1997 Dodge Durango
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 4 |
| 1998 | 965 |
| 1999 | 1967 |
| 2000 | 1075 |
| 2001 | 665 |
| 2002 | 423 |
| 2003 | 338 |
| 2004 | 1114 |
| 2005 | 1567 |
| 2006 | 851 |
| 2007 | 191 |
| 2008 | 97 |
| 2009 | 12 |
| 2011 | 797 |
| 2012 | 637 |
| 2013 | 640 |
| 2014 | 781 |
| 2015 | 502 |
| 2016 | 159 |
| 2017 | 210 |
| 2018 | 227 |
| 2019 | 139 |
| 2020 | 53 |
| 2021 | 183 |
| 2022 | 53 |
| 2023 | 26 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 4 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 4 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
1 of 4 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20040116
1 of 4 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20040116
1 of 4 total reports mentions: suspension.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20060111
1 of 4 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20000710
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 ASSE
Remedy: 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 CLOC
Campaign 01V153000 — check if this car was fixed
SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE
UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATION
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 PERFORMAN
Remedy: K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.
Campaign 06E024000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Dodge Durango — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 01V153000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E024000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Dodge Durango reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Dodge Durango?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control:cruise control, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Dodge Durango have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.