2003 Dodge Durango

339 federal complaints (485 component records) · 4 recall campaigns on file · 5 federal investigations · 42 service bulletins · 4 Canadian recalls
See all 29 model years of the Dodge Durango →
Engine
4.7L 8-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
13 city / 18 hwy
Federal complaints
339
Recall campaigns
4
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Suspension
107
Electrical system
57
Engine & cooling
52
Lighting
45
Brakes
36
Power train
27
Glass & wipers
25
Steering
20
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 35 complaints01 years old: 63 complaints2 years old: 40 complaints3 years old: 17 complaints4 years old: 26 complaints5 years old: 21 complaints56 years old: 18 complaints7 years old: 16 complaints8 years old: 16 complaints9 years old: 15 complaints10 years old: 13 complaints1011 years old: 13 complaints12 years old: 10 complaints13 years old: 10 complaints14 years old: 3 complaints15 years old: 3 complaints1516 years old: 2 complaints17 years old: 5 complaints18 years old: 1 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 3 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 330 of 339 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 44 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 34 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 27 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 29 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 30 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 24 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 11 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 10 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 13 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 5 complaints200,000+ miles: 3 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 230 of 339 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Suspension

107 complaint records1 fire report9 crash reports
"RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V596000 CONCERNING BALL JOINT WEAR. CONSUMER STATED THAT DEALER CHARGED HER FOR THE UPPER BALL JOINT PARTS. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →

Electrical system

57 complaint records9 fire reports
"WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT HEADLIGHTS AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS START TO FLICKER. CLICKING SOUND HEARD WHILE THE FLASH OFF AND ON. *JS..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

