Page 4 of 7 · complaints 151–200 of 339

2003 Dodge Durango complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2003 record →

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Jun 12, 200835,000 milesVA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE VEHICLE IS SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE BECOMES UNCONTROLLABLE AND DIFFICULT TO STEER OFF ROAD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed May 12, 200887,100 milesMN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLICKING SOUND AND NOTICED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS WERE FLICKERING ON AND OFF. THE LIGHTS FLASHED IN 2 TO 5 MINUTE INTERVALS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V322000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH); THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,100 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,224. UPDATED 06/03/2008 THE DEALER REPLACED THE TIME AND ALARM MODULE. UPDATED

Steering
Filed May 5, 200841,725 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO HIS RESIDENCE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP THE FOLLOWING DAY AND THEY REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AT THE COST OF $357.64. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,725. UPDATED 5/20/08 *CN UPDATED 05/20/08

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint
Filed Apr 18, 200883,000 milesVA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. WHEN THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE TO HER LOCAL MECHANIC FOR AN ALIGNMENT, THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED OF A POSSIBLE RECALL ON HER YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V596000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 83,000. UPDATED 05/08/08. *LJ UPDATED 05/09/08

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 4, 200878,000 milesGA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH DOWNHILL ON A WET ROAD, THE VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE IMPACT WAS 40 MPH INTO A SKID. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT'S KNEES WERE SLAMMED INTO THE CONSOLE AND WERE SORE. SIX VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED IN THE CHAIN REACTION CRASH. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE. POLICE REPORT NUMBER 08041580 WAS FILED. THE DEALER INFORMATION WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 78,000.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint
Filed Mar 18, 200850,000 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT HER TIRES WERE WEARING UNEVENLY. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE UPPER CONTROL ARMS AND BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SHE HAD THEM REPLACED. TWO YEARS AFTER THE REPLACEMENT, THE CONTACT FELT THE VEHICLE PULLING TO ONE SIDE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE UPPER CONTROL ARMS AND BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. SHE HAS NOT GOTTEN THEM REPLACED AND BELIEVES THERE TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT BECAUSE BALL JOINTS LAST 100,000 MILES OR MORE. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND NUMBER OF CYLINDERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 4/2/08 *CN UPDATED 04/02/08 *TR

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Jan 31, 200846,000 milesOH

FRIDAY JANUARY 25,2008 I EXPERIENCED LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS, ELECTRIC DOORLOCKS, INTERIOR LIGHTING, FOG LIGHTS, HAD TO USE MY EMERGENCY FLASHERS TO DRIVE HOME FROM WORK AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO MY REPAIR SHOP IT TURNS OUT IT WAS THE CENTRAL TIMING MODULE, I ALSO FOUND A RECALL FROM THE NHTSA DATED DECEMBER 2-2002 FOR THE 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA, I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS RECALL, I HAD MY VEHICLE FIXED JANUARY 31,2007 THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE WAS REPLACED AND THE COMPONENTS ARE ALL FINE. I AM WRITING AND SENDING COPIES OF MY BILLS & RECALL NOTICE TO THE CHRYSLER CUSTOMER CENTER TO BE REIMBURSED MY $265.00 FOR THE PART . IF ANYONE NEEDS THE NUMBER GO TO THE NHTSA.DOT.GOV WEB AND ENTER CAMPAIGN #02V322000. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 21, 200860,000 milesID

THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE ON 2003 DODGE DURANGOS IS BAD AND HAS BEEN RECALLED, BUT MY 2003 DODGE DURANGO WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL SOMEHOW. MY CENTRAL TIMER MODULE IS BAD AND MY DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT DOESN'T WORK. I WOULD LIKE MY VEHICLE TO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL SINCE IT HAS THE EXACT PROBLEM SYMPTOM AND SOLUTION, AND IS JUST AS DANGEROUS AS OTHER DURANGO'S THAT ARE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 28, 200760,000 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE SHOP BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING ONTO THE EXHAUST, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. HOWEVER, THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE 2004-2005 MODELS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,000.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Dec 22, 200724,000 milesTX

