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.
Of the 2004 reports, 45 involved a crash and 74 involved a fire. 42 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
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
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
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
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 passengers 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
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
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
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
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
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
1,115 reports, newest first.
Engine, Dec 31, 2013
FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF WEEKS MY WIFE AND I HAVE EXPERIENCED OUR 2004 DODGE DURANGO STALLING AS WE MADE LOW SPEED TURNS. FORTUNATELY NEITHER OF US ENDED UP GETTING IN TO AN ACCIDENT WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED EACH TIME. I TOLD MY WIFE I'D HAVE THE SERVICE SHOP HAVE A LOOK AT IT WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR ITS NEEDED OIL CHANGE NEXT WEEK. ON THE MORNING OF 12/30/13, I WENT OUT TO START MY DURANGO TO LET IT WARM UP SOME BEFORE I LEFT. WHEN I TURNED THE KEY THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD CLANGING SOUND (LIKE SOMEONE PUT A FORK IN A GARBAGE DISPOSAL AND JAMMED IT) AND THEN STOPPED. IT WOULDN'T TURN OVER AT ALL AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. I HAD ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TOW IT TO A LOCAL DEALER WHO CALLED ME TO TELL ME THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST SAID IT WAS THE STARTER AND STARTER RELAY. THEY PUT THE NEW PARTS ON TODAY (12/31/13) AND THEN CALLED ME TO TELL ME THAT IT WASN'T THE STARTER AND THAT THE MOTOR HAS SEIZED UP. THE SERVICE TECH SAID HE WOULD LOOK IN TO ESTIMATES FOR A RE-MANUFACTURED MOTOR AND A NEW MOTOR . KNOWING HOW MUCH I HAVE BABIED OUR DURANGO (FULL SYNTHETIC OIL CHANGES ON A REGULAR BASIS, OTHER SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND ALL RECORDS TO SHOW), I WENT ONLINE TO SEE IF THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS..BOY OH BOY HAS IT!! APPARENTLY THE COWL DOES NOT LET WATER FLOW AWAY FROM THE ENGINE PROPERLY AND AS THE MOTOR AGES THE INTAKE GASKETS FLATTEN AND ALLOWS WATER TO ENTER THE INTAKE, CAUSING PROBLEMS TO THE CYLINDERS AND SEIZING THE MOTOR. I REALIZED THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR DURANGO. ON 12/29/13 WE HAD VERY HEAVY RAIN IN THE MID-ATLANTIC REGION AND THE DURANGO SAT IN FRONT OF OUR HOUSE ALL DAY/NIGHT AS NEITHER ONE OF US DROVE IT. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I LIKE MANY OTHERS AM VERY MAD THAT DODGE/CHRYSLER HAS NOT ACCEPTED RESPONSIBILITY. NOT ONLY ARE WE FACING EXPENSES BECAUSE OF SOME SERIOUS MEDICAL ISSUES RIGHT NOW, WE NOW HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW MOTOR WHEN THIS COULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTED YEARS AGO. *TR
Engine, Dec 29, 2013
