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
434 reports, newest first.
Suspension, Jan 7, 2005
CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 04V596000 CONCERNING BALL JOINT WEAR. AFTER HAVING THE UPPER BALL JOINTS REPLACED, WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE SWERVED ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER HAD DIFFICULTY MAINTAINING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DTERMINED THAT VEHICLE NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT. *AK
Suspension, Jan 6, 2005
CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 04V596000 CONCERNING BALL JOINT WEAR. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER FOR AN APPOINTMENT, AND MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE NEXT AVAILABLE APPOINTMENT WOULD BE MARCH 31, 2004. *AK
Suspension, Jan 4, 2005
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 04V596000 CONCERNING UPPER BALL JOINT WEAR. NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. SERVICE MANAGER BOB. *AK
Suspension, Dec 29, 2004
NHTSA CAMPAIGN 04V596000; DAIMLER CHRYSLER ISSUED A UPPER BALL JOINT RECALL. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER HEARD A CLICKING NOISE AND EXPERIENCED SHAKING FROM THE UPPER BALL JOINT. THE VIN IS OUTSIDE THE REMEDY SCOPE. *JB THE CONSUMER WAS DISAPPOINTED IN THE RESPONSE HE RECEIVED FROM NHTSA. THE CONSUMER REPLACED BOTH UPPER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES BECAUSE THEY WERE DANGEROUSLY WORN OUT. *TC
Suspension, Tires, Dec 28, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE BECAME UNSTABLE. THE CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE OUTSIDE WALL OF THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS NOTICEABLY WARNED. THE OWNER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER WHO INSTRUCTED THE OWNER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST DODGE DEALER. THE DEALER REFUSED TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WOULD NOT RENDER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
Suspension, Dec 21, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH VEHICLE JERKED AND VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT BOTH FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK *NM
Power train, Tires, Dec 15, 2004
2003 DARANGO HAS BEEN TAKEN TO JIM'S DODGE TO HAVE A PROBLEM FIXED WHEN YOU DRIVE. THEY TELL US THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. WHILE YOU DRIVE THE DARANGO IF YOU HIT A DUMP IT JUMPS TO ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER IT DOES NOT STAY CENTER. THE TRANSMISSION FEELS LIKE IT SLIPS, OR WHEN IT IS STARTED IT LIKE THE VEHICLE JUST DOES NOT WANT TO GO. JIM'[S DODGE HAS TOLD US THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE, BUT THAT SEEMS TO ALL WE HAVE HAD WITH THIS VEHICLE. ONE MORE THING JIM'S DODGE IS NOT A VERY CLEAN PLACE TO TAKE YOUR VEHICLE TO HAVE IT WORKED ON WE HAVE GOT THE VEHICLE BACK WITH OIL ON THE IN SIDE ON THE VEHICLE, ON THE PAINT, SCRATCHS IN THE PAINT AND ON THE BUMPER. THE VEHICLE HAS COME BACK WITH A VERY BAD SMELL IN IT. IT TOOK US A LONG TIME TO GET THE SMELL OUT. WE CALLED JIM'S DODGE AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE SMELL AND THEY TOLD US THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THA THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. THE DATE MIGHT NOT BE EXACT BE CLOSE.*AK
Suspension, Dec 13, 2004
THE UPPER BALL JOINT IS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HAVE DIFFICULT CONTROL ESPECIALLY WHEN MAKING TURNS. CONSUMER WILL TAKE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS FOR THE SECOND TIME.*AK
Steering, Dec 13, 2004
THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE AND GRINDING SOUND IN THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT WHEEL. AFTER LOOKING AT IT FURTHER, THE TIE-ROD THAT CONNECTS TO THE RACK AND PINION STRIPPED THE THREAD AND FELL OFF. THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE PROPERLY WAS LOST AND CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERLY IMPACTED.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 12, 2004
ENGINE JUST STOPPED. CAR WAS TAKEN TO CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID THERE IS SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. SO FAR NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *JB
Suspension, Dec 11, 2004
BOTH BALL JOINTS ON MY 2002 DURANGO VIN [XXX] MILES 47000 [APPROX]. *JB SEPTEMBER 04 MARIETTA DODGE SCOOT THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THEY SHOULD NOT BE BAD ON A 2 YEAR OLD VEHICLE WITH AVERAGE MILES. BUT I AM TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. IT IS EXTRMELY CLEAR IT SHOULD BE. UPDATED 07/24/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 11, 2004
