CarComplaints.com Notes: The second generation Durango was introduced in 2004 and instantly came under fire for, well, catching on fire.

From 2004-2006 electrical overloading in the driver's side instrument panel caused numerous reports of interior fires. The interior infernos became so commonplace that Chrysler eventually issued a recall.

The problems didn't stop there, however. Owners of the recalled vehicles complained about being treated unfairly and given take-it-or-leave-it low ball settlement offers. "They offered me $2000 under NADA retail as a settlement," said one owner, "and have been rude and hostile to deal with." Nothing says awesome service like treating your customers rudely after their cars have caught on fire.

Have we mentioned all the reports of complete engine failure due to oil sludge?

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
62,324 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.

2004 Dodge Durango engine problems

engine problem

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2004 Dodge Durango Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #40

Mar 232023

Durango

  • miles

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

While driving my vehicle this morning my odometer completely shut off while on the freeway and all my little lights on the dashboard went on. My turn signals, as well as my brake lights stopped working as well.

- California City, CA, USA

problem #39

Aug 052020

Durango 8-cyl

  • 188,000 miles
I took my Durango in for 3 recalls at kelly blue books direction after putting my VIN in for check on website. I went to bill luke 2425 w camelback rd invoice number [xxx] and now my driver seat is not able to be accessed from outside my door by key fob, manual unlock or door handle. My door beeps like its ajar, my tire light is on my dash, the radio cuts out in and out. I spoke with manager 2 times. I called the 800 number he provided. He stated it wasn't their fault and refused to correct it. It was not like that before I dropped it off and I addressed it before leaving the lot. Im supposed to drive across country to mn and be working. Im terrified. My fiance died. A wiring overheating fire on his way to mn and to me. I want my vehicle fixed and safe. My name is [xxx]. 2 recalls were airbags and the other was a wiring issue of overheating and causing a fire. My vehicle is in horrible shape now. It happened 08/05/2020 customer number [xxx] G07 safety recall removed and tested instrument panel cluster. Moved dome light circuit flashed the ccn. Please address the dealership and fix my wiring and door that is not able to be used even to get in now. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #38

Sep 022018

Durango

  • 160,000 miles
My vehicle stalls in the rain. It stalls at a stop or rolling speeds. It idles rough first and then stalls or shuts off. Sometimes the check engine light will come on, but not always. This only occurs in the rain. I've had several mechanics look at it, and they can't figure out how to solve the problem. I've spent a lot of money trying to get this fixed. Through online research, I've discovered that many other Durango owners are experiencing this same issue.

- Destrehan, LA, USA

problem #37

Nov 022017

Durango

  • 299,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. With the cruise control set for 68 mph, the vehicle accelerated independently an additional 20 mph without warning. The failure caused her to be pulled over by the police. In addition, when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the contact heard an abnormal clunk sound. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 299,000.

- Green Island, NY, USA

problem #36

Aug 302017

Durango

  • 152,845 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. While at a stop, the brakes failed to work, the engine revved, and the vehicle accelerated without warning. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure was not diagnosed. The failure mileage was 152,845.

- Conway, SC, USA

problem #35

Jan 302017

Durango 8-cyl

  • 274,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. While driving 40 mph, the vehicle accelerated without applying pressure to the pedal. The contact also stated that the RPM needle would go up to 3,000 rpms after starting the engine and no pressure was applied to the accelerator. The driver side air bag deployed after slamming the driver side door. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer who stated that they would not be able to further assist. The failure mileage was 274,000. Updated 05/09/17

- Ocklawaha, FL, USA

problem #34

Oct 302016

Durango

  • 215,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. While driving 50 mph, the vehicle rapidly accelerated to 65 mph. The contact did not lose control of the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illimunated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 215,000.

- Seaford, DE, USA

problem #33

Nov 052015

Durango

  • 100,085 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. While driving 45 mph, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. In addition, the brakes failed when depressed. The gear shift had to be shifted into neutral to regain control. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,085.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #32

May 262014

Durango

  • 110,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the vehicle would independently accelerate (surge forward) when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle would have to be shifted into neutral or the ignition would have to be turned off in order to slow the vehicle down. The dealer could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.

- Cottage Grove, MN, USA

problem #31

Nov 212014

Durango

  • 124,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. While driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact would have to depress the brake pedal in order to slow down the vehicle. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 124,000.

- Spring Lake , MI, USA

problem #30

Aug 012014

Durango

  • 97,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal failed to respond and the service four wheel drive warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.

- Thorton, CO, USA

problem #29

Apr 112014

Durango

  • miles
On April 11, 2014, my three young children, boyfriend, and myself(pregnant) stopped at a red light. As the light turned green I began to accelerate; that's when I heard a loud popping sound. At first I thought maybe my tire popped. I was barely able to pull off the 4 lane street I was traveling on without getting hit. Once I pulled over I realized oil leaking from underneath my truck. I was able to take the truck to a service station that was located across the parking lot and was told the engine failed. The truck still starts but makes a loud clicking noise. This truck has been well taking care of and maintenance regularly. I have done research on the issue and have found this has been an on going issue with Chrysler. I don't understand why there hasn't been a recall on this issue. I had no warning signs of any issues with my truck and now this. This is such a disappointment.

