- The 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.
- The risk
- A jammed open throttle could cause unintended acceleration of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash or increased stoping distances when braking.
- The fix
- K&n will provide owners with a free repair kit along with repair instructions. The recall began on april 20, 2006.
Vehicle safety record
1997 Dodge Durango Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 1997 Dodge Durango with NHTSA, most often about the suspension (2) and the brakes (1). Those complaints describe 1 fire. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in March 2006 for the engine and engine cooling. For comparison, the 1998 has 976.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical Durango year, for its age
#209 most complained-about 1997 vehicle
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1997 Dodge Durango problems
Share of all 4 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1997 Dodge Durango recalls 2
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. Note: the ram pickup trucks were built at the warren assembly plant ("s" in the 11th vin position) from may 16, 2000 through october 23, 2000; st. Louis north assembly plant ("j" in the 11th vin position) from may 19, 2000 through october 23, 2000; lago alberto assembly plant ("m" in the 11th vin position) from may 23, 2000 through october 23, 2000; and saltillo assembly plant ("g" in the 11th vin position) from may 23, 2000 through october 23, 2000. Important: vehicles that have already had the proper clockspring installed, according to warranty records, have been excluded from this recall. In addition, 1997-2000 model year vehicles that have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, according to warranty records, have been added to this recall.
- The risk
- When this occurs, the material could interfere with the clockspring ribbon and cause an open circuit. The driver air bag system will become disabled, and the air bag warning lamp will illuminate on the instrument panel.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly. Owner notification began june 18, 2001. Also some 1997-200 model year vehicles that, according to warranty records, have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, will also be included in this campaign. 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.
What owners say
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4 complaints about the 1997 Dodge Durango
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
1999 Dodge durango left front wheel assembly caught on fire while driving. *Ts the consumer stated he had some suspension work done on nov 21, 2005. *Jb
Cruise control was on when vehicle unexpectedly accelerated on its own. Consumer had to stomp on accelerator in order to stop vehicle from increasing speed for the second time in a week. Consumer will contact manufacturer.*Ak......When cruise control stuck consumer turne dit off and vehicle continued to accelerate to 79 mph before getting accelerator unstuck. *Ak
The dealer replaced the upper ball joints twice. Now the upper and lower ball joints need to be replaced. Please provide any additional information. *Nm *la
Brake failure intermittently when applying brakes in heavy traffic with a/c on, causing pedal to harden briefly and resume again. Dealer contacted. Feel free to provide further details. *Ak
Dodge Durango: every year compared
All Durango years1997 Dodge Durango vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Dodge Durango | 4 | 2 | A | |
| 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 1,380 | 11 | D | Compare |
| 1997 Chevrolet Blazer | 774 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Toyota 4RUNNER | 264 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Nissan Pathfinder | 225 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Subaru Outback | 79 | 4 | A | Compare |
| 1997 Toyota Highlander | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1997 Ford Explorer | 0 | 12 | B | Compare |
| 1997 Dodge Caravan | 720 | 15 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1997 Dodge Durango
Does the 1997 Dodge Durango have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1997 Dodge Durango: engine and engine cooling (March 2006); air bags (May 2001). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Dodge Durango?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the suspension (2), brakes (1), acceleration & cruise control (1).
How many complaints has the 1997 Dodge Durango had?
4 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on July 10, 2000 and the latest on January 9, 2006. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1997 Dodge Durango a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 100 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Dodge Durango year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Dodge Durango years have the most complaints?
1999 (2,012), 2005 (1,567), 2004 (1,115). See every Dodge Durango year compared.
What should I do if my 1997 Dodge Durango has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data