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.
Service brakes, Air, Aug 13, 2003, crash
HAD A CAR LENGTH & 1/2 IN FRONT OF ME, I DO THIS BECAUSE I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS BEFORE WITH THE CAR NOT STOPPING. APPLIED BRAKES NORMALLY, CAR SLOWED & PULLED TO THE RIGHT BUT WOULD NOT STOP. APPLIED BRAKES WITH BOTH FEET - LITERALLY LIFTED MYSELF UP ON THE SEAT DURING APPLYING OF BRAKES & STILL WOULD NOT STOP. REAR ENDED CAR IN FRONT.*AK
Suspension, Aug 6, 2003
CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE LOWER BALL JOINT. DEALER STATED WE DID NOT HAVE ANY RECALL, AND CAR WAS FINE. *AK
Suspension, Aug 4, 2003
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING BALL JOINTS ARE WEARING. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Suspension, Jul 28, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT.DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
Suspension, Jul 25, 2003
WHEN MAKING A TURN THERE IS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION.*AK
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 25, 2003
DURING A RAIN STORM, WHILE MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING, THE LOCKS WOULD LOCK AND UNLOCK FOR NO PARTICULAR REASON. HE EVEN GOT LOCKED OUT AND OUR CHILD LOCKED INSIDE. *AK
Suspension, Jul 24, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN SHE DRIVES TRUCK IT FEELS FUNNY, IT FEELS AS THOUGH SOMETHING IS GOING TO BREAK IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE STEERING ALSO FEELS FUNNY. IT DID NOT FEEL LIKE THAT WHEN SHE FIRST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. SHE HAS TAKEN TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE MECHANIC KEPT TELLING HER THAT THAT FEELING WAS NORMAL, BUT SHE KNEW DIFFERENTLY, AND DID NOT THINK SO.*AK
Steering, Jul 24, 2003, crash
HAD AN ACCIDENT TWO MONTHS AGO. CAR SUDDENLY MADE A LEFT TURN WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND HIT CONCRETE DIVIDER. CAR WAS UNCONTROLLABLE AT THAT MOMENT. CAR TOTALED.*AK
Suspension, Jul 23, 2003
HAD TO HAVE THE UPPER BALL JOINTS/CONTROL ARMS & LOWER BALL JOINTS REPLACED ON MY 2002 DODGE DURANGO SXT 4X4 UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO FAILING PA STATE SAFETY INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE HAD 27K MILES ON IT AT THE TIME. THE VEH NOW HAS 40K ON IT & I'M EXPERIENCING A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRT END AGAIN. A PRIVATE SHOP STATED THAT THE THE LOWER BALL JOINTS HAVE EXCESIVE MOVEMENT & MUST BE REPLACED AGAIN. I TOOK THE VEH BACK TO THE DEALER & THEYE STATED THAT THEY WILL NOT COVER THEM UNDER WARRANTY AGAIN DUE TO THE MILEAGE. THIS VEH IS ONLY 17 MONTHS OLD WITH 40,000 ALL HWY MILEAGE & WAS NEVER TAKEN OFF ROAD. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE IN MY OPINION & A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE IF THE BALL JOINT DOES SEPARATE. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 23, 2003
WHEN APPLIED BRAKES TO STOP WITH PLENTY OF DISTANCE AND NOT A SUDDEN STOP, IT KEPT ON ROLLING NEARLY REAR ENDING THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. WE FINALLY STOPPED ABOUT AN INCH FROM THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. IT SEEMS LIKE THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING. *AK
Suspension, Jul 22, 2003
WHILE DRIVING FRONT END SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 22, 2003
CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Suspension, Jul 22, 2003, crash
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING AND CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THIS WAS CAUSED BY LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE BALL JOINTS, RIGHT HUBS AND BEARINGS. EA03-023
Steering, Jul 22, 2003, crash
LOSES OF CONTROL. *AK
Suspension, Structure, Equipment, Jul 10, 2003
MAIN SUPPORT BRACKET ON FRONT FRAME OF VEHICLE WAS ONLY PARTLY WELDED FROM FACTORY. THIS HELD THE SUPPORT SUSPENSION ON VEHICLE. BEFORE IT BROKE I DID REPORT POSSIBLE FRONT END PROBLEM WITH THE DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE BROKE DOWN OUT OF TOWN ON MAY 7 03. IT IS STILL BROKE. THEY SAID IT NEED A BRAND NEW FRAME FROM FACTORY. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 31000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE ONLY PUT 2500 MILES ON VEHICLE SINCE I HAD IT. 2002 DURANGO. I FEEL THERE ARE MORE VEHICLES OUT THERE LIKE THIS.*AK
