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 already caught on fire.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 7
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
84,818 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.

2005 Dodge Durango electrical problems

electrical problem

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2005 Dodge Durango Owner Comments (Page 5 of 9)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #92

Jul 012014

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • miles

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

The tire pressure warning light on my 2005 Dodge Durango limited hemi has been on for approximately 3-4 years. Other than this issue, the vehicle is in excellent condition (50,500 miles). After dealing with several dealerships, I filed a complaint with Chrysler and was given a case number. A Chrysler case manager named "paul" (1-800-763-8422 ext. 66371) notified me via voice-mail today that they will not pay to resolve/investigate the matter. The case manager is clearly avoiding speaking to me by contacting me at my home number during the day, even after I left him a message with my primary contact number. The issue: This vehicle was subject to an instrument cluster/wiring recall in 2007. I obtained a copy of the claim form. The cluster was not replaced, however, the wiring was modified. Apparently, this recall was done due to overheating issues. So far, I haven't experienced this issue. But the tire pressure warning light should not be on - especially given the fact that my vehicle is not equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Clearly, the wrong cluster is installed in the vehicle and/or the wiring modification was done incorrectly as part of the recall. I believe, these issues came to the forefront when the battery was low and/or replaced. The internet/forums are littered with issues regarding the instrument cluster and electrical issues with the Durangos manufactured during 2005-2007. The "labor operation number" is 08-G0-71-82 as part of safety recall G07. I am in the process of obtaining a quote from the dealership to investigate and fix the matter. A rough estimate is the cost will be approximately $1,000. Chrysler is avoiding taking responsibility for an issue(s) directly related to a matter subject to a previous recall. I would greatly appreciate this matter be thoroughly investigated. Please contact me.

- Westerville, OH, USA

problem #91

Sep 132013

Durango 8-cyl

  • 135,000 miles
My Durango shift into 4 wheel hi and 4 wheel lo by itself while driving and while sitting. This cause my truck while driving to jerk and it locks the wheels up. This situation causes difficulty to turn also.

- Racine, WI, USA

problem #90

Jul 112014

Durango 8-cyl

  • 114,670 miles
Summary: When I parked and exited/locked my 2005 Dodge Durango, I could hear the transfer case switching all on its own. On my way home the svc 4WD light lit and then 4lo began flashing. We left on vacation and when I came home and backed the car out there was a loud noise and it is undriveable. I have read many reports of other ownwer's vehicles doing the same thing on years 2004 & 2005 with the hemi motor and the dealers not knowing what is going on and charging several expensive repairs for different findings not always fixing the problem.

- St. Louis, MO, USA

problem #89

May 142014

Durango 8-cyl

  • 102,000 miles

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

My Durango is one of hundreds possibly thousands of vehicles that has the transfer case mysteriously shifting on its own. It can be triggered by the unlock button, even the dome light. The transfer case is now shifting all the time in and out of position both when the vehicle is under operation and parked. The is dangerous and Dodge claims to know nothing. I spent 10 minutes and found hundreds of Chrysler vehicles with the same symptoms and no definitive answers. (google Dodge Durango svc 4WD light) please help.

- New Brighton, PA, USA

problem #88

Jun 232014

Durango 8-cyl

  • 137,000 miles
As I approached my vehicle and used the remote to open the doors, I heard a noise under the vehicle like gears were shifting on their own without the vehicle even running. I started the vehicle and started driving. When I went into a parking lot and turned left to park, it was like someone was putting on the brakes making it difficult for me to turn and to accelerate--felt like I was in 4WD despite not shifting to 4WD from AWD. I nearly hit the car next to mine because I had to accelerate so hard to get into the spot without getting hit from the rear. I turned the car off and let it sit for 1/2 hour and restarted it and drove home. When I let the car sit in the garage, I was in the garage and heard gears shifting on their own while the vehicle was not running. This has already happened 3 times and it is quite scary! if I try to turn left and this happens on the road, I could get into a serious accident.

- West Bloomfield, MI, USA

problem #87

Mar 012010

Durango

  • 30,000 miles
Engine turns off randomly usually at a lower speed but not always.

- Napa, CA, USA

problem #86

Mar 122014

Durango

  • 132,000 miles

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

Vehicle switches in & out of 4WD on its own while driving, or puts itself into neutral on the 4WD, also hear something engaging when unlocking doors with remote when parked or remote won't work at all to unlock doors. Mechanic found lots of other mechanics working on same issue on a forum he subscribes too and I found tons of Durango & some pickup owners complaining of and trying to get the same issue fixed. I have had several other minor electrical issues in my Durango for the past two years so I am convinced this is an electrical issue.

