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:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
76,802 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 miscellaneous problems

miscellaneous problem

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2004 Dodge Durango Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #22

Jul 082022

Durango

  • miles

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

While driving in rain my car stalls and gets shaky. I had it cut off in the midst of driving which can cause harm to myself and others. The cowl doesn-€™t protect the components under the hood from moisture when it rain causing my vehicle not to function properly. As a result of this my engine light has displayed but goes away when it stops raining. Not a safe car to drive in the rain.

- Middleburg , FL, USA

problem #21

Jun 162021

Durango

  • miles
I brought my vehicle to an Phoenix AZ dealership off of Black Canyon Highway or I-17 on Camelback for airbag safety recall and interior lighting recall and any others needed. When I dropped it off initially I parked on lot by the garage inc front of the rental car business directly in front. I exited my vehicle walking up to repair garage to make sure I could drive into it for recall repair. I walked back opened my driver's door and sat in the seat.(legally able to safely driver by entering through the driver's door) I drove it up there. Upon arriving after they provided the airbags recall, moved my dome light which was located on driver's door module that also has other functions, (moved to another module preventing an interior fire on long trips which I was moving for a job to Audubon MN that next few days) and I was unable to enter the vehicle by my driver's door. I had to physically crawl in the passengers side of car over the middle area and drink holders to squeeze my legs under the steering wheel. They informed me it was like that. I requested the video from rental employee mgr or person in charge and he stated "it would be like finding a needle in the haystack". It happened that I also sat for over 3 hours till close there, had a mgr request 2 inspections from his men, filed a complaint, talked with several reps and all before I left the lot. Also I had a tire light on my dash, and others that I find out are all connected to the module the dome light used to be attached to. While leaving my door locks were going up and down like they were a possessed pissed of psycho spirit, my steering wheel didn't lock anymore, and I decided to wash my car in a CAR WASH which almost got me a rear end incident from the car behind me because my 2004 DODGE DURANGO SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. I was scared and my heart dropped down through me bottom like being pulled over for a ticket by the police would. So it decided to rain.OH MY GOSH. If MN wasn't a rainy place I wouldn't be

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #20

Jul 062020

Durango

  • 152,000 miles
Tried to buy a car on 7/6/20, dealership ran carfax on my car to determine trade in value. Was made aware there was possible odometer rollback. Contacted the dealer we purchased the car from in 2013. Sent copy of carfax to sherry carrey (office mgr) she told me if was probably just a typo & she has had success in fixing things like this in the past. She asked me to give her a little time to gather service records & previous rutile information. That was on 7/9/20. I have not heard from them since & they won't take my calls. I lost have now lost out on 2 cars I tried to purchase. I have copies of the carfax, sales contract, title & some service records. We were shocked to learn this, when trying to sell the car. Please advise

- Winfield, KS, USA

problem #19

Aug 052020

Durango 8-cyl

  • 188,000 miles

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

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 #18

Dec 272019

Durango

  • miles
Went to go start Durango & heard a loud boom, & now it seems to be knocking & not drivable now, after do research online we cam across that on these models (2004 Dodge Durango 5.7 hemi magnums) it seems too leak water into where the engine is due to hood manifold is designed horribly & water leaks on wires, spark, plugs, engine etc. Etc. We've noticed when we drove in the rain or even going through a carwash that the Durango would sputter as if it was going to die & it has a couple times & took about 15 mins to start again, after this event has happened we thank god that it happened at home & not on the interstate around other vehicles because this is a serious safely issue that needs to be addressed & now we are out of a vehicle at the moment and we are still currently making payments on this vehicle for another year and a half at-least.

- Valparaiso, IN, USA

problem #17

May 162019

Durango

  • 159,364 miles
So my car started making a mechanical noise when I would shut it off a few weeks ago, it sounded kind of like a clanking noise or more like a flap opening and shutting it would do it then stop. Then it started to get worse doing it alot more and when I was at the stop lights it started doing it again as it was doing that noise I noticed the 4lo and 4lock lights turning off and on. So I figued it was the 4X4 switching on and off.comes on while I am driving. I can tell when it is switched on because my car feels like it loses power and in fact it feels as if it is going to tip over if it switches on while I am turning. I have no other vehicle so I

