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.
Suspension, Nov 24, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH HE STRUCK A POTHOLE . SHORTLY AFTERWARDS HE HEARD A PECULIAR NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS FAILED. THE FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE. HIS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04596000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
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
Electrical system, Oct 29, 2009
HEADLIGHT, HORN, INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILURE ON MY '03 DURANGO. DURANGOS AND DAKOTAS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR A BAD CENTRAL TIMER MODULE. CHRYSLER SAYS MY VEHICLE DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL. THE DEALER HAS DONE A OFFICIAL DIAGNOSTIC AND FOUND THE CTM TO BE FAULTY. I WILL HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR UPDATED 02/24/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED SHORTLY AFTER FILING THE REPORT, HIS WIFE HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE PROBLEM MENTIONED. SHE WAS OUT EARLY IN THE MORNING ON NOVEMBER 3, 2009 WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. WHILE TRYING TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WITHOUT THE USE OF THE HEADLIGHTS, SHE SCRAPED THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE ON A ROADSIDE METAL MARKER. THE SCRAPE WENT THE WHOLE LENGTH OF THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 05/12/10. *JB
Visibility, Oct 28, 2009
IN 2.5 YEARS, I HAVE PUT IN 5 WINDOW REGULATORS USING ORIGINAL DODGE PARTS IN MY 2003 DODGE DURANGO. A 6TH ONE BROKE 10/13/09. THIS PART IS DEFECTIVE IN THAT IT BREAKS IRREGARDLESS OF USAGE, TODAY A REAR WINDOW BROKE WHICH HAS MAYBE BEEN USED A DOZEN TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S WINDOW WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES WITHIN 60 DAYS, BECAUSE THE BRAND NEW PARTS BROKE. DODGE IS WELL AWARE OF THIS ISSUE, BECAUSE OF THE CONSTANT BACK ORDER WITHIN THEIR PARTS DEPARTMENT AND FREQUENT CONSUMER COMPLAINTS WELL DOCUMENTED ON THE INTERNET. THEIR PARAPHRASED RESPONSE TO MY COMPLAINT WAS TOO BAD IT'S OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR
Air bags, Oct 19, 2009, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH HE CRASHED INTO A DEER. THE FRONT-END OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED, BUT NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. AS A CONSEQUENCE HE SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK AND NECK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DUE TO THE VEHICLE DECELERATING IN A IMPROPER MANNER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140000.
Suspension, May 18, 2009
FRONT BALL JOINT MAKING A CLICKING SOUND. IN 2005 GOT A RECALL LETTER. CALLED DEALER AND THEY SAID THE RECALL DIDN;T EFFECT MY VEHICLE. CALLED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE NEXT YEAR TO SEE IF THE RECALL WAS ON MY VEHICLE YET. THE DEALER TOLD ME NO. VEHICLE KEPT MAKING CLUNKING NOISE. AT 100,00 MILES I PULLED IN MY DRIVEWAY AND THE WHEEL FEEL OF AT THE RIGHT BALL JOINT. TOW TRUCK COULDN'T TOW THE VEHICLE DUE TO BEING ALL WHEEL DRIVE. I CALLED CHRYSLER AND THEY TOLD ME IT WASN;T THEIR PROBLEM. I HAD TO HIRE A MECHANIC TO REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS IN MY DRIVEWAY. TIRES HAVE WORN TERRIBLE AND TRUCK KEPT COMING OUT OF ALIGNMENT. I KEPT GOOD ROTATION ON THE TIRES BUT COULDN'T KEEP THE INSIDE FROM WEARING. I DO HAVE THE DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS. *TR
Seats, Apr 2, 2009
