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.
Exterior lighting, Aug 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, HE HEARD CLICKING NOISE COMING FOR THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE FLICKING ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT HIM AT A LATER DATE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
Power train, Engine, Aug 24, 2012
NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS TIL WE DROVE ALMOST 5 HRS ON VACATION TO GATLINBURG AND BEFORE WE EVEN GOT INTO TOWN THE CHECK GAUGE LIGHT CAME ON AND REALIZED THE TEMP GAUGE WAS IN THE RED. NEVER LEAKED COOLANT OR SMELLED ANY ANTIFREEZE. THE NEXT DAY AFTER LETTING IT SIT OVERNIGHT IT SEEMED FINE NO CHECK LIGHT WAS ON DROVE IT BACK STILL NO ENGINE LIGHT ON AND TEMP WAS FINE,FEW WEEKS LATER ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE! THE VALVE TRAIN STARTED TICKING. HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP (KINGS CJD) AND FOUND A FAILED ROCKER & TAPPET HAD REPLACED 4 DAYS LATER WAS DOING IT ON THE DRIVER SIDE,TOOK IT BACK THAT'S WHEN IT TOOK THEM A FEW DAYS TO FIGURE OUT IT WAS LEAKING COOLANT DOWN INTO THE CYLINDERS. CHRYSLER DIDN'T HAVE CYLINDER HEADS AVAILABLE IT TOOK OVER 2 MONTHS FOR US TO GET THE PART (NOT FROM CHRYSLER) AS FAR AS WE KNOW THEY STILL DON'T HAVE THE PART AVAILABLE. 28 PLUS PEOPLE ARE ON A WAITING LIST TO RECEIVE CYLINDER HEADS THAT ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE! REPEATED TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR LEAKING VALVE COVERS ON BOTH SIDES,STILL DEALING WITH ISSUE OF POSSIBLE LEAK AROUND CRANK SEAL ON TIMING COVER. CHRYSLER DOES SEEM TO GIVE A DARN ABOUT OUR TIME AND MONEY WASTED FOR THE SUPPOSED REPAIRS THAT ARE NOT FIXED!! HAS ANYONE ELSE READING THIS HAD ANY ISSUES REGARDING CYLINDER HEADS???? I THINK WHEN YOU HAVE 28 PLUS PEOPLE ON THE WAITING LIST FOR THE SAME PART FOR THE SAME MAKE & MODEL VEHICLE SAME ENGINE 4.7 V8 OBVIOUSLY THEIR IS A MANUFACTURE ISSUE NOT AN OWNER ISSUE!!! THAT'S JUST A TASTE OF WHAT IS GOING ON THEIR IS PLENTY MORE AND CHRYSLER JUST KEEPS TELLING US IM SORRY AND THAT'S IT IM SORRY!!! WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL CASE MGRS AND NOONE SEEMS TO BE CARING. *TR
Air bags, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Aug 21, 2012, crash
AFTER COMING TO A STOP, I PUT MY VEHICLE IN PARK. WHILE EXITING, THE ENGINE STARTED REVVING CAUSING IT TO JUMP OUT OF GEAR. THIS RESULTED IN A CRASH INTO AN APARTMENT THAT COULD HAVE TURNED OUT MUCH WORST. *TR
Steering, Aug 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS SEVERELY LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL GRINDING SOUND WHENEVER THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AROUND A BEND OR REVERSING AT APPROXIMATE SPEEDS OF 5 MPH. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,375.
Power train, Jul 19, 2012
VEHICLE STALLING. *TR
Engine, Jul 7, 2012
WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE DOWN ROAD ENGINE WILL QUIT WITH NO WARNING. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE HEADLIGHTS AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS STOPPED ILLUMINATING. THE CONTACT TURNED THE SWITCH AND THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON, BUT THEN FAILED FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.
Electrical system, Visibility, Jul 6, 2012
AIR CONDITIONING STOPPED WORKING UNDER NORMAL USE. AFTER INSPECTING THE BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR, AND CONNECTOR PLUG I FOUND THE INSIDE TO BE MELTED LIKELY DUE TO TOO MUCH VOLTAGE. I HAD TO CUT THE WIRES AS THE CONNECTOR WAS FUSED TO THE RESISTOR. NOT ABLE TO FIND THIS CONNECTOR THROUGH LOCAL JUNK/SALVAGE YARDS, BECAUSE THIS APPARENTLY IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL DURANGO. ONLY ABLE TO GET AFTER MARKET PART FOR THIS CONNECTOR, AND WILL HAVE TO RE-WIRE IT TO THE BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR. *TR
Visibility, Jun 15, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR HARNESS FAN BECAME HOT AND MELTED THE WIRING. THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE AIR CONDITIONER BUT THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO INFORMED HIM THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO PURCHASE A KIT AND REPAIR IT HIMSELF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,763.
