2004 Dodge Durango

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Engine is the leading concern among 1,115 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 25 Durango model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 1,115

Of the 2004 reports, 45 involved a crash and 74 involved a fire. 42 people were injured and 2 people died.

Primary concernEngine326 reports · 29% of complaints
Owner complaints1,115Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship9 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Engine326
  2. Engine and engine cooling249
  3. Electrical system243
  4. Air bags143
  5. Power train99
  6. Vehicle speed control49
  7. Structure35
  8. Steering31

Recalls and investigations

  1. EquipmentDec 21, 2017

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

    If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

    Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

    Campaign 17V824000 on NHTSA.gov

  2. Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleDo not drive until repairedMay 24, 2016

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.

    These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.

    Campaign 16V352000 on NHTSA.gov

  3. Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleDo not drive until repairedMay 27, 2015

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.

    Campaign 15V313000 on NHTSA.gov

  4. Air bagsDec 3, 2014

    Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. For vehicles that were sold, or are currently registered, in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, owners were notified and the recall began on December 5, 2014. For all other vehicles, Chrysler notified owners and the recall began on February 3, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P40 Expanded. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall 16V-352. This recall superseded the passenger air bag portion of recall 14V-354.

    Campaign 14V770000 on NHTSA.gov

  5. Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

    SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

    Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov

  6. Electrical system, instrument cluster/panelMar 9, 2007

    ON SOME SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS, AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THAT CONTROLS INTERIOR LIGHTING MAY OVERHEAT.

    THIS COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE AN INSTRUMENT PANEL FIRE.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLUSTER FOR DAMAGE AND REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 2, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-140.

    Campaign 07V092000 on NHTSA.gov

  7. Electrical system, 12v/24v/48v battery, cablesDec 8, 2004

    ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES BUILT WITH A 5.7L, 4.7L, OR 3.7L ENGINE, THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY CONTACT THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER CONTROL ARM MOUNTING BRACKET.

    THIS CONTACT COULD ABRADE THE CABLE AND CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT, WHICH MAY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BATTERY CABLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPOSITION IT AWAY FROM THE CONTROL ARM MOUNTING BRACKET. THE RECALL BEGAN DECEMBER 14, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

    Campaign 04V578000 on NHTSA.gov

  8. Vehicle speed control, cablesJan 14, 2004

    ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.7L AND 4.7L ENGINES, THE THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE MAY INGEST WATER AND FREEZE DURING EXTENDED COLD TEMPERATURE.

    THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION AND RESULT IN A CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 19, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

    Campaign 04V020000 on NHTSA.gov

  9. Electrical system, wiring, interior/under dashDec 12, 2003

    ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CIRCUIT BOARD CAPACITOR MAY OVERHEAT.

    THIS COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN AN INSTRUMENT PANEL FIRE.

    DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE CAPACITOR FROM THE CIRCUIT BOARD. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 17, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.

    Campaign 03V528000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints: engine

575 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Engine, Jul 8, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH, THE MOTOR SUDDENLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT A ROD IN THE MOTOR HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.

  2. Engine, Jun 28, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE IGNITION, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDER THE HOOD AND NOTICED EXCESSIVE OIL LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

  3. Engine, Jun 25, 2013

    WENT TO START UP THE DURANGO TO GO TO THE DOCTORS. HEARD A LOT OF THUMPING AND SHUT IT OFF IMMEDIATELY. MY DAD HEARD THE NOISE AND CAME OVER TO LOOK AT IT. LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE DURANGO AND SAW PIECES OF THE ENGINE SITTING IN THE STREET. ALSO SAW A SMALL CHILD'S FIST SIZE HOLE IN THE ENGINE. MY DAD IS A MECHANIC SO THIS DURANGO WAS KEPT IN GOOD SHAPE, OIL CHANGED EVERY 3,000 MILES. THIS IS A MANUFACTURE FLAW THAT CHRYSLER NEEDS TO ADDRESS. *TR

  4. Engine, Jun 20, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD UNUSUAL NOISE AND THE CONTACT NOTICED A HOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000. *TR

  5. Engine, Jun 20, 2013

    WENT TO START MY DURANGO, HEARD A BUNCH OF THUMPING, TURNED IT OFF AND LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND FOUND 3 PIECES OF THE ENGINE. *TR

