electrical problem
7.6
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$162.00
Average Mileage:
47,320 miles
Number of complaints:
16 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace keys with working ones (6 reports)
- resolder connection in key to fix cold solder joint (6 reports)
- not sure (3 reports)
- insert small piece of foam between bracket and chip housing (1 reports)
Helpful Websites About 2004 Dodge Durango remote keys break internally
2007Feb 02
Durango SLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
I have had the same issues as many others have had. Both of the keys to my Durango are no longer working. They both went out about 2-3 years after getting the car. I called Dodge to try to get them replaced for free and they stated that they would not cover it and that I was on my own to replace them. It's almost $200.00 per key to have them replaced. Initially I thought my battery was dying but after taking both keys to a dealer I was told that I needed to buy two new keys. This is wrong! Dodge should take better care of their customers!
2008Feb 08
Durango Limited 4.7L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 59,500 miles
I've had the same problem. I bought a used 2004 Dodge Durango Limited in January 2008 and it only had one key at the time, which worked. A couple of weeks after normal use the "lock" button stopped working, but the "unlock" continued to work. Now, after my wife accidentally dropped the key, the "unlock" button does not work either. And, as everyone else states, the alarm goes off every time you get in the vehicle. I have not investigated getting another key or attempting to repair it myself. After reading the comments, I wonder if it is even worth it. It certainly does not appear that Dodge cares enough to step up and do the right thing.
2008Feb 05
Durango SLT 4.7L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 52,460 miles
Same problem as everyone else. Battery clip solder joint breaks easily. Very bad design. Both keys failed., one key was hardly ever used and when first key broke, second key broke a few weeks later. One key had the left side solder joint fail and the other had the right side solder joint fail. As I work with electronic assemblies daily, I repaired the solder joints and replaced the batteries, but only one key started working again and only for a week. Will attempt to repair again.
If any Dodge representatives are reading these, please do the right thing and issue a recall and have these replaced!!!!
2008Feb 14
Durango Limited V8
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
This is so incredibly annoying. I had tried super gluing the bracket in place, but that is only a temporary fix. BOTH of my keys no longer work. And yes, just like everyone else, every time I open my car door, I set the alarm off. I called the dealership to which I was told that is would cost $160 to replace just one of the keys. A friend of mine at work owns the exact same vehicle and has the exact same problem. It seems that if so many people have the same complaint, why is nothing being done about it? The dealership pretty much brushed me off and told me I could try to take it somewhere else to have it soldered to POSSIBLY fix it. It seems like since it is a dodge key, they should have the capability to fix it at a reasonable price.
2007Jan 03
Durango 5.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 35,678 miles
My wife's Durango key stopped working. I opened it to replace the battery and the component holding the battery fell out. After several attempts using paper, felt, etc to hold it in continue to fell, she went to the dealer. It was $160 to replace since the key could not be fixed. I soldered and this held for a while but the key quit again. I gave her my key. Guess what. It quit to. Soldering did not work this time. It was close to a $400 replacement. And there is no recall or updated replacement yet that we are aware of. So yep!! The horn lets everyone know that we are getting ready to leave!!!
2007Nov 15
Durango Limited 5.7L V8 Hemi
- Automatic transmission
- 14,000 miles
Fixed it myself...took 5 minutes. Open key, resolder the battery holder on. Dealer is crazy if they want more than $20 to fix it. Take the key to an electronics or maybe even a jewelry repair shop and they should be able to solder it back together for you. Not a big deal other than dealers scamming customers into $500 repair bills.
2007Mar 17
Durango
- Manual transmission
- 40,000 miles
I cannot believe so many other people have this problem! After my head exploded by the $300+ cost to fix these keys, I was told by the customer service rep at Ed Moses Dodge in Scottsdale, AZ that I "should not have dropped them." Are you kidding? Don't drop your keys. There should be a recall on this item. Write to Dodge!
2006Sep 06
Durango STL 5.7L V8 Magnum Hemi
- Automatic transmission
- 35,000 miles
I too have had this same problem with my keys. I was told that it would cost in excess of $500 for the pair. I have fixed the problem myself for about $.02 and for about 3 minutes of my time. The fact that there is a solution to this problem that does not warrant replacement is FRAUD. I have written my State Attorney General and so should you.
There is a quick fix that will get you by, but I am not sure for how long. Please feel free to contact me if you want help.
2007Oct 15
(reported on)Durango
- Automatic transmission
- 45,200 miles
This car is a lease the keys worked for a short time and then worked off and on then quit. My husband opened up the housing to change the battery and the whole insides are loose and no longer connected. The dealership wants $90 per key plus the cost of programming is $45 a key. Come on - it takes what challenges to program a key - good lord an eight year old could probably do it. Right now I have to go to the driver side to unlock the door with the key and then unlock the rest of the car from inside. $270 for keys is out of the question but the dealership says that they might make me pay for new keys when I turn in the lease. I dont think so...... The keys should be recalled, Chrysler has got to be fully aware of this issue and they need to take responsiblity. I am going to try to solder it back in place and see how that goes - what do I have to lose.
2007Sep 19
(reported on)Durango SLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 31,000 miles
I purchased a 2004 Dodge Durango new in 2005 and so have had it for only 2 years. My husband's key broke at the holder and cannot get it on a key ring anymore so it stays in a drawer. My key stopped working and when I went to replace the battery, the part that holds the battery in place had broken off. So I used a glue gun and it started working again for a few days and then stopped working again. I started using my husband's key and the same thing happened within a few weeks. The keys are a piece of crap and when I called the dealership they told me it would be $160 per key to replace and $46 per key to have re-coded. I am NOT going to pay $430+ dollars for keys, that is the most ridiculous thing I have heard of.