AFTER IT HAD BEEN RAINING ALL NIGHT I WENT TO START IT THIS MORNING AND I HEARD A LOUD THUMP THEN NOTHING! TRIED TO START IT AGAIN A COUPLE TIMES AND NOTHING. I SAT THERE IN TEARS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW I WOULD GET TO WORK TOMORROW THEN TRIED STARTING IT AGAIN AND IT DID START. NOW MAKING A LOUD CLICKING NOISE. AFTER READING ALL OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS I AM HAVING IT TOWED TO MY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP BUT TODAY IS SUNDAY SO I HAVE NONE TO LOOK AT IT UNTIL TOMORROW. I CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD AND YES THERE IS WATER LEAKING THROUGH THE BASE OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD! THEN I LOOKED UNDER THE DASHBOARD ABOVE THE FOOT PEDALS AND COULDN'T BELIEVE I SEEN A TRICKLE OF WATER RUNNING DOWN BEHIND ALL THE FUSES, PLUGS AND WIRES!! THIS IS RIDICULOUS!! NOW I HAVE TO BORROW A CAR FOR WORK AND PRAY THAT MY ENGINE IS NOT SHOT! THIS WIDOWED MOM OF 3 NEEDS A DEPENDABLE VEHICLE NOW!! I THINK THERE ARE ENOUGH COMPLAINTS TO WARRANT AN INVESTIGATION. I NEED HELP GETTING MY TRUCK FIXED PLEASE!! *TR
Engine, Dec 27, 2013
DROVE VEHICLE ON 12-22-13 EVERYTHING RUNNING FINE WENT TO DRIVE ON 12-23-13 AND STARTED TRUCK JUST TO HEAR A LOUD BANG AND THUMP CHECKED OUT BY MECHANIC AND IT HAS A BUSTED CONNECTING ROD AND ENGINE BLOCK IS SHOT AND CANT EVEN REBUILD THIS IS A REAL PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED QUICKLY BEFORE ANY MORE HARD WORKING AMERICANS HAVE TO DUMP $7K DOLLARS IN THEIR VEHICLE BECAUSE SOME ONE WANTS TO COVER UP A REAL PROBLEM. DODGE RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AS WELL WHEN DO THE REPAIRS. IF YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT ENGINES THE INTAKE MANIFOLD SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BE DONE BECAUSE OF A ROD FAILURE. UPON DOING RESEARCH THERE SEEMS TO BE ANOTHER ISSUE WITH THE WINDSHIELD COWL THAT LEAKS DOWN DIRECTLY TO THE MANIFOLD THAT MAY CRACK BECAUSE IS FAULTY WHICH IN TURN ALLOWS WATER TO DRAIN ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. WELL EVEN THOUGH THERE IS THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ON HERE AND WITH DODGE NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. A V8 ENGINE SHOULD NOT FAIL BETWEEN 60-80,000 MILES IF PROPERLY MAINTAINED LIKE OURS WAS. OIL CHANGES RELIGIOUSLY AND ALL MAINTENANCE DONE TO DEALERSHIP SPECS. IF THIS ROD WOULD HAVE FAILED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IT COULD HAVE EASILY CAUSED DEATH OR INJURY. WHY HASN'T ANYONE LOOKED AT THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A TREND HERE IF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE'S ENGINES ARE FAILING AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE. *TR
Engine, Dec 17, 2013
BACKED VEHICLE INTO DRIVEWAY NEXT MORNING GOT IN TO CRANK AND IT MADE A HORRIBLE NOISE. TOOK TO MECHANIC AND MOTOR WAS SHOT!! THIS IS NOT THE WAY I THOUGHT DODGE COMPANY WOULD BE; WILL NOT HAVE ANOTHER. NO HELP FROM DODGE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Nov 28, 2013
GOES IN AND OUT OF 4 WHEEL DRIVE BY ITSELF. *TR
Engine, Nov 21, 2013
ONE MORNING, AT STARTUP, THE ENGINE FAILED DUE TO BROKEN ROD. ALL MAINTENANCE WAS ALWAYS KEPT UP AND RECORDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DODGE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION AND ALL MAINTENANCE RECORDS WERE HANDED TO THEM. UPON INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE, THE LOCAL SERVICE PERSON TOLD ME I HAD A GOOD CASE AGAINST DODGE SINCE THE ENGINE WAS IN GREAT CONDITION AND THE ROD SHOULD NOT HAVE BROKEN. THE REGIONAL DODGE INSPECTOR SHOW UP AND INSPECTED THE ENGINE AND DETERMINED THAT THE DAMAGE WAS DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE. I ATTEMPTED TO TALK TO THE LOCAL SERVICE PERSON THAT I HAD SPOKE WITH BEFORE BUT THE DEALERSHIP MANAGER WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO. THE NATIONAL DODGE REPRESENTATIVE I WAS ASSIGNED CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THAT THE ENGINE FAILED DUE TO A WATER PUMP FAILURE. THE STORY CHANGED. IN EITHER CASE, I WAS LEFT WITH A LARGE BILL BECAUSE OF FAULTY ENGINE PARTS THAT DODGE (CHRYSLER) USES ON THEIR VEHICLES. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO THOUSANDS OF OTHER DODGE DURANGO HEMI OWNERS. *TR