  6. Engine, Jun 16, 2013

    AFTER A NIGHT OF HEAVY RAIN, I WENT OUT TO START MY DURANGO, AND THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED UP. AFTER THREE OR FOUR TRIES, IT STARTED, BUT WAS BANGING AND KNOCKING. I HAD IT TOWED, AND WAS TOLD THE ENGINE HAD FAILED, WITH A BEND OR BROKEN ROD. HAD TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED. I HAD DONE THE OIL CHANGE EVERY 3000 MILES, AND TAKEN GOOD CARE OF THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE READ OF MANY OTHER'S THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH ENGINE FAILURES ON THIS PARTICULAR MODEL. I AM WAITING TO FIND OUT IF WATER HAD GOTTEN INTO THE ENGINE SOMEHOW, OR IF A POOR QUALITY ROD WAS THE PROBLEM. *TR

  7. Engine, Jun 7, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE HAD THROWN A ROD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

  8. Engine, Jun 3, 2013

    I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, I PRESSED THE GAS AND I HEARD THE LOUD NOISE SOUNDED LIKE A FLAT TIRE, I PULLED OVER, OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW A LITTLE OIL SPLATTERED ON THE MOTOR (NO OIL DRIPPING) AND I HAD IT TOWED TO 2 DIFFERENT PLACES, THE FIRST PLACED SAID I NEEDED A MOTOR AND THEN I TOWED IT TO THE DODGE PLACE HERE IN TOWN. THEY SAID IT HYDROLOCKED, FROM WATER GETTING IN THE MOTOR FROM THE WINDSHIELD, THEY SAID THEY BELIEVED WATER HAD GOTTEN IN A HEAD GASKET. NOW I'M JUST WAITING FOR A ANSWER. *TR

  9. Engine, Jun 1, 2013

    AFTER DOING EXTENSIVE RESEARCH ON THE ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH MY VEHICLE, I AM DISGUSTED TO FIND OUT HOW COMMON THEY ARE ON THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR. BEING A PARENT OF FOUR CHILDREN, TWO SETS OF TWINS, WHO ARE OF TODDLER AND SCHOOL AGE, I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN COMPELLED TO MAINTAIN MY DURANGO. NOT TO MENTION BECAUSE IT HAD ALOT OF MILES, I FACTORED INTO MY BUDGET HIGH-MILEAGE MAINTENANCE AS SCHEDULED. SEVERAL TIMES MY DURANGO HAS STALLED OR HESITATED TO START DURING THE RAIN. THE PROBLEM COULD NEVER BE PIN POINTED, BUT READING WHAT I RESEARCHED I NOW UNDERSTAND THE ISSUE INVOLVED MY COWL PANEL. MOVING ON TO THE MOST MAJOR OF MY ADDED STRESS...I JUST HAD AN OIL CHANGE COMPLETED 2-3 WKS AGO. I WAS PICKING MY 2YR OLDS UP FROM DAYCARE ON FRIDAY. I PROCEEDED TO THE STOP LIGHT WHICH WAS LESS THAN 200 FEET AWAY WHEN I HEARD THIS LOUD BANGING/KNOCKING NOISE OUT OF NOWHERE!! I WAS HORRIFIED SO I PULLED OVER AND SHUT MY CAR OFF. I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A TRAIL OF OIL ON THE GROUND COMING FROM UNDERNEATH. I THEN CALLED MY HUSBAND TO EXPLAIN WHAT HAD JUST OCCURRED, A FAMILY MEMBER FOR AN ALTERNATE RIDE, AND A TOWING COMPANY. AFTER HAVING THE SHOP THAT PERFORMED THE OIL CHANGE TAKE A LOOK AT IT, I WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD NEED A NEW ENGINE BECAUSE THERE WAS NOW A HOLE IN MY ENGINE FROM A ROD BEING THROWN. I WAS EMOTIONALLY DISTRAUGHT FOR THIS TO HAPPEN ME OUT OF THE BLUE. NOT ONLY BECAUSE I AM NOT SITTING ON THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO SPEND ON A NEW ENGINE, BUT BECAUSE THIS HAPPENED ON AN EXTREMELY WELL-MAINTAINED VEHICLE...HOW?? I AM NOW HAVING TO PAY FOR A RENTAL EVERY WEEK. I TRULY BELIEVE SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE TO CORRECT SUCH A COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE MAKE/MODEL/YEAR VEHICLES. IF MORE THAN ONE PERSON HAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM THAN THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE MANUFACTURE, NOT THE DRIVERS. I FEEL THAT THESE ENGINES SHOULD BE REPLACED AT THE EXPENSE OF THE DEALER/MANUFACTURE. *TR