52 complaint records4 fire reports1 crash report
"THE COOLING AND HEATING SYSTEM IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE HAS GIVEN WAY. ONLY THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE HAS A/C WORKING. WILL TAKE VEHICLE TO DEALER TO ADDRESS PROBLEM. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA06011
opened Jun 2006
closed Sep 2006Electrical SystemVEHICLE UNDER-SEAT FIRE
DAIMLERCHRYLSER CORPORATION (DCC) WILL RECALL 35,103 MY 2001-2003 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BENCH SEATS (RECALL # 06V339, SEE DEFECT REPORT FOR DETAILS).THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH EITHER FRONT BUCKET SEATS OR A 40-20-40 SPLIT...
PE06008
opened Feb 2006
closed Jun 2006SeatsFIRE UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT - led to recall 06V339000
ODI IS AWARE OF 10 REPORTS ALLEGING THAT A FIRE ORIGINATES UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SEAT.SIX OF THEFIRES OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH TURNED OFF (KEY NOT IN THE IGNITION).THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL SEATS.
EA03023
opened Nov 2003
closed Feb 2005SuspensionUPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATION - led to recall 04V596000
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE...
PE03032
opened Jul 2003
closed Nov 2003SuspensionFRONT SUSP. UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE
IN JULY 2003, ODI OPENED PE03-032 BASED ON 4 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING SEPARATION OF AN UPPER BALL JOINT.COMPLAINTS ALLEGED AN UNEXPECTED COLLAPSE IN THE FRONT END AND IN SOME OCCASIONS THE BALL JOINT SEPARATION IS ALLEGED TO HAVE RESULTED IN THE WHEEL,...
PE02082
opened Nov 2002
closed Apr 2003Seat BeltsSAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE
THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT.WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
06V339000Electrical SystemON 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.Normally free
04V596000SuspensionON 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...Normally free
04V216000VisibilityON 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...Normally free
02V322000Exterior LightingON 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2006217
2006-09-08
Electrical869Certain vehicles equipped with a bench front seat may experience a short circuit in an unused console power outlet connector if liquid is spilled from the floor mounted cup holder. This could cause a fire.
2004439
2004-12-20
Suspension57,649On certain four wheel drive vehicles, 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 progressively over an extended period of time.
2004155
2004-05-06
Other30,456On certain vehicles, the windshield wiper motor assembly may become susceptible to water intrusion that could cause internal corrosion and result in partial or complete loss of front windshield wiping capability.
2002240
2002-12-16
Lights And Instruments481On certain vehicles, the right headlight may become inoperative due to an improperly sized circuit board trace in the central timer module. Correction: Dealers will replace the central timer module.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
9100645
Aug 2025
Unknown Or OtherVerify Reman part number availability. Order the "R" part number for all orders: Warranty, Mopar, customer pay and service contract. Order "68" part number for New unsold units only.
101232
Oct 2024
Power TrainPlate - Planetary
9001784
Feb 2021
EquipmentMechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio.
9004275
Jul 2020
Electrical SystemKEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms.
23-015-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentDisinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
Show 37 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
08-049-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentCharging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
31-006-19
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-003-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
31-005-19
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100619
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100319
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100519
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
68332810
Sep 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingService - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2.
R2118796A
Feb 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
9003215
Feb 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPart Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application.
9002828
Sep 2014
EquipmentPart Description: Insulator in Lever Assembly - Valve Body - Trans Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and an instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement lease order 68253099AA.
9002849
Sep 2014
StructurePart Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA.
9002872
Mar 2013
Electrical System56045489A$ - Neutral Safety Switch - Trans Assy 06036369AA Screw and Washer is now available as a service part , 2 required to attach Neutral Start Switch
9002519
Mar 2013
Equipment82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois,...
0803006
Aug 2006
Power TrainPOWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *KB
2401305
Aug 2005
EquipmentAIR CONDITIONING (A/C) COOLING COIL ODOR. *TT
0801505
Mar 2005
Power TrainPOWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *SC
0201004
Dec 2004
SuspensionUPPER BALL JOINT EXTENDED WARRANTY. *TT
10182004
Oct 2004
Electrical SystemMULTIPLE WIRING CHANGES. *EH
0422
Oct 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling5.7L ENGINE LONG BLOCK REPAIR / REPLACE PROCEDURES. WARRANTY PLANNING & ADMINISTRATION *TT
2301004
Sep 2004
StructurePASSENGER COMPARTMENT FLOOR WATER LEAK. *TT THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES BULLETIN 23-010-04 DATED 04-29-04. *TT
0500703
Nov 2003
Service BrakesBRAKE SHUDDER OR VIBRATION. *TT
1803703
Oct 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION, ERRONEOUS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0116, P2172, P2173. *TT
0802303
Jul 2003
Electrical SystemINTERMITTENT LOCKING/UNLOCKING OF DOORS WITHOUT ACTIVATING THE POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH. *TT
1800503B
Jul 2003
Vehicle Speed ControlTRANSMISSION SHIFT/SPEED CONTROL IMPROVEMENTS/POSSIBLE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION. *TT
0703
Jul 2003
Seat BeltsPROCEDURES FOR SERVICING THE SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE CINCH BAR. *TT
0801003
Apr 2003
Seat BeltsSEAT BELT CINCH BAR SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 MODELS. *TT
1800503A
Apr 2003
Vehicle Speed ControlTRANSMISSION SHIFT/SPEED CONTROL IMPROVEMENTS/POSSIBLE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION. *TT
1800503C
Mar 2003
Power TrainTRANSMISSION SHIFT / SPEED CONTROL IMPROVEMENTS / POSSIBLE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION. *TT
1800503
Mar 2003
Vehicle Speed ControlTRANSMISSION SHIFT/SPEED CONTROL IMPROVEMENTS. *JB
02026A
Jan 2003
Power TrainTHE TRANSMISSION MAY OVERHEAT DUE TO A RESTRICTION IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER DRAIN BACK VALVE AND MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION. *TT
01
Jan 2003
Power TrainCUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION - 3/8" TORQUE CONVERTER DRAIN BACK VALVE. *TT
02026
Dec 2002
Power TrainTHE TRANSMISSION MAY OVERHEAT DUE TO A RESTRICTION IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER DRAIN BACK VALVE. *TT
10023
Oct 2002
Power TrainPOWERTRAIN DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION. SERVICE INFORMATION TUNEUPS. *TT
2100202
Jul 2002
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING REVISION IN DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES AND LABOR OPERATION TIMES FOR RE TRANSMISSIONS. *TT
1802002
Jun 2002
Unknown Or OtherFLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC
2200102
Mar 2002
Unknown Or OtherCHROME WHEEL CARE. *SLC

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
  2. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  3. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Dodge Durango →