Seats, May 22, 2012
THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT IN THE VEHICLE MOVES FORWARD AND BACKWARDS WHILE STARTING AND STOPPING, AND OCCASIONALLY WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 1 INCH. IT IS CALLED A "ROCKING" SEAT AS DESCRIBED BY HUNDREDS OF DODGE DURANGO OWNERS ONLINE AND IN DODGE FORUMS. IT CANNOT BE FIXED, IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE SEAT MOVEMENT IS DISTRACTING AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. I AM AFRAID THE PROBLEM WILL GET WORSE, TO THE POINT THAT THE VEHICLE WILL BE UN-DRIVEABLE. HELP! I AM THE ONLY OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE AND HAVE TAKEN GREAT CARE OF IT. THANK YOU. *TT
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 8, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC KEY FOB FAILED AND ALL OF THE INTERIORS WARNING LAMPS WERE ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ALL OF THE GAUGES WERE PROVIDING ERRONEOUS READINGS. THE HEAD LIGHTS HAD ALSO FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CENTRAL TIMING MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 02V322000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,230.
Electrical system, Feb 15, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT THE SPEEDS OF 60 MPH, SHE NOTICED THAT THERE WERE SPARKS COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE HEATER WIRING HARNESS. THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR AND NOTICED THE PLASTIC ON THE WIRES HAD MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS MELTED. THE WIRING HARNESS LASTED NINE MONTHS AFTER IT WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED TWICE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE RECENT FAILURE THAT OCCURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 173,000.
Suspension, Feb 4, 2012
NOISE IN WHEEL BEARINGS: HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT WHEEL HUBS DUE TO BAD BEARINGS. WAS WORRIED ABOUT SAFETY AND WHEEL LOCKING UP. FINALLY GOT REPLACED AT ~89000 BUT STARTED ~82000 MILES AS WORRIED ABOUT SAFETY AND THEM LOCKING UP/FALLING OFF. THEN WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER JOINTS NEED REPLACING. POOR QUALITY FOR AMERICAN PRODUCTS AS VEHICLE HAS ONLY BEEN ON THE ROAD AND IN THE SOUTH WITH GOOD WEATHER. *KB
Seats, Feb 4, 2012
THE FRONT DRIVERS SEAT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH ON THE TRACKS AND IS EXTREMELY LOOSE. I HAVE ONLY 89000 MILES AND IT STARTED AROUND 48000 MILES. TOTALLY DISAPPOINTED WITH DODGES QUALITY AND WORRY ABOUT ISSUES WITH SAFETY. *KB
Suspension, Jan 9, 2012
I HAVE NOTICE A CLUNKING SOUND IN THE FRONT RIGHT OF MY DURANGO FOR SOME APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS. I RECENTLY BROUGHT IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO STATED IT WOULD NEED TO HAVE THE UPPER RIGHT BALL JOINT REPLACE. IT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT THIS ISSUE WAS RECALLED ON OTHER 2003 DURANGO, HOWEVER, MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CAMPAIGN (04V596000). THIS ISSUE APPEARS TO GO BEYOND THE CUT OFF FOR THE RECALL SINCE REVIEW OF THE COMPLAINTS INDICATES NUMEROUS OTHER SIMILAR ISSUES. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V322000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH HE HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED HIM THAT THE VALVE SEAT CAME OUT OF THE HEAD GASKET CAUSING IT TO OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY DECARBONATING THE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 107,571.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 16, 2011
WHILE AT IDLE OR TAKING OFF SLOWLY THE TRUCK WILL STALL OUT-I HAVE FOUND IF I RUN MY A/C EVEN WHEN ITS COLD OUT SIDE IT DOES BETTER-BUT SOMETHING IS WRONG---EVEN WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS RPMS GO UP AND DOWN--EVEN WHEN CRUISE IS ON GAS MILEAGE VERY BAD---FEELS LIKE SOMETHING HOLDING TRUCK BACK---NOT SMOOTH ENGINE DRIVING. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT--NO CODES. *TR