  10. Engine, Jun 1, 2013

    I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT INTO TRAFFIC. AFTER ACCELERATING TO FOR A SECOND, THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD NOISE AND STARTED SHAKING BADLY. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. WHEN I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD, OIL WAS DRIPPING OFF THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE ENGINE. AFTER LOOKING UNDER THE VEHICLE I COULD SEE A LARGE HOLE (ABOUT THE SIZE OF A CHILD'S HAND) IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. THE DURANGO SUFFERED CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. THE PISTON ROD HAS BROKEN AND PUNCTURED A HOLE IN THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE. IT WAS A RAINY DAY AND HAD BEEN RAINING A LOT IN THE PREVIOUS DAYS. ONLY AFTER THIS HAPPENED, I DID SOME CHECKING ON THE INTERNET. I HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE 2004-2005 DURANGOS WITH THE 5.7 HEMI ENGINE. THE WINDSHIELD COWL LEAKS WATER ONTO THE ENGINE, THE WATER LEAKS INTO THE ENGINE AND CAUSES THE PISTON RODS TO RUST AND WEAKEN. THIS CAUSES FAILURE WITHOUT NOTICE. DODGE KNEW OF THIS PROBLEM AND CHANGED THE WINDSHIELD COWL SOMETIME IN 2005-2006. THIS VEHICLE WAS EXTREMELY WELL TAKEN CARE OF. NOTHING BUT SYNTHETIC OIL WENT INTO THIS ENGINE. A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, I TOOK MY DURANGO TO A MECHANIC BECAUSE I THOUGHT I COULD SMELL GASOLINE ON THE OIL CAP. I WAS TOLD THAT THE SMELL IS MOST LIKELY FROM WATER GETTING INTO THE ENGINE. MOST LIKELY FROM THE INTAKE AND THAT I WAS NORMAL. NOW I KNOW THAT IT WAS WATER GETTING INTO THE ENGINE, A LOT MORE THAN A LITTLE MOISTURE COMING IN THROUGH THE AIR INTAKE. THIS IS A MAJOR DESIGN FLAW!! EVERY 2004 DURANGO WITH THE 5.7 WILL BLOW THE ENGINE IF IT GETS EXPOSED TO RAIN OR CAR WASH!! PLEASE, SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BY DODGE. *TR

  11. Engine, May 30, 2013

    MY HUSBAND AND I WERE EXITING THE SUBDIVISION ON OUR WAY TO WORK AFTER DROPPING OUR CHILDREN OFF AT DAYCARE. WE MERGED THROUGH THE MIDDLE LANE AND ONTO THE MAIN STREET AT ABOUT 25-30 MILES PER HOUR WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE CAR SHUT DOWN. AFTER WAITING FOREVER FOR ROADSIDE TO COME AND GET US AND TAKE OUR CAR TO THE SHOP, THEY DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE WAS GONE. WE WERE VERY ACCURATE WITH OIL CHANGES AND GETTING OUR CAR SERVICED AT THE DODGE DEALERSHIPS SO THIS WAS NOT DUE TO ANYTHING WE FAILED TO GET SERVICED. THERE SHOULD DEFINITELY BE A RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES. WHAT IS THE POINT OF PAYING $30 FOR OIL CHANGES AND MANY OTHER SERVICES AND FEES IF THE ENGINE IS GOING TO LOCK UP ANYWAYS?! NOW WE ARE STUCK WITH A CAR NOTE WHICH WE CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY BECAUSE WE ARE PAYING $600 A MONTH FOR A RENTAL. SO NOW THERE WILL MOST LIKELY BE A REPOSSESION ON OUR CREDIT. WHO SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS?! WHERE IS THE DURABILITY IN THESE VEHICLES!!! *TR ## VIN FAILED ##