I HAVE A 2003 DODGE DURANGO IN WHICH I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT SEAT HOUSINGS. THIS IS THE PLASTIC COMPONENT THAT IS SUPPOSED TO PROTECT THE WIRING OF THE ELECTRIC SEATS. THIS IS ALSO WHERE THE ACTUAL SEAT ADJUSTMENT CONTROLS ARE LOCATED. I HAVE HAD TWO OF THE HOUSINGS REPLACED ALREADY AND I NEED TO HAVE EACH ONE REPLACED AGAIN. I ASKED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT ABOUT IT AND THEY SAID THAT THEY HAD REPLACED MANY OF THE SAME COMPONENTS BUT AT THIS TIME CHRYSLER WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIR. IT WOULD SEEM TO ME, THAT WITH NORMAL WEAR THAT THIS PIECE SHOULD NOT CRACK AND HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT ALL; YET I NEED TO REPLACE EACH COMPONENT AGAIN - AT MY COST. *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
Steering, Mar 19, 2009
THE PASSENGER SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT STARTED COMING APART AT JUST 47,000 MILES. I WAS LUCKY TO CATCH IT AS IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN THE WHOLE WHEEL COMING OFF THE VEHICLE AND A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF AT SPEED. TYPICALLY BALL JOINTS WEAR BEFORE THEY FAIL AND THAT IS USUALLY ONLY AFTER A HUNDRED OR A FEW HUNDREDS THOUSAND MILES. TO HAVE A COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE BALL JOINT AT JUST 47,000 MILES IS ALARMING. I DISCOVERED THERE WAS AN ISSUE AND A SILENT RECALL OF 2000-2003 DURANGO'S FOR THIS PROBLEM. I CALLED DODGE ABOUT THE REPAIR BUT THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT SAYING THAT EVEN THOUGH MY VEHICLE IS A 2003, MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. MY VEHICLE IS THE SAME YEAR AND SAME EXTRAORDINARY AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM. *TR
Visibility, Mar 15, 2009
BOTH FRONT ELECTRIC WINDOWS IN OUR 2003 DODGE DURANGO STOPPED WORKING. AS SOON AS I PAID TO HAVE ONE WINDOW REPLACED; THE OTHER WINDOW FAILED. THE PASSENGER FRONT WINDOW CAME DOWN AS I WAS DRIVING OVER A BRIDGE IN A RAINSTORM. THE RAIN PELTED MY CHILDREN WHO WERE RIDING IN THEIR CARSEATS IN THE NEXT ROW OF SEATS. AS SOON AS I GOT OFF THE BRIDGE, I TURNED ONTO AN EXIT AND WAITED OUT THE RAIN AT A GAS STATION. I STILL HAVE NOT REPLACED THE WINDOW. I HAVE IT BRACED UP WITH A RUBBER SCREW DRIVER; AT LEAST IT IS UP NOW. *TR
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
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 20, 2009
HAVE A 2003 DODGE DURANGO 79,000 MILES WHILE DRIVING OIL PRESSURE DROPPED TO ZERO. CHECK GAUGE LIGHT CAME ON AFTERWARDS. TOOK VEHICLE TO TWO DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOPS BOTH STATED WE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. THEY SAID WE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE DUE TO OIL SLUDGE BUILD UP RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE. LOOKED ONLINE ONLY TO FIND HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF THE SAME COMPLAINT ON DODGE DURANGOS WITH LOW MILEAGE. THIS OBVIOUSLY IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINES THAT PEOPLE NEED TO MADE AWARE OF AND DODGE SHOULD BE THE ONES TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 7, 2009
AFTER REMOVING IGNITION KEY FROM VEHICLE, OWNER RETURNS TO VEHICLE TO FIND THAT IGNITION KEY WILL NOT STAY IN KEY SLOT OR TURN. VEHICLE IS IN PARK, BUT STEERING WHEEL LOCK DOESN'T ENGAGE PROPERLY, SO STEERING WHEEL CAN BE TURNED MULTIPLE COMPLETE REVOLUTIONS (IF YOU'RE STRONG ENOUGH, THINK NON-POWER STEERING). AT THIS POINT, VEHICLE IS EFFECTIVELY DISABLED. STRIKING THE STEERING COLUMN WITH A RUBBER MALLET DIRECTLY ON IGNITION KEY SLOT RESOLVES PROBLEM TEMPORARILY. BASED ON MY RESEARCH (EXAMPLE HERE: HTTP://FORUMS.AUTOMOTIVE.COM/70/16154/DODGE/1999-DODGE-1500-VAN-KEY-WONT-TURN-IN-IGNITION/INDEX.HTML) THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM THAT OCCURS ON ALL DODGE VANS AND SUVS FROM 1999 TO AT LEAST 2003 MODEL YEAR. THIS TYPE OF DEFECT CAN RESULT IN DRIVER BEING STRANDED IN REMOTE LOCATIONS UNEXPECTEDLY. WHILE THIS MIGHT NOT SEEM LIKE AN IMMEDIATE SAFETY ISSUE, IT IS CERTAINLY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT DODGE SHOULD BE REPAIRING FOR FREE. DESPITE THE FACT THAT I CAN FIND HUNDREDS OF INCIDENTS OF THIS DEFECT OCCURRING (SOMETIMES UP THE 6-7 TIMES ON THE SAME VEHICLE OVER THE COURSE OF A SINGLE YEAR) THERE IS NOT A SINGLE TSB. CHRYSLER SHOULD BE FORCED TO EXTEND THE WARRANTY FOR THIS ISSUE AND REPAIR FOR FREE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Dec 29, 2008
