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, Hydraulic, Mar 19, 2007, crash
OCCASIONALLY UNDER NORMAL OR SLIGHTLY HEAVY BREAKING THE ANTI-LOCK BREAK SYSTEM WILL KICK IN WITH A NOTICEABLY LONG PAUSE BETWEEN BREAKING AND ROLLING. THIS CAUSES OUR DURANGO TO TAKE LONGER TO STOP THAN NORMAL. I HAVE HAD A COUPLE INSTANCES WHERE I STOPPED TOO CLOSE TO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME OR TOO CLOSE TO THE CROSS WALK BECAUSE THE VEHICLE'S BREAKING SYSTEM FAILED. MY WIFE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN THE DURANGO WOULD NOT STOP SOON ENOUGH BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM.
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Mar 13, 2007
I OWN A 2002 DODGE INTREPID, FIRST OFF I HAVE ALWAYS KEPT UP ON MAINTENANCE. I FINANCED THE CAR ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO. ALL OF A SUDDEN ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO I NOTICED THE OIL LIGHT ON, ME THINKING I MAY BE LOW ON OIL I SIMPLY TOOK IT TO GET SERVICED JUST BECAUSE OF THE OIL LIGHT. THAT DIDN'T HELP THE CAR OIL LIGHT REMAINED. ABOUT A WEEK AFTER THAT I HEARD A STRANGE KNOCKING NOISE AND THEN BOOM IN THE MIDDLE OF A INTERSECTION AS I WAS ABOUT TO TURN LEFT IT DIED ! TOOK IT TO A DODGE DEALER IN MY AREA TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT I ENDED UP PAYING OVER $1500 AND HAD THE CAR STALL ON ME VARIOUS TIMES AFTER IT WAS SUPPOSEDLY FIXED! FINALLY TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC FOR A THIRD OPINION, BY THEN THE CAR WAS NOT RUNNING. I WAS TOLD THE ENGINE WAS BAD. THE DODGE DEALERSHIP SHOULD HAVE BEEN HONEST AND TOLD ME THE CAR WAS NOT OPERABLE. PLEASE HELP .....*JB
Electrical system, Feb 5, 2007, fire
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON 07/08/05 THE 2002 DODGE DURANGO SPORT CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE. THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY THE UNUSED WIRE CONNECTOR AS MENTIONED IN RECALL CAMPAIGN# 06V339000 WHICH STATED THAT ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BENCH SEATS ONLY, IF FLUID WAS SPILLED FROM THE FLOOR MOUNTED CUP HOLDER AN UNUSED CONSOLE POWER OUTLET CONNECTOR LOCATED UNDER THE SEAT MAY BECOME CONTAMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN 11/06 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM THAT CAUSED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER ,AND WAS TOLD THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE INSURANCE INSURANCE COMPANY FOR REIMBURSEMENT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY SOMEONE ELSE OTHER THAN A DODGE DEALERSHIP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REPAIRS DONE ON THE VEHICLE SHOWED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO THE WIRE CONNECTOR. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE MANUFACTURER HANDLED THIS MATTER UNPROFESSIONAL, AND FELT THEY SHOULD GIVE HER SOME TYPE OF REIMBURSEMENT. THE RECALL CAME TOO LATE, AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTACTS LOSS. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE POINT OF ORIGIN OF THE FIRE SEEMED TO HAVE STARTED AT THE PLUG FOR A POWER SEAT OR HEATED SEAT. THE CONTACT HAS PROVIDED THE INVOICE FOR THE REPAIRS AND PICTURES OF THE FIRE. UPDATE 4/25/07 *TR
Air bags, Dec 26, 2006
AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Dec 8, 2006
