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.
Visibility, Equipment, Mar 23, 2004
WHILE SITTING IN VEHICLE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING POWER WINDOWS AND AIR CONDITIONER STOPPED WORKING. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES, POWER TO THE AIR CONDITIONER AND WINDOWS RETURNED. DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK
Suspension, Mar 15, 2004
VIBRATION OF VEHICLE AND FRONT ALIGNMEN. *AK
Suspension, Mar 15, 2004, crash
DODGE DURANGO AXLE AND TIRE FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BROKE OFF AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE; I BELIEVE THE ISSUE HAD TO DO WITH THE UPPER BALL JOINT OF THE DODGE DURANGO.*AK
Power train, Mar 11, 2004
I AM DRIVING 2003 DODGE DURAGO. ON 3-12-04, I WENT TO A CAR WASH. I SHIFT THE LEVER TO N, AND THE PRNDL SHOWED THE N POSITION. WHEN THE WASH DONE, THE DYE STARTED, I FELT THE CAR WAS GOING BACKWARD. I DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS HAPPENING UNTIL I HIT THE CAR BEHIND ME. THE CAR WASH MECHINE STOPPED, I NOTICE THAT THE PRNDL WAS ILLUMINATING HALF OF THE R, THE CAR WAS CHANGED TO REVERSE! THE SIMILAR THING HAPPEND BEFORE. ONE TIME I WAS DRIVING ON THE LOCAL ROAD(45 MILE/HOUR), IN A SUDDEN, I HEARD STRANGE LOAD NOISE, THEN I SAW THE PRNDL SHOWING "2" INSTEAD OF THE "D". ANOTHER TIME, THE GEAR WAS CHANGED FROM "D" TO "N" WHEN I WAS DRIVING. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 11, 2004, fire
WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED AND JERKED. ANOTHER MOTORIST INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONSUMER EXITED THE VEHICLE, AND WATCHED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BECOME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED WITH NO INJURIES. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT ENGINE THREW A ROD, AND IT PUNCTURED THE OIL PAN. *AK THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. *SC
Suspension, Mar 10, 2004, crash
ON JANUARY 26, 2004, OUR 24 YEAR OLD SON, BRANT, WAS DRIVING OUR 2003 DODGE DURANGO ON I-85 NEAR COMMERCE, GEORGIA. TIME 2:00 AM.. ROAD CONDITIONS COLD & RAINY. FOR UNKNOWN REASONS, THE RIGHT/FRONT TIRE AND MECHANICAL ASSEMBLY (BALL JOINTS.. EVERYTHING) CAME OFF THE CAR CAUSING HIM TO SKID INTO RIGHT SIDE GUARD RAIL. NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ESTIMATED DAMAGE IN EXCESS OF $12,000. THE DURANGO IS 10 MONTHS OLD WITH APPROXIMATELY 17,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. WE CONTACTED CHRYSLER CORPORATION REQUESTING A BUYBACK.. OR RETURN OF OUR MONEY LESS REASONABLE MILEAGE ALLOCATIONS. WE FEEL THE PRODUCT IS DEFECTIVE AND NOW SERIOUSLY DAMAGED BEYOND REASONABLE REPAIR. CHRYSLER DENIED OUR CLAIM, REFUSED TO ISSUE COPIES OF REPORTS THEY USED FOR THEIR DENIAL, SIMPLY OPTING FOR REASONS UNKNOWN TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE ANY FURTHER. *AK
Suspension, Mar 8, 2004
I BOUGHT A USED 2003 DODGE DURANGO ON 2/28/2004. IT RAN FINE FOR A FEW DAYS. THE FRONT END WAS NOT PERFORMING AS IT SHOULD. THIS ONLY HAS 27,000 MILES ON IT SO I THOUGHT IT NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT MY MECHANIC AS ALIGNMENTS ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE DAY BEFORE I WAS TO TAKE IT TO HIM THE CBS NEWS SHOWED A STORY ON DODGE DURANGO'S AND THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. I ASKED OUR MECHANIC TO CHECK THESE ALSO. HE FOUND THE LEFT SIDE WORN AND THE RIGHT SIDE WAS TO THE POINT THAT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I CALLED THE DEALER SHIP THAT IT WAS PURCHASED AT AND OF COURSE THEY HEAD MECHANIC STATED THEY KNEW NOTHING ABOUT IT. AFTER MY HUSBAND MENTIONED THE NEWS STORY AND WHAT OUR MECHANIC FOUND, THEY STILL TRIED TO SAY IT MUST BE THE BEARINGS. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS VERY RUDE TO HIM EVEN THOUGHT IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. HE INSISTED THEY BE REPLACED. MY HUSBAND WAS A MECHANIC BUY TRADE SO HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT. I FEEL SORRY FOR THE PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT ARE NOT AWARE OF THIS. OUR APPOINTMENT IS ON 3-9-04. WE WILL OF COURSE TAKE THE CAR BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO INSPECT THEY REPLACED WHAT WAS WRONG. WE HAVE BEEN DODGE OWNERS FOR OVER 20 YEARS AND I CAN NOT BELIEVE SOMETHING THIS SERIOUS IS BEING HIDDEN BY THEM. THEY HAVE LOST MY VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN RELIABILITY. THEY DID NOT CHECK THE DURANGO PRIOR TO SELLING IT, OTHERWISE THEY WOULD HAVE SEEN THE PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY. I AM AFRID TO DRIVE MY OWN CAR FOR FEAR OF SOMETHING BAD HAPPENING. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS MATTER AND AFTER READING ALL THE COMPLAINTS FROM 2002 AND ON, WHY IS THIS NOT BEING ADDRESSED WITH CHRYSTLER? WE RELY ON YOUR SERVICE AS AN INDEPENDENT AND WE NEED YOUR BACKBONE IN MAKING THIS A RECALL ISSUE. PLEASE TAKE THIS AS SERIOUS AS WE ALL DO. THANK YOU. *AK