- Paso Robles, CA, USA

problem #16

Apr 022019

Durango

  • 120,000 miles

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

I was going 45 miles an hour with all my 4 children and husband in vehicle when without warning the vehicle shut off. There is no code vehicle loses power steering and brake function and you have to shut vehicle down and restart to gain control again. This has happened 7 times! there is no code being given no one can diagnose this issue I have been everywhere and been told that no one can do anything for me this is ridiculous I have seen this problem spread all over Dodge for you and I cannot believe that this is not a recall a whole family my family almost died multiple times because of its end this is not right that there is not a recall on this this is serious there have been hundreds of near-death accidents because of this issue alone this needs to be looked into this needs to be taken seriously and Dodge needs to be held accountable it has nothing to do with speed I was parked in my vehicle died this morning I'm fortunate that I was parked and not driving the last two times I was pulling out of a parking lot in front of some cars and it just died I had to turn on my flashers as quickly as possible so hopefully no one would hit me as I was dead in the road the fact that I can't just take this to a shop because there's absolutely no indication of what's going on there's no warning when this happens there is no code after this happens I don't feel safe hundreds thousands of others do not feel safe and nothing has been done about this I am terrified to put my family in a family vehicle are only family vehicle because we have gotten lucky up until this point but I don't see that look holding out for much longer somebody needs to look into this and somebody needs to hold Dodge accountable.

- Carson City, NV, USA

problem #15

Nov 252018

Durango

  • 160,000 miles
The 4 wheel drive engages on its own.. it will switch to 4 lol then back again then back to 4 lo over and over again.. the service 4WD goes on and off constantly and when the 4 lo engages I lose most of my steering ability.. didn't take a long search to find out many other people are having the same issue..

- Pomona, CA, USA

problem #14

Jan 112014

Durango

  • 0 miles
I do not own this vehicle. We havent owned it in years

- Palm Coast, FL, USA

problem #13

Sep 072017

Durango

  • 174,800 miles
Car has a new engine and third water pump. It failed after 5000 miles and engulfed in flames causing the failure of the belt, tensioner, main drive pulley and ac compressor. Today Dodge just recalled these pumps for the very same reason bearing failure and super hot conditions causing fires and failure. I was just redriving along the truck has been running well and showed no signs of issues, no noise, smell, lights or struggle. Car was at normal opperating tempurture and daytime traffic. Stopped for gas stayed for a couple minutes then drive on, within two miles without any warning or noise the car started smoking pulled over and smelled a rubber notices no leaks in the water delivery system oil, trans, or power steering, the belt was red hot and smelled like a house fire car was taken 200 yards to pep boys and repaired at the cost of $1300. Should not happen with 5000 miles on the water pump and 20,0000 on a new engine.

- Kennesaw, GA, USA

problem #12

Jan 042017

Durango

  • 201,000 miles

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

I have an AWD vehicle. This vehicle has a knob that you can switch to go to 4 lock. My truck has been shifting into this mode all by itself. This is very dangerous as when it does the vehicle kind of locks up and becomes very difficult/impossible to move. I have 4 children and this is our main vehicle that we use. This is ridiculous. When researching this issue, there are a ton of complaints for the same thing. Dodge needs to take responsibility and fix this issue before someone gets hurt. This has happened to me on more than one occasion. Has happened at high speed, low speed, and stationary.

- Turner, ME, USA

problem #11

Dec 202015

Durango

  • 151,213 miles
The weather stripping was bad on my Durango which caused water to get into my engine and caused it to seize

- Marquette, MI, USA

problem #10

Jun 222016

Durango

  • miles
When raining car starts shaking then shuts off making it hard to turn wheels. When making sharp right turns or reversing feels as if it is stalling or something is locking up. At any given time it makes a swishing sound but mostly when locking or unlocking doors. I have taken it to the shop several times to this looked at and the shop owner could find nothing wrong with it.