INTERMITTENT LOCKING/UNLOCKING OF DOORS WITHOUT ACTIVATING THE POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control
Filed Dec 17, 200723,800 milesKY

MY 2003 DODGE DURANGO SXT- HAD THIS SINCE 2003 BOUGHT BRAND NEW AND I TAKE IT TO DEALERSHIP FOR OIL CHANGE, TIRE CHECK ETC . FOLLOW THE MAINTANANCE GUIDE ON WHAT SHOULD BE CHECK OUT , NOW TRUCK AT A ( STOP LIGHT ) IT WANTS TO STALL, I WAS DOING 35 ON ON THE STREET I LIVE ON AND MY TRUCK CUTS OFF NO WARNING, CUTS LIGHT AND ALL WENT OUT ON ME, AN POLICE CAR WAS INFRONT OF ME ACROSS THE ROAD FACING AT ME AND AS SOON AS THE LIGHT WENT GREEN HE PULLS ME OVER AND TELL FOR MY SAFETY YOU NEED TO CHECK YOUR POWER SUPPLY I SAID THANK YOU. THE NEXT MORNING I BRING MY TRUCK DODGE DEALER SHIP ONE OF THE GUYS SEEMS LIKE HE WAS TRYING TO RUSH MY OFF STATING THAT THEY WERE TOO BUSY , SO I BRING IT BACK THE NEXT DAY THEY CHECK IT OUT AND COULD NOT FIND NOTHING WRONG I EVEN PAID ( $85.00 ) I THINK THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY ELECTRIC SYSTEM . NOW WHEN I AM ON THE ROAD IT TRIES TO STALL , AND THE RPM GO UP 3.5 AND BACK DOWN TO 0.5 WENT TO AUTO ZONE THE GUY THERE GUY GAVE ME SOME AFTER READING WHEN MY TRUCK LIGHT CAME BACK ON THE CODES WERE GENERAL EVAP SYSTEM FAILURE , AND P0441-EVAP PURGE SYSTEM PERFORMANCE ,P0068-MANIFOLD PRESSURE/THROTTLE POSITION CORRELATION ,P0123-THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR #1 HIGH , SYSTEM ,P2074-MANIFOLD PRESSURE/THROTTLE POSITION CORRELATION - HIGH FLOW/VACUUM LEAK, P0700-TRANSMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM ,P0440-GENERAL EVAP SYSTEM FAILURE , NOW EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT HAS A LOT OF HESITATION THEN POWER IN ALL DROP THEN MY BATTERY LIGHT COME ON ON THE DASH AND THE CHECK ENGINE

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Dec 11, 200767,780 milesAL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE HEADLIGHTS FLASHED ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKERED ON AND OFF IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SENSOR TIMER MODULE MALFUNCTIONED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V322000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,780 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,802.

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Nov 5, 200763,000 milesIN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE VEHICLE HAS GOODYEAR WRANGLER RTF, SIZE P26570R16 TIRES. DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR PRESSURE WAS EXTREMELY LOW AT 32 PSI. SHE ALSO NOTICED DARK CIRCLES AROUND THE TIRES WHERE THE TREAD WAS SEPARATING AND THE SIDEWALL WAS SPLITTING. SHE HAD THE TIRES INSPECTED AND WAS INFORMED THAT BECAUSE THE TIRES WERE FOUR YEARS OLD, THE TREAD LIFE EXPIRED AND THE TIRES WOULD NOT PERFORM PROPERLY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 63,000.