Engine, Nov 18, 2013
WHEN STARTING IT MADE LOAD KNOCKING NOISE. HAD IT TOWED TO LOCAL AUTO REPAIR SHOP THEY SAID THAT THE ENGINE HAD THROWN A ROD THROUGH THE BLOCK. THEY FOUND THAT RAIN WATER WAS COMING THROUGH THE COWL BELOW THE WINDSHIELD ONTO THE ENGINE INTAKE MANIFOLD. WATER STANDING ON THE INTAKE MANIFOLD SEEPED INTO THE ENGINE AND ALLOWED CYLINDER TO HYDRAULICALLY LOCK. *TR
Engine, Nov 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, AN ABNORMAL SOUND CAME FROM THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED, WHICH DETERMINED THAT THE CONNECTING ROD WAS DAMAGED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CONNECTING ROD HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT REMEDY THE DEFECT AND THE FAILURE LATER RECURRED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED A TWO-INCH HOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE CONNECTING ROD WAS DAMAGED AND CAUSED THE TWO-INCH HOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENGINE AS A REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
Engine, Nov 13, 2013
AFTER RETURNING FROM A WEEK LONG BUSINESS TRIP, I WENT TO MY DURANGO THAT WAS PARKED AT THE AIRPORT. THE BATTERY WAS DEAD FOR SOME REASON, AND USED A JUMP BOX TO START THE VEHICLE. IMMEDIATELY UPON STARTED, THE ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE A LONG RATTLING NOISE, THEN SHUT DOWN. UPON FURTHER REVIEW, I FOUND OIL LEAKING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE, AND A PIECE OF METAL AS WELL. AFTER HAVING THE DURANGO TOWED TO MY HOME, I CHECKED OUT THE ENGINE TO FIND A WHOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK JUST IN FRONT OF THE STARTER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH MANY PEOPLE FOR THE 2004 5.7L HEMI ENGINE. I AM SURPRISED THAT THIS HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED YET. I AM THANKFUL THAT I WAS NOT DRIVING WHEN THIS HAPPENED AS IT HAS WITH SOME, BUT I SUPPOSE IT WILL TAKE A FATALITY UNTIL IT IS DEEMED SERIOUS ENOUGH FOR A RECALL. *TR
Engine, Nov 11, 2013
ENGINE FAILED SHORTLY (10 SECONDS) AFTER START-UP, MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AND THEN SEIZING TIGHT. ENGINE COULD NOT BE RE-STARTED AS IT COULD NOT TURN-OVER. ENGINE WAS INSPECTED BEFORE REMOVAL, AND #7 PISTON WAS FOUND TO NOT BE MOVING WHEN THE CRANKSHAFT WAS ROTATED IN REVERSE ROTATION MANUALLY. ENGINE WAS REMOVED AND TORN DOWN FOR INSPECTION. CYLINDER #7 CONNECTING ROD WAS FOUND TO BE BROKEN MIDWAY THROUGH THE I-BEAM SECTION, AND THE REMAINING PARTS OF THE CONNECTING ROD SHOWED EVIDENCE OF BEING BENT OR BUCKED PREVIOUS TO THE FAILURE BY ONE OR MORE HYDROLOCK EVENTS. ROOT CAUSE WAS DETERMINED TO BE A DEFECTIVE DESIGN IN THE THROTTLE BODY TO INDUCTION RESONATOR JOINT THAT ALLOWS WINDSHIELD WATER RUNOFF TO BE DRAWN INTO THE ENGINES INDUCTION SYSTEM. THIS VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED ROUGH RUNNING IN HEAVY RAIN CONDITIONS, WHICH WAS THOUGHT TO BE IGNITION RELATED PER A CHRYSLER TSB DUE TO A DEFECTIVE COWL DESIGN THAT ALLOWS RAIN WATER TO DEPOSIT DIRECTLY ON THE IGNITION COILS, AND THROTTLE BODY, IN LARGE VOLUMES. CHRYSLER RE-DESIGNED THE COWL PIECE BUT DID NOT MANDATE ITS REPLACEMENT. *TR
Engine, Nov 9, 2013
