2003 Dodge Durango
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Vehicles › Dodge › Durango › 2003
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
These records cover every 2003 Dodge Durango. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
6 recalls name the 2003 Dodge Durango. Newest first.
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…
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.
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.
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.
This may allow development of a high resistive short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire.
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.
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…
A jammed open throttle could cause unintended acceleration of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash or increased stoping distances when braking.
K&n will provide owners with a free repair kit along with repair instructions. the recall began on april 20, 2006.
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…
Excessive wear in the upper ball joint may allow it to separate, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle.
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.
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.
Driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.
Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper module. owner notification began on july 12, 2004. owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
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.
If the lights fail, a visibility problem could occur, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
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.
The seatbelt is locking up and won't pull out for the driver and the front passenger.
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
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)
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.
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.
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.
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
The drivers side wheel, hub assembly axle bearing front suspension broke off. Completely broke off. Extremely dangerous and seriously danaged
I purchased my vehicle 10/2019. Since then I have taken to repair shop for vehicle stalls when coming to a stop or at a stop, let along when slowing for a stop. Then rpm's drop! I have almost been rear ended multiple times due to this, with my children and grandchildren in car!!! the shop I've taken to can not find out why this IS happening. Granted we tried replacing hoses, valve gaskets tune up. I feel there should be a recall to find and fix this before a serious injury happens. This has also happened as I was driving and I had to put in neutral to restart. The streets and roads I have to travel are usually always busy. also the vehicle when stopping the front driver and passenger seats slide back and forth, they are not what I would call safe... For I believe the rules ares to check mirrors, adjust seating, wear seat belts to ensure that you will be driving safely. I could be wrong but I'm pretty positive. needs fixing now!! the other issue IS the hoses... They seem to fall off and I take into shop just to hear its the hose again. Not counting numerous other issues like windows not rolling down some days, rear heater doesn't work unless the front heater IS off. I've always been a dodge fan but I think with all these issues with this vehicle I'll be checking out out dodge and moving to someone that actually doesn't have over 6 recalls on the vehicles and multiple other complaints like dodge has had and that I've just read.
TL* the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. The contact heard a popping sound and felt it through the driveshaft. In addition, the two front tires were worn on the inside tread. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who stated that both upper ball joints needed to be replaced. The contact took the vehicle to lake city chrysler dodge jeep RAM (4325 w us hwy 90, lake city, fl 32055, (386) 755-3444) to verify the diagnosis. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 164,297.
I was driving along when all lights inside and out started to flash on and off at a very fast rat. The car continued to drive ok. Ever since these lights continue to flash. I have talked to a few mechanics and have had different ideas. I can't invest a few hundred dollars on maybe s. Please help. millage IS 126000
Air bag light stays 'on ' on dashboard, had to take to service station to get it checked out , they told me to check if there were any recalls for this issue . also the check engine light stays on , code IS for evap leak , changed the gas cap , checked hoses , light remains after being cleared.
TL* the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. The contact stated that the headlights and instrument panel lighting flickered on and off. The vehicle was taken to desert 215 superstore (8030 rafael rivera way, las vegas, NV, (702) 963-8000) where it was diagnosed that the body module compartment needed replacement; however, the part was no longer manufactured. The dealer stated that the part could be purchased online and they would be able to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.
The steering column contains a universal joint which clicks whenever making a turn and causes the steering wheel to bind and then release suddenly which causes a degree of confusion and if not repaired could cause a major accident through the complete loss of controll or the vehicle by separation of the steering column. this clicking, binding and sudden release with a degree of confusion happens at all speeds including while sitting still!
Takata recall said vehicle hit another vehicle that improperly pulled across the highway in front of my 2003 dodge durango. Therewas a disabling accident in which the air bags exploded and burned,partially, there IS a police report as well as medical and photo documentation.
This issue happens randomly: vehicle IS parked: power door locks do not work you have to manually unlock all doors, vehicles starts fine but "service 4X4" appears on the cluster, all dome lights stay on, cluster lights (gage's etc.) do not light up, no exterior lights work (i.e headlights, parking lights, brake and so on). Vehicle will not return to normal state until I disconnect the battery and reconnect. It has happened multiple times on different days. Sometimes it will happen within a day of each instant, other times it will go a month and then do it again.
