- 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.
Engine & cooling
2003 Dodge Durango Engine problems
Owners have filed 52 complaints about the 2003 Dodge Durango's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 15% of all its complaints, most recently on July 14, 2025. They describe 1 crash, 4 fires and 1 injury. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.
- Complaints
- 52
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Engine recalls for the 2003 Dodge Durango
Engine complaints
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
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
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.
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.
Rear air dont work from heat to cold . Turn head lights on the parks lights dont work
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. The contact stated that while in park, the contact noticed that there was excessive consumption of engine oil. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to multiple independent mechanics, who were unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 166,000.
While driving, I noticed that when I accelerate after braking, the driver seat slides back and forth about an inch. Also, when I'm at a red light, with my foot on the brakes the vehicle accelerates. Both of these are very serious and dangerous issues and should be recalls. *Tr
There is and has been numerous complaints about the dodge durango 4.7 Engine I am just one ofmany whoo have been effected by the defects and faailures of this engine. Nothing will probably ever be done like thrown rodes through engjine over heating issuues. *Js
The car started over heating last may 2013. After all the repairs, the car is still overheating - replaced the radiator, the thermostat, the hoses, flushed the coolant and put fresh coolant in it, fixed the fans. I have to add coolant to keep it from overheating however even that is not working. The issue according to the mechanic is with the engine and cooling system design that has a flaw in it. It is a re- call that should have taken place a long time ago and dodge needs to step up and fix the problem. *Js
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop there was a loud noise coming from the engine. The contact stated that there was also a lost of acceleration power. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure and current mileage was 70,050.
Never had any problems til we drove almost 5 hrs on vacation to gatlinburg and before we even got into town the check gauge light came on and realized the temp gauge was in the red. Never leaked coolant or smelled any antifreeze. The next day after letting it sit overnight it seemed fine no check light was on drove it back still no engine light on and temp was fine,few weeks later all hell broke loose! The valve train started ticking. Had it towed to the dealership (kings cjd) and found a failed rocker & tappet had...
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replaced 4 days later was doing it on the driver side,took it back that's when it took them a few days to figure out it was leaking coolant down into the cylinders. Chrysler didn't have cylinder heads available it took over 2 months for us to get the part (not from chrysler) as far as we know they still don't have the part available. 28 Plus people are on a waiting list to receive cylinder heads that are still not available! Repeated trips to the dealership for leaking valve covers on both sides,still dealing with issue of possible leak around crank seal on timing cover. Chrysler does seem to give a darn about our time and money wasted for the supposed repairs that are not fixed!! Has anyone else reading this had any issues regarding cylinder heads???? I think when you have 28 plus people on the waiting list for the same part for the same make & model vehicle same engine 4.7 V8 obviously their is a manufacture issue not an owner issue!!! That's just a taste of what is going on their is plenty more and chrysler just keeps telling us im sorry and that's it im sorry!!! We have had several case mgrs and noone seems to be caring. *Tr
When driving vehicle down road engine will quit with no warning. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 mph he heard a loud knocking noise in the engine. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic who advised him that the valve seat came out of the head gasket causing it to open. The vehicle was repaired by decarbonating the engine. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 107,571.
While at idle or taking off slowly the truck will stall out-i have found if I run my a/c even when its cold out side it does better-but something is wrong---even when driving at highway speeds rpms go up and down--even when cruise is on gas mileage very bad---feels like something holding truck back---not smooth engine driving. No check engine light--no codes. *Tr
While driving to work on secondary roads at approx 30mph, engine smoked, seized, over-heated, bucked and failed. Had it towed and mechanic immediately noticed sludge around top of some gasket. Before further inspection, he said immediately that it was not a good sign at all and most likely would need new engine. I was shocked as this truck is our secondary vehicle and has only been driven approx 20,000 miles in 3 years with regular oil changes and no issues whatsoever! No indication was given via warning lights...