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Windshield › Electrical Heating Element
Filed Nov 4, 200760,000 milesNY

2003 DODGE DURANGO AND 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. BOTH VEHICLES HAVE BLOWER FAN SPEED RESISTORS THAT ARE BURNT OUT. THE VEHICLES HAVE NO HEAT TO CLEAR WINDSHIELDS OF FROST FOGGING OR ICE. I ASKED DODGE WORLD IN CLIFTON PARK NEW YORK IF THERE WAS ANY RECALLS AND THEY STATED NO. TOO REPAIR THESE VEHICLES THE ENTIRE DASH AND AIR BAG SYSTEM HAS TO BE REMOVED. THESE CONDITIONS ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 25, 2007CA

I HAVE A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF MY LOCAL DODGE / JEEP DEALER DUE TO A AN ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Oct 1, 200727,711 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE IDLING, THE ENGINE WOULD STALL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK AND SURGE FORWARD AT LOW SPEEDS. OCCASIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF AND THEN RESTART MINUTES LATER WHILE IDLING. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE DURING THE FAILURES. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THEY REPLACED THE NVLD PUMP VACUUM CANISTER, THE CAM SENSORY, AND THE SPLIT HOSE SOLENOID CANISTER. THE CHECK ENGINE REMAINS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,711 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 42,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Aug 28, 200785,000 milesFL

MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING MY DODGE DURANGO WHEN POWER WAS LOST. SHE WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SHE CALLED ME VERY UPSET AS SHE HAD JUST STARTED DRIVING ONLY ABOUT ONE YEAR BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. I HAD HER SIT WITH THE TRUCK AND TRY TO START IT AGAIN. SHE WAS ABLE TO GET IT STARTED AND MOVED ABOUT 20 FEET TO A MORE SECURE AREA ALONG THE ROAD. SHE WAS ON A VERY BUSY ROAD, A1A IN INDIALANTIC, FLORIDA. NEEDLESS TO SAY SHE WAS VERY UPSET AND AFRAID. MY YOUNGEST DAUGHTER WAS WITH HER AT THE TIME AND SHE WAS VERY UPSET AS WELL. BOTH COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED WHEN THE TRUCK LOST POWER. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 22, 200763,300 milesAR

WE BOUGHT A 2003 DODGE DURANGO ON JUNE 26, 2007. ON AUGUST 8, 2007 ALL OF A SUDDEN, WITH NO WARNING IT STARTED SOUNDING FUNNY, LIKE A DIESEL, A FEW MINUTES LATER THE OIL PRESSURE DROPPED TO ZERO AND JUST A FEW SECONDS AFTER THAT THE ENGINE LOCKED UP. WE WERE ON THE INTERSTATE ABUT 50 MILES FROM HOME WITH 2 CHILDREN. LUCKILY WE GOT A RIDE HOME AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED LATER ON THAT NIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER A 7 YR./70,000 MILE WARRANTY, BUT DODGE DOESN'T WANT TO HONOR IT. WE HAD THE VEHICLE BARELY OVER A MONTH WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I HAD JUST GOTTEN IT REGISTERED AND TAGGED 5 DAYS BEFORE IT HAPPENED AND MADE THE FIRST PAYMENT 7 DAYS BEFORE IT HAPPENED. NOW WE DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. I HAVE READ HUNDREDS OF OTHER REPORTS EXACTLY LIKE OUR SITUATION. PLEASE DO SOMETHING AND MAKE DODGE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS A HUGE PROBLEM WITH THEIR ENGINES!!! *TR

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Aug 20, 200734,000 milesFL

ON 4/2/07, I HAD THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR REPLACED. IT BROKE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, NOT IN USE AT THE TIME. ON 4/28/07 IT WAS REPLACED AGAIN. ON 7/7/07 IT WAS REPLACED AGAIN. ON 7/23/07 IT WAS REPLACED AGAIN. ON 8/20/07 IT BROKE AGAIN. THIS IS AN OEM PART, NOT AN AFTER MARKET. I'VE SPOKEN WITH SEVERAL MECHANICS WHO SAID THIS IS DEFINITELY A DODGE ISSUE. WHAT DO I DO? *TR

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Aug 15, 200769,800 milesWI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD SHINE OFF AND ON WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE FAILURE CAUSED HIM TO LOSE VISIBILITY BECAUSE NO STREET LIGHTS WERE PRESENT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 02V322000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH). THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 69,800. UPDATED 02-01-08 *BF UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR

Tires › Sidewall
Filed Aug 5, 200780,900 milesMD

TREAD AND WALL SEPARATION ON WRANGLER RTS APROX. 1.5 INCHES FROM TREAD TOP WITH 3/4 TREAD STILL LEFT. COULD SEE PERFECT RING AROUND THE WALL WERE IT WAS SEPARATING AND LEAKING AIR. THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACE WITH AN ARGUMENT FROM SEARS BUT WAS REPLACED WITH SAME STYLE AND HAD TO PAY DIFFERENCE IN TREAD WEAR. I AM NOW HAVING TROUBLE WITH THESE WITH ONLY 15000 MILE ON THEM. 1 HAS ALREADY SHREDED ON 495 DOING 65 MPH. *JB

Tires
Filed Aug 4, 200780,900 milesMD

I HAVE A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. IN DEC. 2006 THE ORIGINAL TIRES WALLS STARTED TO SEPARATE FROM THE TREAD TO THE POINT THAT IT WAS A COMPLETE RING AROUND THE TIRE SHOWING THE TREADS. I HAD TO PAY THE DIFFERENCE OF TREAD WEAR TO REPLACE THE TIRES AFTER ARGUING WITH A GOODYEAR DEALER. ON AUG. 3 2007, I WAS RIDING ON 495 DOING THE 65 MILE SPEED LIMIT WHEN THE TIRE STARTED TO BUBBLE, SMOKE AND THEN PROCEED TO SHRED. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A GOODYEAR DEALER WHO STARTED TO REFUSE TO REPLACE THE TIRE AT THEIR COST BECAUSE HE SAID THE REPLACEMENT TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH THE SAME RECALLED/DEFECTIVE TIRE. I NOW HAVE 5 TIRES THAT ARE STARTING TO HAVE LITTLE BLISTERS ALL OVER THE WALL OF THE TIRES. I AM IN NO POSITION TO PAY TO REPLACE THESE TIRES WITH ANOTHER KIND OR BRAND. I WANT THESE TIRES REPLACED WITH SOMETHING THAT IS NOT GOING TO KILL US ONE DAY. OR GIVE ME THE MONEY TO BUY A DIFFERENT BRAND. *JB

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint
Filed Jul 29, 2007GA

I HEAR A POPPING/GRINDING NOISE IN THE FRONT END OF MY 2003 DODGE DURANGO. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE SHOP UNDER WARRANTY 3 TIMES. TWICE THEY HAVE REPLACED PARTS BUT IT HAS NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM. THE TIRES ARE WEARING OUT ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIRE. THE BALL JOINTS APPEAR TO BE GOING BAD. *JB

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Jun 26, 2007NY

I AM CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING A THUMPING OR THROTTLE ON THE VEHICLE WHEN I STEP ON THE BRAKES. IT OCCURS IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE. I HAVE HAD THE BRAKES REPLACED , BUT THIS NOISE STILL OCCURS. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY R&S STRAUSS MECHANIC THAT IT APPEARED TO BE THE BALL JOINT/ARM. HE HAS ENCOUNTERED MANY DURANGOS EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM AND ADVISED TO SEEK DEALER FOR REPAIRS SINCE HE WA S AWARE OF THE ACCIDENTS THAT HAVE OCCURRED. WANTED TO NOTIFY YOUR OFFICE AND OTHER DRIVERS IF EXPERIENCING SIMILAR PROBLEMS. IT APPEARED THAT THIS DEFECT NEEDED TO BE RECALLED.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Jun 26, 2007NY

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

Electrical System
Filed Jun 14, 2007CA

I NOTICED THAT WHEN I USED MY REMOTE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS, IT SET OFF THE ALARM. I PUSHED THE UNLOCK BUTTON SEVERAL TIMES AND IT STOPPED THE ALARM. THE VEHICLE STARTED FINE AND THEN WENT HAYWIRE WHEN I HIT ABOUT 15MPH. THE LOCKS BEGAN LOCKING AND UNLOCKING, THE HORN WAS BEEPING, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURNED ON, MY HIGH BEAMS WERE FLASHING, AND THE INTERIOR "DING" WAS GOING OFF. IT STOPPED AND STARTED AGAIN ALL WITHIN A 2 MILE TRIP. ONCE I GOT HOME, THE LOCKS WOULD ONLY WORK MANUALLY, THE HEADLIGHTS DIDN'T WORK, AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE BLINKING. THIS MORNING, THE DURANGO IS FINE AND ALL COMPONENTS WORK. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jun 14, 2007CA