POWER STEERING RACK FAILED AT 73,000 MILES. UNACCEPTABLE THAT THE STEERING WOULD FAIL WITH ONLY 73,000 MILES!! PAID $900 TO HAVE REPAIRED. THIS WAS 6 MONTHS AGO. NOW THEY ARE SAYING OUR WHEEL BEARINGS ARE FAILING AND ARE NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL THAT WAS PUT IN PLACE BACK IN 2004. EVEN THOUGH THE MECHANIC TOLD US THAT OUR WHEEL WOULD FALL OFF IF WE DIDN'T HAVE IT FIXED. THAT SHOULD FALL UNDER THE CATEGORY OF THE RECALL FOR THE WHEEL HUB. *TR
Suspension, Tires, Wheels, Dec 19, 2008
I NOTICED MY TIRES WERE NOT WEARING EVENLY AND I FELT AND HEARD A "CLUNK" NOISE EVERY TIME I BACK OUT OF MY PARKING SPOT AT WORK. THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED AND SAID THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS OF THE RIGHT AND LEFT WHEELS OF MY 2003 DODGE DURANGO MUST BE REPLACED. I SEE THERE ARE RECALLS FOR ALL PREVIOUS YEAR DURANGOS BUT NOT THE 2003??? THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO PAY FOR MY REPLACEMENT. I REPLACED THE LEFT SIDE AS THEY WERE ACTUALLY BROKE, MY RIGHT SIDE STILL NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND ARE LOOSE AND NEAR FAILURE. I REQUEST THAT DODGE REIMBURSE ME FOR THE REPAIR AS WELL AS REPLACE FOR FREE THE RIGHT SIDE. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TWO NEW TIRES AS THEY NOW NEED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE UNEVEN WEAR AND TEAR. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Dec 17, 2008
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR ONCE A YEAR FOR THE LAST 2 YEARS IN MY 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THIS TIME THE HEATER WIRING HARNESS PIGTAIL CONNECTION WAS CORRODED AND MELTED AND BURNT, IT WAS MELTED TO THE RESISTOR MODULE. AFTER REPLACING IT NOW THE ABS LIGHT ,THE BRAKE LIGHT ARE ON, THE CLOCK WONT WORK,THE SPEEDOMETER WILL NOT WORK. THIS DURANGO ONLY HAS 31,000 MILES ON IT. THE DODGE DEALER SERVICE DEPT. SAID THEY SELL ALOT OF THESE RESISTORS. IT SOUNDS LIKE THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL BEFORE THERE ARE FIRES IN THIS RESISTOR OR HEATER WIRING HARNESS. I SAW LOTS OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS ON ONLINE AUTO CHAT BOARDS. PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Suspension, Nov 19, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND REPLACED THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE FRONT UPPER BALL JOINT FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V596000 (SUSPENSION,FRONT,CONTROL ARM,UPPER BALL JOINT), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. HE WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 70,000. UPDATED 12/15/08.*LJ UPDATED 12/15/08. *JB
Visibility, Equipment, Oct 23, 2008
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR MULTIPLE TIMES. ON ONE OCCASION THE WHEN THE RESISTOR FAILED, THE WIRING HARNESS AND RESISTOR GOT SO HOT THEY FUSED TOGETHER, INCLUDING THE ACCOMPANYING WIRING. THE LAST TIME I PURCHASED ON AND REPLACED IT I WAS TOLD THAT IT HAD BEEN REDESIGNED AND WOULD HOLD UP BETTER. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY A DODGE EMPLOYEE NOT TO RUN THE SYSTEM ON THE LOWEST SETTING. I UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS COOLED BY THE AIR MOVEMENT INSIDE THE HVAC DUCT WORK, BUT AT WHAT POINT WILL DODGE ASSUME THE RESPONSIBILITY OF A POOR DESIGN AND LACK OF QUALITY REPLACEMENT PARTS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 22, 2008, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BY ITSELF. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE REAR TIRES TURNED OVER AND PUSHED THE VEHICLE OUT INTO THE INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN TO FISHTAIL. THE CONTACT TURNED THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER. HE SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06E024000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), WHICH HE BELIEVED TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED, JUST HIS INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