  12. Engine, May 21, 2013

    WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN AUG 2012. THE FIRST TIME DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY TO WORK IN A HEAVY RAIN STORM MY DURANGO WANTED TO STALL EVERY TIME I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL. WHEN I FINALLY GOT OFF AT THE EXIT TO THE TRAFFIC LIGHT I OF COURSE WAS STOPPED THE ENGINE WAS SHAKING AND TRYING TO STALL I HAD TO KEEP MY CAR IN NEUTRAL AND MY OTHER FOOT ON THE BRAKE. WHEN I FINALLY GOT TO WORK IT DID ACTUALLY STALL. AFTER WORK THAT DAY IT MUST'VE DRIED UP ENOUGH BECAUSE IT STARTED AND RAN FINE. AFTER RESEARCHED WE READ YOU SILICONE THE COWL WHICH MY HUSBAND DID DO AND IT DIDN'T HELP AT ALL. IT HAS STALLED SEVERAL TIMES NOW AFTER YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS ONE TIME IT STALLED. IN THE CAR WASH AND WOULDN'T RESTART UNTIL A COUPLE CRANKS LATER. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD I CAN NOT DRIVE WITH MY FOOT ALWAYS ON THE GAS. WE HAVE ASKED THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY PRETEND LIKE WE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT MY HUSBAND EVEN TOLD THEM HE'D BE HAPPY TO DRIVE IT UP THERE POUR WATER ON THE WINDSHIELD SO THEY CAN SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING. COULD YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS I WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO LET YOU DRIVE MY DURANGO IF YOU NEED A TEST VEHICLE. *TR

  13. Engine, May 20, 2013

    I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE, THE REPAIR REP CALLED TO TELL ME THAT THERE WAS A LOUD KNOCKING/TICKING SOUND WHEN HE STARTED THE ENGINE. I DROPPED THE VEHICLE OFF THE NIGHT BEFORE AND THERE WAS NO KNOCKING OR TICKING SOUND. AFTER CONTACTING MY WARRANTY COMPANY AND GIVEN THE REPAIR SHOP PERMISSION TO BREAK DOWN THE VEHICLE OVER THE PAST 3 WEEKS THAT MY TRUCK HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP, THEY NOW ARE TELLING ME THAT THE PISTON/ROD IS BROKE AND IS LYING IN THE OIL PAN. I RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM OCCURRING WITH DODGE DURANGO'S. WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN AN INVESTIGATION DONE AND RECALLS ON THIS MATTER? IT CAN'T BE A COINCIDENCE THAT A WIDE SPREAD OF DURANGO OWNERS ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM, WHICH IS RESULTING IN SEVERAL THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIRS AND ENGINE REPLACEMENT AT THE CUSTOMERS EXPENSE BECAUSE THESE WARRANTY COMPANIES ARE RIPPING PEOPLE OFF COVERING LITTLE OR NOTHING OF THE COST IN REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENT. *TR

