1998 Dodge Durango
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
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.
- Complaints
- 965
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Suspension
Campaigns on file for 1998
Opened by NHTSA
84% of complaints
Complaints per year
1998: 965 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 4 |
| 1998 | 965 |
| 1999 | 1,967 |
| 2000 | 1,075 |
| 2001 | 665 |
| 2002 | 423 |
| 2003 | 339 |
| 2004 | 1,115 |
| 2005 | 1,567 |
| 2006 | 851 |
| 2007 | 191 |
| 2008 | 97 |
| 2009 | 12 |
| 2011 | 797 |
| 2012 | 640 |
| 2013 | 640 |
| 2014 | 782 |
| 2015 | 503 |
| 2016 | 161 |
| 2017 | 213 |
| 2018 | 232 |
| 2019 | 144 |
| 2020 | 55 |
| 2021 | 202 |
| 2022 | 58 |
| 2023 | 32 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 13 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Suspension
84% · 815 reportsMost commonly citing upper ball joint and lower ball joint.
Power train
12% · 111 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.
Show complaint excerpts
Due to to uneven driveway the vehicle stalled, or transmission began to spin and not move, at which the vehicle ignition was shut-off. It was attempted to push the vehicle about 50 feet to a parking place.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-01-15
Service brakes
11% · 103 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Steering
10% · 100 reportsMost commonly citing tie rod assembly and gear box (other than rack and pinion).
Show complaint excerpts
After vehicle was running about 10-15 minutes and was shut off, the vehicle started to roll backwards and down a slight incline-, hitting a carport.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-08-03
Engine and engine cooling
8% · 75 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Safety timeline
6 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1998Complaint volume 965 complaints filed for this model year.
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1998-03-02Electrical system98V019000 Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The fastener which secures the generator cable to the power distribution center (Pdc) has an insufficient clamp load, resulting in a loose connection…
Remedy: Dealers will retighten the generator cable and battery cable fasteners to the proper torque specifications.
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2000-02-02Fuel system, gasoline99V342000 Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The fuel tank strap can separate due to fatigue during operation. If this occurs, the tank will be unsupported, increasing the risk of a fuel leak.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the double toggle lock fuel tank straps with single toggle lock design. Note: affected vehicles built through May 21, 1998, also require the rear brake tube inspection/repair.
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2000-02-21Service brakes, hydraulic99V341000 Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The rear brake tube can contact an underbody crossmember eventually wearing a hole in the tube.
Remedy: Dealers will install a rubber isolator on all vehicles that do not indicate tube contact. Vehicles that show contact and have less than 45,000 miles and no signs of red rust will have the rubber…
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2001-06-18Air bags01V153000 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…
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…
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2002-11-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-04-23 Safety belt cinching latch plate
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2003-07-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-11-19 Front susp. Upper ball joint failure
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2003-11-19Engineering analysisClosed 2005-02-11 Upper ball joint separation
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2006-03-20Service brakes, hydraulic06E022000 Certain aftermarket brake hydraulic master cylinders sold as replacement brake cylinders for certain Ford, daimlerchrysler, and Jeep passenger vehicles. These brake cylinders were sold under the…
Remedy: Affinia (Brake parts, inc.) will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on March 20, 2006. Owners can contact affina group customer service at…
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2006-04-20Engine and engine cooling06E024000 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…
Remedy: K&n will provide owners with a free repair kit along with repair instructions. The recall began on April 20, 2006.
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Dodge Durango — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 815 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 111 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 103 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 98V019000 · Electrical system
- Recall 99V342000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 99V341000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 01V153000 · Air bags
- Recall 06E022000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 06E024000 · Engine and engine cooling
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1998 Dodge Durango reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Dodge Durango is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 1998 Dodge Durango?
- The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 84% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 Dodge Durango have?
- 6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.