2003 Dodge Durango

▲ Better than typical
2003 Dodge Durango
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had at least 30% fewer 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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Dodge Durango Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 1997: 4 complaints 1997 1998: 965 complaints 1999: 1967 complaints 2000: 1075 complaints 2001: 665 complaints 2001 2002: 423 complaints 2003: 339 complaints 2003 2004: 1114 complaints 2005: 1567 complaints 2005 2006: 851 complaints 2007: 191 complaints 2008: 97 complaints 2009: 12 complaints 2009 2011: 797 complaints 2012: 639 complaints 2013: 640 complaints 2014: 782 complaints 2014 2015: 503 complaints 2016: 160 complaints 2017: 210 complaints 2018: 229 complaints 2018 2019: 141 complaints 2020: 54 complaints 2021: 198 complaints 2022: 56 complaints 2022 2023: 28 complaints 2024: 13 complaints 2025: 7 complaints 2026: 12 complaints 2026
2003: 339 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19974
1998965
19991967
20001075
2001665
2002423
2003339
20041114
20051567
2006851
2007191
200897
200912
2011797
2012639
2013640
2014782
2015503
2016160
2017210
2018229
2019141
202054
2021198
202256
202328
202413
20257
202612

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

SUSPENSION 32%

32% of complaints: suspension — 107 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing upper ball joint and front.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

ON THE 2003 DODGE DURANGO ON HIGHWAY DRIVE IT PULLS TO THE RIGHT WHEN YOU GO PAST 65 MPH. IT SHAKES AND PULLS TO EITHER SIDE. MY RENTAL WENT TO THE RIGHT OTHER DURANGOS ON THE HIGH WAY WENT TO THE LEFT.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20030812

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 17%

17% of complaints: electrical system — 57 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and switch.

FIRE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 12%

12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 40 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 12%

12% of complaints: exterior lighting — 39 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and headlights.

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING FLICKERED ON AND OFF.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180629

SERVICE BRAKES 11%

11% of complaints: service brakes — 36 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20021106 — PE (closed 20030423)

SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE

R 20021223 — exterior lighting

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE (CTM) HAS AN IMPROPERLY SIZED CIRCUIT BOARD TRACE THAT COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE RIGHT HEADLAMP LOW BEAM TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CTM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 23, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY

Campaign 02V322000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20030716 — PE (closed 20031119)

FRONT SUSP. UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE

I 20031119 — EA (closed 20050211)

UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATION

R 20040712 — visibility

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 LOSS

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.

Campaign 04V216000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20041221 — suspension

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 THE

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.

Campaign 04V596000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20060202 — PE (closed 20060619)

FIRE UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT

R 20060420 — engine and engine cooling

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

I 20060619 — EA (closed 20060922)

VEHICLE UNDER-SEAT FIRE

R 20061030 — electrical system

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 BECOM

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 ON

Campaign 06V339000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20081105 — suspension

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 T

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.

Campaign 08E064000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Dodge Durango — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (107 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (57 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (40 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 02V322000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 04V216000 (visibility) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 04V596000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 06E024000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 06V339000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 08E064000 (suspension) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2020 ▲ 2022 ▲ 2008

WORST YEARS

■ 1999 ■ 2005 ■ 2004

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2003 Dodge Durango reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Dodge Durango is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Dodge Durango?

The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Dodge Durango have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.