2003 Dodge Durango
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 339 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 25 Durango model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 29 involved a crash and 18 involved a fire. 28 people were injured.
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
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
Exterior lighting, headlights, switchDec 2, 2002
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE (CTM) HAS AN IMPROPERLY SIZED CIRCUIT BOARD TRACE THAT COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE RIGHT HEADLAMP LOW BEAM TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
IF THE LIGHTS FAIL, A VISIBILITY PROBLEM COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CTM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 23, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 02V322000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: exterior lighting
39 reports, newest first. Show all
Exterior lighting, Interior lighting, Jan 14, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS WHEN SUDDENLY, THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED AND FAILED TO OPERATE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO REACH HIS DESTINATION WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE INTERIOR LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHICH REQUIRED THE REMOVAL OF THE FUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE (CTM). RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V3220000, EXTERIOR LIGHTING HEADLIGHTS SWITCH IS RELATED TO THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Exterior lighting, Interior lighting, Nov 9, 2009
FIRST THE KEY FOBS STOPPED UNLOCKING THE DOORS THEN THE LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING WAS TOLD THAT THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE AND THAT THE DEALER WOULD REPLACE. CHRYSLER DENIES THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS MODULE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Interior lighting, Nov 9, 2009
FIRST THE KEY FOBS STOPPED UNLOCKING THE DOORS THEN THE LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING WAS TOLD THAT THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE AND THAT THE DEALER WOULD REPLACE. CHRYSLER DENIES THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS MODULE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 20, 2009
2003 DODGE DURANGO HAD PROBLEMS WITH A BAD MODULE. CONSUMER STATES THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM DUE TO THE TIMELINE BY CHRYSLER. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE HEADLIGHTS STARTED BLINKING. THE RIGHT PASSENGER LOW BEAM WENT OUT COMPLETELY AND WOULD COME BACK ON AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME. THE HORN ALSO BLEW, THE LOCKS WOULD LOCK AND UNLOCK, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND ALARM WENT OFF EVERY TIME THE CONSUMER UNLOCKED THE DOORS. THE GAUGES WOULD ACT UP AT TIMES, AND THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE WOULD BE LOST. THE CONSUMER HASN'T EXPERIENCED ANY MORE PROBLEMS SINCE THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE WAS REPLACED. *JB
Exterior lighting, Mar 12, 2009
WIFE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK HEAD LIGHTS FLASHED ON AND OFF AND WIPERS FRONT STOP WORKING ON LOW JUST ON HIGH AND BACK STOP ALL TOGETHER LIGHTS JUST WORK IF DRIVERS DOOR IS OPEN TOOK TO DEALER SHIP WAS TOLD THAT THE CTM WAS BAD INFORMED DEALER SHIP THAT I SAY A RECALL ON THIS WAS TOLD NOT FOR MY DURANGO. *TR
Exterior lighting, May 12, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLICKING SOUND AND NOTICED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS WERE FLICKERING ON AND OFF. THE LIGHTS FLASHED IN 2 TO 5 MINUTE INTERVALS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V322000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH); THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,100 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,224. UPDATED 06/03/2008 THE DEALER REPLACED THE TIME AND ALARM MODULE. UPDATED
Exterior lighting, Jan 31, 2008
FRIDAY JANUARY 25,2008 I EXPERIENCED LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS, ELECTRIC DOORLOCKS, INTERIOR LIGHTING, FOG LIGHTS, HAD TO USE MY EMERGENCY FLASHERS TO DRIVE HOME FROM WORK AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO MY REPAIR SHOP IT TURNS OUT IT WAS THE CENTRAL TIMING MODULE, I ALSO FOUND A RECALL FROM THE NHTSA DATED DECEMBER 2-2002 FOR THE 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA, I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS RECALL, I HAD MY VEHICLE FIXED JANUARY 31,2007 THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE WAS REPLACED AND THE COMPONENTS ARE ALL FINE. I AM WRITING AND SENDING COPIES OF MY BILLS & RECALL NOTICE TO THE CHRYSLER CUSTOMER CENTER TO BE REIMBURSED MY $265.00 FOR THE PART . IF ANYONE NEEDS THE NUMBER GO TO THE NHTSA.DOT.GOV WEB AND ENTER CAMPAIGN #02V322000. *TR
Exterior lighting, Dec 11, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE HEADLIGHTS FLASHED ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKERED ON AND OFF IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SENSOR TIMER MODULE MALFUNCTIONED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V322000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,780 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,802.
Exterior lighting, Aug 15, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD SHINE OFF AND ON WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE FAILURE CAUSED HIM TO LOSE VISIBILITY BECAUSE NO STREET LIGHTS WERE PRESENT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 02V322000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH). THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 69,800. UPDATED 02-01-08 *BF UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility, Apr 11, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO WITH A CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE OF 34,500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT 60 MPH UNDER NORMAL DRY CONDITIONS WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE STALLING OCCURRED ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS TURNED ON, AND THE DOOR CHIME STARTED TO BUZZ. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT A CRASH. SINCE THE STALLING THE WINDOWS FAILED ,THEY DID NOT GO UP OR DOWN, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND HEADLIGHTS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND THE DEALER COULD NOT TELL THEM WHY THE FAILURE OCCURRED. *AK
Exterior lighting, Oct 12, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED DUE TO A DEFECTIVE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL #02V322000 PERTAINING TO THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH. THE NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 28, 2006
ALL LIGHTING ON MY 2003 DODGE DURANGO EXCEPT HAZARD AND BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED AT THE SAME TIME. THIS INCLUDES ALL INTERIOR LIGHTING, HEADLIGHTS, FOG LIGHTS AND RUNNING LAMPS. NO FUSES BLOWN. DISCUSSION WITH DODGE DEALERSHIP REVEALED THAT THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM AND IS CAUSED BY FAILURE OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH UNIT ON THE DASHBOARD. FURTHER INVESTIGATION ON MESSAGE BOARDS ALSO REVEALED THAT THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM, ALONG WITH THE WIRING HARNESS TO THE SWITCH ASSEMBLY WHICH BECOMES HOT AND MELTS. *NM
Exterior lighting, Mar 4, 2005
LEFT TURN SIGNAL CAUSES ALL DASHBOARD LIGHTS TO FLASH. DEALER COMMENTED "WE SEE THIS A LOT ON (DURANGOS). *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, Equipment, Oct 5, 2004
WHILE APPLYING BRAKES VEHICLE CONTINUED TO STALL. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. DEALER STATED THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK THE CONSUMER CAME TO A STOP TO LET ONCOMING TRAFFIC PASS. THE CONSUMER PUT FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR AND NOTICED THE VEHICLE HAD STALLED WITH NO WARNING WHILE THE HEADLIGHTS WHERE STILL ON. ON OTHER OCCASIONS HEADLIGHTS WOULD DIM AND THEN GET BRIGHTER AS THE VEHICLE SPIT AND SPUTTERED FOR 15 SECONDS. THE CONSUMER HAD 4 CO-PILOTS INSTALLED AND WAS NOT ABLE TO HOLD THE RECORDINGS. THE VEHICLES LEFT FRONT SPEAKER WAS NOT WORKING. THE REAR HATCH LIGHT WILL NOT STAY IN BECAUSE THE RETAINER CLIPS BROKE. THE VEHICLE HAD AN OIL LEAK. THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY IN THE VEHICLE. *TC