Wheels, Oct 17, 2008
2003 DODGE DURANGO HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE LUG NUTS STAMPED STAINLESS COVER. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE SHREDDED. ALL OF THE LUG NUTS CAME OFF, EXCEPT ONE. WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED ADDITIONAL PRESSURE ON THE LUG WRENCH, TO BREAK IT LOOSE, THE STAMPED STAINLESS DECORATIVE CAP TWISTED OFF. HE WAS UNABLE TO GET IT BACK INTO PLACE, SO THAT THE 19MM LUG WRENCH WOULD WORK. THE CONSUMER REPLACED ALL OF THE LUG NUTS. *JB
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Equipment, Oct 10, 2008
2003 DODGE DURANGO WAS PURCHASED FROM A LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN WICKLIFFE,OH IN APRIL OF 08. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP NEEDING TO BE SERVICED IN EXCESS OF 7 TIMES, FROM THE BUSHINGS BEING REPLACED TO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REPEATEDLY COMING ON WITH THE DEALERSHIPS INABILITY TO FIX IT . I HAVE BEEN IN A RENTAL CAR MORE THAN I HAVE DRIVEN THE VEHICLE THAT I PURCHASED FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THERE WAS AN EVAP CODE AS THEY SO ELOQUENTLY STATED SO THEY ALLEGEDLY FIXED THAT ONLY TO FIND THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STILL CONTINUALLY COMES ON. EVERY TIME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS SUPPOSEDLY RESOLVED, I WAS BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP WITHIN 2 TO 3 DAYS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. THE MANAGEMENT THERE STATED AND ADMITTED THAT THEY SIMPLY CAN'T FIX THE VEHICLE THEREFORE THEY ARE GOING TO GET ME OUT OF IT SO THEY EVEN HAD ME TO PICK ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH THEY SAID WOULD FIT PERFECTLY AND SHOULD NOT AFFECT THE PAYMENT THAT I HAVE IN PLACE RIGHT NOW. I HAVE BEEN HEARING ABOUT GETTING THIS REPLACEMENT VEHICLE FOR OVER 3 MONTHS WITH NO RESULT. THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND HITTING A BUMP BECAUSE IT FEELS AS IF THE FRONT END IS GOING IN TWO DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. MY WIFE WONT DRIVE IT, WE ARE SCARED TO PUT OUR KIDS INTO IT AND I NEED YOUR HELP RIGHT AWAY. *TR
Tires, Sep 30, 2008
FOUND A FLAT TIRE THIS MORNING AND NOTICED THAT THE FLAT WAS DUE TO THE TIRE WALL SEPARATING FROM THE REST OF THE TIRE MY SUV ONLY HAS 30,000 MILES ON IT AND ALL 4 OF THE TIRES ARE DOING THIS ON AN EVEN SEAM AROUND THE ENTIRE TIRE. THE TIRES WERE MANUFACTURED IN 2002. THE TIRES ARE PRACTICALLY NEW DUE TO THE ABOUT OF TREAD LEFT ON THEM. I FEEL THIS CAUSES A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS THE TIRES COULD FAIL AT ANY MOMENT. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 4, 2008, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE WIRE HARNESS FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER BECOMES TOO HOT AND MELTS THE TWO CONNECTING WIRES. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN REPAIRED TWO OR THREE TIMES, BUT STILL PERSISTS AND CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO BECOME VERY HOT. THE CONTACT HAS PAID OVER A $100 FOR EACH REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE AND IT MUST BE REPAIRED EVERY TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
Suspension, Jul 8, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. A LOCAL AUTO BODY SHOP MECHANIC STATED THAT HER UPPER BALL JOINTS HAD 0.10 MOVEMENT AND ADVISED HER THAT THEY SHOULD BE REPLACED. SHE NOTIFIED AN AUTHORIZED DEALER IN REFERENCE TO RECALL# 04V596000 FOR THE SUSPENSION. A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT HER VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL; THEREFORE, SHE WOULD LIABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000. UPDATED 09/17/08. *LJ UPDATED 09/24/08. *JB