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, Sep 14, 2004
NOISE AND KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM FRONT END WHILE DRIVING, COULD ALSO FEEL THE KNOCKING THRU STEERING WHEEL. TOOK VEHICLE TO GOODYEAR TO HAVE TIRES ROTATED AND WAS TOLD BY THEM THAT ALL BALL JOINTS WERE WORN AND WOULD PROBABLY FAIL SOON, POSSIBLY CAUSING AND ACCIDENT. CALLED DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD REPLACE THE PARTS UNDER WARRANTY (ONLY 28,000 MILES ON VEHICLE), BUT COULDN'T GUARANTEE THAT THEY WOULDN'T HAVE TO BE REPLACED AGAIN IN 30,000 MILES. CONTACTED DODGE AND FOUND OUT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM AND "THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH EVIDENCE OF A PROBLEM TO SUPPORT A RECALL AT THIS TIME", BUT THAT IS NOT WHAT I READ ON THE INTERNET.
Visibility, Sep 13, 2004
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR WINDSHIELD WIPERS. HOWEVER, PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER. ALSO, THERE WAS NO DATE AS TO WHEN THE PARTS NEEDED WILL BECOME AVAILABLE.*AK
Suspension, Sep 2, 2004
I'D LIKE TO ADD MY VEHICLE TO THE LIST OF DURANGO'S THAT HAVE HAD THE UPPER BALL JOINT REPLACED. MY DURANGO IS A 2002 WITH 38,000 MI. VERY DISAPPOINTING THAT MY DEALER NEVER MENTIONED THE ONGOING PROBLEM. I HAVE MY VEHICLE IN EVERY 3 MONTHS FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND NOT ONCE DID THEY INSPECT IT. NOW I AM 2,000 MI OVER THE WARRANTY AND NO OFFERS FROM DODGE OR THE DEALER TO FIX IT SO I HAD A LOCAL MECHANIC FIX IT FOR ME.*AK
Power train, Sep 1, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT THE DIFFERENTIAL SYSTEM. VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND HAD THE REAR END AND FRONT SUSPENSION REBUILT. CURRENTLY, DIFFERENTIAL MALFUNCTIONED AGAIN, CAUSING FRONT END TO LOCK UP. DEALER CLAIMED THEY DID NOT HEAR ANY NOISE, AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. *AK
Power train, Aug 30, 2004
VEHICLE'S DRIVE SHAFT FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING.*MR WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE. A FEW SECONDS LATER THE DRIVESHAFT FELL FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MANUEVER THE TRUCK ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THREE WEEKS LATER AN INSPECTOR WAS SENT TO THE DEALER TO CHECK ON THE VEHICLE. AT THAT TIME THE CONSUEMR WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT PROVIDE ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. *NM
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 24, 2004
WHILE BRAKING STEERING PULLED TO THE LEFT. FRONT CALIPER FAILED. SMOKE STARTED TO COME FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Visibility, Aug 20, 2004
WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THIS CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. *AK RECALL#04V216000. *SC THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DID NO OPERATE CORRECTLY WHEN IN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING. *JB
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
Visibility, Aug 12, 2004
WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED. THIS CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY TO THE DRIVER. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND REPLACED IT. THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK THE CONSUMER CONTINUED TO HAVE THE MOTOR REPLACED EACH TIME IT FAILED. THE CONSUMER THEN RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE WIPER MOTOR. *NM
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 23, 2004
PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE EQUIPMENT ON 2002 DODGE DURANGO.*MR WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHIMMIED. UPON INSPECTION OF THE BRAKES THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE PADS WERE LIKE NEW BUT THE ROTORS WERE CORRODED SO BADLY THAT THE METAL WAS FLAKING OFF AND LEAVING PITS ON THE SURFACE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT MATERIALS USED WERE SUBSTANDARD. *NM *JB
Suspension, Jul 19, 2004
2002 DODGE DURANGO UPPER BALL JOINT EXCESSIVE WEAR. *JB
Suspension, Jul 17, 2004
PREMATURE WEARING OF BALL JOINTS . *AK
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 15, 2004
BRAKE FALURE ON 2002 DODGE DURANGO, AND STEERING PROBLEMS. *LA
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
Electrical system, Jun 28, 2004
WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET, AND THE REAR PASSENGER (ELECTRIC) WINDOW OPERATED THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO SHAKE.*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.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 18, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE OIL PRESSURE DROPPED IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS. SUBSEQUENTLY, VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FOR A QUARTER OF A MILE, AND IT SOUNDED LIKE A DIESEL ENGINE WHEN THE CONSUMER ARRIVED AT THE PRESCRIBED DESTINATION. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THE FOLLOWING DAY, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO SLUDGE BUILDING UP IN THE ENGINE. DEALERSHIP WILL EITHER CLEAN OUT THE OIL PAN OR REPLACE THE MOTOR. *AK
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 10, 2004
I PURCHASED A NEW DURANGO 2 YEARS AGO, AND AT PRESENT THE SUV HAS SLIGHTLY OVER 14,000 MILES. THE DEALER HAS INFORMED ME THAT THE ROTORS MUST BE TURNED AND NEW BRAKE PADS INSTALLED. THIS TYPE OF WORK AT 14,000 MILES (7,000 MILES PER YEAR) IS UNACCEPTABLE. AT THIS RATE 30,000 MILES WILL REQUIRE NEW PADS AND ROTORS. APPARANTLY, THE BRAKES/ROTORS ARE UNDERSIZED FOR THE SIZE AND WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE OR THE PADS AND/OR ROTORS ARE DEFECTIVE, BOTH SAFETY ISSUES IN MY OPINION. *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