Check a vehicle VIN check Latest recalls Latest complaints Common problems Rankings Compare vehicles Recall roundups All makes Guides Share your experience
Theme

Electrical system

2002 Dodge Durango Electrical problems

Owners have filed 49 complaints about the 2002 Dodge Durango's electrical system with NHTSA - 11% of all its complaints, most recently on June 2, 2020. They describe 1 crash, 5 fires and 1 injury. Dead batteries, warning lights, wiring, alternators, infotainment and electronic module failures.

Complaints
49
Recalls
1
Crashes
1
Fires
5
Injuries
1
Deaths
1

Electrical recalls for the 2002 Dodge Durango

Electrical system

06V33900035,103 vehicles affected

The 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.
The risk
This may allow development of a high resistive short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire.
The 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.

Electrical complaints

Electrical systemEngine & cooling

When driving, the steering wheel locks and the car dies. It has happen several times while I'm on the road. Replaced camshaft sensor but it is still dying. If you do a google search you will find that a lot of people are having the same issue. It is dangerous and my life and the life of others can be at risk. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11326992
Electrical system

My vin tag: ([redacted]) I replaced blower motor, resistor, and plug multiple times on my 2002 dodge durango and it keeps melting/burning up. If I leave it on low or medium fan setting eventually it will catch fire, I'm finally coming to you to see if you can help. Owners of the 1998-2007 dodge durango's & dakota's all have this problem many will have fires due to it and it's just a matter of time before there is a fatality from it! I was driving home after snow plowing and needed to defrost my windows so I put...

Read the full complaint

it on medium and within 6 minutes smelled a strong burning smell. Go home and the wiring had melted the fan, plug and harness. I've changed this part now about 12 times in about a year, low & medium settings cause it so now I can only use high for any use unless I want another fire, 9th time it almost caught because it was dripping plastic about to catch when I sprayed water on it and pulled connection on battery. Mild to wild on rte-34 in orange, ct worked on it as well. Redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11256772
Electrical systemLights

Headlights flicking on and off as well as the interior lights. Cannot drive at night.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lightingNHTSA 11241964
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning and failed to restart intermittently. The vehicle was towed to a repair facility that replaced the crank shaft sensor, cam shaft sensor, and the ignition switch. After the repairs, the vehicle failed to start. The independent mechanic was unable to get a diagnostic trouble code reading and indicated that the pcm or tipm may need to be replaced. The mechanic also indicated that the wiring harness may need to be...

Read the full complaint

replaced; however, the part was no longer in production for the year, make, and model vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11123406
Electrical systemFire

Dash and under neath and steering colunm and speed cluster caught fire today.Truck was parked and running.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 10949565
Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. While driving approximately 50 mph, the exterior lighting and instrument panel flickered. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 193,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10944559
Electrical systemBody, doors & structure

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. While driving 15 mph, the doors independently locked and unlocked continuously without warning. As a result, the battery became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the central timing module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,998.

Filed Incident Electrical system · StructureNHTSA 10924779
Electrical systemFire

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. The contact entered the vehicle and noticed that there was evidence of an electrical fire. There were no flames visible; however, excessive smoke emitted inside the vehicle. The headliner and front bench seat were burned. In addition, the floor mounted cup holder, heater, and air conditioner control devices melted. All the windows and the interior of the vehicle were covered with heavy soot. The contact mentioned that the wires coming from the connector harness were burnt....

Read the full complaint

The vin was included in nhtsa campaign number: 06v339000 (electrical system). The failure occurred prior to being serviced per the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The dealer and manufacturer declined to repair the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 236,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10888421
Electrical system

I was driving on rt 190 when my car stalled wouldn't start heavy traffic with children in vehicle

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10780030
Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. While driving 10 mph, the vehicle stalled and lost power. The vehicle was able to restart after a few minutes. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.. .Updated 07-16-15 *bf

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10724792
Electrical systemWheels & tires

It started with a soft bell sound (e.G.Like when you open a door), doors locking and unlocking, small light on the 4 x 4 knob going off and on, console light turning on and off and the 4 x 4 system was not working. All issues started a couple of months prior to 1/7/14. It was worked on by dodge of woodbury, nj during the 1/7/14 week. Now, (5/12/15) there is a bell sound again on and off. Not sure if the 4 x 4 is working since I've had no need to use it. However, this is an electrical issue that is not going away fully!

Filed Incident Electrical system · Wheels · Unknown or otherNHTSA 10716091
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle failed to restart after numerous attempts. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vin was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 187,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 10702502
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. The contact stated that when driving, the key would release from the ignition while in any gear. The contact also stated that the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the diagnostic was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 10654816
Engine & coolingElectrical system

Oil pressure keeps changing when it shouldn't which is causing car to overheat. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Electrical systemNHTSA 10618292
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

--- Please--- nhtsa needs to expand recall notification to cover more vehicles. I have 2 durangos, both have same problem described in recall notification # 69542. Dodge customer care hotline claims both of my vehicles (vin [[redacted]] and [[redacted]]) are not covered by this recall. Both of my vehicles exhibit same conditions described in recall notification. Recall id # 69542 - power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift-- recall date: dec 04, 2007-- model affected: 2002 dodge...

