Engine
3.7L 6-cyl
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.
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
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 1,107 of 1,115 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 864 of 1,115 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.
Engine & cooling
581 complaint records22 fire reports6 crash reports
"WHEN STARTING ENGINE PISTON CONNECTING ROD BROKE, THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE 2004 DURANGO WITH THR 5.7 HEMI ENGINE. *TR..."- 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 →
Electrical system
252 complaint records57 fire reports5 crash reports
"THE BLEND DOOR WHICH CONTROLS WHERE HEAT AND AC ARE DIRECTED BREAKS ON THIS VEHICLE. IM UNABLE TO DEFROST THE WINDOWS. *TR..."- 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 →
Air bags
143 complaint records20 crash reports
"TAKATA RECALL- I HAVE BEEN WAITING MORE THAN A REASONABLE TIME TO HAVE THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS TO BE REPLACED...."- 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 air bags 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.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA21002 opened Sep 2021 | OPEN | Air Bags | Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. |
| EA15001 opened Feb 2015 | OPEN | Air Bags | Air Bag Inflator Rupture - led to recall 22V945 The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the... |
| EA06004 opened Mar 2006 | OPEN | Steering | STEERING WHEEL AND STEERING SHAFT BOLTS ON MARCH 9, 2006 ODI UPGRADED PRELIMINATRY EVALUATION PE05-056 TO ENGINEERNING ANALYSIS EA06-004 TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF LOOSE OR MISSING STEERING SHAFT COUPLING BOLTS AND STEERING COLUMN RETAINING BOLTS IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2004 THROUGH 2006 DODGE... |
| PE14016 opened Jun 2014 | closed Mar 2015 | Air Bags | Air Bag Inflator Rupture - led to recall 15V226000 The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the... |
| EA06015 opened Aug 2006 | closed Mar 2007 | Electrical System | INSTRUMENT PANEL FIRES - led to recall 07V092000 THIS INVESTIGATION ORIGINATED FROM COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY THE AGENCY REPORTING INSTRUMENT PANEL (IP) FIRES ON VEHICLES THAT WERE COVERED UNDER A PRIOR RECALL (RECALL 03V528) BY DAIMLER CHRYSLER (DCC) TO CORRECT A CRACKED CAPACITOR IN THE IP.DCC HAS NOW... |
Show 4 more closed investigations
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| RQ06006 opened May 2006 | closed Aug 2006 | Electrical System | INSTRUMENT PANEL FIRES THIS INVESTIGATION ORIGINATED FROM COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY THE AGENCY REPORTING INSTRUMENT PANEL (IP) FIRES ON VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED(RECALL 03V528) BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER (DCC) TO CORRECT A DEFECT THAT CAUSED IP FIRES.THE RECALL CORRECTED A DEFECT CAUSED BY... |
| EA05018 opened Nov 2005 | closed Aug 2007 | Power Train | ENGINE STALL ANALYSIS OF THE COMPLAINT, FIELD REPORT AND WARRANTY DATA SHOWS THAT THE MAJORITY OF STALLING INCIDENTS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES APPEAR TO BE RELATED TO THE ENGINE CALIBRATION CONCERNS THAT DAIMLERCHRYSLER ADDRESSED WITH SERVICE BULLETINS RELEASING REVISED PCM... |
| PE05056 opened Oct 2005 | closed Mar 2006 | Steering | STEERING WHEEL AND SHAFT BOLTS ON OCTOBER 26, 2005 ODI OPENED PE05-056 TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF LOOSE OR MISSING STEERING WHEEL OR STEERING SHAFT COUPLING BOLTS IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2004 AND 2005 DODGE DURANGO SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND MY 2005 DODGE DAKOTA PICKUP TRUCKS MANUFACTURED BY... |
| PE05027 opened May 2005 | closed Nov 2005 | Power Train | ENGINE STALL ON MAY 16, 2005,ODI OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE05-027 TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS OF ENGINE STALLING IN MODEL YEAR 2004-05 DODGE DURANGO SUVS AND RAM 1500 SERIES PICKUPS EQUIPPED WITH THE 5.7L V8 ENGINE.INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER DURING... |
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.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16V352000DO NOT DRIVE | Air Bags | 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. | Normally free |
| 15V313000DO NOT DRIVE | Air Bags | 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... | Normally free |
| 17V824000 | Equipment | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. | Normally free |
| 14V770000 | Air Bags | 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... | Normally free |
| 07V092000 | Electrical System | ON SOME SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS, AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THAT CONTROLS INTERIOR LIGHTING MAY OVERHEAT. | Normally free |
| 04V578000 | Electrical System | 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. | Normally free |
| 04V020000 | Vehicle Speed Control | 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. | Normally free |
