- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Dodge Durango Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 339 complaints about the 2003 Dodge Durango with NHTSA, most often about the suspension (91) and the electrical system (57). Those complaints describe 29 crashes, 18 fires and 28 injuries. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in October 2008 for the hub. For comparison, the 2002 has 434 and the 2004 has 1,115.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Durango year, for its age
#37 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 339
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 29
- Fires
- 18
- Injuries
- 28
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Dodge Durango problems
Share of all 339 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Dodge Durango recalls 6
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
- 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.
- 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.
- The 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.
- The risk
- Excessive wear in the upper ball joint may allow it to separate, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The risk
- Driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The risk
- If the lights fail, a visibility problem could occur, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- The 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.
What owners say
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339 complaints about the 2003 Dodge Durango
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 14.
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...
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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. [[redacted]] 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...
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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...
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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. ...
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'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...
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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...
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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.
Dodge Durango: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 275 | 4 | C |
| 2006 | 852 | 10 | F |
| 2005 | 1,567 | 9 | F |
| 2004 | 1,115 | 9 | F |
| 2003 | 339 | 6 | C |
| 2002 | 434 | 6 | D |
| 2001 | 665 | 7 | F |
| 2000 | 1,097 | 4 | F |
| 1999 | 2,012 | 5 | F |
2003 Dodge Durango vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Dodge Durango | 339 | 6 | C | |
| 2003 Ford Explorer | 1,313 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Nissan Murano | 799 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 761 | 10 | B | Compare |
| 2003 Toyota 4RUNNER | 708 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Hyundai Santa FE | 308 | 4 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Kia Sorento | 308 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Toyota Highlander | 270 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Nissan Pathfinder | 110 | 7 | D | 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 2003 Dodge Durango
Does the 2003 Dodge Durango have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2003 Dodge Durango: hub (October 2008); electrical system (September 2006); engine and engine cooling (March 2006); upper ball joint (December 2004) and more. 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 2003 Dodge Durango?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the suspension (91), electrical system (57), engine & cooling (52).
How many complaints has the 2003 Dodge Durango had?
339 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 25, 2002 and the latest on July 18, 2026. Of these, 29 describe a crash and 18 a fire, and together they report 28 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Dodge Durango a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 46 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as 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 2003 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