DODGE DURANGO JUST STOPS RUNNING AT RANDOM TIMES. THIS OCCURS AT SPEEDS OF 10-60 MPH OR EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS BEING STARTED. THE ODOMETER BLINKS AND READS NO BUS. THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS OF THIS ON DODGE INTERNET FORUMS. THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE AND/OR CRANKSHAFT SENSORS END UP BEING REPLACED, BUT THE PROBLEM IS HARD TO DIAGNOSE AND DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT OCCURS WITHOUT WARNING AND WHILE DRIVING. WITH SO MANY REPORTS ON 1999-2002 DODGE DURANGOS HAVING THIS PROBLEM (SEARCH DURANGO PCM "NO BUS") SOMETHING MUST BE DEFECTIVE. MY DURANGO BEGAN DOING THIS ABOUT A MONTH AGO AND THE DEALER DOESN'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG. I WAS MILDLY INJURED DURING ONE OF THE FAILURES, WHEN MY DURANGO 'SHUT OFF' WHILE I WAS COMING DOWN A HIGHWAY RAMP AND I BUMPED MY HEAD AGAINST THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WHILE TRYING TO STABILIZE THE CAR, WHICH SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING HAD NO POWERTRAIN CONTROL. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Dec 5, 2006
2002 DODGE DURANGO. CAR ENGINE "SURGES" WHEN STARTING TO DRIVE, THEN RETURNS TO NORMAL AFTER A FEW HUNDRED YARDS. OCCURS AT SPEEDS OF 10-20 MPH. REPORTED TO DEALER. DEALER UNABLE TO REPRODUCE PROBLEM. OCCURS RANDOMLY, BUT ABOUT 1-2 A MONTH. CAR ALSO STOPS AND WILL NOT RESTART. RECURS RANDOMLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. LOCAL MECHANIC FEELS PROBLEM COULD BE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE RELATED. OCCURS AT SPEEDS OF 0-60 MPH. *JB
Electrical system, Dec 4, 2006
CENTRAL TIMER MODULE FAILED UNEXPECTEDLY AT NIGHT, CAUSING HEADLIGHTS, TAILLIGHTS, SECURITY INDICATOR AND HORN TO ACTIVATE INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE UNSAFE TO OPERATE IN THIS CONDITION. OUT OF WARRANTY, DEALER CHARGES $421.00 TO FIX. THIS FOLLOWS SEVERAL IN-WARRANTY ELECTRICAL REPAIRS - REMOTE LOCKING MECHANISM, REAR AXLE SPEED SENSOR AND POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE. DEFECT COULD EASILY CAUSE A WRECK AND POSES A SAFETY HAZARD. *JB
Suspension, Dec 1, 2006
REAR LEAF SPRING (DRIVER'S SIDE) BROKE OFF FROM THE SHACKLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO WANDER TO THE RIGHT! *JB
Electrical system, Nov 14, 2006
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURES HAVE RESULTED IN TURN SIGNALS NOT WORKING ON FOUR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS OVER THE COURSE OF 5 YEARS. THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER DASH HAS BEEN REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY, REPLACED NOT UNDER WARRANTY, AND REPAIRED AGAIN NOT UNDER WARRANTY. 4TH FAILURE HAS NOT YET BEEN ADDRESSED. RIGHT TURN SIGNAL DOES NOT FUNCTION. FLASHER, BULBS AND FUSES ARE WORKING. OVER $1,600 INVESTED IN TURN SIGNAL PROBLEMS. *JB
Suspension, Nov 7, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE BACKING OUT OF A DRIVE WAY AT 5 MPH, THE STEERING WAS TOO HARD TO OPERATE. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS ALREADY SUBJECT TO A NHTSA RECALL #04V596000 REPAIR WHERE THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT NOTICED THERE WERE NO GREASERS TO MAINTAIN THE BALL JOINT LUBRICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO DETERMINED THE BALL JOINT SHOULD BE REPLACED AGAIN TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO COINCIDED WITH THE DEALERSHIP. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 50,000 MILES SINCE THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED AND ANOTHER REPLACEMENT WOULD NOT GUARANTEE THE BALL JOINT'S ENDURANCE.
Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Equipment, Oct 1, 2006
1-ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON OVERHEAD DIGITAL COMPASS SYSTEM BECAME VERY HOT. THIS ELECTRICAL COMPONENT SYSTEM DID NOT WORK FOR A PERIOD OF A FEW DAYS. IT HAS INTERMITTENTLY WORKED NOW. 2-WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL THERE IS A HORRIBLE NOISE COMING FROM ONE OF THE REAR WHEELS. IT MAKES A "WOO-WOO" SOUND EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS TURNED, PRIMARILY TURNING RIGHT. A "HONEST" MECHANIC, WHO IS A FRIEND, TOLD ME THAT DODGE (CHRYSLER) WAS INFAMOUS FOR THIS TYPE OF WHEEL PROBLEM. 3-THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO HAVE A HARD TIME SHIFTING, WHICH INVOLVES THE ABOVE WHEEL PROBLEM. 4-THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM DOES NOT COOL AND THE VEHICLE IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD. 5-THE LEATHER COVERED DASH IS PEELING UP AND BEGAN LAST SUMMER, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD. CONTACTED CHRYSLER/DODGE HQ AND DEALERSHIP AND BOTH HAVE REFUSED TO REPAIR PROBLEM.
Electrical system, Aug 22, 2006
ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE FAILURE CAUSING HEADLIGHTS TO FLICKER ON AND OFF. WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT TOTAL FAILURE COULD RESULT. ALSO ADVISED THAT 700 OF THESE ITEMS ARE CURRENTLY ON BACK ORDER. I HAVE BEEN WAITING SINCE JULY FOR THIS PART. IT WOULD SEEM TO BE A WIDESPREAD ISSUE. *JB
Tires, Aug 18, 2006
HAVE HAD NUMEROUS TREAD BREAKAGES, THE TIRE TREAD IS FINE, DEALER STATED ALL TIRES ARE DRY ROTTED. *JB
Suspension, Equipment, Aug 14, 2006
2002 DODGE DURANGO SLT 2WD: BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED AFTER RECALL WAS ISSUED, HOWEVER ABOUT 6 MONTHS AFTER THEY WERE REPLACED, THE EXACT SAME NOISES BEGAN OCCURRING AGAIN. TOOK CAR TO DEALER WITH THE COMPLAINT AND THEY DENIED THE NEW BALL JOINTS WERE WORN. UPON GETTING NEW FRONT TIRES INSTALLED AT SEARS (ABOUT 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED THE JOINTS) THEY INSPECTED THE CAR WITHOUT BEING ASKED (IT IS PART OF THEIR SERVICE) AND ON THE REPORT THEY ISSUED, IT SAID THE BALL JOINTS WERE INDEED WORN. THE RECALL NOTICES I HAVE READ ABOUT THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ORIGINAL BALL JOINTS STATE THAT IF THE JOINTS FAIL YOU CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, SO OBVIOUSLY I AM IN FEAR THAT MY CAR CAN FAIL AT ANY GIVEN TIME. I AM WRITING THIS TO MAKE IT AWARE THAT I HAVE ALREADY HAD THE RECALL REPLACEMENT, BUT FEAR THAT THE REPLACEMENTS ARE ALSO DEFECTIVE AS INDICATED BY AN INDEPENDENT, UNSOLICITED INSPECTION. *NM
Seats, Jul 26, 2006, fire
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, WHITE SMOKE APPEARED FROM UNDER THE MIDDLE OF THE FRONT BENCH SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER. AFTER BLOWING ON THE SMOKE, A SMALL FLAME WAS OBSERVED UNDER THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A WIRING CONNECTION UNDER THE SEAT HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Jul 24, 2006