Seat belts, Jul 1, 2003, crash
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER COLLISION. BOTH FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SAFETY BELTS DID NOT LOCK OR RETRACT, RESULTING IN OCCUPANTS SUSTAINING SERIOUS INJURIES.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 18, 2003
WHEN HAVING TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP, NOT QUICK ENOUGH TO NORMALLY CAUSE SKIDDING, THE ANTI LOCK BREAKS WILL ENGAGE AND NOT RELEASE CAUSING AN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. ABOUT 50% OF THE TIME WHEN THE ANTI-LOCK BREAKS ENGAGE, THE BREAK PEDDLE GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE WILL CONTINUE TO ROLL. WE HAVE HAD THIS OCCUR SEVERAL TIMES. WE HAVE HAD TO AVOID OTHER VEHICLES TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT AS WELL AS HAVE ROLLED THROUGH A FEW RED LIGHTS. EACH TIME THE DEALER DOES NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE REPLACED AND ADJUSTED THE REAR BREAKS ONCE WHICH DID SEEM TO HELP HAVING THE ANTI LOCK BREAKS ENGAGE SO EASILY. TODAY IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND WE HAD TO SWERVE ONTO THE CURB TO AVOID REAR ENDING A VEHICLE WHICH RESULTED IN A BROKEN RIM ON THE VEHICLE. *NLM
Steering, Jun 11, 2003
POWER STEERING HAS FAILED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 6, 2003
WHEN HAVING TO STOP WHEN SOMEONE STOPS IN FRONT OF YOU AND PUT ON YOUR BRAKES ALL OF A SUDDEN, I HAVE NO BRAKES. MY HUSBAND HAS ALREADY HAD 1 WRECK AND I HAVE ALMOST HAD 3. LAST FRIDAY WHILE TRAVELING TO WORK A TRUCK PULLING A UTILITY TRAILER SUDDENLY STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME AND I HAD TO HIT MY BRAKES, WHEN I DID THEY WENT DIRECTLY TO THE FLOOR AND SINCE I WASN'T REAL CLOSE I FINALLY DID STOP ABOUT 2 INCHES FROM THE UTILITY TRAILER. WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND I PUT MY BRAKES ON I PUSH THE BRAKE PEDAL DOWN AND HOLD IT. BUT THERE ARE NO BRAKES, IT TRIES TO BRAKE BUT THE PEDAL JUST KEEPS ON GOING TO THE FLOOR.I NOTICED AFTERWARD THAT THE BRAKES SEEM TO READUST THEMSELVES. TOOK VEHICLE TO ALEXANDER DODGE AND THEY LOOKED A BRAKES BUT DID NOT FIND ANYTHING. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, SINCE THIS TIME I ALMOST DID NOT GET STOPPED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 8, 2003
WHEN THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL IT WENT TO THE FLOOR WHICH CAUSED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. NLM
Power train, Apr 17, 2003
WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED THE ENGINE RACED AND REVVED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TOT HE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *NLM
Power train, Apr 16, 2003
ONLY 14,000 MILES AND THE DEALERSHIP IS NOW REPLACING ENTIRE TRANSMISSION ON MY NEW 2002 DODGE DURANGO THANK GOODNESS WE BOUGHT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE 1999 MODEL WE OWNED ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WE HAD NO EXTENDED WARRANTY WHEN THIS WAS NOTICED. *NLM
Electrical system, Apr 16, 2003
FOR A 2002 DODGE DURANGO, THE POWER DOOR LOCKS KEPT LOCKING AND UNLOCKING THE DOORS BY THEMSELVES AND KEPT REPEATING THE PROCESS EVERY TEN OR TWENTY SECONDS WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. EVEN WHEN THE ONE HOUR CAR RIDE WAS FINISHED AND THE KEY REMOVED, THE POWER DOOR LOCKS CONTINUED TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOORS MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO LOCK THE CAR FOR THE NIGHT. THE BATTERIES FROM THE REMOTE ACCESS DEVICES WERE REMOVED, BUT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. EVEN ONE DAY LATER, THE DOOR LOCKS CONTINUE TO INTERMITTENTLY LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOOR. *NLM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 15, 2003
WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE ANTI-LOCK-BRAKE SYSTEM ENGAGED, WHICH ALMOST RESULTED IN A REAR-END COLLISION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM UNIT, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 15, 2003
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO EXPERIENCE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE.*JB