  14. Engine, May 15, 2013

    I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN MARCH 2012. I STARTED NOTICING THAT DURING A HEAVY RAIN OR A CAR WASH THAT IT WOULD BOG DOWN, IDLE ROUGHLY. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FEB 2013 TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT SINCE I HAD BEEN STRANDED IN PARKING LOTS, THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ACTUALLY GOT STUCK IN A CAR WASH BECAUSE MY VEHICLE CUT OFF. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT MY COWL PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BASICALLY THIS PART WAS NOT DESIGNED CORRECTLY AND RAIN WATER OR WATER FROM A CAR WASH WAS DRAINING INTO MY ENGINE. HAD THE PART REPLACED FOR A WONDERFUL PRICE OF $236.00. I STARTED EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN AT THE END OF APRIL, PICKED MY KIDS UP FROM SCHOOL AND WAS STRANDED IN A PARKING LOT FOR AN 1HR BC OF THE HARD RAIN. TOOK MY VEHICLE BACK ON MAY 6TH TO THE VENDOR MECHANIC(STILL UNDER A WARRANTY, DOESN'T HELP:( ) AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE PART HAD BEEN REPLACED THAT IT SHOULD WORK, COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHY IT WASN'T WORKING. CONTACTED CHRYSLER ASKING IF THERE WAS SOMETHING THAT COULD BE DONE, CHRYSLER DOESN'T UNDER STAND WHY THIS NEWLY DESIGNED PART IS NOT WORKING. SO I HAVE AT THIS TIME, 2 MECH/TECH'S TELLING ME THAT THEY CANT FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE PART SHOULD WORK. TRIED AN ALTERNATE METHOD WITH WEATHER STRIPPING AND SILICONE TO PLUG UP THE HOLES. I PICK SAID VEHICLE UP FROM THE SHOP ON MAY 8TH, DRIVE 3.2 MILES TURN ON MY STREET AN MY VEHICLE COMPLETELY CUTS OFF! CAN NOT GET IT TO CRANK BACK. CALL THE MECHANIC SHOP BACK EXPLAIN TO THEM WHAT HAPPENED TAKE IT BACK THE NEXT DAY THEY BELIEVE THAT IT IS THE THROTTLE BODY, MY WARRANTY WONT COVER IT. HAVE MY VEHICLE TOWED TO DODGE AND BECAUSE OF THIS COWL PANEL LEAK MY INTAKE GASKETS ARE MESSED UP AND THE CM FRONT AND BACK NEED TO BE FLASHED AND RESET, TOTALING OUT TO BE $870.00 BUT STILL CANT FIX THE COWL PANEL. IM DAMNED IF I DO DAMNED IF I DON'T. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN, I NEED SOMEONE TO START TAKING THIS MATTER SERIOUSLY. *TR

  15. Engine, May 13, 2013

    I TURNED THE KEY TO START THE DURANGO AND IT ACTED LIKE IT HAD A LOW BATTERY. I TRIED AGAIN AND IT STARTED, BUT THE ENGINE BEGAN TO KNOCK BADLY. I HAVE IT NOW AT THE MECHANIC AND BEGINNING TO LOOK LIKE WILL NEED NEW MOTOR. I CAN PROVIDE MORE INFO LATER. I FOUND ON THE NET OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME TYPE PROBLEM AND THOUGHT I WOULD REPORT THIS. I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS CAR ABOUT A MONTH AGO. I HAVE DRIVEN IT WITH NO PROBLEMS AND NO NOISES IN THE ENGINE. MY SON, WHO IS A MECHANIC, SAYS IT SOUND FREAKISH FOR I HAD NO WARNING SIGNS. HE IS HIGH ON THE 5.7 ENGINE. I HAVE NOT CONTACTED ANYONE FOR I KNOW THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND I BOUGHT IT AS IS, BUT DO NOT FEEL THE DEALER UNLOADED ON ME. THE DURANGO SEEMED FINE UNTIL THAT POINT. I TOO, MIGHT SHOULD ADD THAT DURING THE WEEK, WE HAD RECEIVED ABOUT THREE INCHES OF RAIN, AND FROM WHAT I HAVE READ THIS MIGHT BE A FACTOR AS IT LOOKS LIKE THERE HAD BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL WITH A COWEL THAT WAS NOT DOING ITS JOB. *TR

  16. Engine, May 11, 2013

    ENGINE WOULD NOT START IN THE RAIN. WHEN I TRIED AGAIN ON A SUNNY DAY, ENGINE STARTED AND THEN A VERY LOUD METALLIC CLICKING SOUND CAME FROM THE ENGINE. MECHANIC SAYS BROKEN SLEEVE OR ROD, AND I PROBABLY NEED A NEW ENGINE. THIS SEEMS TO BE PRETTY COMMON: HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.F1DD4B2/238. *TR

  17. Engine, May 10, 2013

    LOUD NOISE EMANATES FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE TRUCK FOLLOWED BY SMOKE. ENGINE GOES DEAD. TRIED RESTARTING, BUT TO NO AVAIL. TOWED VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT A PISTON CAME OFF AND BLEW A WHOLE IN THE ENGINE. AS A RESULTS, A WHOLE NEW ENGINE IS REQUIRED. ENGINE HAD NO SLUDGE WHATSOEVER AND WELL MAINTAINED. THIS ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AS IT WAS RUSH HOUR AND VEHICLES WERE BEHIND. 2004 5.7L HEMI LIMITED *TR

