The 2003 Dodge Durango has 6 safety recalls and 339 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is suspension (107 complaints).
Recalls6safety recalls
Complaints339filed by owners
Crashes · fires29 · 18reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths28 · 0reported in complaints
2003 Dodge Durango in an NHTSA crash test
Safety recalls
Suspension › Front › Hub
NHTSA recall 08E064000 · Oct 20, 2008 · 2,805 vehicles
Problem: SKF IS RECALLING 2,805 HUB UNITS, PART NO. BR930361, SOLD AS A SERVICE PART FOR 1997-2004 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES AND 1999-2003 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2-WHEEL DRIVE & REAR AXLE ABS. DUE TO A SPECIFICATION ERROR, THE ROTOR PILOT FOR THE HUB UNIT MAY BE TOO LONG. THIS RESULTS IN THE WHEEL TO NOT BE SEATED FULLY AGAINST THE HUB FLANGE FACE DURING MOUNTING.
Risk: IMPROPER SEATING OF THE WHEEL CAN RESULT IN EXCESSIVE VIBRATION, BRAKE ROTOR NOISE, DIFFICULTY REMOVING THE WHEEL AFTER INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, AND POSSIBLY WHEEL-END SEPARATION DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. SHOULD WHEEL-END SEPARATION OCCUR, THE DRIVER COULD LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Fix: SKF WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE HUB UNITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SKF VSM NORTH AMERICA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-644-8999.
Electrical system
NHTSA recall 06V339000 · Sep 7, 2006 · 35,103 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: ON 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.
Risk: THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGH RESISTIVE SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CONSOLE WIRING CONNECTOR FOR CORROSION, CLEAN AS REQUIRED, AND INSTALL A CAP TO PREVENT ADDITIONAL FLUID FROM CONTAMINATING THE CONNECTOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 30, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Engine and engine cooling
NHTSA recall 06E024000 · Mar 15, 2006 · 44,386 vehicles
Problem: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.
Risk: A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.
Fix: K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
NHTSA recall 04V596000 · Dec 21, 2004 · 592,707 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: ON 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 THE JOINT TO WEAR OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION, WHICH MAY NOT ALWAYS BE HEARD BY THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Risk: EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT MAY ALLOW IT TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS. THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON DECEMBER 21, 2004. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
NHTSA recall 04V216000 · May 5, 2004 · 320,188 vehicles
Problem: ON 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 WIPING CAPABILITY.
Risk: DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
NHTSA recall 02V322000 · Dec 2, 2002 · 3,640 vehicles
Problem: ON 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.
Risk: IF THE LIGHTS FAIL, A VISIBILITY PROBLEM COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CTM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 23, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2003 Dodge Durango 4-DR.
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
★★★★★
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Durango 2WD
15mpg combined
City / highway
13 / 18 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel
Durango 4WD
14mpg combined
City / highway
13 / 17 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel
Durango 2WD
13mpg combined
City / highway
12 / 17 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
5.9 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel
Durango 4WD
13mpg combined
City / highway
11 / 16 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
5.9 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Suspension Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint; Front
107
9
1
4
41,362 mi
Electrical system Instrument cluster/panel; Ignition › Switch
57
0
9
0
98,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling Engine; Cooling system
40
1
3
1
54,881 mi
Exterior lighting Headlights › Switch; Headlights
39
0
0
0
96,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic Foundation components › Disc › Rotor; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
29
2
0
3
9,835 mi
Power train Automatic transmission; Driveline › Differential unit
27
0
1
4
36,199 mi
Visibility Power window devices and controls; Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Fan/motor
23
0
2
0
48,000 mi
Steering Linkages › Tie rod assembly; Column
20
3
0
4
60,749 mi
Air bags Frontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module
17
13
1
10
85,000 mi
Tires Tread/belt; Temporary/emergency spare tire
16
0
0
0
50,449 mi
Wheels Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs; Hubcap/cover
14
0
0
0
46,199 mi
Engine
12
0
1
0
74,909 mi
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Jul 14, 2026Seat belts The seatbelt is locking up and won't pull out for the driver and the front passenger.