MY FRONT BRAKES HAVE BEEN CHANGED TWICE, AND I ONLY HAVE 52,000 MILES ON IT. THE BRAKES ARE NOW SQUEAKING HORRIBLY, MIXED WITH A GRINDING NOISE. MY OTHER VEHICLE IS HEAVIER THAN THE DURANGO, HAS MORE MILEAGE, AND I HAVEN'T HAD TO CHANGE THE BRAKES ONCE. SOMETHING SEEMS WRONG WITH THE WEAR OF THE DURANGO BRAKES. *TR

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint
Filed Jun 11, 200741,000 milesAZ

UPPER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACIED EVERY SIX MONTHS!!!!! *AK

Power Train › Transfer Case (4-wheel Drive)
Filed May 22, 2007IA

2003 DURANGO CUSTOMER STATES THAT SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE CAR, IT SHIFTED INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE LOW WHILE DRIVING**CC THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNDER WARRANTY AND HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER 4 SEPARATE TIMES FOR REPAIR AND THE LAST TIME THEY WERE CHARGED A DIAGNOSTIC FEE AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL UNRESOLVED.*TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 7, 200763,000 milesWV

I CURRENTLY HAVE 65,000 MILES ON A 2003 DODGE DURANGO SLT PLUS. THIS VEHICLE IS 4X4 AND HAS NEVER BEEN USED FOR TOWING. I WAS GETTING A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE FRONT END AT ANYTHING OVER 2700 RPMS. ALSO, I WAS HAVING A DRASTIC LOSE OF POWER ON THIS DURANGO AS WELL. I TOOK IT TO MY TRANSMISSION MECHANIC AND IT WAS FOUND TO BE TROUBLE IN THE TRANSMISSION. I AM HAVING TO GET THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT ALREADY AT 65,000 MILES. *AK

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Apr 26, 200736,000 milesGA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACTIVATE THE FRONT AND REAR WINDSHIELD WIPERS, BUT THEY FAILED TO OPERATE. THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FAILED APPROXIMATELY THREE WEEKS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER TWICE AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD BE ELECTRICAL. THERE WAS RECALL # 07V092000 CONCERNING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT PANEL, BUT THEIS VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS WERE STILL INOPERABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 40,350, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000. *AK

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Apr 11, 200734,500 milesKY

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO WITH A CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE OF 34,500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT 60 MPH UNDER NORMAL DRY CONDITIONS WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE STALLING OCCURRED ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS TURNED ON, AND THE DOOR CHIME STARTED TO BUZZ. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT A CRASH. SINCE THE STALLING THE WINDOWS FAILED ,THEY DID NOT GO UP OR DOWN, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND HEADLIGHTS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND THE DEALER COULD NOT TELL THEM WHY THE FAILURE OCCURRED. *AK

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/CoolerFire
Filed Mar 16, 200734,000 milesGA

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER DRIVING THE 2003 DODGE DURANGO WITH 34000 FAILURE MILEAGE A SHORT DISTANCE SHE PARKED THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES, THEN RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE, OPENED THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR, AND NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS ON FIRE. THE ENTIRE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. *AK

Power Train › Driveline › Constant Velocity Joint
Filed Feb 27, 200758,132 milesMA

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO WITH AN ODOMETER READING OF 58132 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS HAD BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND THEY TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED BY RECALL 04V596000 . THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE IT WAS HAVING THE SAME FAILURE. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE CV JOINT FAILED AGAIN. UPDATED 03/30/07. *JB