I asked if the alarm could be disabled and I was told "no" and that the alarm shouldn't go off when you manually open the door with the key, BUT IT DOES EVERY TIME. The only thing we have found is to push every lock down manually every time you exit the car, but the problem is you can't do that for the back door.
There should be a recall on this defect in the key. The battery holder should not just fall off. I would rather trade my Dodge in for something else then fork out $430+ dollars on some stupid keys. Take this into consideration when you purchase a vehicle.
2007Sep 13
(reported on)Durango SLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 44,000 miles
How funny to come here and see all of the other complaints. The same thing happened to us. Both keys stopped working. Mine has the alarm so yes you get to hear the alarm and everyones staring as you try to get into your vehicle. We did finally replace 1 key. Same as others when you open the case the battery holder has come apart.
2007Sep 12
(reported on)Durango LTD HEMI
- Automatic transmission
- 62,137 miles
Key Failure, started out as intermittent. Twist or hit key and it works. Opened up key and found leg of battery holder had come out of pad on printed circuit board - appeared to be cold solder joint as there was no damage to pad or battery holder. I had two keys with identical problem. My wife's key which gets used 10x more than mine was much worse. Looks like the twisting of key in ignition over time caused shear force on battery holder and eventually the leg works its way free. Results in intermittent battery connection. I resoldered holder back into pcb and key now consistently works. Paid $190 for key and $55 for programming before I discovered this, so at least I save the money for the second key.
2007Jul 23
(reported on)Durango HEMI
- Automatic transmission
- 62,137 miles
Both remotes have broken externally (plastic that attaches key ring and rubber pads)and internally. junk. expensive to replace.
2007Jul 22
(reported on)Durango
- Automatic transmission
- 38,000 miles
Both of my keyless entry remotes have broken. One is used all of the time. The other one sits in a drawer and is used as a spare. I have replaced both batteries and they still do not work. This is a pain because I have to use my key to unlock my doors. The drivers side is the only place to unlock the doors. This was one of the main features I wanted in my durango when I bought it. It is a known defect and there should be a recall for it.
2007Mar 30
(reported on)Durango Limited V8
- Automatic transmission
- 35,000 miles
Excerpt from letter to Dodge, (NO REPLY WAS RECEIVED)
I recently went to my local Chrysler Dodge dealership (Lancaster, CA) concerning the keys to my 2004 Dodge Durango. The keys no longer work to remotely open or deactivate the alarm to the vehicle.
The service rep at the dealership seemed very familiar with the problem and began to explain how the keys have a little piece inside that holds the battery that breaks very easily. I explained that yes, this had happened to both keys although one had been kept in a drawer until after the other one broke.
I was told that this was not covered under warranty so I asked to speak with a service manager. Roy Cook also told me sorry there was nothing he could do without speaking with customer service which he told me he would do. He also gave me the number to customer service. I called him approximately 5 days later and left a message, I still haven’t heard back from him.
I attempted to call customer service twice from my office and was told the hold time was approx. 10 min. After I finally spoke to a representative and her supervisor I was told, “sorry, there’s nothing we can do.” Additionally, the Supervisor at customer service (Cindy) was very rude when I inquired where to send a letter concerning this matter. She had a real attitude and told me, “You can send a letter if you want but it won’t overturn my decision”.
I told her this really isn’t about the cost anymore, it is about how I as a customer have been treated and how Dodge is being represented. I bought a brand new Dodge Durango and am making my final payment this month. I was seriously considering purchasing a 2007 Charger but at this point don’t want anything more to do with Dodge, the dealership or the company.
It is not about a $200 key which, it should be acknowledged, has a defect. It is about making it right. All I was asking for is some consideration.
I have been dealing with having my car alarm go off every time I enter my vehicle!!!
I purchased batteries at the parts department several months ago and then discovered that it wasn’t the battery, it was the actual key. It is very inconvenient to have to go to the dealership three times and have to go through this frustration when all I want is a product that works as it should.
I realize keys don’t last forever but it is much more than a coincidence that both of these keys malfunctioned in exactly the same way. My Chevrolet key is on the same key ring and is 4 years older and I have never had any problems… the spare is still in the drawer.
I have told everyone I spoke with that I was willing to pay cost for a key or pay full price for one key if they would comp a second one. I cannot believe a company of this magnitude that spends millions for advertising their product wouldn’t even make a small concession to fix a problem for a “valued customer.” It seems to me that they are trying to make money off a defective product!
I am asked all the time how I like my Durango. Word of mouth is much more powerful than any commercial.
This has been a very disconcerting experience and I felt that upper management should be aware of how customers on this end are being treated.
Thanks for your attention and kind consideration of this matter,
(This letter was sent to ALL listed below)-again, No Response back!
Cc: Dodge Customer Assistance Center
P. O. Box 21-8004
Auburn Hills, MI 48321-8004
Jim Fuller, owner
Tom Fuller, owner
Hunter Chrysler-Dodge
1130 Auto Mall Drive
Lancaster, CA 93534-3292
Supervisory Board, Chairman Dr. Dieter Zetche, Thomas W. Lasorda, Earl G. Graves
Daimler Chrysler Corporation
Auburn Hills, MI 48326-2766
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2008Apr 20
Durango SLT 4.7L V8
This is the third time, first time it had it towed to the Dealer, car started like it never happened, and therefore dealer found no problem, second time re soldered remote, did great until today. Again.. runs normal,, stop at a store, restart to leave.. NOTHING. Starts six times, dies, then only lights... SUCKS. especially when you sent it the first time, paid 150 dollars, and dealer found nothing. gonna cost 175 for new remote..
lsmartos
San Diego, CA, USA
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