I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE VACUUM HOSES REPLACED IN MY 2002 DODGE DURANGO 4 TIMES SINCE BUYING IT IN JULY OF 2003. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON EVERY TIME. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT HAS WORKED ON IT, BUT THEY DON'T SEEM TO CARE. I HAD ONE OF THE MECHANICS SAY THEY HAVE SEEN THE PROBLEM BEFORE WHEN I HAD HIM SHOW ME WHERE THE HOSES WERE LOCATED. THE HOSES WERE CRACKED AND LOOKED LIKE THEY HAD BEEN ON THE CAR FOR 10 YEARS OR MORE, BUT IN ACTUALLITY IT HAD ONLY BEEN MONTHS. EVERYTIME, I HAVE HAD TO PAY $75 TO HAVE THE HOSE REPLACED EVEN THOUGH I HAD THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. MY DURANGO IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I WENT TO A PARTS STORE TO HAVE THEM HOOK UP TO THE COMPUTER TO GET THE ERROR CODE--VACUUM LEAK AGAIN. WHEN THE PARTS STORE GUY LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD TO GET THE RIGHT LENGTH OF HOSE TO GIVE ME(GOING TO CHANGE IT MYSELF AND NOT PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED), HE SAID IT HAD NOT EVEN BEEN REPLACED WITH VACUUM HOSE. INSTEAD, ONE WAS REPLACED WITH FUEL LINE HOSE AND THE OTHER REPLACED WITH TRANMISSION HOSE. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM THAT I HAVE HAD AND IT DOESN'T SEEM TO MATTER TO THEM. IT ISN'T A SERIOUS PROBLEM, BUT IS STILL A PROBLEM. IF THE HOSE IS DEGRADING THAT QUICKLY, IT MUST BE SUBMITTED TO HIGH TEMPERATURES WHICH COULD LEAD TO A BIG PROBLEM. *NM
Suspension, Jul 5, 2006
SUSPENSION CLUNKING/POPPING. *JB
Wheels, Jun 27, 2006
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO BALANCED THE WHEELS, TWO WEEKS LATER THE VIBRATION REOCCURRED. THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THE NUT HOLING THE HUB ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WAS LOOSE. THE DEALER HAS BEEN ALERTED. UPDATED 07/28/06. *JB
Suspension, Jun 11, 2006
WE HAD AN APPOINTMENT TO REPLACE THE TIRES ON OUR 2002 DODGE DURANGO, 2X4 SXT. THE FIRESTONE MECHANIC CAME INTO THE WAITING ROOM AND INFORMED US THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT WAS VERY BAD AND THE DRIVERS SIDE SHOWED SIGNS OF WEAR. THIS VEHICLE HAS 43500 MILES ON IT. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE 4X4 MODELS OF THE DURANGO, BUT NOT THE 2X4 MODELS. WHILE THEIR WAS NO INJURIES OR DEATHS INVOLVED, THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DEADLY PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED FOR ALL THE DURANGOS. *NM
Structure, May 17, 2006
DRIVER'S DOOR CLOSES - BETWEEN OPEN AND CLOSED ON HINGE - CLOSES ON RIGHT THUMB AS DRIVER EXITS VEHICLE (DODGE DURANGO). NO ERROR BY DRIVER - DOOR CLOSES DUE TO HINGE. HAPPENED TO ME ON MAY 16TH, 2006 HAPPENED TO HUSBAND YEAR AGO. POSSIBLE CRUSH FRACTURE - TEMP. LOSS USAGE OF THUMB*JB
Power train, Apr 11, 2006
2002 DODGE DURANGO. VEHICLE MILEAGE 34,000. FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CV JOINT NOISE AND SHIMS. THE DRIVER SIDE CV JOINT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND WAS REPLACED AT AROUND 27,000 MILES. *NM
Exterior lighting, Apr 7, 2006