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball JointCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 21, 200714,600 milesNC

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO WITH AN ODOMETER READING OF 14600 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING UNDER DRY CONDITIONS AT 35 MPH THE STEERING LOCKED. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THEY HAVE NOT RESPONDED. THE CONTACT HAD RECEIVED RECALL (04V596000 FOR THE UPPER BALL JOINT, AND WHEN HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THE REPAIR S,THEY ONLY LUBRICATED THE BALL JOINT, BUT DID NOT REPLACED IT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE WAS THE CAUSE FOR THE CRASH. *AK

Power Train › Transfer Case (4-wheel Drive)Fire
Filed Feb 11, 200742,000 milesPA

MY WIFE HAD OUR 2003 DURANGO IN TO THE LOCAL DODGE DEALER FOR SERVICE ONE MORNING A FEW WEEKS AGO, SINCE IT WOULD NOT COME OUT OF 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND WAS STEERING FUNNY AND VIBRATING/CLUNKING. THEY TOLD HER IT WAS STILL UNDER WARANTY AND A PART WOULD HAVE TO BE ORDERED (TRANSFER MODULE) FOR THE CONTROL OF IT BUT IT WAS OK TO DRIVE TILL IT CAME IN AND COULD BE REPLACED. NONE WERE AVAILABLE AND CLEVELAND SHOWEDED THEM ON BACK-ORDER. MY WIFE DROVE TO OIL CITY, PA TO PICK UP PARTS FOR ME AND IT CAUGHT FIRE ON THE WAY ( SHE HAD TALKED TO THE DEALER A FEW MINUTES EARLIER ON HER CELL PHONE AS THE PROBLEM WAS GETTING WORSE AND THEY ASSURED HER IT WAS OK). SHE HAD TO PULL OVER AND CALL 911. THE FIRE AND POLICE WERE QUICK IN RESPONDING AND THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT AFTER A TOTAL LOSS OF THE VEHICLE. NOW THE DEALER WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. MY WIFE COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN KILLED. *NM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 5, 200755,500 milesOK

2003 DODGE DURANGO 2WD SLT HAS HAD TRANNY FAILURES CONSISTING OF ELECTRONIC COIL PACKS THAT CONTROL THE BAND LOCK-UP IN TRANNY FAILING TO ENGAGE OR DISENGAGE. THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSED MY SPOUSE TO BE STUCK SEVERAL TIMES AND IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT PLACES. I HAVE FOUND THAT THE COST AND THE AVAILABLE PROCEDURE TO FIX IT IS TO PUT ANOTHER TRANNY IN IT WITH POSSIBILITIES OF SAME PROBLEMS. *NM

Electrical System
Filed Jan 19, 200712,000 milesIA

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WILL SWITCH INTO FOUR WHEEL LOW. THE INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHES AS IF IT IS IN FOUR LOW. THE LAST TIME WE WERE TRAVELING 35 MILES PER HOUR AND IT HAPPENED. I'VE READ ABOUT THE VARIETY OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND BELIEVE THIS IS ONE MORE. THE KEY FOBS QUIT WORKING AND WE HAD A STRANGE "P D ONE" MESSAGE FLASH ON THE ODOMETER. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER THREE SEPARATE TIMES AND THEY HAVE TOLD US WE WERE SWITCHING THE KNOB. THEY WON'T BELIEVE US BECAUSE THEY CAN'T MAKE IT HAPPEN. THIS, ALONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPLAINTS MAKE ME THINK THESE ARE VERY UNSAFE VEHICLES TO BE ON THE ROAD. *JB

Seat Belts › Rear/Other
Filed Jan 8, 200750,000 milesSC

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO WITH AN ODOMETER READING OF 50000 MILES ON IT. THE CONTACT COMPLAINED THAT THE REAR SEAT BELTS DID NOT RETRACT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELTS ONLY RETRACTED 1 OUT OF EVERY 10 TIMES. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND THEY TOLD HER THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR.*AK