- Berthoud, CO, USA

problem #85

Mar 192014

Durango 8-cyl

  • 56,000 miles
On 3/19/2014 I was driving in the middle lane of a very busy street called gratiot ave with heavy traffic and the engine just stopped. I could not accelerate and had just enough speed to slowly merge right and turn into a shopping mall off the street in order to miss oncoming traffic. My truck had completely stalled.

- Mt Clemens, MI, USA

problem #84

Mar 152012

Durango

  • 70,000 miles
4X4 locks up when turning end result broke my transfer case.

- Hobbs, NM, USA

problem #83

Dec 102013

Durango 8-cyl

  • 69,000 miles
When actuating the left turn signal, the right turn signal comes on. Problem occurs for a short time (a day) and then disappears. Problem appears intermittently. If you are watching traffic, you will not even notice the problem and that you are signalling the wrong direction.

- Batavia, IL, USA

problem #82

Feb 102014

Durango

  • 127,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph over a pot hole, the lights on the instrument panel and the radio failed. The contact stated that he tapped on the instrument panel and the lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and they stated that the vehicle was repaired once before for the same failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #81

Feb 152014

Durango 8-cyl

  • 212,000 miles
I wanted to share with you my recent experience at my local Dodge dealer, spartanburg Chrysler Dodge Jeep first, I will never go to spartanburg Dodge again, for anything. They tried to charge me to correct a NHTSA recall (instrument cluster fire hazard), which they did complete. My cluster still tells me there are problems with 2 systems my vehicle does not have installed. Regarding the 2nd recall I had them address (fuel tank replacement). I brought me vehicle in with nearly a half tank of gas, when I picked it up it had approximately 1/2 gal. My on board computer told me I had 0 miles to empty. I was told they had no way to transfer the fuel from the old tank to the new, which is bs. They have to get the fuel out of the tank as it is against the law to dispose of the fuel, I suspect someone got a free fill up. In addition, I had the dealer had my vehicle for 4 days and still have not resolved the recall. When I came to pick my vehicle up the second time, they tried to charge me over $100 dollars for a "diagnostic fee" for rechecking the recall on the cluster, but I later found out they didn't do anything at all to the cluster the second time. When I told them I would not pay for the recall to be fixed they threatened to keep my vehicle, upon calling the sheriff's office to retrieve my property they changed their mind. They brought me the keys to my vehicle and pointed me in the direction of it. When I found it, the battery was dead from a light left on, no one came to help me get the vehicle started. I had to call my wife to come and give me a jump start. I would like to have this instrument cluster replaced as it should have been the first time per the recall. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Boiling Springs, SC, USA

problem #80

Feb 022014

Durango 8-cyl

  • miles
Beginning Friday, January 31, 2014 in the evening the dome lights of my Durango would not turn off after the normal delay. We tried several things to shut them off but they stayed on. The car started fine Saturday, February 1, 2014 in the morning and I took it to run errands. I noticed again though the lights stayed on. That evening we parked the car as normal in the garage. At about 3:30 am Sunday, February 2, 2014 we were awakened by smoke in the house. We found the heaviest smoke in the room connected to the garage. We got our children and pets out of the house and called the fire department. When they arrived the Durango was on fire. The entire interior burned. There was substantial damage to our garage and some damage to the interior adjoining room. The fire inspector told us that the fire originated in the interior headlining of the Durango. Starting at the front by the windshield and then moving to the back of the vehicle. The fire department put the fire out and the vehicle was towed to a body shop.

- Twin Falls, ID, USA

problem #79

Sep 012011

Durango

  • 70,000 miles
2005 Durango 4.7 V8 hemi my vehicle randomly shuts down on its own, locking the steering column, when slowing down and turning at the same time as when coasting into a parking space or coming to a stop. Also, on some of these occasions, all interior electrical components seem to go out, inst panel, radio, fan/blower, etc. Brought in multiple times for inspection, they say they find nothing. In last 6 months, 4WD light blinks as if its changing from AWD to 4WD on its own, sometimes can hear it engaging under car when using key fob locking or unlocking, and when turning into a parking spot it feels like it changed to 4lo as its almost skipping/hopping like trying to take a turn with 4WD and rpms go way up like I'm in a low gear. Many, many of the same complaints on Dodge forums with many people just throwing money at it and having multiple things replaced etc, just to find out its not fixed. Needs to be recalled soon.