  18. Engine, May 10, 2013

    WENT TO A DRIVE-THROUGH CAR WASH ... WHILE CAR WAS RINSING - LOTS OF WATER - THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENGINE STARTED IDLING ROUGHLY. I GOT OUT OF THE WASH AND GOT ON TO THE HIGHWAY WITH THE ENGINE STILL CUTTING OUT SPORADICALLY. I DROVE ABOUT A MILE AND THE ENGINE SMOOTHED OUT, BUT THEN I HEARD A WARNING BELL AND NOTED THAT MY ENGINE TEMP HAD SHOT UP. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER. ENGINE COOLANT WAS EVERYWHERE. I REFILLED WITH NEW COOLANT AND WATER AND STARTED THE ENGINE ... DROVE ABOUT ANOTHER MILE AND THE "HOT ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT. CALLED FOR A WRECKER AND HAD THE CAR TOWED IN. DIAGNOSED AS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. $6000 FOR ANOTHER ENGINE. I HAVE SEEN ON OTHER DODGE FORUMS WHERE THESE ENGINES HAVE FAILED AFTER DRIVING IN THE RAIN, OR HAVING DRIVEN THROUGH STANDING WATER. I SIMPLY WENT THROUGH A CAR WASH. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM (WATER INTRUSION IN THE ENGINE DUE TO A POORLY DESIGNED ENGINE COWLING) ON THE 2004 HEMI - ACCORDING TO LOCAL DODGE DEALER. *TR

  19. Engine, May 8, 2013

    I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON AN INTERSTATE DURING A PRETTY HEAVY THUNDERSTORM. I NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STARTING TO HESITATE AND LOSE POWER. AS I STARTED TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN TO PULL OVER THE ENGINE QUIT AT ABOUT 50 MPH. THANKFULLY I WAS ON A STRAIGHT PART OF THE ROAD AND WITHOUT POWER I WAS ABLE TO GUIDE THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD WITH OUT AN INCIDENT. AFTER WAITING OUT THE STORM TO PASS ON THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE, WITH TRAFFIC FLYING BY, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER SOME HESITATION AND DRIVE IT HOME. DURING THE NIGHT THE VEHICLE SAT IN THE DRIVEWAY WHILE WE HAD SOME PRETTY GOOD RAINFALL IN THE AREA. THE NEXT MORNING I WENT AND ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE TO GO TO WORK. THE ENGINE TURNED OVER, IT STARTED, FOLLOWED BY A GRINDING NOISE AND THEN THE MOTOR QUIT AND HASN'T STARTED SINCE. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE LOOKED OVER WE HAVE FOUND THAT TWO OF THE CYLINDERS HAD QUITE A BIT OF WATER IN THEM WHICH HAD APPEARED TO HYDRO LOCK THE ENGINE. DODGE NEEDS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS ISSUE AND STOP PUSHING THE BLAME AND COST OFF ON TO THE VEHICLE OWNERS. THIS IS A HUGE DESIGN FLAW AND SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

  20. Engine, May 6, 2013

    ENGINE CONNECTING ROD FAILURE ON WELL MAINTAINED ENGINE DURING STARTING UP IN THE MORNING. RAIN OCCURRED DURING MOST OF THE NIGHT. *TR

  21. Engine, May 6, 2013

    I HAVE A 2004 DODGE DURANGO SOMETIME LAST WEEK THERE WAS A HEAVY RAIN, I WENT OUT TO START MY TRUCK AND IT WOULD NOT START. LATER THAT DAY IT STARTED BUT THERE WAS A LOUD HORRIBLE NOISE.. I FOUND OUT TODAY THE MOTOR IS GONE. THIS HAPPENED BEFORE WHEN IT RAINED IT DIDN'T START FOR A WHILE AND THEN STARTED LATER. THE ENGINE IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND SEEMS LIFE WHEN THERE IS HEAVY RAIN THE TRUCK STALLS NOW IT'S COMPLETELY GONE. *TR

  22. Engine, May 3, 2013

    ENGINE HYDROLOCKED DUE TO EXCESSIVE WATER POURING FROM THE WINDSHIELD ONTO THE ENGINE CAUSING WATER TO PENETRATE THE CYLINDERS. VEHICLE WOULD STALL WHEN DRIVING IN THE RAIN OR IN A CARWASH. WELL MAINTAINED AND OIL CHANGED FREQUENTLY. NOW VEHICLE IS WORTHLESS DUE TO DODGE DESIGN FLAW OR FAULTY PARTS. *TR

