2002 Dodge Durango
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 434 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 25 Durango model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 38 involved a crash and 13 involved a fire. 40 people were injured and 3 people died.
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
Visibility, windshield wiper/washerMay 5, 2004
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE MOTOR MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD CAUSE INTERNAL CORROSION AND RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPING CAPABILITY.
DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 04V216000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: suspension
143 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Aug 27, 2004
VISITED YOUR WEBSITE TO CHECK ON REPORTS BECAUSE WE HAVE A 2002 DURANGO R/T WHICH IS OMMITING A SMALL CONSTANT SQEAKING NOISE FROM BOTH SIDES AT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND AM HORRIFIED TO READ ABOUT THE PROBLEMS PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HAVING WITH BALL JOINTS. I AM EXTREMELY WORRIED NOW AND WANT TO KNOW IF I CAN GET THE DEALERS ANYTHING ABOUT IT AT NO COST TO ME OR IF IT IS STILL AT THE STAGE WHERE IT HAS NOT BEEN ACKNOWLEDGED BY THEM AND WILL NOT BE UNTIL SOMEBODY DIES AS USUAL. THE ISSUE WITH THE WIPER MOTOR I PRESUME I CAN MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A LOCAL DEALER AND HAVE THIS CHANGED FREE OF CHARGE. I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR REPLY, MANY THANKS NEILL GRIFFIN . *AK
Suspension, Aug 17, 2004
TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR A SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE TIRES CHANGED. UPON HAVING THE TIRES CHANGED MACHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE TOP BALL JOINTS BROKE. *AK
Steering, Suspension, Aug 5, 2004
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL HAD A LOT OF PLAY IN IT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS LIFTED HAVING AN OIL CHANGE PERFORMED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE WHEEL INSPECTED. DEALERSHIP INDICATED AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE THAT FRONT BALL JOINTS, LEFT OUTER TIE ROD, AND THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK
Suspension, Jul 29, 2004
AFTER NOTICING STRANGE NOISES FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION OF THE 2002 DURANGO, I TOOK IT TO THE DELAERSHIP. THYE COULD NOT IDENTIFY ANY PROBLEMS. OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS THE NOISES HAVE BECOME MORE PRONOUNCED, AND NOW SEEM TO COEM FROM EVERY TIRE/ CORNER OF THE VEHILCE. TOOK THE TRUCK IN A SECOND TIME- NOTHING COULD BE FOUND, DEALER SAID THEY TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE DOWN THE VERY SAME ROAD THAT I HEAR THE NOISES- LIKE A LOOSE MECHANICAL CONNECOION, AND A FEW SQUEAKS, AND RATTLES. WILL TAK CAR IN FOR THIRD TIME 7/30/04- I HOPE THEY CAN FIX THE PROBLEM ON THIS $35000 TRUCK.*AK
Suspension, Jul 25, 2004
HEAR RATLING IN FRONT SUSPENSION. DEALER INVESTIGATION REVEALED PREMATURE WEAR OF BALL JOINTS. DEALER SUGGESTED TO WAIT, AS A POSSIBLE RECALL MAY OCCUR.*AK
Suspension, Jul 25, 2004
UPPER BALL JOINTS CHECKED, FOUND OVER .500 VERTICAL TRAVEL IN BOTH, RETAINED DEFECTIVE PARTS. MILAGE AT TIME OF REPAIR WAS 80,000. DUE TO LACK OF REPLACEMENT BALL JOINTS, BOTH UPPER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACED AT A COST OF OVER $1000, PAID BY ME. REPAIR DATE WAS 1-24-2004. THE DEFECTIVE PARTS WERE REPLACED WITH EXACTLY THE SAME UNIT. CURRENT MILAGE ON MY VEHICLE IS APPROX 106,000. I WILL NEED TO REPLACE THE BALL JPINT ASSEMBLIES FOR A SECOND TIME WITHIN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS. WHEN IS NHTSA GOING TO FORCE CHRYSLER TO RECALL THIS DANGEROUSLY DEFECTIVE VEHICLE AND REPAIR THEM WITH REDESIGNED BALL JOINTS?*AK
Suspension, Jul 19, 2004
2002 DODGE DURANGO UPPER BALL JOINT EXCESSIVE WEAR. *JB
Suspension, Jul 17, 2004
PREMATURE WEARING OF BALL JOINTS . *AK
Suspension, Jul 13, 2004
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED CONSUMER NOTICED UNEVEN WEAR AND TEAR ON ALL FOUR TIRES. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Suspension, Jun 25, 2004
OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, I NOTICED EXTENSIVE NOISE IN THE FRONT END OF MY 2002 DURANGO. IT GOT WORSE AND WAS MOST PROMINENT WHEN STRIKING POTHOLES OR CHANGES IN THE SURFACE ELEVATION WHEN DRIVING OR MOVING THE VEHICLE. AT 35,000 MILES I TOOK IT IN TO THE SELLING DEALERSHIP FOR A CHECK UP. I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE BALL JOINT SITUATION, AS IT WAS QUITE A PUBLIC AFFAIR. THE FRONT END NOISE BECAME SO LOUD THAT IT SOUNDED AS IF SOMEONE WAS STRIKING THE UNDERCARRIAGE WITH A SLEDGE HAMMER.*AK IT WAS DETERMINED THAT ALL FOUR OF THE BALL JOINTS, UPPER AND LOWER, HAD FAILED, WERE WORN OUT. THEY WERE ALL REPLACED AT NO COST TO ME, AS THE REPAIR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I JUST WANTED TO REPORT THIS, AS THE UPPER BALL JOINTS ARE NOT THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH THIS SUSPENSION SYSTEM. I TRUST THAT THE NEWER BALL JOINTS, NOT TRW, WERE PLACED ON MY VEHICLE. IF THIS IS A REPAIR THAT MUST OCCUR EVERY 36K MILES OR SO, THIS WILL GET EXPENSIVE. THANK YOU.
Suspension, Jun 15, 2004
I WANT TO JOIN THE GROWING LIST OF CONSUMERS COMPLAINING ABOUT THE DODGE DURANGO UPPER BALL JOINT PROBLEM. ON APRIL 15, 2004 I HAD TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENT UPPER BALL JOINTS AT A COST OF $468.16 - THE TRUCK HAD ABOUT 40,000 MILES ON IT. DODGE NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM NOW. WHEN THE MECHANIC PUT THE TRUCK UP ON THE RACK, THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WOBBLED VERY BADLY. SHE SAID "THIS IS VERY SERIOUS." THERE WERE NO STEERING PROBLEMS AND NO WARNING NOISES, I JUST TOOK THE TRUCK IN TO BE CHECKED FOR MY OWN PEACE OF MIND. DOES THE WHEEL HAVE TO FALL OFF AS A FIRST WARNING. *AK
Suspension, Power train, Jun 4, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A BALL JOINT PROBLEM. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT TIRE SHOP TO GET THE TIRES BALANCED AND ALIGNED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE. *AK THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE ALIGNED DUE TO THE BALL JOINTS. THE DODGE DEALER DENIED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BALL JOINTS. FINALLY THE DEALER FOUND PLAY ON ONE SIDE AND WANTED TO REPLACE BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS. (THE DEALER REP STATED THAT THEY WERE TRAINED TO CHECK THEM A CERTAIN WAY AND THEY WOULD NOT HAVE FOUND PLAY THE WAY THAT THEY WERE CHECKING THEM) THE TRANSMISSION WOULD INTERMITTENTLY NOT UPSHIFT, HOWEVER THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE. *SC *JB
Suspension, May 21, 2004
NO OBVIOUS SYMPTOMS, JUST GETTING AN INSPECTION TO RENEW LICENSE. MECHANIC SAYS IT FAILED DUE TO BAD UPPER RIGHT BALL JOINT. HE SHOWED ME THE WHEEL AND IT WOULD MOVE SIDEWAYS A FULL 1" BACK AND FORTH! THIS JOINT IS READY TO FAIL COMPLETELY AND I HAVE HAD NO WARNING, NO NOISE, NO LOOSE FEELING IN THE STEERING, NOTHING. ONLY 46,000 MILES ON VEHICLE, DIDN'T EXPECT A PROBLEM LIKE THAT. THANK GOD THAT MISSOURI REQUIRES AN INSPECTION EVERY OTHER YEAR! I WILL REQUEST THE MECHANIC SAVE THE PART WHEN REPLACED.*AK
Suspension, Apr 27, 2004
LOUD POPPING NOISE IN SUSPENSION OF 2002 DODGE DURANGO; LOOSENED STEERING. *AK
Suspension, Apr 23, 2004
I HAVE A 2002 DODGE DURANGO THAT IS EXPERIENCING EVERY PROBLEM THAT IS KNOWN WITH DODGE BALL JOINTS AND BRAKES. APR-2004 I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL FREEZING WHILE TURNING LEFT AND THE STEERING LOCKS AT 20-25MPH. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO GREENFIELD DODGE AND INFORMED THEM OF THE PROBLEMS, ALSO THE PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT BRAKES. THEY NOTED THAT THEY "TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE FOUND THE LOWER BALL JOINTS TO HAVE EXCESSIVE PLAY (.075). THE SERVICE GROUP INFORMED ME THAT THIS INCIDENT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY. AFTER SEVERAL HOURS THEY FINALLY DECIDED TO REPLACE THE PART. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE CAR WOULD BE READY AT 7:00PM THAT EVENING THE CAR WOULD BE READY. AFTER WAITING SEVERAL HOURS I MADE ARRANGEMENTS TO GET TO THE SERVICE SHOP, WHERE THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY NEVER BROUGHT THE CAR IN BECAUSE "OTHER THINGS CAME UP". I HAD NO WAY TO GET HOME SO I HAD TO RENT A CAR FROM THE DEALER SHIP. THE NEXT DAY I PICKED UP THE CAR AND HAD TO PAY $30 FOR THE RENTAL AND $108 FOR MY DEDUCTIBLE. REGARDING THE BRAKES. I DECIDED TO HAVE THE BRAKES FIXED AT MIDAS BECAUSE I WAS NOT HAPPY WITH THE SERVICE AT DODGE. THE MECHANIC AT MIDAS REMOVED THE PADS AND THE CALIBER AND INFORMED ME THAT THE PINS THAT GO INTO THE CALIBER WERE STRIPPED. HE STATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON THING THAT THEY HAVE SEEN WITH THE DODGE TRUCKS. THEY HAD TO TAP AND INSTALL A HELI-COIL. I PICKED UP THE CAR AND HAD TO PAY $30 FOR THE RENTAL AND $108 FOR MY DEDUCTIBLE. THE ENTIRE FEE FOR THE BRAKE SERVICE WITH THE ADDITIONAL PARTS THAT INCLUDED A HELI-COIL KIT AND SERVICE CAME TO $292.13. THE TWO DAY EXPERIENCE LEFT A VERY BAD TASTE IN MY MOUTH AND WALLET.*AK
Suspension, Apr 19, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED CONSUMER HEARD A SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Suspension, Apr 6, 2004
LETTER REPORTING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FRONT RIGHT BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY AT 19K MILES. *PH THE DEALER REPLACED THE BALL JOINT FREE OF CHARGE. *SC *JB
Suspension, Apr 1, 2004
DURING A VEHICLE STATE INSPECTION, THE MECHANIC FOUND THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE NOT IN COMPLIANCE BECAUSE THEY WERE WORN OUT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB *MR
Suspension, Mar 22, 2004
I PURCHASED A 2002 DODGE DURANGO 2WD SPORT IN AUG. OF 2001. IN JULY OF 2002, I NOTICED THAT THE SUSPENSION ON THE LEFT WAS MAKING NOISE AND DIDN'T FEEL RIGHT. IT WAS FOUND THAT THE A-FRAME AND BALL JOINT ON THE LEFT WERE FAILING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THANKFULLY, I CAUGHT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE THE SUSPENSION FAILED COMPLETELY. I WAS VERY CONCERNED THAT A VEHICLE SO NEW WOULD HAVE THIS KIND OF ISSUE. THANKFULLY, I HAD WARRANTY COVERAGE TO PAY FOR THE EXPENSIVE REPAIRS.*AK
Suspension, Mar 17, 2004
2002 DURANGO BALL JOINTS: AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS BY DEALER, OVER ONE YEAR PERIOD, TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR "POPPING SOUND/FRONT SUSPENSION/SLOW SPEED/WHEN TURNING ABRUPTLY, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. L&R CONTROL ARMS REPLACED DUE TO BAD BUSHINGS. SVC. MGR. INDICATED TO ME INTEGRAL RIGHT UPPER BALL JOINT LOOSE IN IT'S SOCKET. *NM
Suspension, Mar 16, 2004
UPPER BALL JOINTS WEAR OUT EXCESSIVELY. *AK
Suspension, Mar 10, 2004
WHILE DRIVING HEARD A VERY LOUD CLICKING, POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN OUT. *AK
Suspension, Mar 9, 2004
CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO BE INSPECTED, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE WEARING OUT PREMATURELY. CONSUMER HAD THE UPPER BALL JOINTS REPLACED. *AK
Suspension, Mar 9, 2004
FAILED BALL JOINTS: ARM, UPPER CONTROL HAD TO HAVE THE ABOVE PARTS REPLACED ON 2002 DODGE DURANGO AT 36956MILES ON THE VEHICLE. HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNED THE WHEEL ONE DIRECTION, WHICH PROMPTED ME TO TAKE IT TO THE SHOP. WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IT HAD BEEN A DEMO AND HAD 28179MILES.I'M SURE THEY REPLACED THE BAD BALL JOINTS WITH THE SAME MODEL OF BALLJOINTS THEREFORE I'M AFFRAID THEY ARE GOING TO FAIL AGAIN. I HAVE A 1 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND THE VEHICLE IS USED TO TAKE HER TO AND FROM DAYCARE AS WELL AS TO TRANSPORT ME TO WORK.I AM SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR AND AM LOOKING INTO TRADING IT OFF FOR A FORD.
Suspension, Mar 8, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH A LOUD BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WHEELS. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC REPLACED BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. *AK