Seat belts, Feb 25, 2004
THE BACK SEAT SEAT BELTS DO NOT HAVE A LOCKING MECHANISM. CHILD SEATS ARE VERY DIFFICULT TO INSTALL PROPERLY.*AK
Electrical system, Feb 25, 2004
2002 DODGE DURANGO W/4.7 V-8 PURCHASED IN AUG. MILAGE3994. TWICE SINCE AUG. ONCE IN SEPT. AND 2/21/04 THE DASHBOARD RADIATOR ICON LIT UP AND THE TEMP. GAUGE WAS ALL THE PAST HOT, I STOPPED THE DURANGO TURNED IT OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND THE GAUGE READS THE NORMAL TEMP. AND THE DASHBOARD ICON IS UNLIT. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY CHECKED EVERYTHING OUT AND CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THEY SAID NEXT TIME IT HAPPENS TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH DASH ICON ON AND THE TEMP GAUGE PEGGED PAST H.*AK
Structure, Feb 23, 2004, crash
2003 DODGE DURANGO UPPER BALL JOINT FAILED ON INTERSTATE AT 65MPH. RIGHT FRONT WHEEL AND ASSEMBLY SEPERATED FROM VEHICLE CAUSING SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT ..SKIDDED INTO GUARD RAIL. DAMAGE ESTIMATED AT $10,000 PLUS BY CLAIMS ADJUSTER. NATIONWIDE INSURANCE IS SUBROGATING AGAINST CHRYSLER TO RECOVER MONEY. *AK EA03-023
Tires, Jan 23, 2004
THE SPARE TIRE WAS SMALLER THAN THE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. *PH *TT *JB
Suspension, Structure, Jan 15, 2004
THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE SUSPENSION AND/OR STABILITY OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON A WINDY DAY THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS FORCED TO REDUCE HIS SPEED TO DRIVE IN THE WINDY CONDITIONS. *PH *NM
Suspension, Dec 29, 2003
PE 03-032/FRONT SUSPENSION/UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE: AT ANY SPEED, CONSUMER INTERMITTENTLY HEARD A SEMI SCRAPING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER'S MECHANIC WAS SCHEDULED TO GIVE THE VEHICLE A CHECK UP, BUT FELT FROM THE SYMPTOMS THAT IT WAS THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Tires, Dec 29, 2003
WHILE DRIVING REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT AND HIT THE BRAKE LINE. AS A RESULT, THE BRAKES BECAME INOPERATIVE. *AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 19, 2003
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT FRONT END SUSPENSION PROBLEMS, INCLUDING BOTH THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. ALSO, FRONT BRAKES OPERATED POORLY. *AK
Power train, Nov 12, 2003
WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH REAR DRIVESHAFT DROPPED TO GROUND, CAUSING VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, BUT THE PROBLEM HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *AK CONSUMER'S WIFE SUSTAINED A BLACK EYE, LACERATED LIP, AND MID BACK PAIN FOR WHICH SHE'S GOING TO PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR. CONSUMER EXPERIENCED WHIP LASH, AND HIS 9 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER SUSTAINED LOWER BACK PAIN. HIS SON WAS SHAKEN UP. AS OF 10/21/03, NOTHING HAD BEEN DONE. *PH
Suspension, Nov 5, 2003
I HAVE A 2003 DODE DURANGO WITH 11,841 MILES AND I ALREADY HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY WHEEL SOUNDING LIKE IT IS GOING TO FALL OFF. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO THE DODGE DEALERSHIP YET BECAUSE I CONTACT CBS NEWS AND THEY TOLD ME THAT YOU WOULD WANT TO SEE THE CAR FIRST. I ALSO HAVE A 1999 DODGE DURANGO WITH 69,000 MILES AND ITS NOT EVEN DRIVABLE AT THIS POINT BECAUSE OF THE WHEEL. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP 2 WEEKS AFTER I BOUGHT IT AND THEY FIXED IT WHICH WAS IN APRIL, IN AUGUST OF THE YEAR I HAD TO PUT NEW BRAKES AND RODERS ON THE CAR AND AT THIS POINT I'M AFARID THAT THE WHEEL WILL FALL OFF. I CAN NO LONGER AFFORD TO PAY FOR THIS VEHICLE AND FIX IT AND THE LIEN HOLDER IS ABOUT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE. WOULD YOU PLEASE CONTACT ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND LET ME KNOW WHAT I CAN DO BEFORE I LET THE LIEN HOLDER HAVE THE VEHICLE.