| 03V528000 | Electrical System | ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CIRCUIT BOARD CAPACITOR MAY OVERHEAT. | 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.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017663 2017-12-22 | Accessories | 7,391 | On certain vehicles equipped with the Roadside Emergency Kit containing a Kidde fire extinguishers with black plastic handles and valves, the fire extinguishers may become clogged or require excessive force to activate. |
| 2016265 2016-05-27 | Airbag | 459,492 | On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. |
| 2015228 2015-05-27 | Airbag | 374,508 | On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. |
| 2015093 2015-03-03 | Airbag | 1,000 | Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Program involving Takata driver and/or passenger airbag inflators installed in certain vehicles that were originally sold or ever registered in certain... |
| 2015094 2015-03-03 | Airbag | 1,000 | Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Program involving Takata passenger airbag inflators installed in certain vehicles that were originally sold or ever registered in certain high humidity... |
Show 5 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015003 2015-01-06 | Airbag | 258,600 | Chrysler Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Campaign concerning the driver's airbag inflator on certain vehicles equipped with Takata airbags. Chrysler Canada will replace the driver's inflator on affected vehicles. |
| 2007058 2007-03-07 | Electrical | 13,308 | On certain vehicles, the instrument cluster circuit that controls interior lighting may overheat and cause an instrument panel fire. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the instrument cluster assembly. |
| 2004431 2004-12-10 | Electrical | 2,812 | On certain vehicles equipped with 4.7L or 5.7L engines, the positive battery cable could contact the front system upper control arm mounting bracket. |
| 2003346 2003-12-23 | Electrical | 778 | On certain vehicles, an instrument cluster circuit-board capacitor may overheat. This could potentially result in an instrument panel fire. Correction: Dealers will remove the capacitor from the instrument panel cluster. |
| 2004020 2003-01-20 | Powertrain | 329 | On certain vehicles, water could become trapped in the throttle cable housing and freeze during extended cold temperatures, potentially resulting in a loss of throttle control. Correction: Dealer will replace the throttle cable. |
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.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9100645 Aug 2025 | Unknown Or Other | Verify 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 Train | Plate - Planetary | |
| S2208000136 Jul 2022 | Electrical System | Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module (WCM) | |
| 9001784 Feb 2021 | Equipment | Mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio. | |
| 9004275 Jul 2020 | Electrical System | KEY, 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. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23-015-20 Apr 2020 | Equipment | Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19 | |
| 08-049-20 Apr 2020 | Equipment | Charging 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 | Structure | Repair 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 | Equipment | Use 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 | Equipment | Use 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 | Equipment | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. | |
| 3100319 Nov 2019 | Structure | Use 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 | Structure | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. | |
| 9003502 Mar 2017 | Equipment | Key Blank With Transmitter The key with an integrated FOB P/N 05183348AA is temporarily unavailable. The supplier is currently working on a functional replacement. | |
| 68332810 Sep 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service - 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. | |
| 05183348A$ Aug 2016 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | "KEY BLANK WITH TRANSMITTER The key with an integrated FOB P/N 05183348AA is temporarily unavailable. The supplier is currently working on a functional replacement. | |
| 05183348A$ May 2016 | Equipment | KEY BLANK WITH TRANSMITTER The key with an integrated FOB P/N 05183348AA is temporarily unavailable. The supplier is currently working on a functional replacement. | |
| 05183348A May 2016 | Electrical System | KEY BLANK WITH TRANSMITTER The key with an integrated FOB P/N 05183348AA is temporarily unavailable. The supplier is currently working on a functional replacement. | |
| R2118796A Feb 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. | |
| 9003215 Feb 2015 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Part 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 | Structure | Part 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 | Structure | Part 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 System | 56045489A$ - 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 | Equipment | 82212076, 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,... | |
| SB-18-014-09 Nov 2009 | Electrical System | CHRYSLER/JEEP: FLASH: ESP SYSTEM MAY PREMATURELY ACTIVATE MOMENTARILY WHEN NEGOTIATING A CURVE OR MIL ILLUMINATION DUE TO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0340, P0344 OR P0116. THIS INVOLVES SELECTIVELY ERASING AND REPROGRAMMING THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) WITH NEW SOFTWARE. | |