  23. Engine, Apr 29, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE, HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE EMANATING FROM THE ENGINE THAT SOUNDED LIKE ROCKS WERE UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

  24. Engine, Apr 29, 2013

    MY 2004 DODGE DURANGO WAS GARAGE KEPT FOR THE FIRST 8 YEARS OF ITS LIFE. WE RECENTLY MOVED IT TO BE PARKED OUTSIDE AND IT BEGAN TO HAVE TROUBLE STARTING. IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS HYDROLOCKING, BUT THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE IT AT MY REPAIR SHOP. AFTER SITTING OUTSIDE AGAIN, STARTING CAUSED A THROWN ROD RUINING THE ENGINE AND BLOCK. IT REQUIRES A NEW ENGINE. I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT MY NEIGHBOR HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN. HIS VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE WHEN GOING THROUGH CAR WASHES, THEN ONE DAY THREW A ROD WHEN STARTING. MANY OTHER INSTANCES SEEM TO BE SIMILAR IN ONLINE POSTS. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS FLAW IN THE 2004 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES. THIS IS A FINANCIALLY DEVASTATING SITUATION FOR FAMILIES. *TR

  25. Engine, Apr 23, 2013

    SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN 2005, THE GLASS ON BACK HATCH SHATTERED 6 MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT IT, THE ELECTRONIC PANEL WENT OUT, THE MAP SENSOR, IDLER PULLEYS (CAR WAS TWO YEARS OLD), CAR STALLS IN HEAVY RAIN/AT CAR WASH ALWAYS- HAVE HAD IT TOWED, EXHAUST MANIFOLDS BEEN WORKED ON, WATER PUMP, RADIATOR, HEATER CORE, INTAKE VALVE SPRING, RUST BUBBLES ON PAINT CAR WAS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD. YESTERDAY, WHILE DRIVING MY CHILDREN TO ACTIVITIES, CAR MADE TICKING SOUND & SOUNDED FUNNY PRESSING ON THE GAS & SITTING AT LIGHT- I IMMEDIATELY DROVE TO MUFFLER MAN THINKING IT WAS THE MUFFLER. TO MY SURPRISE, I WAS TOLD LIFTERS COLLAPSED AND NEED TWO SETS OF LIFTERS/ HEAD GASKETS, WHOLE ENGINE HAS TO BE TAKEN APART, COST IS $1,500.00. I THOUGHT A HEMI ENGINE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THE BEST. THIS CAR HAS BEEN A MONEY PIT SINCE I BOUGHT IT AND FOR EVERYONE ELSE TOO AFTER THE COMMENTS I HAVE READ. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE A DODGE VEHICLE AGAIN. TOO MANY THINGS HAVE REPLACED ON THIS CAR I CAN'T EVEN BEGIN TO TELL YOU, IT IS IN PREVIOUS LETTERS SENT TO CHRYSLER-AND IT ISN'T JUST ME. I MAINTAINED THIS VEHICLE, GOT REGULAR OIL CHANGES, ETC. AND IT BACKFIRED ON ME. I REALIZE IT IS 10 YEARS OLD AND WE PUT A LOT OF HIGHWAY MILES ON THE CAR TAKING FAMILY VACATIONS AND EVERY FAMILY VACATION, THERE HAS BEEN A CAR PROBLEM. I PUT SO MUCH MONEY INTO THIS CAR, I CAN'T SAVE UP ENOUGH TO GET ANYTHING NEW. I KNOW FAMILY MEMBERS THAT HAVE CARS 10-15 YEARS OLD AND HAVEN'T PUT A DIME INTO THEIR CAR, OTHER THAN MAINTENANCE, NEW TIRES, OIL CHANGES, ETC. I CANNOT EXPRESS THE AMOUNT OF STRESS THIS CAR HAS PUT ON ME. IT HAS LEFT ME STRANDED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR. NOT RELIABLE WHATSOEVER, WOULD NEVER PURCHASE A DODGE/CHRYSLER PRODUCT AGAIN. EVERY TIME I TAKE IT SOME WHERE, THE MECHANICS ALWAYS MENTION THE POOR DESIGN OF THE ENGINE. *TR