"Takata recall"on january 2017 my 2003 dodge durango. Became a blaze under my carport. Attach to my home. Causing a total loss to my home and vehicle. I purchased my vehicle april of 2003 brand new. At liberty chrysler dogge jeep. In hinesville georgia. This happened at approximately 1:25 a.m. On the morning of january 27TH. The vehicle had not been droven since a promptly 9 the night before. After the fight ilearn that there was a recall on the year of this vehicle. This IS the recall# 06v339000. I was never made aware of this recall by mail or phone.
Rear air dont work from heat to cold . Turn head lights on the parks lights dont work
TL* the contact owned a 2003 dodge durango. While driving approximately 50 mph, the contact suddenly lost control of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle traveled down into an embankment, struck two small trees, and collided with a larger tree. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The contact stated that the front driver side tire collapsed under the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
Reporting crash and resulting fire of vehicle for safety investigation. please inquire of oakland county sheriff for additional information the crash occurred on M-24, near oakwood rd., at 12:17 a.m. according to an information sheet released by the oakland county sheriff's office, a 2006 chevrolet impala, driven by a 28-year-old sandusky, michigan woman, was headed south in the northbound lanes of M-24 when it hit a 2003 dodge durango. the durango was driven by a 19-year-old oxford township woman. 'alcohol use by the driver of the chevrolet IS believed to be a factor in this crash,' the information sheet stated. 'A search warrant for blood was obtained and results are pending.' following the impact, the durango flipped onto its side and caught fire, however, two citizens were able to extricate the driver from the vehicle, according to the sheriff's office
Chief complaint: purchased vehicle used with approx. 30,000 miles on it. Have been experiencing engine/electrical issues which require me to change spark plugs and engine coils about every 50,000 miles. I have done this three time in the last six years costing me about 900+ each visit. I have taken it to several different mechanics for opinions. I recently started getting misfiring again. Repaired again one at a time as well as some spontaneous occurrences that were very frightening. For example: wind shield wipers going crazy, lights blinking, doors locking and unlocking, windows rolling them selves down at night, horn blaring when turning on head lights, and the best one random small acceleration while driving. I have been told I have a faulty tipm. The dealership will not take any responsibility for this vehicle due to it being on year out of the documented recall year. This IS very dangerous. Something should be made right.
Hub or ball joints
The spare tire winch on my vehicle failed and the spare tire fell to the pavement. In my case I was fortunate to be in a parking lot when it happened and there was no accident. If this had happened on the highway an accident would have almost surely resulted. The spare tire on these vehicles IS quite large and heavy and could cause a large number of possible outcomes if hit at highway speeds. The spare tire winch uses a stranded steel cable to lift and lock the spare tire up against the bottom of the vehicles frame. This stranded steel cable failed right where it passed through the center of the rim. This stranded steel cable IS going to fail eventually on every dodge truck that used this design of winch. Everyone will eventually fail. Chrysler has used this design in literally hundreds of thousands of vehicles over the years since the 90S or before. It amazes me that there has been no accidents or fatalities resulting from the failure of the winch. An internet search showed many instances of the spare tire falling from the vehicle due to the cable failing.
We took the vehicle was to an independent mechanic for a front end alignment. The mechanic stated that the top and bottom ball joints needed to be replaced. In addition, the vehicle was unable to be aligned. the vehicle was not repaired.
Truck will not go into park.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
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 contamination may allow development of a high resistance short circuit in the connector, causing localized heating, which could eventually lead to a fire.dcc will inspect the uncapped connector for corrosion, clean as required, and install a cap to prevent liquid contamination.all of the reported under-seat fires were on subject vehicles with a 40-20-40 bench seat.this investigation IS closed.
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.
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 action if warranted by the circumstances.for additional information, see the attached closing report.
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 in august 2003 to allow the upper ball joints to be serviced separately from the upper control arm and reduce repair costs. Daimlerchrysler changed the supplier of the subject ball joints from trw to new castle machining & forge for my 2000 vehicles.my 2000 durango vehicles account for 25 of the 37 separation complaints.the upper ball joint was redesigned in my 2003.this investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis to further assess the alleged defect in my 2000-02 durango vehicles.
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.
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.