MYRModel Year Report

2004 Dodge Durango

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2004 Dodge Durango
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
1,115
Recalls
9

Campaigns on file for 2004

Investigations
9

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

29% 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 2003: 339 complaints 2004: 1,115 complaints 2004 1,115 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 2001 2002: 423 complaints 2003: 339 complaints 2004: 1,115 complaints 2004 1,115 2005: 1,567 complaints 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 2001 2002: 423 complaints 2003: 339 complaints 2004: 1,115 complaints 2004 1,115 2005: 1,567 complaints 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

2004: 1,115 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.

Engine

29% · 326 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. The contact stated the vehicle made a loud popping noise while she proceeded through an intersection and smoke emitted from underneath the hood causing the vehicle to stall.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-01-31

Engine and engine cooling

23% · 255 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

While driving smoke was coming from vents. Consumer was able to pull over and extinguish the fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-05-03

Electrical system

23% · 252 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and interior/under dash.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I was coming home. As I pulled in my garage, hit the brake to stop and put in park. The vehicle started winding up to a point where my foot on the brake didn't matter.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-10-04

Also filed under Service brakes and vehicle speed control

Tl* the contact owned a 2004 Dodge Durango. While warming up the unoccupied vehicle for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, the vehicle caught fire. The fire department was called and a police report was filed. There were no injuries.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-22

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-11

Air bags

13% · 143 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. The contact received notifications for NHTSA campaign numbers: 15V313000 (Air bags) and 16V352000 (Air bags).

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-14

I was involved in an accident on June 24, 2004 in which my 2004 Dodge Durango was totalled. I was traveling at approximately 60 MPH and hit another vehicle broadside - I hit the drivers side of their vehicle straight on.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-07-30

Power train

9% · 99 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle slipped out of park without warning. The consumer was able to gain control of the vehicle. *jb an occupant of the vehicle was complaining about the seat belt not being latched properly.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-10-14

Safety timeline

9 recalls · 9 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    2003-12-17Electrical system03V528000 On certain sport utility vehicles, an instrument cluster circuit board capacitor may overheat.

    Remedy: Dealers will remove the capacitor from the circuit board. Owner notification began on December 17, 2003. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-992-1997.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. ▮
    2004Complaint volume 1,115 complaints filed for this model year.
  3. R
    2004-01-19Vehicle speed control04V020000 On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.7L and 4.7L engines, the throttle control cable may ingest water and freeze during extended cold temperature.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the throttle control cable. Owner notification began on January 19, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2004-12-14Electrical system04V578000 On certain sport utility vehicles built with a 5.7L, 4.7L, or 3.7L engine, the positive battery cable may contact the front suspension upper control arm mounting bracket.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the battery cable and, if necessary, reposition it away from the control arm mounting bracket. The recall began December 14, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    2005-05-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-11-03 Engine stall
  6. I
    2005-10-26Preliminary evaluationClosed 2006-03-09 Steering wheel and shaft bolts
  7. I
    2005-11-02Engineering analysisClosed 2007-08-29 Engine stall
  8. I
    2006-03-09Engineering analysisOpen Steering wheel and steering shaft bolts
  9. I
    2006-05-05Recall queryClosed 2006-08-28 Instrument panel fires
  10. I
    2006-08-28Engineering analysisClosed 2007-03-15 Instrument panel fires
  11. R
    2007-04-02Electrical system07V092000 On some sport utility vehicles, under certain operating conditions, an integrated circuit in the instrument cluster that controls interior lighting may overheat.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the cluster for damage and replace it free of charge. The recall began on April 2, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-140.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  12. R
    2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…

    Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  13. I
    2014-06-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 2015-03-02 Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  14. R
    2015-02-03Air bags14V770000 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles originally sold, or ever...

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. For vehicles that were sold, or are currently registered, in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  15. I
    2015-02-24Engineering analysisOpen Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  16. R
    2015-06-08Air bags15V313000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and...

    Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  17. R
    2017-03-27Air bags16V352000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant.

    Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  18. R
    2018-02-14Equipment17V824000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  19. I
    2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Dodge Durango — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 326 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 255 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 252 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 03V528000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 04V020000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 04V578000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 07V092000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 14V770000 · Air bags
  • Recall 15V313000 · Air bags
  • Recall 16V352000 · Air bags
  • Recall 17V824000 · Equipment
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2004 Dodge Durango reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Dodge Durango is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Dodge Durango?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Dodge Durango have?
9 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.