2003 Dodge Durango
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 4 |
| 1998 | 965 |
| 1999 | 1967 |
| 2000 | 1075 |
| 2001 | 665 |
| 2002 | 423 |
| 2003 | 338 |
| 2004 | 1114 |
| 2005 | 1567 |
| 2006 | 851 |
| 2007 | 191 |
| 2008 | 97 |
| 2009 | 12 |
| 2011 | 797 |
| 2012 | 637 |
| 2013 | 640 |
| 2014 | 781 |
| 2015 | 502 |
| 2016 | 159 |
| 2017 | 210 |
| 2018 | 227 |
| 2019 | 139 |
| 2020 | 53 |
| 2021 | 183 |
| 2022 | 53 |
| 2023 | 26 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
14% of complaints: suspension — 47 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY14% of complaints: electrical system — 47 distinct reports on file.
FIRE7% of complaints: exterior lighting — 23 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: suspension — 20 distinct reports on file.
CRASH5% of complaints: suspension — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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
SAFETY TIMELINE
SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE
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
FRONT SUSP. UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE
UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATION
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
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
FIRE UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT
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
VEHICLE UNDER-SEAT FIRE
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
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 (47 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (47 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (23 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
WORST YEARS
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:front:control arm:upper ball joint, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Dodge Durango have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.