Is the 2001 Dodge Durango reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Dodge Durango is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Dodge Durango?

The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2001 Dodge Durango have?

7 recalls on file for this model year.

2001 Dodge Durango

◆ Worse than typical

2001 Dodge Durango
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 665
Recalls: 7
Investigations: 5
Top problem: Suspension

Complaints per year

2001: 665 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

52% · 346 reports

Most commonly citing upper ball joint and lower ball joint.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

2001 Dodge Durango. Consumer writes in regards to ball joint failure during an auto accident. *ld the consumer requested information concerning recalled ball joint failure that may have been the cause of an accident.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-13

Power train

17% · 110 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and column shift.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Durango. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V555000 (POWER TRAIN); but the failure occurred. The contact stated that the vehicle unexpectedly shifted out of park(P).

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-04-01

Electrical system

14% · 93 reports

Most commonly citing wiring and interior/under dash.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Service brakes

9% · 58 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHFIRE

Engine and engine cooling

8% · 55 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2000-11-12Child seat00V366000 Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 225, "Child restraint anchorage systems." Some of the…

Remedy: Owners will be provided with an addendum to the owner's manuals.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2001Complaint volume 665 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2001-04-09Power train01V077000 Vehicle description: light duty trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with 4-wheel drive. The electric shift transfer case may not fully engage into gear when the operator moves the transfer…

Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the transfer case control module. Owner notification began April 9, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2002-11-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-04-23 Safety belt cinching latch plate
I
2003-07-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-11-19 Front susp. Upper ball joint failure
I
2003-11-19Engineering analysisClosed 2005-02-11 Upper ball joint separation
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2004-12-21Suspension04V596000 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…

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2006-02-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 2006-06-19 Fire under the driver's seat
R

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2006-06-19Engineering analysisClosed 2006-09-22 Vehicle under-seat fire
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2006-10-30Electrical system06V339000 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…

Remedy: 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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2007-12-24Power train07V555000 On certain van and pickup trucks 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"…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the gearshift blocker and bracket assembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2008-11-05Suspension08E064000 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…

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2001 Dodge Durango — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Suspension: 346 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 110 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 93 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 00V366000 · Child seat
Recall 01V077000 · Power train
Recall 04V596000 · Suspension
Recall 06E024000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 06V339000 · Electrical system
Recall 07V555000 · Power train
Recall 08E064000 · Suspension

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2001 Dodge Durango reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Dodge Durango is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Dodge Durango?: The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Dodge Durango have?: 7 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.