- Maple Grove, MN, USA

problem #78

Sep 202013

Durango

  • 125,000 miles
I was pulling into a parking space and the car started skipping and jumping, vehicle was hard to steer and it also hesitated to go, turning was very difficult. The 4 lock light was flashing on all by itself and the knob has been on AWD I only rarely switch the vehicle to 4 lock in the winter time. This makes about a dozen times it has happened to this vehicle. Twice in one day is very scary. I am very afraid of what might happen if I am going a higher speed at the time it decides to mess up. I have talked to a mechanic and he has never heard of the issue but says it could be very dangerous if it would happen while driving a higher rate of speed. I have search on line by typing '05 Dodge Durango 4 lock by itself' and there are a lot of people having the same issue. Also with no luck figuring the problem, one person had replaced the transfer case 3 times and it was only a temporary fix.

- Summersville, WV, USA

problem #77

Sep 042013

Durango 8-cyl

  • 112,341 miles
While operating the vehicle the service 4WD light came on. At some point after that the transfer case shifted into 4hi lock.I scanned the obdii and had no codes present. Also scanned the 4WD selector switch and it showed the switch was operational, but the transfer case shift motor was not shifting. Dropped the vehicle off at an independent transmission shop one week later and it sat for a few hours and when they went to road test it no warning lights and it was now in AWD. Again the repair shop did an obd scan and came up with no codes.if these vehicles were to shift into four wheel drive (low or high range ) at highway speeds of 65 mph I feel major driveline damage and or failure will result, which could lead to serious injury or death.

- Shrewsbury, MA, USA

problem #76

Aug 212013

Durango

  • 79,000 miles
2005 Dodge Durango 5.7 hemi stalls upon acceleration. During acceleration in the forward direction the vehicle will lose all electrical function and shut down the engine causing the motorist to be stranded in the middle of an intersection or other dangerous section of roadway. Loss of electrical function can be attributed to the close proximity of the positive battery cable to the egr pipe on the right side of the engine. During acceleration the engine will torque over causing the egr pipe to make contact with the battery cable thus causing the plastic sheathing to become chafed. Over time this chafing will wear through the plastic sheathing and expose the bare copper wire allowing it to come in contact with the metal egr pipe. The contact of the copper wire from the positive battery cable to the metal egr pipe creates a direct short which in turn shuts down the electrical system and any engine control functions. In some instances this short can cause the battery cable to heat up enough to catch the plastic insulation on fire and possibly lead to battery explosion.

- Glen Mills, PA, USA

problem #75

Feb 192013

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • 119,000 miles
Vehicle stalls at low speeds and deceleration, idling hard at a stop and while in park, will stall when idling hard, gas spills out of inlet when filling up completely, sluggish in temperatures below 30 degrees and above 80 degrees, requires more than normal maintenance, service tech's can never diagnose the causes of stalling or idling issues, think it might concern the throttle body, transmission has torqued itself out before, stripped screws, rebuilt at 90000 miles. Just waiting for it to go again. This vehicle has been nothing but issues ever since I bought it used. Every fix just feels like a band aid to the manufacturing problems it has.

- Elkhart, IN, USA

problem #74

Feb 132013

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • 57,000 miles
The vehicle stalls while making turning maneuvers at low speeds which disables the power steering and brakes. This has occurred on numerous occasions but the dealer is unable to duplicate the problem and has not been able to correct this issue. This has always occur during decelerations, such as braking for a stop sign or traffic signal. When it happen I must immediately put the vehicle in park and restart it, but luckily this has not let to an accident yet.

- Columbus , OH, USA

problem #73

Jan 292013

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • 157,913 miles
Was driving down the road then came to my neighborhood --- the road was clear but the turn light up ahead had just changed --- so I had time to make my turn into my neighborhood but when I attempted to turn the vehicle just shut off the -- there were two oncoming cars the one in lead began blowing but the car could not be steered or anything. Luckily the cars had time to stop --- so, I quickly put the vehicle in park and attempted to restart the vehicle. Thankfully it started and I was able to continue to pull into my neighborhood. My 10-year old daughter was in the front passenger side and began to scream when she heard the horns blowing --- this could have been tragic---what is the problem and why are these vehicles still able to be sold. I just purchased this vehicle on Saturday. Then while in my neighborhood I called a friend we test drove the vehicle -- the haul/tow light was on then off -- the right rear light was off the on the way back to be park it came on again-- the passenger air bag light was on then a few minutes later it was off. In addition the vehicle shut off again twice while turning the corner onto another street in the neighborhood.

- Norcross, GA, USA

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