Suspension, Dec 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING FROM A PARKING SPACE, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE . THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT BALL JOINT WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V596000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Suspension, Nov 23, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THERE WAS A CLANKING NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE FAILURE AND NOTICED THE BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO STATED THERE WAS A FAILURE BUT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V596000, SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: UPPER BALL JOINT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 24, 2011
WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ON SECONDARY ROADS AT APPROX 30MPH, ENGINE SMOKED, SEIZED, OVER-HEATED, BUCKED AND FAILED. HAD IT TOWED AND MECHANIC IMMEDIATELY NOTICED SLUDGE AROUND TOP OF SOME GASKET. BEFORE FURTHER INSPECTION, HE SAID IMMEDIATELY THAT IT WAS NOT A GOOD SIGN AT ALL AND MOST LIKELY WOULD NEED NEW ENGINE. I WAS SHOCKED AS THIS TRUCK IS OUR SECONDARY VEHICLE AND HAS ONLY BEEN DRIVEN APPROX 20,000 MILES IN 3 YEARS WITH REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND NO ISSUES WHATSOEVER! NO INDICATION WAS GIVEN VIA WARNING LIGHTS OF ANY ISSUES NOR WAS THERE ANY CHANGE IN HOW IT DROVE IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO SEIZING. AFTER A DAY, THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED IT NEEDED TOTAL ENGINE REPLACEMENT. WE ASSUMED WE WERE BEING TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF AND HAD IT TOWED TO ANOTHER REPAIR PLACE, WHO ONLY WENT ON TO SAY THE SAME: NEW ENGINE NEEDED! AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ON-LINE IT SEEMS THAT MANY OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THIS, YET THERE IS NO RECOURSE WITH THE MANUFACTURER. WE WERE OWNERS OF A 1999 DODGE DURANGO PRIOR TO THIS AND THAT VEHICLE ALSO NEEDED TOTAL ENGINE REPLACEMENT AFTER 60 DAYS BUT THANKFULLY IT WAS COVERED THROUGH THE DEALERSHIP. WE ARE NO LONGER UNDER ANY TYPE OF WARRANTY AND SINCE THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE, WE FEEL THAT DAIMLER CHRYSLER SHOULD RECOGNIZE THIS KNOWN ISSUE BASED ON THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS THERE IS REGARDING THIS! NOT ONLY WILL WE BE ABANDONING THIS VEHICLE, AS WE ARE TOLD THAT IF WE REPLACE THE ENGINE FOR APPROX $4000 IT WILL MORE THAN LIKELY HAPPEN AGAIN, BUT WE WILL NEVER, EVER PURCHASE A VEHICLE THROUGH THIS MANUFACTURER AGAIN! SHAME ON DAIMLER/CHRYSLER FOR NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THEIR FAULT! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 11, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND RESUME DRIVING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FIVE TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Exterior lighting, Oct 4, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO SLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED AND WOULD FLICKER ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE HEADLIGHT TIMING MODULE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT RECALLED AND DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Electrical system, Sep 25, 2011
REPEATED FAILURE/BURNING OF BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR AND CONNECTOR. POTENTIAL FOR ELECTRICAL FIRE UNDER THE DASH ON PASSENGER SIDE. HAVE HAD BURNING SMELL AND SMOKE FROM THIS. *TR
Suspension, Sep 6, 2011
THERE IS A RECALL FOR DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS ON THE 2003 DODGE DURANGO, BUT WHEN I CALLED DODGE MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. I AM HAVING MY BALL JOINTS REPLACED BY A REPAIR SHOP TODAY AS I WAS TOLD THAT THEY ARE IN VERY BAD SHAPE AND I AM RISKING HAVING THEM SEPARATE WHILE DRIVING WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE WHEEL FALLING OFF IN A HIGH SPEED SITUATION CAUSING A CRASH AND POSSIBLE INJURY OR DEATH. I FEEL THAT IF THIS RECALL IS ONLY FOR SOME OF THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL OF MY VEHICLE THEN THEY SHOULD AT LEAST HAVE THEM ALL CALLED IN TO HAVE THE DEALER INSPECT THEM FOR SAFETY. IT IS GOING TO COST ALMOST $1000 FOR ME TO HAVE THIS REPAIR MADE. BUT THAT IS SMALL PRICE TO PAY TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF ME AND MY FAMILY. I HAVE HEARD THIS COMPLAINT FROM MANY MANY OTHER OWNERS AND REPAIR SHOPS FOR THIS VEHICLE AND FEEL IT SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO. *TR