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of any issues nor was there any change in how it drove immediately prior to seizing. After a day, the mechanic confirmed it needed total engine replacement. We assumed we were being taken advantage of and had it towed to another repair place, who only went on to say the same: new engine needed! After researching this on-line it seems that many of this make and model have had issues with this, yet there is no recourse with the manufacturer. We were owners of a 1999 dodge durango prior to this and that vehicle also needed total engine replacement after 60 days but thankfully it was covered through the dealership. We are no longer under any type of warranty and since this is a known issue, we feel that daimler chrysler should recognize this known issue based on the amount of complaints there is regarding this! Not only will we be abandoning this vehicle, as we are told that if we replace the engine for approx $4000 it will more than likely happen again, but we will never, ever purchase a vehicle through this manufacturer again! Shame on daimler/chrysler for not acknowledging their fault! *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. While driving approximately 30 mph the vehicle stalled with the illumination of the engine warning indicator. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and resume driving. The failure occurred five times. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. The contact stated that while driving 50 mph, the heater failed to function. The contact also stated that the connecting wires for the fan resistors were melted. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000 and the current mileage was 115,000.
2003 Dodge durango. Consumer states problem with blown head gasket *tgw
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the vehicle began to sputter and function with resistance. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and the diagnostic test confirmed that the engine had a slush like oil build up. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced at his expense for $6500. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vin was unavailable. The failure mileage was 47,000.
Rocker arm comes off. Researching on the internet this is a common problem. How many people does it take to get killed due to rocker arm coming off and stopping in traffic? I do not understand why this problem continues with no action. I noticed one of the questions on this website ask if there were any injuries or deaths. I guess a number of these must happen before anything is done. *Tr
I own a 2003 dodge durango, and have always provided proper maintenance for the vehicle - oil changes, tune-up etc. On july 4, 2010 I started the vehicle and noticed a tapping sound and the oil light started flashing. I had the vehicle towed to an auto repair facility, only to find out that there was a muddy sludge build up in the oil pan which was clogging the oil pick-up screen. The vehicle only has 70k original miles on it and has had regular oil changes and I don't believe that should have happened. Upon...
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checking various, I noticed that there was a pattern with sludge build up in this particular vehicle. I believe that the auto manufacturer should recall these vehicles and recognize and rectify the problem. *Tr
I have an 03 dodge durango and ever so often when I make a stop the rpm go up and down and makes it want to shut off and there's times where it actually cut off and some days when I want to pull off it wont move unless I sit there and let it warm for at least 2-5 minutes lugs have started to pop off had a diagnostic and they found nothing. *Tr
While driving my 2003 dodge durango in which I am financing the vehicle since 2007 april, without warning my oil light came on and the car started to shake and the engine was banging really bad. The engine died on me., I was stuck on a bridge with 6 children 100 miles from home. The vehicle was well maintained and how could this happen. Now I am stuck paying for a truck that I can not use. *Tr
I have contacted the dodge dealer and they said that the only for my vehicle is the windshield wiper motor. I have the same issues as the only recalls and defects as well. The unintended acceleration that will cause a crash and the idling of the engine while in park and the list goes on and on. Fear for the safety of me and my kids what am I suppose to do. I am leasing this vehicle I feel like I'm paying for a lemon. I can't enjoy life with my kids they are the main reason I got a truck in the first place. Help please I don't know what to do. *Tr
I have to stop far away from a vehicle fear of running in the back of their vehicle. It doesn't seem to want to stop sometime, this has been happening for awhile now alot recently. It cuts off on me if I get in the highway so embarrassing and when that happens I only can take off slow. Which causes me to exit the highway and not get back on. I had bought a car vacuum and it stated smoking on me, I was using the socket in the arm rest. I have alot of problems when I use the a/c or heat it cuts off on me and it...
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stalls to take off,it's scary for me and my kids. It rams by it's self and it acts as if it's gone cut off and most of the time it do. It make this putting sounds when it's going to cut off or even when it stops on me. The dealer replace the cadillac converter and my oxygen sensors. I also got a tune up and two of the fuel injectors replace new parts, that I paid for myself. It feels like my front suspension is messed up I had my brakes checked and they are not bad, but you can feel it when you press on the brakes something is not right. *Tr
Dodge Durango engine complaints by year
Durango engine problems, every yearSource: 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