Read the full complaint

durango summary: vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, the ignition/park shift interlock system may become inoperative. This can allow the shifter to be moved out of the "park" position with the ignition key removed (or in the "lock" position). This can also allow the ignition key to be removed when the shifter has not been placed in the "park" position. Consequences: either of these conditions could allow the vehicle to roll away causing a crash without warning. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical systemNHTSA 10505437
Electrical system

I have a 2002 dodge durango, have replaced blower motor and several resistors. Two of the wires between the resistor and the blower keep melting. I have replaced the connector and the harness also because they got so hot they melted together. Smoke has rolled out of the dash because of this problem. I checked online and this is a common problem, and seems it is happening to alot of people. Why is this issue not a recall? It is very scary when this happens and it is not safe. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10502173
Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. The contact stated that while activating the low beam headlights, they began flickering along with the instrument panel and the interior lights. The vehicle was driven to a private mechanic where the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was not contacted in regard to the issue. The failure mileage was 79,410 and the current mileage was 79,466.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10479641
Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and a warning light erroneously illuminated indicating that the vehicle was in reverse. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who advised that the vin failed to qualify for repairs under nhtsa campaign id number: 06v339000 (electrical system). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 146,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10478725
Electrical systemLights

Driving to school in the morning, all lights inside and out started flickering. Turned them off, but the headlights stayed on highbeams the whole time while still flickering. Alarm also stopped working. On the drive back the highbeams stayed on again the whole time even when its on off switch. Inside lights won"t stay on. When I turn the car on the darn lights will not turn off. Doing my research it seems that its the ctm, and alot of people have had that experience. I have 3 children, what if my lights flicker off again and cause an accident? *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lightingNHTSA 10447210
Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

While stopped at an intersection, the air conditioner/heater blower motor ceased to operate in all ranges even though the a/c was on and the compressor clutch was engaged. On inspection, it was observed that the first two pins of the resistor block were melted as was their corresponding sockets in the plug. Further, the wiring at the plug was severely oxidized and the insulation was melted back. I replaced the plug assembly and resistor block. The resistor block had been replaced three years prior when the...

Read the full complaint

lowest blower setting ceased to operate. Internet accounts occur frequently on this issue. This creates a cold weather hazard as the defroster will cease to operate creating a dangerous operating condition. Total cost of repair materials was approximately $125.00. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · VisibilityNHTSA 10439416
Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

Beginning october of 2010 my heater went out in my 2002 dodge durango. We replaced the wiring harness, the resister, and the blower motor. The connection between the resister and the wiring harness, continues to melt the first two prongs. In result the heater slowly goes out one setting at a time, as well as no heat, just cool air blows in the rear. After replacing all three parts it works for about a month before everything starts to fry again. After spending a $100.00/Mo for replacement parts and the expense of...

Read the full complaint

service, I'm extremely frustrated and broke. After much research on the internet I come to find that I am not the only one with this complaint. Going without a heater or defrost in the middle of winter in minnesota is not an option, especially with little children and it goes out as your stopped at a light and your window fogs up and can't see a thing. I hope with much consideration that this matter could be attended too. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · VisibilityNHTSA 10435590
Electrical system

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. The contact stated that all of the vehicle interior lights, the instrument panel lights, the windshield wipers and the power locks were not working. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the computer module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 107,305.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10401101
Electrical system

I have a 2002 dodge durango sport with 123k miles. I was driving 70 mph on the freeway, when my car completely shut down....I.E. Power steering, power brakes, everything. Due to the fact that I could hardly turn off the road I was nearly rear ended by an 18 wheeler. I had 2 small children in the vehicle with me, and it was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. I have read online thousands of people having the same issues, which are apparently the pcm is too close the engine which causes the vehicles...

Read the full complaint

instruments to shut down. I find this a major reason to investigate this issue. Does chrysler/dodge need a whole family to die in one of their vehicles before they decide to issue a recall? This is a very serious issue that the nhtsa needs to investigate before, if it hasn't happened yet, someone gets killed. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10369083
SuspensionBrakesElectrical systemCrash

I was in an accident because the 2002 dodge durango's brakes did not work and the abs and brake light came on. This was the scariest thing I have ever experienced. I have had it checked by auto zone, dodge dealer, local mechanic...And no answers. The brakes literally went to the floor. I have 3 children and have no other choice but to drive this death trap. I have also had problems with the ball joints/ electrical issues. I had the abs fuse pulled, but not sure if this is a solution. Has there been other complaints of brake failure in these vehicles. *Tr

Filed Incident Suspension · Service brakes, hydraulic · Electrical systemNHTSA 10326708
Electrical system

Exterior lights, interior lights, wipers, alarm and fab stopped working. The car would start, the turn signals would work. It just stopped working all of a sudden. Dealership found nothing wrong and said the computer had reset it self. Now it is doing it again. Has happened twice. Good thing it wasn't at night. Have to take it back in. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10317358

Dodge Durango electrical complaints by year

Durango electrical problems, every year

Had a electrical problem with your 2002 Durango? Tell other owners.

Your experience goes live straight away and helps every owner and buyer who checks this vehicle. Anonymous, free, no account.

Overall, how would you rate it? *

0/4000 · Please leave out names, phone numbers and your full VIN.

By posting you confirm it's your own, honest experience and agree to the rules. Safety defect? Also report it to NHTSA - that's how recalls start.

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

Owners helping owners

Know before you drive.

Every experience you share - good or bad - shows on that vehicle's page and helps the next owner and buyer. Two minutes, anonymous.

Share your experience