2002 Dodge Durango

● Typical for this model
2002 Dodge Durango
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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
423
Recalls
6

Campaigns on file for 2002

Investigations
5

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Suspension

39% of complaints

Complaints per year

1997: 4 complaints 1997 1998: 965 complaints 1999: 1,967 complaints 2000: 1,075 complaints 2001: 665 complaints 2002: 423 complaints 2002 423 2003: 339 complaints 2004: 1,115 complaints 2005: 1,567 complaints 2006: 851 complaints 2007: 191 complaints 2008: 97 complaints 2009: 12 complaints 2009 2011: 797 complaints 2012: 640 complaints 2013: 640 complaints 2014: 782 complaints 2014 2015: 503 complaints 2016: 161 complaints 2017: 213 complaints 2018: 232 complaints 2018 2019: 144 complaints 2020: 55 complaints 2021: 202 complaints 2022: 58 complaints 2022 2023: 32 complaints 2024: 13 complaints 2025: 8 complaints 2026: 13 complaints 2026
1997: 4 complaints 1997 1998: 965 complaints 1999: 1,967 complaints 1999 2000: 1,075 complaints 2001: 665 complaints 2002: 423 complaints 2002 423 2003: 339 complaints 2004: 1,115 complaints 2005: 1,567 complaints 2005 2006: 851 complaints 2007: 191 complaints 2007 2008: 97 complaints 2009: 12 complaints 2009 2011: 797 complaints 2012: 640 complaints 2012 2013: 640 complaints 2014: 782 complaints 2014 2015: 503 complaints 2016: 161 complaints 2016 2017: 213 complaints 2018: 232 complaints 2018 2019: 144 complaints 2020: 55 complaints 2020 2021: 202 complaints 2022: 58 complaints 2022 2023: 32 complaints 2024: 13 complaints 2024 2025: 8 complaints 2026: 13 complaints 2026
1997: 4 complaints 1997 1998: 965 complaints 1999: 1,967 complaints 1999 2000: 1,075 complaints 2001: 665 complaints 2002: 423 complaints 2002 423 2003: 339 complaints 2004: 1,115 complaints 2005: 1,567 complaints 2005 2006: 851 complaints 2007: 191 complaints 2007 2008: 97 complaints 2009: 12 complaints 2009 2011: 797 complaints 2012: 640 complaints 2012 2013: 640 complaints 2014: 782 complaints 2014 2015: 503 complaints 2016: 161 complaints 2016 2017: 213 complaints 2018: 232 complaints 2018 2019: 144 complaints 2020: 55 complaints 2020 2021: 202 complaints 2022: 58 complaints 2022 2023: 32 complaints 2024: 13 complaints 2024 2025: 8 complaints 2026: 13 complaints 2026

2002: 423 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19974
1998965
19991,967
20001,075
2001665
2002423
2003339
20041,115
20051,567
2006851
2007191
200897
200912
2011797
2012640
2013640
2014782
2015503
2016161
2017213
2018232
2019144
202055
2021202
202258
202332
202413
20258
202613

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Suspension

39% · 164 reports

Most commonly citing upper ball joint and lower ball joint.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I have had my front wheel hub replaced 12 times yet my car isn't part of any recall

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-06-23

The hub on my 02 Durango has had to be replaced 8 times since I bought it in 2018 but everyone says my car isn't part of recall.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-01-03

Power train

17% · 72 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Engine was off, keys out of ignition, a small child put vehicle into gear and vehicle rolled backwards, hitting a barn. Please provide any further information.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-06-20

Service brakes

16% · 69 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle started to swerve into the other lane on the highway, and as I attempted to regain control with both hands firmly on the wheel, and gentle steering, I found I still had no absolutely no control with the steering, it was completely loose...

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-09-13

Also filed under Steering

Electrical system

12% · 51 reports

Most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and wiring.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH

Engine and engine cooling

11% · 46 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. I
    2002-11-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-04-23 Safety belt cinching latch plate
  2. I
    2003-07-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-11-19 Front susp. Upper ball joint failure
  3. I
    2003-11-19Engineering analysisClosed 2005-02-11 Upper ball joint separation
  4. R
    2004-07-12Visibility04V216000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper module. Owner notification began on July 12, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

  5. R
    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.

  6. I
    2006-02-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 2006-06-19 Fire under the driver's seat
  7. 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.

  8. I
    2006-06-19Engineering analysisClosed 2006-09-22 Vehicle under-seat fire
  9. R
    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…

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Dodge Durango — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Suspension: 164 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 72 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 69 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 04V216000 · Visibility
  • 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 2002 Dodge Durango reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Dodge Durango is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Dodge Durango?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 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.