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
339 reports, newest first.
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
Suspension, Sep 17, 2004
PREMATURE WEAR OF UPPER BALL JOINTS. REPLACED AT 41,000 MILES.*AK
Suspension, Sep 14, 2004
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN FEBRUARY OF 2003. THE VEHICLE WAS NEW WITH LESS THAN 100 MILES. AT APPROXIMATELY 15000 MILES THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING A RUBBING NOISE WHENEVER DRIVEN OVER ANY BUMP. TOOK VEHICLE IN TO DEALER AND HE INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS THE UPPER BALL-JOINTS. HE THEN PROCEEDED TO ORDER THE WRONG PART. AFTER A WEEK THE CORRECT PART FINALLY GOT INSTALLED AND THE NOISE WAS NO LONGER PRESENT. DODGE FROM TOP TO BOTTOM HAS LOST MY CONFIDENCE NOT TO MENTION MY BUSINESS.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 10, 2004
BRAKES VIBRATE/SHUDDER WHEN SLOWING DOWN AT AROUND 40 MPH. FIRST SERVICED AT 10130 MILES. RESURFACED ROTORS AND REPLACED FRONT PADS. SERVICE NOTED THERE WAS A TSB FOR VIBRATION BUT NO RECALL YET. BACK TO SERVICE FOR SAME PROBLEM AT 17619 MILES. REAR ROTORS WARPED AND BOTH WERE CUT. THIRD TIME BACK FOR SAME PROBLEM AT 21127 MILES WHEN I ALSO TOOK MY DURANGO IN FOR REAR HATCH DOOR NOT LOCKING. THEY NOTED THE PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES AGAIN BUT I WAS INSTRUCTED TO TAKE BACK TO ORIGINAL DEALER SINCE THEY WERE FIRST TO WORK ON THE BRAKE PROBLEM. I HAVE NOT MADE IT BACK TO THE ORIGINAL DEALER FOR THE 3RD TIME FOR REPAIR.*AK
Suspension, Aug 27, 2004
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE STEERING WAS LOOSE. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A FRONT END ALIGNMENT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Visibility, Aug 23, 2004
DRIVER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC WINDOW IS STUCK INI THE DOWN POSITION. THE WINDOW WILL NOT GO BACK UP AT ALL AND ELECTRONIC WINDOW MECHANICISM, IS NOT MAKING ANY SOUND OF WORKING. CAR IS PARKED IN A GARAGE, TO PREVENT MOISTURE DAMAGE, TO INSIDE OF VEHICLE.*AK
Visibility, Aug 19, 2004
PROBLEMS WITH WINDSHIELD WIPERS. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL AND THE RELAY SWITCH WAS BAD. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. *SC **JB
Suspension, Aug 18, 2004
I NOTICED NOISE IN THE FRONT END OF MY 2003 DODGE DURANGO AND FOUND THAT I HAD MOVEMENT IN MY UPPER RIGHT BALL JOINT, SO I POINTED THIS OUT DURING MY ANNUAL SAFETY INSPECTION AT THE DEALER. BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE FOUND TO BE WORN OUT DURING THE INSPECTION. THE TRUCK HAS ONLY 28,000 MILES ON IT AND IS DRIVEN A MIX OF HIGHWAY AND LOCAL DRIVING....NO OFF ROAD USE. THE REPAIR WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *JB
Suspension, Aug 11, 2004
CONSUMER TOO VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER UPPER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 11, 2004
UNDER 12,000 MILES THE FRONT ROTORS WERE RESURFACED. AT 19000 MILES DEALERSHIP RESURFACED THE ROTORS AGAIN. DEALERSHIP INDICATED TO THE CONSUMER ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED OR RESURFACED ONC EMORE. *AK
Wheels, Aug 6, 2004
