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:
2 / 28
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
63,320 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 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2004 Dodge Durango Owner Comments (Page 4 of 9)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #108

Jul 222013

Durango 8-cyl

  • 146,000 miles

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

My 2004 Dodge Durango sat outside in the rain while I was away on a trip when it returned and restarted it, I heard a load pop and the engine idling rough, got out to check and seen and smelled oil coming out of the side of the engine block. Motors toast, good job Chrysler for a quality product!

- Toledo, OH, USA

problem #107

Jul 012013

Durango 8-cyl

  • 122,226 miles
Vehicle was running fine until storm came through dumping continuous rain on vehicle. I went to move the vehicle later that day and noticed standing water on drivers side floorboard/carpet. It was soaked! I went to start the engine it didn't respond initially so I turned ignition backwards (off direction) and tried to restart. At that moment it started very rough and made a loud noise from the engine and continually does so whenever it is started now. I can't and don't drive it. Looking closer under the hood apparently water is getting inside the engine compartment when it rains. The black material lining under the hood was soaked also. On the engine there were water droplets and most components of the engine had dried water marks/streaks throughout the compartment.

- Salem, VA, USA

problem #106

Feb 182013

Durango

  • 120,000 miles
My well-maintained 2004 Dodge Durango slt began doing something bizarre a few months ago at about 120,000 miles. This has 4.7L V8 and the AWD-4hi-4lo 2-speed transfer case. The "service 4WD" and the traction control light began flashing, and it felt like the transfer case was stuck in 4hi with the tires grabbing on a turn. The selector knob on the dash would not function. I brought the truck to my mechanic who checked the function of the transfer case motor, inspected the motor and wiring, and changed the transfer case fluid again. I called my local Chrysler dealer and they advised that they would need to change the transfer case motor. The motor costs $1190 plus two hours labor and two quarts of atf+4 fluid. I brought the truck back to my mechanic and he said there is nothing wrong with the motor or the transfer case or the dash selector knob. He said he believes this is a control module or programming issue. I got a third opinion at my local lee myles. They concurred that there is nothing wrong with the transfer case motor and there must be some issue with the computer, programming, or one or more of the control modules. The truck continues to do the same thing. The malfunction condition exists approximately 65% of the time. I can't afford to bring to the dealer now and spend over $1300 for a repair that I do not think will correct the problem. I have read on many message boards that this seems to be a very common issue with 2004-2006 Durangos and changing the motor, or the switch does not help the situation. I also notice that at times when I open the doors or unlock the doors with the key fob, I can hear the transfer case motor cycling. This seems to be an electrical or programming issue. It is very difficult to turn the wheels at low speeds when the malfunction condition exists and I fear this is straining the transmission.

- Edison, NJ, USA

problem #105

Apr 102013

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • 180,000 miles

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

Went out to start 2004 Dodge Durango morning after a heavy rain, turned key and rod went thru block. Had problems with it when it rained (caused multiple misfires) found out later after the engine blew that the company was aware of the cowl leakage problem that allows water to leak onto motor. Think there should of been a recall or letter advising us this needed fixed. Evidentially these complaints aren't being read or no one is paying attention to them. Guess were all screwed by Dodge. Vehicle was maintained proper every 3000 miles just for information Dodge will not help anyone if engine is out of warranty, they will tell you your on your own. Sale, sale, sale, your Dodge Durango and don't buy another one. Sale it and don't keep because it will happen again. By selling it the problem is then solved because Dodge or these guys wont do anything for you.

- West Frankfort, IL, USA

problem #104

Apr 122013

Durango 6-cyl

  • 75,500 miles
Vehicle was parked on a residential side street for approximately 5 hours when it caught fire under the hood. The entire front end and dash was destroyed. The fire department stated it appeared to be an obvious electrical problem, so they did not need to investigate further. They had to remove the interior roof because the wiring had started burning along the edges of the roof interior. The vehicle was up-to-date on factory recalls, and despite this, it still burned. I did not receive a warning, the instrument panel was clear, and the 2004 Durango only had about 75500 miles as of 4/2013. I was the sole owner.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