- Racine, WI, USA

problem #9

Aug 052015

Durango

  • 109,000 miles
My truck cuts off while I'm driving all the time when im turning corners

- Detroit, MI, USA

problem #8

Sep 152015

Durango

  • 120,000 miles
I have had this SUV for just a few months the day I mad my first payment it went into the shop to be fixed. At first it was apparently my #5 piston shot thru the block with only 120,000 mile on it. Than after spending the $3,700 to get that fixed it was still smoking and having issues. Next thing I know it is now the intake manifold whitch was another $700 and it was 84 in back order when I seen that I pulled it up online were I read that thousans and thousands of people have had this same problem with the first year of the hemi motor in the Durango. I have three small children and I support my kids and husband due to his spine surgerys. I feel if there has been this many parts go bad that it should have a recall with it. I cant afford to keep putting money in something that is still not going to drive properly with my children in it. It has shut off while driving the SUV. It is not safe for my kids to be in im afraid they will be hurt or killed if it happens again. Dodge needs to do the right thing and have thiss recalled as soon as they can. The vechile turned off while on a street thank god it was not on the free way.

- Grove City, OH, USA

problem #7

Oct 012014

Durango

  • 140,000 miles
I have a 2004 Dodge Durango slt 5.7L hemi. Never had any big issues with it until in 2014 I was driving home from work on the highway when I heard a loud bang and loud knocking noises followed shortly by an abrupt shut off. I tried immediately to get to the side of the road but when I lost power steering from the engine ceizing and couldn't correct myself enough so I went down the hill off the side of the highway while trying to break with no brake booster anymore as well. I ended up running into a couple small tree's and finally stopping. Air bags didn't deploy and I only jammed my finger and hurt my back some but I only missed a larger group of tree by inches. My front bumper was ripped off, my drivers side headlight was broke as well as my grille and my windshield cracked. I took it to my mechanic and found out that the engine "hydrolocked" and a piston rod punched through my engine and broke a lot of other things internally. Needless to say the engine is gone. After doing some research I have found that there are hundreds more people that had this happen to their 04 and 05 Dodge Durango with the 5.7L hemi. Apparently the water runs right down onto the engine and pools up and the intake is faulty so it sucks that water up and causes a catastrophic hydrolock with the engine which could kill someone if they lose power steering and power brakes within a second. I've been trying to save to get a new engine (which will cost about $3800 alone) because I bought this for too much and neither Dodge or my insurance would cover it so it's now a pile of scrap until I hopefully can get a new engine or have Dodge buy this death trap back. Dodge needs to buy these back or fix them! this is by far not an individual case and it is very dangerous and costly!

- Paw Paw, MI, USA

problem #6

Aug 102015

Durango 8-cyl

  • miles
I have called Dodge in my hometown of sacramento for three weeks now. I get put on hold or into some phone abyss and cannot get helped for my safety recall. I feel this is an important issue but I cannot get anyone to cooperate. My suggestion is for you to call them and make an appt for me. During my last call on August 26 I asked for the girls name who answered the phone and I explained to her that I have been trying to get an appt. Again, she transferred me to some abyss. Her name is [xxx] and their number is [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Rancho Cordova,, CA, USA

problem #5

Jul 062011

Durango

  • miles
I have been on several site and people who own Dodge Durango are have the same problem. I had the car diagnosed they said it was the O2 sensor and the Durango has 4 so I had them replaced. The problem stopped for about 2 months then started again said its missing because I need a tune up got the tune up still doing it. Then its still bucking shutting off while your driving hesitating when you back up and pull off. So I had it diagnosed again said the coil need to be replaced. Replaced that check engine line still on still bucking shutting off when when your driving hesitating when you back up and pull off. Had it diagnosed again said its the PCM but it can mask itself as the map sensor, tps, crank or cam positioning sensor. Dodge knows this is a ongoing problem and refuses to do anything about because of there shotty workmanship no matter how many times you replace it you still end up have the same problem down the line and its very expensive. Its not right that Dodge or shall we same damien Chrysler want rememdy the problem. The crazy thing is the wiring harness is affected to and the parts alone for that is 1180 PCM 400 and thats used and you have to get it rebuilt which causing a problem because it can still be defective.

- Jackson, NJ, USA

problem #4

Jul 012004

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • miles
Dodge Durango.

- Berlin, 00, USA

problem #3

Jul 102006

Durango 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I have a Dodge Durango 2004. When it rains or I drive over a wet pavement the power steering belt gets wet and the steering wheel is hard to turn, causing the driverto loose control. The dealer cheked it and told me not to drive on rainy days (basically).

- North Lauderdale, FL, USA

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