PRIOR TO THE ENGINE FAILURE THE MOTOR WOULD SHUT OFF DURING ANY HEAVY RAIN STORM, THEN AFTER ONE RAIN STORM IN JULY OF 2012 THE NEXT MORNING WENT OUTSIDE TO START THE TRUCK THE MOTOR HAD LOCKED UP. TOOK IT TO THE GARAGE AND WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT DODGE HAD A MAJOR DESIGN DEFECT IN THE 2004-2005 DURANGO THAT CAUSED ENGINE FAILURE WITH RAIN WATER GETTING INTO THE ENGINE. SO IF THAT IS THE CASE THEN CHRYSLER NEEDS TO REFUND EVERYONE THAT HAS HAD THESE ISSUE DUE TO THERE MISTAKE AND NOT PENALIZE THE CUSTOMERS. *TR
Engine, Nov 8, 2013
RIGHT AFTER I PURCHASED THIS USED VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY SERVICE CONTRACT, I STARTED TO HAVE PROBLEMS WHEN IT RAINS THE TRUCK WILL START SHAKING,STALLING AND THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON, ALSO AFTER TAKING THE TRUCK THRU A CAR WASH IT WILL DO THE SAME THING, I NEED HELP BECAUSE I PAID 11,000 DOLLARS FOR THESE POS. *TR
Power train, Nov 3, 2013
TRANSFER CASE SHIFTED INTO FOUR WHEEL DRIVE LOCK WITHOUT INPUT OF THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS ON STRAIGHT LEVEL HARD SURFACE ROAD. TRANSFER CASE WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF FOUR WHEEL DRIVE LOCK. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 25, 2013
THE ELECTRICAL PORTION STARTED AFTER I FIRST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE ISSUE WORSENED AFTER SOMEONE BROKE INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CAR WOULDN'T STAY CHARGED, AND I ENDED UP NEEDING A TOW EVERY OTHER WEEK. MY CAR INSURANCE WENT UP TO $550.00 A MONTH. I WAS ALWAYS STRANDED. THE PROBLEM WAS WORSE IN THE RAIN. SOMETIMES THE CAR WOULD CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING, IT DID IT ONCE ON THE HIGHWAY AND I SAW A SEMI COMING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND I THOUGHT I WAS DEAD. I GOT IT STARTED AND PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH SPEED TO GET OUT THE WAY. EVENTUALLY IT COULDN'T' START ANYMORE. I HAD IT SITTING FOR A YEAR AS I KEPT MAKING LOAN PAYMENTS. I FIXED ONE THING AFTER THE OTHER...THINKING IT WAS THE PROBLEM...THE CAR WOULD START AND DIE A FEW DAYS LATER. THIS LAST TIME I CHANGED THE STARTER FOR THE THIRD TIME. A ROD WAS THROWN AND THE ENGINE IS LOCKED. I WASN'T EVEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE, IT STARTED AFTER 3RD STARTER WAS INSTALLED AND A CRUNCH NOISE SOUNDED A FEW MINUTES LATER WHILE TRYING TO GIVE THE BATTERY SOME JUICE. I TOWED IT INTO ANOTHER SHOP AND THEY CONFIRMED THE ENGINE IS GONE. I HAD TO PAY FULL COVERAGE INSURANCE BECAUSE IT'S FINANCED AND A CAR NOTE FOR A TRUCK THAT'S GONE. I'VE SEARCHED ONLINE AND DODGE KNOWS AND HASN'T TAKEN RESPONSIBILITY. INVOLUNTARY REPOSSESSION WOULD BE FUTILE BECAUSE AFTER THE FEE FOR REPO, TOWING, STORAGE..I WILL OWE MORE THAN WHAT I HAVE LEFT TO PAY, $5000.00 AND STILL NOT EVEN SCRAP METAL. I'VE READ SO MANY DISCUSSION BOARD POST, CONSUMER BLOGS ON THIS MODEL AND 'M FLOORED. I GUESS THE COMPLAINTS ARE RECENT BECAUSE ONE YOU GET TO LIKE 70,00 MILE YOU ARE TOAST. I DON'T DRIVE TO WORK, ONLY ON THE WEEKENDS AND I TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY TRUCK AND NOW I HAVE NOTHING BUT PAYMENTS AND METAL THAT LOOKS PRETTY ON THE OUTSIDE. *TR
Engine, Oct 24, 2013
THE VEHICLE WAS KEPT IN GOOD CONDITION OIL CHANGED ECT. VEHICLE THREW A ROD AT AROUND 30 MPH. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Oct 23, 2013