I HAVE A 2002 DODGE DURANGO AND I AM EXPERIENCING THE FOLLOWING PROBLEM. THE HEADLIGHTS AND PARKING LIGHTS GO OFF AND ON WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THIS ALSO OCCURS WHILE PARKED AND THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON. STARTED ABOUT 3 DAYS AGO AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE. THE LIGHTS STAY OFF LONGER AND IT IS HAPPENING MORE FREQUENT. ALL INSIDE LIGHTS FLICKER AS WELL. I HAVE LOOKED ON THE FORUMS AND HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THE 1999 - 2003 MODEL YEARS AND IN FACT, DODGE HAS A RECALL FOR THE 2003 YEAR FOR THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED AND FIXED. *JB
Suspension, Apr 3, 2006
NO SPECIFIC EVENTS LEAD UP TO THIS FAILURE. THIS IS SIMPLY A DEFECTIVE, POORLY MANUFACTURER'S PART. I WAS LUCKY TO AVOID A SERIOUS INCIDENT IN THIS CASE, OTHERS MAY NOT BE. THE MAIN LEAF OF THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS BREAK AT THE FRONT EYE WHICH IS WHERE IT MOUNTS TO THE FRAME. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE REAR END IS FREE TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH AS MUCH AS THE SHACKLE WILL LET IT, EFFECTIVELY ALLOWING YOUR REAR AXLE TO STEER THE REAR OF YOUR VEHICLE WHEREVER IT MAY CHOOSE (READ: VERY DANGEROUS.) I REPLACED THE LEAF SPRING WITH THE ISSUE (THE DRIVER'S SIDE) WITH A DODGE OEM PART ($175 FOR THE PART, 1.9 LABOR HOURS ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP IF I WERE TO HAVE THEM REPLACE IT.) I'M A VERY COMPETENT MECHANIC, SO THE LABOR HOUR INQUIRY WAS JUST FOR MY RECORDS. UPON COMPLETING THE CORRECTION TO THE SIDE WITH THE FAILURE, AND DURING THE TEST DRIVE, I EXPERIENCED LITERALLY AN IDENTICAL FAILURE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE. AGAIN, I WAS LUCKY TO BE DRIVING SLOW AND PAYING ATTENTION ENOUGH TO NOTICE THE ISSUE BEFORE IT TURNED INTO A SERIOUS INCIDENT. I HAVE BOTH DEFECTIVE LEAF SPRINGS IN MY POSSESSION. THEY ARE BOTH OFF OF THE SAME VEHICLE, A 2002 DODGE DURANGO WITH JUST 60,000 MILES. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN USED TO TOW, HAUL, OR COMPLETE ANY OTHER STRENUOUS ACTIVITY. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, WHEN JUST ONE BREAKS, THE REAR END HAS ENOUGH MOVEMENT TO STEER INTO THE CAR NEXT TO YOU. IF BOTH WERE TO BREAK, THIS COULD VERY POSSIBLY LEAD TO A CHAIN OF FAILURES RESULTING IN A SERIOUS INCIDENT. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 16, 2006
I PURCHASED A 2002 DODGE DURANGO USED WITH 60K I HAVE ACCUMULATED LESS THAN 3K FROM SEPTEMBER UNTIL JANUARY AND I'VE HAD TO REPLACE MY ENTIRE ENGINE. REASON MECHANIC STATES THERE IS SLUDGE THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Feb 7, 2006, crash
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 55 MPH, 6 CAR LENGTHS BEHIND A VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED ABRUPTLY (A DISABLE VEHICLE WAS IN THE LANE) AND WHEN I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE KEPT ROLLING AS IF NO BRAKES WERE APPLIED. MY FOOT WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THERE WERE NO VIBRATIONS FROM THE ABS AS WELL AS NO LOWERING OF THE FRONT END, TYPICAL FROM BRAKING. I ENDED UP COLLIDING INTO THE VEHICLE AT ABOUT 30 MPH AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I HAD PREVIOUSLY COMPLAINED SEVERAL TIMES TO MY DEALER THAT THE BRAKES WERE FAULTY IN A PANIC SITUATION. I COMPLAINED SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE AND UP UNTIL A YEAR AGO. IN ALL INSTANCES, I WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY BRAKES AS NO CODE WAS DETECTED. *NM