I HAVE A 2003 DODGE DURANGO WITH ABOUT 30,000 MILES ON IT AND THE PROBLEM I AM HAVING IS THE CENTER CAP ON THE WHEEL IS COMING OFF WHEN THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN. AT FIRST I THOUGHT MAYBE SOMEBODY WAS STEALING THEM BUT I NOW KNOW THAT ISN'T TRUE. AFTER I LOST TWO OF THEM I DECIDED TO CHECK THEM EVERY TIME I GET IN OR OUT OF THE CAR. YESTERDAY I HAD TO GO TO THE DOCTOR, SO BEFORE I GOT INTO THE CAR I LOOKED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE TWO CENTER CAPS THAT WERE LEFT WAS STILL IN THEIR PLACES OF WHICH THEY WERE. WHEN I ARRIVED AT THE DOCTOR I CHECKED AGAIN AND THIS TIME I WAS MISSING ONE ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE. I DID NOT STOP ANYWHERE SO I KNOW THAT IT HAD TO COME OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I ALSO CALLED THE DEALER PARTS PERSON TO FIND OUT IF THEY HAD REPLACEMENTS AND HOW MUCH THEY WERE AND HE TOLD ME THAT HE HAS BEEN HAVING A RUN ON THEM AND THAT EITHER SOMEBODY MUST BE COLLECTING THEM OR THEY WERE DEFECTIVE. I KNOW THAT SOMEBODY WILL GET HURT BADLY IF THEY GET HIT BY ONE OF THESE, ESPECIALLY IF THE PERSON IS DRIVING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO GO FROM HERE AND AM HOPING THAT YOU MAY BE ABLE TO HELP ME OUT. THANKYOU, LARRY OCCHIPINTI (OCCH1@AOL.COM) . *AK
Suspension, Jul 30, 2004
CONSUMER REQUEST INFORMATION REGARDING STATUS OF UPPER BALL JOINTS INVESTIGATION ON 2003 DURANGO. *MR *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 27, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED REAR DISC BRAKE SQUEALED. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE ON TWO OCCASIONS, AND CLAIMED THAT THE SYSTEM WAS WORKING NORMALLY. *AK
Suspension, Jul 27, 2004
2003 DURANGO HAS ALWAYS HAD A BAD BUMP STEER PROBLEM (WHEN A BUMP IS HIT, THE CAR TURNS HARD LEFT OR RIGHT). I HAVE SEEN OTHER DURANGOS,DAKOTAS WITH THEIR WHEEL SNAPPED AT THE TIE ROD. THIS COULD LEAD TO MANY INJURIES OR DEATHS.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 20, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. SUDDENLY, DRIVER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE THERMOSTAT WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *LA
Tires, Jul 16, 2004
I NOTICED THAT MY RIGHT TIRE WAS LOOSING IT WAS TREAD. I THOUGHT THAT I COULD JUST TAKE IT IN FOR A WHEEL ALLIGNMENT, BUT THE SHOP SAID THAT IT WAS A WORN OUT UPPER BALL JOINT. IT IS GOING TO COST ME AROUND $800.00 TO FIX IT. I AM OVER ON MY WARRANTY BY 1000 MILES AND WHEN I CALL DAIMLERCHRYSLER THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS A PENDING INVESTIGATION ON THIS MATTER, BUT DO NOT OFFER ANY INFORAMTAION. I THEN NOTICED ON THE INTERNET WHERE OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. I THINK THAT SINCE THERE ARE SO MANY COMPLAINTS AND SO MANY OF US OWNERS OF THE DODGE DURANGO THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL INTO THIS MATTER. BALL JOINT PROBLEMS SHOULD NOT BE A PROBLEM UNTIL 100,000 MILES AT LEAST.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 4, 2004
I BOUGHT MY 2003 DODGE DURANGO NEW IN APRIL 2003. IN LESS THAN 12,000 MILES, I HAD TO HAVE THE BRAKE ROTORS REPLACED 2 TIMES. IT NOW HAS 18,000 MILES ON IT AND THE ROTORS ARE BAD AGAIN. ONLY THIS TIME, THEY ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I PAID OVER $30,000 FOR THIS VEHICLE. I DON'T THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THE BRAKES REPLACED 2 TIMES A YEAR. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT I WILL LOSE MY BRAKES AND GET HURT OR HURT SOMEONE. I SAW YOUR SERVICE BULLETIN # 0500703, BRAKE SHUDDER OR VIBRATION. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT MY DURANGO IS DOING. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP WITH THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE EXACT DATES THAT I HAVE HAD THE ROTORS REPLACED ARE UNKNOWN WITHOUT CHECKING WITH MY DEALER. THE DATE BELOW IS AN APPROXIMATE FOR THE LAST TIME. THANK YOU.*AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment, Jun 9, 2004