MY TRUCK WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, IT WAS RAINING AND THEN THE LIGHTS STARTED FLICKERING WITHOUT THE KEYS BEING IN THE IGNITION. I TRIED TO MOVE THE TRUCK TO THE INSIDE OF THE GARAGE AND THE SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE HOOD AND FROM UNDER THE DASH. I TURNED THE TRUCK OFF AND THE ENGINE REMAINED RUNNING, WE HAD TO CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE IT WAS SMOKING AND THE KEYS WERE OFF. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND REMOVED THE BATTERY AND SAID IT MAY BE A SHORT WHEN IT RAINED. THE TRUCK IS IN THE GARAGE I CANT DRIVE IT WHEN IT RAINS BECAUSE WATER GOES IN TO THE TRUCK FROM THE FRONT I CAN ACTUALLY SEE WATER LEAKING INTO THE FLOOR. I OWNED THE TRUCK FOR 3 YEARS AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM UNTIL IT REACHED 100,000 MILES. *TR
Engine, Oct 16, 2013
VEHICLE STALLED OUT ON ME DURING A HEAVY RAIN. I WAS GOING ABOUT 60MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, WHEN VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE. ABOUT 5 MINUTES AFTER HEAVY RAIN, I LOST ALL POWER AND HAD TO PULL MY VEHICLE OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I WAITED ABOUT 30 MINUTES AND RAIN BEGAN TO SLOW TO A DRIZZLE. VEHICLE CRANKED RIGHT UP AFTER THAT. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE LOOKED INTO THIS ISSUE AS I HAVE HAD ROUGH IDLES AND STALL OUTS WHEN IN AUTOMATIC CAR WASHES. THE ISSUE SEEMS TO BE WITH THE COWL AND A REPLACEMENT COWL IS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE MANUFACTURER AT OUR OWN COST. IF THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN ADDRESSED AS A DEFECT ON AN OEM PART THEN WHY SHOULD THE CONSUMER WHO HAS ALREADY PAID FOR A VEHICLE BE LIABLE? I HOPE THAT THIS IS MORE THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED AND IT DOES NOT TAKE THE FATALITY OF AN UNSUSPECTING CONSUMER FOR ISSUE TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 13, 2013, fire
I HAVE A 2004 DODGE DURANGO 5.7 V8 IT WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY AND IT WAS RAINING, THE LIGHTS STARTED BLINKING WITHOUT THE KEYS OR ANY POWER GOING TO THE TRUCK. I TRIED TO MOVE THE TRUCK INTO THE GARAGE TO CHECK ON IT AND IT STARTED SMOKING ON THE INTERIOR AND SMOKE FROM THE HOOD. I TURNED THE TRUCK OFF AND THE ENGINE KEPT RUNNING WITHOUT THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION. I OPENED THE HOOD AND REMOVED THE CABLES FROM THE BATTERY, THE FIRE AND POLICE WERE CALLED. WHEN THE POLICE ARRIVED THEY CHECKED THE TRUCK AND SAID THAT WATER WAS COMING IN FROM THE FRONT OF THE FUSE BOX AND THAT IT MAY HAVE CAUSED A SHORT THAT MADE THE LIGHTS BLINK. MY TRUCK IS CURRENTLY IN MY GARAGE AND I AM NOT DRIVING IT AT THIS TIME I TRIED TO TURN IT ON JUST TO WARM IT UP BUT THE BATTERY IS DEAD SO I AM NOT GOING TO TRY AND DRIVE IT BECAUSE I NOTICED THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEM ENDED UP WITH A BLOWN MOTOR AND I DON'T WANT THAT TO HAPPEN TO ME. *TR
Engine, Oct 2, 2013
THROUGH MY RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT THE SECOND GENERATION DODGE DURANGO'S, HAVE A REAL PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT COWL, IT SEEMS THAT EVERY TIME THAT IT RAINS HEAVY OR I DRIVE THROUGH A AN AUTOMATIC CARWASH. DOING SO CAUSED THE ENGINE TO RUN PRETTY HORRIBLE.ON AUGUST 27 WE GOT A VERY BAD RAIN IN TOWN WHILE DRIVING HOME THAT NIGHT, I PARKED MY SUV WENT INTO MY HOUSE AND A FEW HRS LATER I GO TO LEAVE FOR WORK AND I START THE ENGINEER AND AFTER A FEW HARD KNOCKS THE ENGINE GOES BOOM. I SENT IT TO A MECHANIC AND THEY SAID THAT I BLEW A ROD THROUGH THE ENGINE BLOCK ON MY NUMBER 6 CYLINDER DUE TO HYDROLOCK. I FEEL THAT DODGE SHOULD MAKE A RECALL ON THE SECOND GENERATION DURANGO'S AND REPLACE THE FRONT COWL WITH A BETTER DESIGN THAT DOES NOT ALLOW WATER TO LEAK THROUGH THE COWL AND KILL MOTORS. AS SPEAKING FOR THE CUSTOMER THIS WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY 185 DOLLARS FOR A DESIGN UPDATE FOR FREE ALONG WITH LABOR. *TR