Jul 14, 2025Structure › Body The obd reader on my 2003 Durango brings up code for central timing module and eeprm checksum error were the safety recall is in order but the vin number is not in the list of recall. It has all the specification of recall but vin number isn't in the list of recalls. I'm driving around in a unsafe vehicle due to manufacturing error that my vin number is the only thing why they won't fix it. Why do they not care if I kill myself or others from this that the recall is
Jul 1, 2024Unknown or other Clogged or leaking A/C drain hose. This hose is responsible for draining condensation from the A/C evaporator, the condensation pools in large quantity on the passenger floorboard. This constitute a hazard for the electrical systems near it and a risk of corrosion not to mention potential toxic mold and basically the car self flooding. A few videos document the issue and it is due to bad design where the drain hose is oriented upward and/or the seal blocking water from penetrating the passenger cabin is cracked or falls away in time. Cars from 20+ years ago like my Dodge Durango would certainly experience a degradation of such a seal. The seal itself is very difficult to get to but the…
Oct 1, 2021 · 110,000 milesElectrical system The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the battery had been replaced after being drained due to an unknown electrical failure. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the alarm would inadvertently sound while the vehicle was turned off. Additionally, the lights would flash on and off intermittently. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that she was able to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle would only restart while in Neutral. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle would be an out of pocket expense. The vehicle was not…
Nov 18, 2020 · 160,000 milesPower train TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS MOTHER WHO OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATE THAT WHILE HIS MOTHER WAS DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED TO FIRST GEAR WITHOUT WARNING TEMPORARILY AND THEN RETURNED TO NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. LEITH CHRYSLER JEEP (5500 CAPITAL BLVD, RALEIGH, NC 27616, (919) 867-5907) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
Dec 4, 2020 · 226,000 milesElectrical system TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT-OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE RESTARTED AND WAS TOWED BACK TO THE RESIDENCE. THE LOCAL DEALER ST. LOUIS AUTO SALES LOCATED AT 2727 DELMAR BLVD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63103, WAS CONTACTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 226,000.
Jul 27, 2020 · 11,400 milesEngine HELLO YESTERDAY I LEFT WORK WASN'T IN MY TRUCK FOR 5 MINUTES AND IT STARTED SMOKING WHITE SMOKE CAME OUT AND I SEEN ANTIFREEZE SPRAY EVERYWHERE I DON'T KNOW IF THE ENGINE LOCKED ON ME OR THE HEAD GASKET IS BLOWN EITHER WAY WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THIS ALSO BEFORE THIS HAPPENED WHEN IT RAINS MY TRUCK WILL SPIN IT SCARED THE HELL OUT OF ME WHEN I WAS DRIVING TO WORK BUT THIS ONLY HAPPENS WHEN IT RAINS THE TIRES LOOK GOOD
Apr 23, 2020 · 157,000 milesStructure › Body THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL, HUB ASSEMBLY AXLE BEARING FRONT SUSPENSION BROKE OFF. COMPLETELY BROKE OFF. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND SERIOUSLY DANAGED
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
EA06011 · opened Jun 19, 2006 · closed Sep 22, 2006VEHICLE 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 FRONT BENCH SEAT.VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BENCH SEAT CONTAIN AN UNCAPPED, UNUSED CONNECTOR LOCATED UNDER THE FRONT EDGE OF THE SEAT.THE CONNECTOR PROVIDES POWER TO THE CENTER CONSOLE POWER OUTLET FOR VEHICLES WITH BUCKET SEATS, BUT IT IS UNUSED IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH BENCH SEATS.THE CONNECTOR IS LOCATED REARWARD OF THE CUP HOLDER ON THE TUNNEL FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE BENCH SEAT.THIS CONNECTOR CONTAINS A FUSED B+ CIRCUIT WIRE (THAT IS CONTINUOUSLY POWERED WITH THE KEY OFF) AND A GROUND WIRE. DCC DETERMINED THAT IF LIQUID IS SPILLED FROM THE CUP HOLDER ONTO THE TUNNEL, THE UNCAPPED CONNECTOR MAY BECOME CONTAMINATED.THIS…
PE06008 · opened Feb 2, 2006 · closed Jun 19, 2006 · led to recall 06V339000FIRE UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT 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. THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS, (EA06-011), TO ALLOW FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THE ISSUE.
EA03023 · opened Nov 19, 2003 · closed Feb 11, 2005 · led to recall 04V596000UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATION 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 JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER…
PE03032 · opened Jul 16, 2003 · closed Nov 19, 2003FRONT 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, BRAKE ROTOR, AND STEERING KNUCKLE SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE.SINCE OPENING THE PE, ODI HAS RECEIVED 23 ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS RELATED TO BALL JOINT SEPARATION. DAIMLERCHRYSLER HAS IDENTIFIED A WEAROUT CONCERN IN THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS THAT IS BELIEVED TO OCCUR AFTER WATER INTRUSION EVACUATES THE JOINT LUBRICANT.DAIMLERCHRYSLER DOES NOT BELIEVE THE CONDITION POSES AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO SAFETY BECAUSE THE SUSPENSION DESIGN IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES THE LIKELIHOOD OF JOINT SEPARATION.OVER 99 PERCENT OF THE FAILURES ARE RELATED TO WORN BALL JOINTS (E.G., NOISE COMPLAINTS).DAIMLERCHRYSLER REVISED THE REPAIR PROCEDURE…
PE02082 · opened Nov 6, 2002 · closed Apr 23, 2003SAFETY 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 FAILURES WERE DUE TO INCORRECT CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REPORT RATE IS LOW (1.60/100K).THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE FAILS TO ESTABLISH THE EXISTENCE OF A DEFECT TREND AT THIS TIME.FURTHER ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES TO THIS ISSUE IS UNWARRANTED AND THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS BEING CLOSED.