MY COMPLAINT IS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. LESS THAN 13,000 MILES AND BALL JOINTS, ARM CONTROLS, BRAKES, SWAY ARMS ARE GOING OUT. LAST WEEK WAS THE 2ND TIME JOINTS WERE REPLACED. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH THIS. HAVE THERE BEEN ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS. I FEEL AS THOUGH VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. ESPECIALLY WITH MY 11 YR. OLD DAUGHTER AND 2 YR. OLD SON. IN AND OUT OF DEALER SERVICE DEPT IS WEARING ME THIN. *AK
Suspension, Visibility, Jun 5, 2004
I PURCHASED A 2003 DODGE DURANGO FROM BLEECKER DODGE IN DUNN, NC. I HAVE THREE COMPLAINTS THAT I WOULD LIKE TO PUT ON FILE: FIST COMPLAINT: MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE TERRIBLE NOISES THAT REQUIRED ME TO TAKE IT FOR SERVICE. THE SOUNDS WERE SCRAPING NOISES COMING FROM THE STEERING COMPONENTS. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND BOTH THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. SECOND COMPLAINT: DURING THE COLD WEATHER MONTHS, I WAS WARMING MY VEHICLE AND HAD SCRAPED THE ICE FROM MY WINDSHIELD. THE DEFROST WAS ON. WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED. EXACT DATE OF THE INCIDENT IS UNKNOWN TO ME BUT IT WAS DURING ONE OF OUR SNOWS. IT HAS LEFT ME WITH A CRACKED WINDSHIELD. I HAVE TAKEN NO STEPS AS OF YET TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. THIRD COMPLAINT: EVEN MORE RECENTLY, MY "CHECK GUAGES" LIGHT CAME ON. MY VEHICLE SHOWS NO OIL PRESSURE. I CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHILCLE AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT BLEECKER WILL NOT BE BACK IN UNTIL MONDAY. I AM WITHOUT A VEHICLE THIS WEEKEND. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 35,000 MILES ON IT AND IT HAS BEEN PLAGUED WITH PROBLEMS SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED IN OCTOBER OF 2003.*AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 4, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH THERE WAS SEVERE VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, FRONT BRAKE PROBLEM, IT TOOK LONGER TO STOP. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 20, 2004
STEERING FAILED WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN.*MR BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ANTI LOCK CONTROL MODULE AND THE MASTER CYLINDER. *NM
Suspension, May 10, 2004
I HAVE BEEN HEARING A WEIRD RUBBING NOISE ON THE FRONT RIGHT OF MY DODGE DURANGO. BEFORE I COULD TAKE IT IN TO GET WORKED ON, I RAN OVER A SMALL POT HOLE. THE UPPER BALL BEARING JOINT BROKE. I WAS TOLD THAT YOUR ORGANIZATION IS DOING AN INVESTIGATION. CAN YOU HELP? OR CAN I HELP? *LA
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 29, 2004
WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40 TO 50 MPH THERE WAS SEVERE VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. DEALER REPLACED ROTORS. AND PADS, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Electrical system, Apr 26, 2004
WHEN THE COMPUTER SHUT DOWN, THE VEHICLE STOPPED FUNCTIONING. AFTER REPEATED VISITS TO THE DEALER, THE LOCKS INTERMITTENTLY OPENED AND CLOSED BY THEMSELVES. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TEN TIMES, FIVE COMPUTER REPLACEMENTS, AND THE LOCKS ON THE VEHICLE WERE INTERMITTENT. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE. *SC *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 12, 2004
HAD THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED ON A 2003 DODGE DURGANO AND BRAKE PADS REPLACED AND TRUCK IS STILL RIDING AND HANDLING BADLY. DEALERS DO NOT TAKE THE PROBLEM SERIOUS. WHAT CAN I DO.*AK