2002 Dodge Durango
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
- Investigations
- 5
- Top problem
- Suspension
Campaigns on file for 2002
Opened by NHTSA
39% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 423 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
39% · 164 reportsMost commonly citing upper ball joint and lower ball joint.
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 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.
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 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
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 reportsMost commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and wiring.
Engine and engine cooling
11% · 46 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Safety timeline
6 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
2002-11-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-04-23 Safety belt cinching latch plate
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I
2003-07-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-11-19 Front susp. Upper ball joint failure
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I
2003-11-19Engineering analysisClosed 2005-02-11 Upper ball joint separation
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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.
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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.
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I
2006-02-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 2006-06-19 Fire under the driver's seat
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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.
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I
2006-06-19Engineering analysisClosed 2006-09-22 Vehicle under-seat fire
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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…
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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.
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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 →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.