- Jamestown, NY, USA

problem #28

Mar 032014

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • 120,000 miles
I bought my 04 Durango from a dealer and im outside of warranty I'm a little irritated with my wife calling me complaining she is stranded! I paid big money for this truck and don't think I should be responsible for paying a mechanic to play guess and check. I have my truck randomly shifting in and out of 4lock mostly while driving slow but has happened on the expressway im worried for damage to my transfercase from this I cant afford to replace a transfercase let alone the truck its self I see alot of others with the same issue and I think it should be a recall before someone is hurt by this common problem.

- Washington Twp, MI, USA

problem #27

Apr 122012

Durango

  • 86,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that whenever water came in contact with the vehicle such a rain, driving through a deep puddle or going through a car wash for instance, the vehicle would stall. The failure was recurring. The mechanic diagnosed that the air temperature sensor and the electric throttle needed to be replace. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

- Griffith, IN, USA

problem #26

Oct 112010

Durango 8-cyl

  • 120,323 miles
I pulled out of my apartment and began to accelerate up an incline. I heard a loud thump, all of the lights on the dash flashed and the car died right there approximately 60 yards from my door. After having it towed all over the place, I was informed that my engine had seized. I was very confused because I am always adamant about maintaining the vehicle and all of the regular work had been done. Dodge would do nothing because the vehicle's warranty had expired. Because I still owed money, I was forced to pay over $6,000 getting a replacement engine. Separate incident 08/17/2013 started vehicle after work. Got to work fine with no indications of trouble, engine was shaking violently, thick smoke sputtering from tail pipe. Reading engine codes saying fuel injector open. Spent 200 getting injection system checked with no success. Mechanic saying that the computer system is bad in the vehicle which is likely to cost upwards of $1000 from Dodge. Bottom line, this product is a complete disgrace, and I feel like the thousands of people affected by this terrible product should be compensated. I have almost had to pay for this car all over again with the time and money I have had to invest in repairs.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #25

Mar 152004

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • 2,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. The contact was driving approximately 1 mph when the brakes were applied but the vehicle suddenly accelerated abnormally. The contact applied extreme pressure to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The failure recurred three times. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000. Updated 02/09/12 updated 02/13/12

- Keyport, NJ, USA

problem #24

Oct 262011

Durango 8-cyl

  • miles
I was driving to work going approximately 65 mph when I put on the break as traffic had gotten a little thick. As I released my foot off of the break the car kind of jumped (similar to when its in cruise control) and I noticed that it was picking up speed by itself. I immediately thought that somehow it had gone into cruise control on its own but when I again tried to put the break on I noticed that the break pedal was a bit resistant and when I removed my foot it again began to accelerate on its own. Still thinking this was a cruise control issue I hit the off button but this did not help. Not knowing what to do and realizing that getting the car to slow down was very difficult I didn't want to exit the expressway and not be able to stop or prevent an accident so I continued my drive to work with my foot on the brake knowing that in the worse case scenario there was a field I could crash into (at my work exit) if I could not get the car to stop. At one point I took my foot off of the break to see if the speed would continue to rise or if it would stop at any point, but after it began to approach 100mph (it was clear that it was going to continue rising)and scaring me even further I put my foot back on the break. Upon exiting the expressway I put both feet on the break and pressed down as hard as I could, only managing to get the speed to about 30 mph before I put it into neutral and shut it off. I was later told by the mechanic that my throttle was stuck. Needless to say it was one of the scariest experiences in my life!

- Southfield, MI, USA

problem #23

Nov 272010

Durango

  • 65,300 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. While the contact had his foot on the brake pedal ready to shift into park, the throttle stuck and crashed into a shed. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,300.

- Fort Loudon, PA, USA

problem #22

Jan 232010

Durango

  • 78,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled as if it was losing power but as the vehicle came to a complete stop it would cut off. She was able to restart it immediately. The throttle sensor warning light also illuminated. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. A local mechanic called the dealer and advised them of the failure and what needed to be repaired; however, they were unable to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was also called and confirmed that there were no warranties or recalls. The failure mileage was 78,000. Updated 11/16/10.

- Union, WV, USA

problem #21

Feb 092010

Durango

  • 65,703 miles
When driving at low speeds it stalls. I am able to restart it but it is not always easy to tell when it has stalled, because all electrical things still work radio, lights, etc. Steering wheel does lock though and it takes almost a minute to get it into neutral and start it again. Also while driving as you press the gas pedal it acts as though it is going to die and then lunges forward. I have not yet corrected either of these issues.

- Ozaark, AL, USA

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