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Dec 22, 2006ID

WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 DURANGO AND STARTED NOTICING SOME VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END SO I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO GET IT CHECKED AND IT APPEARS THE LOWER BALL JOINTS ARE BAD. THIS IS AFTER I HAD THE UPPERS REPLACED DUE TO A RECALL. I AM NOT SURE HOW LONG THESE PARTS ARE GUARANTEED TO LAST BUT I KNOW I HAVE MUCH OLDER VEHICLES THAT STILL HAVE THE ORIGINAL PARTS IN THEM. SOUNDS LIKE THEY SHOULD HAVE RECALLED MORE THAN JUST THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. I AM GOING TO HAVE THEM REPLACED BUT I THINK A FAILURE AFTER SUCH A SHORT TIME SHOULD ALSO BE INVESTIGATED FOR A POSSIBLE RECALL, PERHAPS CHECKING THE WHOLE FRONT SUSPENSION WOULD BE WISE BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED BECAUSE SOMETHING FALLS OFF THE CAR. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling › EngineFire
Filed Nov 2, 200656,235 milesIL

HAVE A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING FELL OFF THE CAR THE CAR WAS IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE ENGINE. THE CAR QUICKLY BECAME TOTAL ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND BURNED UP. THE CAR IS A 100% LOSE. *NM

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Oct 12, 200674,000 milesFL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED DUE TO A DEFECTIVE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL #02V322000 PERTAINING TO THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH. THE NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 28, 200664,000 milesGA

ALL LIGHTING ON MY 2003 DODGE DURANGO EXCEPT HAZARD AND BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED AT THE SAME TIME. THIS INCLUDES ALL INTERIOR LIGHTING, HEADLIGHTS, FOG LIGHTS AND RUNNING LAMPS. NO FUSES BLOWN. DISCUSSION WITH DODGE DEALERSHIP REVEALED THAT THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM AND IS CAUSED BY FAILURE OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH UNIT ON THE DASHBOARD. FURTHER INVESTIGATION ON MESSAGE BOARDS ALSO REVEALED THAT THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM, ALONG WITH THE WIRING HARNESS TO THE SWITCH ASSEMBLY WHICH BECOMES HOT AND MELTS. *NM

SteeringCrash
Filed Aug 17, 200656,123 milesCA

FRONT END PROBLEMS WITH M 2003 DODGE DURANGO. HAVE HAD STEERING RACK REPLACED, INNER & OUTER BALL JOINTS REPLACED AS WELL AS BOTH UPPER CONTROL ARMS. STEERING WENT OUT ON MY WIFE WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN. BOTH INNER TIE-ROD ENDS SNAPPED OUT AND CAR LOST COMPLETE STEERING CONTROL. CAR RAN INTO PARKED CAR CAUSING SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO BOTH VEHICLES. BECAUSE OF THE LOW SPEED NO INJURIES OCCURRED, HAD THIS HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEED. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED ALONG WITH OTHERS ON THE HIGHWAY. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? FOR A FATALITY? DOES IT TAKE THE LIFE OF HUMAN BEING TO SAVE MONEY TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM SOLVED? PLEASE DO SOMETHING, I WILL NEVER NEVER BUY A DODGE AUTOMOBILE AGAIN AND IF I SEE SOMEONE MAKING THIS MISTAKE OR LOOKING AT DODGE I WILL ADVISE THEM OF ALL THE PROBLEMS THAT DODGE HAS AND ARE NOT WILLING TO BACK THEIR PRODUCT. BUY A FOREIGN CAR!!!! *NM

Steering › Linkages
Filed Aug 7, 200649,000 milesNC

THE FRONT END OF MY 2003 DODGE DURANGO BEGAN TO HAVE A THUMPING NOISE. I COULD NOT IDENTIFY WHAT IT WAS OR EXACTLY WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK, FRIDAY AUGUST 4,2006 I LOST BRAKING ON THE VEHICLE AND THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BECAME DETACHED FROM THE AXLE. I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, SKIDDED AND STOPPED IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD. HAD THIS OCURRED WHILE I WAS IN THE MOUNTAINS (WHICH I AM QUITE A BIT) OR ON THE INTERSTATE (WHICH I AM ON EVERY DAY) MYSELF OR OTHERS MAY HAVE BEEN KILLED. I COULD HAVE STRUCK A CHILD IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD WHERE THIS HAPPENED AS WELL. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 17, 200654,881 milesNV

WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY, THE OIL WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. IMMEDIATELY WE PULLED OVER AND CHECKED OIL, WHICH WAS FINE. WE STARTED THE CAR AND BEGAN DRIVING. WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE A CLICKING NOISE. IMMEDIATELY, I PULLED OVER AGAIN AND HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A DODGE DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD BY THE DODGE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THE ENGINE FAILURE WAS DUE TO SLUDGE IN THE OIL THAT BLOCKED THE SCREEN TO THE OIL PUMP. WE WOULD REQUIRE A NEW ENGINE. DODGE HAS DENIED OUR POWER TRAIN WARRANTY DUE TO THE SLUDGE. *JB

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint
Filed Jul 6, 200621,000 milesGA

COMPONENT: SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: UPPER BALL JOINT DEFECT SUMMARY: ON MY 2003 DODGE DURANGO SPORT UTILITY THEIR IS A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION. I CALL DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOTORS COMPANY LLC TO ASK IF THEIR WAS A RECALL ON MY SUV. THEY SAID NO, BUT MY UPPER BALL JOINT IS DEFECTIVE. *NM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 5, 2006100 milesPA

VEHICLE HAS A BRAKE PULSATION AND HAD A BRAKE SQUEAK. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN 10-03. VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. THEY REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS AND RESURFACED THE ROTORS. THIS DID NOT ELIMINATE THE PULSATION BUT DID ELIMINATE THE SQUEAK. THE TRANSMISSION BANGS INTO GEAR AND HAS A LONG DELAY GOING FROM PARK INTO REVERSE. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RETURNED TO THE DEALER MORE THAN 10 TIMES. THEY CLAIMED THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THIS IS AFTER TELLING US THEY FELT SOMETHING BUT DID NOT KNOW WHAT IT WAS. ENGINE STALLS AND RUNS ROUGH. THIS IS INTERMITTENT AND DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE IT. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH SEVERAL TRANSMISSION SHOPS AND THEY HAVE STATED THAT THERE IS A FIX FOR THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. CHRYSLER WILL NOT PERFORM THE REPAIR. THEY DID AGREE TO INSTALL THE NECESSARY PARTS IF I PURCHASED THEM BUT THEN THIS WOULD VOID MY WARRANTY. AND WHY SHOULD I PAY FOR A REPAIR THAT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY?? *JB

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint
Filed Mar 23, 200660,000 milesTX

CLUNKING NOISE IN FRONT SUSPENSION. TIRES WEARING UNEVENLY. INSPECTION BY MECHANIC BY FINDS WORN UPPER BALL JOINTS ON MY 2003 DODGE DURANGO. JOINTS HAVE NO LUBRICATION AND HAVE CORROSION BECAUSE OF THIS. I FEAR THE EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT MIGHT CAUSE IT TO SEPARATE WHICH WOULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL OVER MY VEHICLE. DODGE ALREADY HAS A RECALL ON THIS DEFECT BUT MY DURANGO WAS NOT INCLUDED. ALL DURANGOS WITH THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE INCLUDED. IT'S A SAFETY THING!!! *NM

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed Mar 21, 200630,000 milesMS

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR CONDITIONER HAS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON 6 OCCASIONS FOR REPAIRS. THE AIR TEMPERATURE THAT COMES FROM THE VENT IS 56 DEGREES. ACCORDING TO THE OWNERS MANUAL THE AIR TEMPERATURE SHOULD BE 42 DEGREES. THE DEALER STATED THE DOOR FLAP THAT SEPARATES THE HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER GETS STUCK MID WAY CAUSING THE AIR TO BE TOO WARM. *AK UPDATED 04/19/06. *JB

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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