Suspension, Oct 28, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT CONSUMER HEARD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. THE DEALER STATED, TO CALL NHTSA, AND GAVE NO FURTHER EXPLANATION.*AK
Air bags, Oct 24, 2003, crash
A DEER WAS RUNNING ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND THE DRIVER HIT THE DEER, RESULTING IN A COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES. *AK LUG NUTS HOLDING TIRES BROKE, RESULTING IN LOST OF TIRES. *TS *JB
Steering, Oct 24, 2003
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. BOTH FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP UPON IMPACT. *AK THE VEHICLE STARTED TO BOUNCE IN THE FRONT END. AS THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO PARK, THE FRONT TIRE TURNED INWARD. THE DEALER REPORTED THAT THE BOLT ON THE TIE ROD SNAPPED. *SCC *JB
Suspension, Oct 12, 2003
WHILE DRIVING ON A HILL AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN ON A CURB THE VEHICLE LEANED EXCESSIVELY TO THE RIGHT AND ALMOST ROLLED OVER. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED AFTER MARKET HEAVY DUTY SHOCK ABSORBERS. *AK *TS *NLM
Steering, Oct 5, 2003, crash
SUV 2003 DODGE DURANGO, WENT OUT OF CONTROL WHICH CAUSED A BIG ACCIDENT. *LA
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 2, 2003, crash
ON JUNE SIXTH, MY FAMILY AND I WERE TRAVELING SOUTH ON I-95 DURING A HEAVY RAINSTORM. I LOWERED MY SPEED TO APPROXIMATELY 30 M.P.H. DUE TO THE HEAVY RAIN WHEN SUDDENLY TRAFFIC SLOWED. I DECELERATED KEEPING A SAFE DISTANCE FROM THE VEHICLE IN FRONT AND WHEN I LOOKED IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR, I SAW A BLUE FORD RANGER APPROACHING. I REALIZED THAT THE VEHICLE APPROACHING WAS NOT GOING TO STOP IN TIME. THE RANGER STRUCK OUR VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 30 M.P.H. OUR VEHICLE WAS STILL TRAVELING FORWARD SO THE IMPACT WAS DISSIPATED TO APPROXIMATELY 25 M.P.H. THE INSTANT THE VEHICLE STRUCK OURS, THE REAR HATCH POPPED OPEN DEPOSITING SOME OF OUR LUGGAGE AND ARTICLES ONTO THE ROADWAY WHERE THEY WERE STUCK BY THE VEHICLE THAT STRUCK OURS, DAMAGING THE ITEMS. MY CONCERN WAS THAT IF I HAD AN UNSECURED OCCUPANT IN THE THIRD SEAT, THEY MIGHT HAVE BEEN EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE. DAIMLER-CHRYSLER CONDUCTED THEIR OWN INVESTIGATION BUT TO MY DISMAY, THEY HAVE OBSTRUCTED ME IN EVERY INQUIRY OF THE RESULTS OF THAT INVESTIGATION. I AM REQUESTING AN OFFICIAL INVESTIGATION IN THE HOPE THAT THIS CAN BE CORRECTED BEFORE THERE ARE ANY INJURIES. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 22, 2003
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO APPLY BRAKES PEDAL PROCEEDED TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL. *AK
Power train, Sep 12, 2003
CONSUMER CALLED ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. HE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE IGNITION ON, IT REVERSED BY ITSELF WITHOUT SWITCHING THE GEAR INTO REVERSE. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT NO INVESTIGATION IS OUT YET. *PH