DOOR LOCKS INTERMITTENTLY UNLOCKING AND LOCKING WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN. *JB
Suspension, Dec 10, 2004
WHILE STEERING TO THE RIGHT CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT BOTH FRONTAL UPPER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Suspension, Dec 10, 2004
THE FRONT LEFT SIDE BALL JOINT WAS MAKING A GRINDING NOISE CAUSING THE WHEEL TO SHAKE AND MAINTAIN CONTROL. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS FOR THE SECOND TIME IN A MONTH.*AK
Tires, Dec 10, 2004
I'M DRIVING A 2002 DODGE DURANGO. MY CAR PULLED TO THE RIGHT, I GOT A TIRE ROTATION AND NOW IT'S PULLING TO THE LEFT. I SAW IN THE NEWS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT UPPER JOINT BALL, SO THAT COULD HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH MY PROBLEM. THE TIRES ARE FINE.*AK
Air bags, Dec 7, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION, HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER.*AK
Electrical system, Nov 29, 2004
IGNITION SWITCH FAILED ON 2002 DURANGO AFTER ONLY 55,000 MILES. STUCK IN LOCK POSITION. NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, DEALER CHARGED $400.00 TO REPLACE.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 8, 2004
TRUCK STALLED ANY TIME ANYWHERE. ON HIGHWAY AT SPEED, IN INTERSECTIONS, WHEREVER. ITS A MIRACLE NO ONE HAS BEEN HURT. THIS ALL STARTED AT APPROX 26,000 MILES. BEEN TO 2 SERVICE DEPTS AND NO ONE CAN FIX IT. THIS IS NOT TO MENTION THE MANY OTHER VISITS TO THE DEALER FOR ITEMS SUCH AS WIPERS, CRUISE CONTROL, RADIOS, DOOR LOCKS, AND MUCH MORE. I'M DONE !!!!!*AK
Power train, Nov 1, 2004
BROKEN PIN THAT HOUSES CRITICAL PARTS IN REAR DIFFERENTIAL MAY CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OF SUV DODGE 2002 DURANGO CALLED MANUFACTURE NO REPLACEMENT PARTS AVAILEABLE AND NO IDEA WHEN ONE WILL BE POSES THE QUESTION IF THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE. *AK
Suspension, Oct 27, 2004
ON OCTOBER 22ND 2004 I TOOK MY 2002 DODGE DURANGO IN FOR ROUTINE SERVICE, AN OIL CHANGE, TIRE ROTATION ETC. IT HAD BEEN RIDING ROUGHER THAN NORMAL AND I HAD NOTICED THAT THE TIRES WERE WEARING UNEVENLY SO I ASKED THEM TO LOOK IT OVER AND SEE IF THERE WAS ANYTHING WRONG. UPON EXAMINING THE VEHICLE THE MECHANIC FOUND THAT BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE CONTROL ARM. MY VEHICLE HAS ONLY 38316 MILES AND HAD TO PUT NEARLY $1000 FOR SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE WORN OUT THAT QUICKLY. HAD I NOT GONE IN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AT THAT TIME SOMETHING FAR MORE SERIOUS COULD HAVE HAPPENED AND TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE I NOW NEED TO REPLACE MY TIRES.*AK
Suspension, Oct 20, 2004
CONSUMER STATED THAT IN JANUARY 2004 SHE HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THEN, AGAIN WHILE TAKING A LONG DRIVE, THE CONSUMER HEARD THE SAME KIND OF NOISE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER, WHO TOLD HER THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. BUT THE NOISE KEPT GETTING LOUDER AND LOUDER. THE CONSUMER TOOK IT BACK A THIRD TIME. DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE THREE WEEKS, REBUILDING THE FRONT END. THIS WAS IN MAY 2004. CURRENTLY, THE CONSUMER HEARD THE SAME KIND OF NOISE. BUT THIS TIME THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THEY COULD NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK *JB
Suspension, Oct 11, 2004
THE FRONT END HAS ALWAYS BEEN LOOSE AND RATTLED. A PART OF THE STEERING CONTROL ARM HAS BEEN REPLACED BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE SUDDEN PULLING IN EITHER DIRECTION - TOWARD THE RIGHT WHEN CHANGING LANES TO THE RIGHT OR EXITING THE FREEWAY, AND THE SAME THING WHEN MOVING TO THE LEFT, WHEN THE LEFT FRONT CROSSES THE PROTION OF THE ROAD WERE THE LANES JOIN. THE LEFT FRONT RATTLES BAD ENOUGH TO FEEL IN THE STEERING AND FLOOR BOARD, AS WELL AS BEING EXTREAMLY AUDIBLE. THE DEALERSHIP STATES THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 6, 2004
THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF THE CONSUMER SLAMMED ON BRAKES. THE INCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY PITTED ROTORS. THE BRAKE SHOES GRABBED HARD ON THE PITTED ROTORS CAUSED THE ABS TO KICK IN WHICH ALSO CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO JERK IN STOP AND GO MOTION. *AK *SC
Seats, Oct 5, 2004
DAIMLER/CHRYSLER SEAT WARMERS CAUSING FIRES, BURNT SEATS, BURNT CLOTHING AND CAUSING INJURIES TO PARAPLEGIC. *SC *JB
Suspension, Sep 21, 2004
UPPER BALL JOINTS ARE POPPING AND CRACKING WITH EVERY TURN OF MY 2002 DODGE DURANGO. IF THEY FAIL, IT COULD MEAN THE LIFE OF ME, MY HUSBAND AND OUR 4 CHILDREN. DODGE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT RECALL THIS AND I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX IT. IT IS CLEARLY A DEFECT IN THE DURANGO. *AK