2003 DODGE DURANGO — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

484

Owner Complaints

38 Crashes 23 Fires

6

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

4

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 2003 DODGE DURANGO

The 2003 DODGE DURANGO has received a total of 484 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 4 technical service bulletins have been issued by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (47 complaints), Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint (47 complaints), and Exterior Lighting (23 complaints).

Recalls for the 2003 DODGE DURANGO

NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 2003 DODGE DURANGO, potentially affecting up to 998,829 vehicles.

Recall 08E064000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB

| 2,805 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

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Recall 06V339000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

| 35,103 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGH RESISTIVE SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy: 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...

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Recall 06E024000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

| 44,386 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.

Remedy: K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

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Recall 04V596000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

| 592,707 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT MAY ALLOW IT TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: 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.

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Recall 04V216000 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

| 320,188 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

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Recall 02V322000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

| 3,640 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: IF THE LIGHTS FAIL, A VISIBILITY PROBLEM COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: 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...

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Owner Complaints for the 2003 DODGE DURANGO

484 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 DODGE DURANGO. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Electrical System
Complaints: 47 8 Fires
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint
Complaints: 47 4 Crashes 3 Injuries
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 23
Suspension
Complaints: 20 2 Crashes
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 18 1 Crash 2 Fires 1 Injury
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 18 1 Crash
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 15 1 Fire
Steering
Complaints: 14 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint
Complaints: 13 1 Crash
Engine
Complaints: 12 1 Fire
Air Bags
Complaints: 11 8 Crashes 1 Fire 6 Injuries
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch
Complaints: 11
Tires
Complaints: 11
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 10
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 10
Wheels
Complaints: 10
Power Train
Complaints: 8
Seats
Complaints: 7
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 7 1 Crash 2 Fires 4 Injuries
Equipment
Complaints: 6
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 6
Service Brakes
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 6 1 Crash
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 6 2 Crashes 1 Fire
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 6
Visibility
Complaints: 5 1 Fire
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 4 4 Crashes 3 Injuries
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 4
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 4
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemfanmotor
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 3
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 3
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 3
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 3
Latcheslockslinkageshatchbackliftgatelock
Complaints: 3 2 Crashes
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 3
Structure
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Structurebody
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 3
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 2
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 2
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit
Complaints: 2
Power Traintransfer Case 4 Wheel Drive
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 2
Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler
Complaints: 2 2 Fires
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 2
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontspringstorsion Bar
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 2
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 2
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
Complaints: 1
Equipment Adaptivemobility
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signalflasher Unit
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Dieselstoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherstoragetank Assemblypressure Relief Devices
Complaints: 1
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 1
Parking Brake
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Hubs
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelineconstant Velocity Joint
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft
Complaints: 1 4 Injuries
Seat Belts
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Electric
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
Complaints: 1
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinionrack
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfronthub
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Suspensionfrontstabilizer Bar
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Tirestemporaryemergency Spare Tire
Complaints: 1
Traction Control System
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemwindshieldelectrical Heating Element
Complaints: 1
Wheelshub
Complaints: 1
Wheelshubcapcover
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11673302 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
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
#11673302 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | | N/A miles
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
#11673302 | STRUCTURE:BODY | | N/A miles
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
#11603935 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | N/A miles
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 issue is pressing. This is an example of a video documenting the issue where the narrator describes this as bad design. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11456631 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 110,000 miles
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 repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.

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Safety Rating for the 2003 DODGE DURANGO

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 DODGE DURANGO in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 DODGE DURANGO

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has issued 4 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 DODGE DURANGO. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

0500703 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

BRAKE SHUDDER OR VIBRATION. *TT

1800503C — POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION SHIFT / SPEED CONTROL IMPROVEMENTS / POSSIBLE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION. *TT

02026A — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

THE TRANSMISSION MAY OVERHEAT DUE TO A RESTRICTION IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER DRAIN BACK VALVE AND MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION. *TT

10023 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

POWERTRAIN DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION. SERVICE INFORMATION TUNEUPS. *TT

NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 DODGE DURANGO

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2003 DODGE DURANGO.

Investigation PE03032 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM Closed

Opened:

FRONT SUSP. UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE

Other Model Years of the DODGE DURANGO

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Other DODGE Models

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report