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.
Other or unspecified, May 27, 2004
CHRYSLER USED INFERIOR STEEL IN THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS ON 2002 DODGE DURANGOS CAUSING PREMATURE FAILURE AND A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. I HAVE THE BRAKE ROTORS FOR PROOF. THE STEEL FLAKES OFF LEAVING LARGE PITS AND CAUSES SEVERE BRAKING PROBLEMS. *MR
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
Visibility, May 19, 2004
WINDSHIELD WIPERS MALFUNCTIONED, RESULTING IN POOR VISIBILITY. DEALER INDICATED THAT WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE NOT RECALLED. *AK
Seats, May 5, 2004
ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 14, 2002, RAYMOND NOTTNAGEL WAS SEVERELY BURNED BY A SEAT HEATER IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT OF A 2002 DODGE DURANGO 4X4 R/T, VIN: 1B4-HS78Z72F-139578. MR. NOTTNAGEL IS A PARAPLEGIC. HE DID NOT INITIALLY FEEL THE BURN OCCURING. THE 3RD DEGREE BURN REQUIRED MR. NOTTNAGEL TO SPEND THE BETTER PART OF 5 MONTHS ON HIS STOMACH, AND THEN HE GRADUALLY RETURNED TO BEING ABLE TO SIT FOR LIMITED PERIODS OF TIME WITH THE CORRECT PADDING. THE SEAT HEATER APPARENTLY DID NOT TURN OFF AFTER REACHING A NORMAL TEMPERATURE AND REACHED A SUFFICIENT TEMPERATURE TO CAUSE A 3RD DEGREE BURN. THE CASE IS NOW IN LITIGATION IN SACRAMENTO SUPERIOR COURT. *AK
Service brakes, Air, Other or unspecified, May 2, 2004
I HAVE A 2002 DODGE DURANGO WITH 4WD AND IT HAS 37,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE TO CHANGE BOTH FRONT WHEEL BRAKE ROTORS. WHEN I TOOK THE BRAKE PADS OUT, I FOUND THAT ON BOTH WHEELS THE INSIDE BRAKE PAD HAS BEEN COMPLETELY WORN OUT AND PITTED INTO THE ROTOR WHILE BOTH OUTSIDE BRAKE PADS HAS ONLY LESS THAN 1/3 WEAR OUT OF THE MATERIAL. IT LOOKS LIKE THE DISK BRAKE SYSTEM IN THE FRONT WHEEL HAS SOME KIND OF DESIGN FLAW. I AM A VERY GOOD MECHANICAL ENGINEER, I THINK THE CLIP LOCATED ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE DISK BRAKE PREVENTED THE OUTSIDE PAD FROM EFFECTIVELY ENGAGING WITH THE ROTOR WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED.*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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 22, 2004
ON APRIL 20 MY WIFE TOOK OUR 2002 DODGE DURANGO TO THE DEALERSIP TO HAVE A PA INSPECTION PERFORMED. THE INSPECTION IN 2003 WAS ROUTINE AND SHOWED NO SIGNS OF ABNORMAL WEAR. SINCE THE LAST INSPECTION MY DROVE THE DURANGO 10,010 MILES. THE VEHICLE IS GARAGED EACH NIGHT AT OUR HOME. THE INSPECTION MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP FAILED OUR DURANGO DUE TO THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE ROTOR BEING SEVERLY RUSTED. EVEN THE RETAINING CLIPS THAT HOLD THE BRAKE PADS IN PLACE ARE RUSTED OFF AFTER ONLY 10,010 MILES FROM LAST YEAR. HOW CAN A BRAKE ROTOR BECOME RUSTED WHEN IT IS BEING DRIVEN EACH DAY BY MY WIFE. HER WORK IS EIGHT MILES FROM OUR HOME, ONE WAY. I SUSPECT THE ROTOR IS MADE FROM DEFECTIVE STEEL. WE HAVE ALL THE SERVICE RECORDS AS THE DEALERSHIP SERVICES THE DURANGO WHEN NEEDED. TOTAL MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE IS 22,458 OVER 2 YEARS. WE ARE PAYING TO HAVE THE WORK COMPLETED BUT FEEL THE ROTORS ARE DEFECTIVE AS ARE THE BRAKE PADS. I MYSELF INSPECTED THE ROTOR AND FOUND THE AXEL TO BE RUSTING ALONG WITH THE SPINDLE ARM ATTACHED TO POSSIBLY DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS.. COMMON FOLKS SUCH AS MYSELF AND MY WIFE DEPEND ON YOUR AGENCY TO REPRESENT US. HAD WE KNOW OF THE POOR QUALITY OF THE DURANGO WE NEVER WOULD HAVE SPENT OUR MONEY ON IT. I HAVE CONTACTED DODGE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY HAVE BEEN OF NO HELP. I HAVE INSTRUCTED THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP TO GIVE ME BACK ALL THE PARTS BEING REPLACED SO I WILL HAVE THEM FOR EVIDENCE. I ALSO HAVE THE SUPPORTING PAPERWORK. UNSAFE VEHICLES SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED ON THE HIGHWAYS WHERE PEOPLE CAN GET KILLED. AT 60 MILES PER HOUR IF YOUR ROTOR BREAKS OR THE BALL JOINT POPS OUT SOMEONE WILL BE DEAD. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP.*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
Power train, Mar 10, 2004
TRANSMISSION STICKS IN LOW WHEN STARTING COLD. ALSO STICKS INTERMITTENTLY WHEN VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN USED FOR SEVERAL DAYS. HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP 18+ TIMES FOR EXAM/REPAIR ATTEMPTS. FILED LEMON LAW CLAIM AND CHRYSLER REFUSED TO FIX PROBLEM. NOW WHEN TRANSMISSION STICKS, AND FINALLY CATCHES, THE WHOLE REAR END SHIMMIES.*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
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.