10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
88,356 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Dodge Durango suspension problems

suspension problem

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2003 Dodge Durango Owner Comments

problem #20

Nov 302019

Durango

  • 164,297 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. The contact heard a popping sound and felt it through the driveshaft. In addition, the two front tires were worn on the inside tread. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who stated that both upper ball joints needed to be replaced. The contact took the vehicle to lake city Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (4325 w us hwy 90, lake city, fl 32055, (386) 755-3444) to verify the diagnosis. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 164,297.

- Lake City, FL, USA

problem #19

Sep 192016

Durango

  • miles
Hub or ball joints

- Jeff, IN, USA

problem #18

Sep 202016

Durango

  • 140,000 miles
We took the vehicle was to an independent mechanic for a front end alignment. The mechanic stated that the top and bottom ball joints needed to be replaced. In addition, the vehicle was unable to be aligned. The vehicle was not repaired.

- Carr, CO, USA

problem #17

Dec 152015

Durango

  • 104,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that he heard an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle and the hub was shaking violently. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 08E064000 (suspension). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #16

Dec 022015

Durango

  • 219,700 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for tire replacement and front end alignment. The mechanic stated that the front passengers side hub was loose and needed to be replaced. In addition, the vehicle was unable to be aligned. The mechanic also stated that the ball joint on the front passenger side needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 08E064000 (suspension) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 219,700.

- Riverdale, GA, USA

problem #15

Oct 272015

Durango

  • 172,400 miles
The passenger side upper ball joint failed a mandatory state safety inspection. The ball joint showed excessive wear and was deemed unsafe.

- Purcellville, VA, USA

problem #14

Jan 052015

Durango

  • 180,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Bags. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, however the failure was unable to be determined. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion, while driving at 35 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver as the brakes were depressed and fail to respond without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wheel bearings and wheel arms needed to be replaced. The wheel bearing was repaired but the wheel arm wasn't. the VIN was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 08E064000(suspension). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.

- Mckean, PA, USA

problem #13

Oct 042013

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • 110,000 miles
I have had these parts replaced twice this will be the third time. Dodge has or had a recall. But when I went to have it fixed they told me the recall did not affect this particular vehicle. It's a unsafe vehicle. I am worried because I am a single mom and keep up with all the maintenance on it myself. If it's recalled I believe Dodge should honor all recalls on the vehicles. Thanks

- Plantsville, CT, USA

problem #12

May 092014

Durango 8-cyl

  • 167,000 miles
Turning into a parking lot and the front passenger side tire fell off. $1260.

- North Branford, CT, USA

problem #11

Jul 092013

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • miles
2003 Dodge Durango. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle front left wheel came off while driving. When the vehicle was put on a flat bed and delivered to the repair shop, he was informed the axle had no way to lubricate the wheel assembly and so when it was dry, it severed itself from the front end.

- Massapequa Park, NY, USA

problem #10

Feb 232012

Durango

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was hearing noises coming from the rear of my vehicle. Took it to a local dealer that told us the entire rear end needed to be rebuilt. Apparently there is a defect in the axles that make the pinioned, differentials and axles to go bad. Paid $3500 for the repairs to turn around and have the same thing happen just over a year later.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

problem #9

Oct 182011

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • miles
Vehicle has been experiencing a progression of inaccurate steering, poor turning and suspension performance. Driver and passenger are noticing a "clunking" in the right passenger and driver's side front end. Noted primarily when turning. Steering wheel is also noted to be rotated off center to the clockwise position. Braking is also poor and causes vehicle to pull to passenger side. Most importantly, vehicle is noted to feel unstable and is vibrating while at highway speeds.

- Jenison, MI, USA

problem #8

Jan 092012

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • 88,500 miles
I have notice a clunking sound in the front right of my Durango for some approximately six months. I recently brought it to my mechanic who stated it would need to have the upper right ball joint replace. It was brought to my attention that this issue was recalled on other 2003 Durango, however, my VIN number was not included in the campaign (04V596000). This issue appears to go beyond the cut off for the recall since review of the complaints indicates numerous other similar issues.

- Eliot, ME, USA

problem #7

Dec 062011

Durango

  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while exiting from a parking space, the front driver side wheel detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the front ball joint was fractured and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 04V596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 130,000.

- North Branford, CT, USA

problem #6

Oct 232011

Durango

  • 160,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving 55 mph there was a clanking noise in the front suspension. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who inspected the failure and noticed the ball joints were defective. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who stated there was a failure but his VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 04V596000, suspension: Front: Control arm: Upper ball joint. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 160,000.

- New River, AZ, USA

problem #5

Aug 292011

Durango

  • 74,100 miles
There is a recall for defective ball joints on the 2003 Dodge Durango, but when I called Dodge my VIN is not included. I am having my ball joints replaced by a repair shop today as I was told that they are in very bad shape and I am risking having them separate while driving which could result in the wheel falling off in a high speed situation causing a crash and possible injury or death. I feel that if this recall is only for some of the same year and model of my vehicle then they should at least have them all called in to have the dealer inspect them for safety. It is going to cost almost $1000 for me to have this repair made. But that is small price to pay to ensure the safety of me and my family. I have heard this complaint from many many other owners and repair shops for this vehicle and feel it should be looked into.

- Roscoe, IL, USA

problem #4

Aug 112006

Durango 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,123 miles
Front end problems with M 2003 Dodge Durango. Have had steering rack replaced, inner & outer ball joints replaced as well as both upper control arms. Steering went out on my wife while making a right hand turn. Both inner tie-rod ends snapped out and car lost complete steering control. Car ran into parked car causing substantial damage to both vehicles. Because of the low speed no injuries occurred, had this happened at highway speed. I could have been killed along with others on the highway. What are you waiting for" for a fatality? does it take the life of human being to save money to have this problem solved" please do something, I will never never buy a Dodge automobile again and if I see someone making this mistake or looking at Dodge I will advise them of all the problems that Dodge has and are not willing to back their product. Buy a foreign car!!!!

- Riverbank, CA, USA

problem #3

Nov 192003

Durango 8-cyl

  • miles
The consumer believes there is something wrong with the suspension and/or stability of the vehicle. While driving 70 mph on a windy day the consumer was unable to control the vehicle. The consumer was forced to reduce his speed to drive in the windy conditions.

- Gardnerville, NV, USA

problem #2

Sep 092003

Durango 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,000 miles
While driving on a hill and making a right turn on a curb the vehicle leaned excessively to the right and almost rolled over. The dealer was notified and stated that the vehicle needed after market heavy duty shock absorbers.

- Torrance, CA, USA

problem #1

Sep 012002

Durango

  • miles
When applying the brakes in a panic stop or wet or rough pavement. The pedal goes all the way down to the floor resulting in extended stopping after inspection of the vehicle by the dealer. It was determined that the ab braking pump has malfunction. Part are on national back order.

- Chesterfield, VA, USA

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