRAKES ARE THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT PART ON ANY VEHICLE, AND WHEN THEY ARE UNDERSIZED AND DON'T DISSIPATE HEAT CORRECTLY THEY WILL WARP EVERYTIME. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT IS NOT ISOLATED AND IS PREVALENT WITH EVERY 2001 DURANGO. I HOPE I'M NOT WASTING MY FINGERS TIME AND THAT THIS HAS SOME IMPACT ON DODGE, SO THAT THEY MAY RIGHT THIS WRONG AND GET RECALL PERFORMED BEFORE SOMEONE OR MORE PEOPLE ARE KILLED AND INJURED FROM THIS CONDITION. *JB

  25. Suspension, May 27, 2004

    THE VEHICLE FAILED PENNSYLVANIA STATE INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S UPPER BALL JOINTS NEEDE DTO BE REPALCED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM