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, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 8, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH VEHICLE HIT A POT HOLE . CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND HIT A CURB. PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL FELL OFF. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC REPLACED BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. *AK EA03-023
Suspension, Mar 5, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WHEN CROSSING A BUMP IN THE ROAD TIRES GRABBED THE BUMP. WHEN TURNING CORNERS THERE WAS A CLANKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT WHEELS. ALSO, THERE WERE TIMES WHEN TURNING LEFT REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WOULD WANT TO GO IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION.*AK
Suspension, Mar 5, 2004
WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A SQUEAKING NOISE IN THE RIGHT FRONT END. DEALERSHIP INSPECTED VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT LOCATE THE CAUSE OF THE SQUEAK. CONSUMER FELT THE SQUEAK MIGHT BE DUE TO THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. *AK
Suspension, Mar 4, 2004
INQUIRED THE STATUS OF COMPLAINT THAT WAS FAXED PERTAINING TO 2002 DODGE DURANGO UPPER BALL JOINTS. *PH INVESTIGATION EA 03-023. *NM
Suspension, Mar 4, 2004
WHEN BACKING OUT WITH STEERING WHEEL TURNED TO THE RIGHT VEHICLE MADE A CLICKING NOISE. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. *AK
Suspension, Mar 4, 2004
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE COMING THROUGH THE FROM END. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, MECHANIC INDICATED NEED TO BE REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS AT OWNER EXPENSES. AND CONSUMER DON'T HAVE THE MONEY.
Suspension, Mar 4, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED, AND TURNING THE LEFT OR RIGHT CONSUMER HEARD LOUD CLUNKY NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. MECHANIC, AT DELUSIVE INDICATED VEHICLE IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED.
Suspension, Mar 4, 2004
WHILE MAKING RIGHT HAND TURNS CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT PROBLEM PERTAINED TO FRONT UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. *AK
Suspension, Mar 4, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT LOWER SPEED CONSUMER HEAR LOUD NOISE COMING THROUGH THE FRONT END. DEALER HAS INSPECTED SEVERAL TIMES, MECHANIC INDICATED TO THE CONSUMER WE DIDN'T HEARD ANY NOISE IN YOUR CAR, IS FINE.
Suspension, Mar 4, 2004
I HAVE NOTICED STRANGE SOUNDS EMINATING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION OF MY DODGE DURANGO SINCE OCTOBER OF 2003. INITIALLY I ASSUMED THESE SOUNDS WERE FROM COLD SHOCKS SINCE IT FIRST OCCURED WITH THE ONSET OF COLD WEATHER.*AK AFTER SEEING THE STORY ON CBS, I AM NOW CONCERNED ABOUT THE BALL JOINTS. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE BALL JOINTS CHECKED BUT I AM AFRAID TO HAVE THE DEALERSHIP CHECK THEM.
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 3, 2004
I OWN A 2002 DODGE DURANGO WITH 35,000 MILES THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED. I HAVE ALREADY HAD THE DEALER REPLACE 2 WORN BALL JOINTS LAST WEEK, I'VE HAD THE BRAKE PADS REPLACED TWICE, AND ONE ROTOR ON ONE SIDE (IN FRONT) TURNED, AND I AM STILL HEARING STRANGE NOISES. I WOULD LIKE AN INVESTIGATION DONE ON MY VEHICLE, AS I AM DRIVING MY DAUGHTER AND MYSELF AROUND EVERYDAY, AND MY FACTORY WARRANTY IS ABOUT TO EXPIRE. ITS OBVIOUS DAIMLER CHRYSLER IS NOT CONCERNED WITH SAVING PEOPLES LIVES, AS I HAVE JUST WITNESSED THE MARCH THIRD EVENING EDITION OF CBS NEWS WITH DAN RATHER. I AM RATHER CONCERNED THAT THE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY ADMINISTRATION HAS LET DAIMLER CHRYSLER GET AWAY WITH NOT RECALLING THESE PROBLEMS CONSIDERING THE LARGE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS WITH THESE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS. PLEASE HELP ME AND CONTACT ME. THANK YOU. EMAIL ME AT JCOOKIE100@EARTHLINK.NET OR PHONE ME (858)220-0419. IM NOT REAL SURE WHAT TO DO AT THIS POINT. THANK YOU. SIGNED, A CONCERNED PARENT AND DRIVER.*AK
Steering, Suspension, Mar 1, 2004
2002 DODGE DURANGO RIGHT TIE ROD BROKE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE RIGHT INNER TIE ROB SHAFT THREADS WERE STRIPPED AND TH ELEFT FRONT TIE ROD LOOSE AT 25626 MILES. BALL JOINTS CHECKED AND THEY FOUND PLAY IN BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS. ALSO KNOCKING NOISE WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL THE RACK AND PINION WAS ALSO FOUND TO HAVE TO BE REPLACED REPLACED. WE HAD TO PAY FOR A RENTAL CAR THAT WAS NOT COVERED EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS SUPPOSABLE COVERED UNTIL 36000 MILES??? CAR WAS IN SHOP FOR OVER A WEEK AND PARTS WERE JUST 20 MILES AWAY IN OTHER DEALERSHIP. DURANGO DOES HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING WHY IS NOTHING BEING DONE? THANK GOODNESS NOTHING HAPPENED WHILE WE WERE ON THE HIGHWAY OR ELSE THE CAR COULD HAVE FLIPPED.*AK
Suspension, Feb 20, 2004
FAILED STATE INSPECTION, UPPER BALL JOINT. DRIVER SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT HAD TO BE REPLACED AT ONLY 23,300 MILES.*AK
Suspension, Feb 19, 2004
VEHICLE HAD THE YEARLY STATE INSPECTION AND DIDN'T PASS IT. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO REPLACED. *AK *SC
Suspension, Service brakes, Air, Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 15, 2004
MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH 2002 DODGE DURANGO. POWER LOCKS INTERMITTENTLY LOCK AND UNLOCK WITHOUT ACTIVATING THEM. BAD CREAKING NOISE FROM FRONT SUSPENSION, POSSIBLE BALL JOINT PROBLEMS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. BRAKES REALLY SOFT, HORRIBLE STOPPING DISTANCE. ENGINE RUNS REALLY ROUGH IN MORNING FOR FIRST 10-15 MINUTES. ONLY 21000 MILES. *AK
Suspension, Jan 28, 2004
WHILEVEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED BY DEALER, TECHNICIAN DETERMINED UPPER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Suspension, Jan 28, 2004
TOOK MY VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR ROUTINE SERVICE. WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE, I WAS TOLD THAT THE BALL JOINTS WERE IN SUCH BAD CONDITION THAT THEY COULD NOT RELEASE THE VEHICLE TO ME WITHOUT REPLACING THEM BECAUSE OF THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT. THEY SAID THAT THE REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE BACKORDERED BECAUSE OF SO MANY SIMILAR SITUATIONS AND THAT IT MIGHT TAKE A WEEK OR MORE UNTIL I RECEIVED MY VEHICLE BACK. THE VEHICLE HAD ROUGHLY 20,000 MILES ON IT AND IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. IF THIS IS SUCH A COMMON AND HAZARDOUS PROBLEM, WHY NO RECALL? *AK
Suspension, Jan 23, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL SNAPPED OFF WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATED FROM THE AXLE. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS FORCED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. *SC *JB EA03-023
Suspension, Jan 20, 2004