Engine, Oct 1, 2013
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH THE ENGINE STALLED. I WAS ABLE TO PULL IT OFF THE ROAD SAFELY AND PUT IT INTO NEUTRAL. I THEN RESTARTED THE CAR AND CONTINUED MY DRIVE. THIS SAME THING HAPPENED APPROXIMATELY 1 WEEK LATER WHEN I WAS TRAVELING 35 MPH. I AGAIN HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND RESTART. THIS TIME I WAS NOT ABLE TO PULL OVER SINCE I WAS ON A BUSY STREET. LUCKILY THE CAR BEHIND ME DID NOT HIT ME. ONE WEEK LATER THE ENGINE WENT OUT (PER ANOTHER COMPLAINT THAT I SENT IN LAST NIGHT). DODGE HAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE AND SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR REPLACEMENTS. *TR
Engine, Sep 30, 2013
MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A 2004 DODGE DURANGO ONE YEAR AGO. LUCKILY THE ENGINE WENT OUT WHILE THE CAR WAS IN OUR DRIVEWAY. THE ENGINE ONLY HAD 139,044 MILES ON IT. DODGE HAS A HISTORY OF THE HEMI ENGINE GOING OUT. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED WHILE MY FAMILY WAS IN THE CAR IN TRAFFIC AND SOMEONE WOULD HAVE GOTTEN INJURED OR KILLED THERE WOULD NOT BE ENOUGH MONEY IN THE WORLD TO FIX IT. WHY HASN'T DODGE ADMITTED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE AND RECALLED THEM? *TR
Power train, Sep 25, 2013
AS WITH MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS WITH THIS SAME ISSUE, I HAVE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLES SERVICE 4WD LIGHT COMING ON. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY SAID TRANSFER CASE MOTOR WAS BAD. THEY REPLACED THE MOTOR AND THE LIGHT STILL COMES ON. VEHICLE GETS 'LOCKED' IN 4WD MODE AND CANNOT SELECT THE STANDARD AWD DRIVING OPTION. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS. OWNERS SHOULDN'T HAVE TO KEEP REPLACING THE TRANSFER CASE IN HOPES IT RESOLVES THE ISSUE. DODGE/CHRYSLER NEEDS TO REALLY LOOK INTO THIS. *JS
Power train, Sep 12, 2013
THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE ENGAGES ON ITS OWN WHILE DRIVING OR JUST BEING PARKED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Sep 12, 2013
WHILE DRIVING MY 2004 DODGE DURANGO 5.7 HEMI THE SVC 4X4 LIGHT WENT ON AT THE TIME I WAS DRIVING 35MPG IN 70 DEGREE WEATHER AND DID NOT HAVE MY 4X4 ON. I TOOK IT THE MECHANIC SHOP AND THEY SAID I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE 4X4 SHIFT MOTOR, SO I BOUGHT A NEW 4X4 SHIFT MOTOR AND THEY REPLACED IT BUT MY 4X4 WAS STILL NOT WORKING. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO TWO DIFFERENT MECHANIC SHOPS AND THEY KEEP SAYING ITS THE 4X4 SHIFT MOTOR SO I EXCHANGED THE NEW 4X4 SHIFT MOTOR THINKING IT WAS DEFECTED AND ONCE AGAIN BOUGHT A NEW ONE AND HAD IT REPLACED AND AT THIS POINT THE MECHANICS DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE IT COULD BE BECAUSE IT STILL DIDN'T WORK. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 6, 2013
MY 2004 DODGE DURANGO LIMITED STALLS AT SLOW SPEEDS AND WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND ALSO WHILE MAKING TURNS. HAVE HAD AT DEALERSHIP AND THEY CANNOT FIND OUT WHAT IS CAUSING THIS SINCE THERE ARE NO ENGINE CODES. VEHICLE IS BECOMING VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE DUE TO THIS ISSUE. DURANGO HAS A 5.7 HEMI ENGINE. WHY IS THERE NO RECALLS ON THIS ISSUE WHEN IT INVOLVES OVER FOUR YEARS OF PRODUCTION? ARE WE WAITING ON A INCIDENT LIKE TOYOTA HAD BEFORE WE REACT? THIS HAS HAPPENED TO DURANGO'S WITH MILEAGE LOW TO HIGH. PLEASE HELP US NOW ON THIS ISSUE BEFORE IT HAPPENS TO YOU. THANKS !