| 2500108 Jan 2008 | Engine And Engine Cooling | POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) SYSTEM FREEZES IN EXTREME COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES -- INVOLVES INSTALLING REVISED PCV SYSTEM COMPONENTS. *NJ | |
| 0300306 Oct 2006 | Suspension | AXLE FLUID LEVEL. *KB | |
| 0803006 Aug 2006 | Power Train | POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *KB | |
| 1802406 Jul 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE CYLINDER MISFIRE OR IGNITION COIL MALFUNCTION DURING HEAVY RAIN OR CAR WASH. *TT | |
| 1800106 Jul 2006 | Equipment | STARSCAN@/STARMOBILE ABORT RECOVERY PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 1800706 Mar 2006 | Power Train | GENERIC POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROCEDURE. *AK | |
| 1900805 Nov 2005 | Steering | REVISED POWER STEERING SYSTEM BLEEDING PROCEDURES. *SC | |
| 2400605B Oct 2005 | Equipment | 5.7L FLASH: IMPROVED A/C PERFORMANCE. *SC | |
| 2401605 Oct 2005 | Equipment | 4.7L IMPROVED A/C PERFORMANCE. *SC | |
| 2101505 Sep 2005 | Power Train | 45RFE/545RFE TRANS - DELAYED ENGAGEMENT DUE TO COOLER RETURN FILTER REPLACEMENT. *SC | |
| 2401305 Aug 2005 | Equipment | AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) COOLING COIL ODOR. *TT | |
| 1800605 May 2005 | Electrical System | CYLINDER MISFIRE/IGNITION COIL MALFUNCTION. *TT | |
| 1901204 May 2005 | Steering | STEERING COLUMN SNAPPING OR TICKING SOUND. *TT | |
| 05002 Apr 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | NEW WATER PUMP FOR 3.7L ENGINE - NO LONGER COMMON WITH 4.7L. ADVANCED SERVICE INFORMATION #05-002. *TT | |
| 1801305 Apr 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | IDLE FLUCTUATION/DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES. *TT | |
| 1801605 Apr 2005 | Vehicle Speed Control | THROTTLE BODY COKING. *TT | |
| 2100905 Mar 2005 | Electrical System | MIL (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP) ILLUMINATION FOR DTC'S (DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES) P0750, P0755, P0760, P0765, P0846, P0871 OR P0841. 2004-2005 JEEP CHEROKEE AND 2005 CHRYSLER 300/MAGNUM *SC | |
| 0801505 Mar 2005 | Power Train | POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *SC | |
| 0801405 Feb 2005 | Electrical System | MOPAR ACCESSORY REMOTE STARTER INOPERATIVE DUE TO HOOD SWITCH. *TT | |
| 1901004 Nov 2004 | Steering | POWER STEERING FLUID CONTAMINATION. *TT | |
| 10182004 Oct 2004 | Service Brakes | THE ABS G-SENSOR MOUNTED INCORRECTLY. *EH | |
| 0422 Oct 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 5.7L ENGINE LONG BLOCK REPAIR / REPLACE PROCEDURES. WARRANTY PLANNING & ADMINISTRATION *TT | |
| 0500504 Sep 2004 | Service Brakes | BRAKE SHUDDER OR VIBRATION. *TT | |
| 1800904 Sep 2004 | Power Train | GENERIC POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROCEDURE. THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES BULLETIN 18-009-04 DATED 03/02/2004. *TT | |
| 1803404 Aug 2004 | Vehicle Speed Control | ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL DIAGNOSTICS. *TT | |
| 04018 Jul 2004 | Structure | RAPID RESPONSE TRANSMITTAL. APPROXIMATELY 50, 2004 MODEL YEAR DURANGOS MAY HAVE BEEN SHIPPED WITH SEALER SKIPS IN THE UPPER FRONT DOOR FRAME . IF THIS CONDITION IS PRESENT, IT MAY CAUSE A CORROSION CONDITION IN THE FUTURE. *MJ | |
| 1802904 Jun 2004 | Electrical System | DRIVEABILITY IMPROVEMENTS MIL ILLUMINATION DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0137 P0157 P0403 P0404 P0405 P0406 P2174 P2175. *TT | |
| 1801404 May 2004 | Power Train | 42RLE SLOW OR HARSH GEAR ENGAGEMENT AFTER INITIAL COLD START. *TT *MJ | |
| 0300104A May 2004 | Power Train | THE AXLES ARE LOCATED CONSIDERABLY HIGHER THAT THE ACTUAL FLUID LEVEL. FILLING THE AXLE UNTIL THE FLUID COMES OUT OF THE FILL HOLE WILL OVER FILL THE AXLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE FLUID FOAMING. *MN *TT | |
| 04010 Apr 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | LOWER RADIATOR HOSE CLAMPS THAT MAY NOT BE POSITIONED IN THE PROPER LOCATION. *TT | |
| 30 Apr 2004 | Equipment | DURANGO A/C SYSTEM NVH CONCERNS. *EH | |
| 04004 Mar 2004 | Power Train | CERTAIN 2004 TRUCKS EQUIPPED 8-1/4 IN. OR 9-1/4 IN. REAR AXLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH CONTAMINATED AXLE FLUID. RAPID RESPONSE TRANSMITTAL. *TT | |
| 1803303 Mar 2004 | Power Train | GENERIC POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) FLASH PROCEDURE. 2004 DURANGO. *TT *MJ | |
| 1801004 Mar 2004 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) P0403, P0404, P0405, P0406. *TT | |
| 0800904 Mar 2004 | Electrical System | MEMORY SEAT DOES NOT RETURN TO LAST DRIVING POSITION. *TT |
Showing 60 of 68 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- 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.
- 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.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 8 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.
- Do not drive it home until the do-not-drive recall is confirmed repaired.At least one campaign on this vehicle carries a federal do-not-drive advisory. Confirm the repair with the dealer, by VIN, before taking delivery.
- 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 →