WITH JUST OVER 16K MILES ON MY 2002 DODGE DURANGO, I NOTICED MY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WEARING BADLY ON THE OUTER EDGE. UPON JACKING THE VEHICLE UNDER THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, I FOUND THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINT HAD EXCESSIVE LOOSENESS WHEN THE TIRE/SPINDLE ASSEMBLY WAS SHAKEN. I ALSO FOUND SLIGHTLY LESS PLAY ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE UPPER CONTROLARM/BALL JOINT ASSEMBLYS WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY BUT I AM CONCERNED OF WHETHER THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN IN ANOTHER 16K MILES.HOW CAN I BE ASSURED THE DEALER REPLACED THE PARTS WITH AN IMPROVED VERSION? THE WORN TIRE DUE TO THIS OBVIOUS DEFECT IS INCIDENTAL DAMAGE ACCORDING TO THE DEALER AND IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY AND SO I MUST REPLACE IT MYSELF. I AM NOT HAPPY ABOUT THIS EITHER.*AK
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Equipment, Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004
HERE IS A LIST THAT I HAVE SENT TO DODGE CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE AND 2 DEALERSHIPS 1. INTERMITTENT OR DELAYED ENGAGEMENT AT VEHICLE START UP OPERATION OR ENGAGEMENT AT 26-56 MPH 2. INTERMITTENT ACCELERATION AND SHUDDER DURING TORQUE CONVERTER. OPERATION OR ENGAGEMENT AT 26-56 MPH 3. INTERMITTENT POOR SHIFTING QUALITY?.. IDLE SHAKE, SAG OR HESITATION. WILL NOT ALWAYS ?DOWNSHIFT? WHILE DRIVING 26-54 MPH. 4. INTERMITTENT BUZZ AND OR CLICKING IN REVERSE. (WARM OR COLD) 5. INTERMITTENT SURGING WHILE DRIVING 26-54 MPH. (WARM OR COLD) 6. INTERMITTENT HESITATION ?IDLE SHAKE? SAG WHEN STEPPING ON ACCELERATOR/GAS PEDAL. 7. INTERMITTENT HARSH ENGAGEMENT OF TRANSITION (WARM OR COLD) 8. INTERMITTENT NOISY 3-4 UPSHIFTS . (WARM OR COLD) 9. INTERMITTENT DELAYED DOWN SHIFTS (ALMOST LIKE DROPPING IT IN 1ST WHILE GOING 35 MPH) 10. INTERMITTENT DELAYED UP SHIFTS. (TRANSMISSION FEELS LIKE ITS SLIPPING) 11. UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION (WARM OR COLD) 12. LOUD POPPING NOISE WHILE TURNING. . (WARM OR COLD) 13. TRANSMISSION FAILS TO HOLD IN PARK/ PARK GEAR FAILS TO HOLD!
Suspension, Dec 11, 2003
MY 2002 DODGE DURANGO LEFT AND RIGHT UPPER BALL JOINTS WORE OUT PREMATURELY. THEY COULD NOT BE FIXED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT $625.82 AT A DODGE DEALERSHIP. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT. *AK
Suspension, Dec 5, 2003
AT 27K MILES MY DODGE DURANGO NEEDED BOTH THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS REPLACED FOR BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE. *JB
Suspension, Air bags, Nov 25, 2003, crash
WHILE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF IT. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT BUT STILL SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT KNEE. A POLICE OFFICER ARRIVED ON THE SCENE. ALSO, NHTSA PE 03-032, FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE: WHILE VEHICLE WAS GETTING REPAIRED MECHANIC FOUND THAT UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE WEARING OUT AT AN ALARMING RATE. *AK
Suspension, Nov 20, 2003
DURING INSPECTION, MECHANIC NOTICED THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE WOBBLED. DEALER STATED THE PASSENGER FRONT UPPER BALL JOINT WAS WORN OUT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. PARTS ARE ON BACK ORDER. *PH
Suspension, Oct 28, 2003
2002 DODGE DURANGO: BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS REPLACED AT 18,000 MILES. DEALER INITIALLY REFUSED REPAIR CITING "NO PROBLEM FOUND". I HAD TO PROVE THE BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE BY JACKING THE VEHICLE AND DEMONSTRATING EXCESSIVE PLAY BY MOVING THE WHEEL THAT WAS OFF THE GROUND. ONLY THEN DID THE DEALER ADMIT THE BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE AND REPLACED THEM. YOU NEED TO KNOW THERE ARE MORE DURANGO OWNERS OUT HERE WITH DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS. IN MY OPINION, THEY SHOULD LAST 100,000 MILES+, NOT 18,000.*AK