problem #103

Oct 272010

Durango

  • 110,000 miles
Purchased my hemi Dodge Durango 2004, with approx. 90,000 miles on it. Only 20,000 miles into the purchase, turning from a complete stop accelerating into a 40 mph. Lane at approx. 25-35 mph, (clunk) after hearing a loud thump, car would not move. Towed to experienced maintenance, contacted my local Chrysler maintenance dept., only option to resolve my matter was to replace my now dead 110,000 mile engine with a re built engine at a purchase price of $2,500/approx.70,000 miles. Approx. 15,000 miles and only local driving (3 miles tops/per day), I am experienceing faults which lead me to believe, I will experience this unfortunate problem again. Vehicle also, turns off in heavy rain, air bags alerts are faulty, stereo eqipment faulty, electical seating faulty. Please advise.

- Elgin, IL, USA

problem #102

Mar 252013

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • 71,000 miles

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

Any and all times the battery cables are removed from the battery for routine maintenance on a 2004 Dodge Durango, the airbag light illuminates after reconnection of the battery. The airbag system becomes inoperative and must be recalibrated by a dealer at a cost in excess of $100. This is the 2nd time this has occurred.

- Chadds Ford, PA, USA

problem #101

Dec 082012

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • 118,523 miles
Went to the repair facility to have car looked at code P2302 came up when checking the computer was informed that would need a new PCM replaced with a new factory one and about 3 weeks ago light came back on and when trying to clear it the light blinks and just stays on both times the code P2302 came on the ignition coil for that cylinder was cracked and the plastic was melted.

- Parksville, NY, USA

problem #100

Feb 072013

Durango 8-cyl

  • 94,000 miles
Bought this 04 Durango with a hemi, in 2010. It has always had a problem with running rough or stalling after/during rain. Something is getting wet? dealership tried to fix it a couple of times. It works fine after it dries. Also there was a recall in 2004 for positive battery cable failure possibly causing fire. This vehicle was taken in to have the repair for this recall (#D40) in 2007. The same battery cable is now failing and is in the shop for repair. The battery cables are not available after market so they have been ordered from Dodge. There is no provision in the recall to repair when the thing fails even after it was fixed. It started having all kinds of electrical issues so I brought it to repair shop (not dealership). Dealership says they can't do anything. I did call daimler/Chrysler recall center and they were very nice, told me to send in all the information to them for possible reimbursement. The recall is good for 10 years, and I believe it should be investigated further. This is 9 years later, but evidently the recall repair has failed.

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

problem #99

Dec 152012

Durango 8-cyl

  • 96,000 miles
Truck cut out would not restart had stopped at an intersection needed to roll to the side of said intersection with no power steering brakes or engine.

- Omaha , NE, USA

problem #98

Dec 082012

Durango

  • 90,000 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 several hours after parking the vehicle for the night, the vehicle automatically powered on without the key being in the ignition and all of the lights in the instrument panel illuminated. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that smoke and burning fumes were emitting through the vents. The contact stated that in order to turn off the vehicle, the battery had to be disconnected and replaced as a temporary remedy. The remedy failed to repair the problem. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician stated that there was a leak in the moon roof and water seeping in, causing an electrical short. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 90,000.

- Flushing , NY, USA

problem #97

Oct 262012

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • 110,211 miles
When the multifunction turn signal switch is used, the vehicle intermittently activates the opposite direction instrument cluster light and exterior turn signal lamps. The exact same problem, symptoms and part number involved for the 2004 Dodge Durango slt exhibits same symptoms and involves the same part that NHTSA action number PE08059 report date of November 12, 2012 references which has resulting in an factory extended recall for Dodge/ Ram 3500 which use the exact same turn signal multi switch part number involved in the above stated recall. With countless reports of this multiswitch incorrectly illuminating the opposite intended turning direction. This defective switch creates a great danger and potential disaster for many on the roadway.

- Lompoc, CA, USA

problem #96

Sep 182012

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • 80,000 miles
Wife was driving on highway and car completely shut down, engine, all power. No power steering, no power brakes, nothing. Happened multiple times. Last time, shut down on highway doing 60mph with multiple children in car.

- Everett, MA, USA

problem #95

Oct 012010

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • 120,000 miles
The blend door which controls where heat and ac are directed breaks on this vehicle. Im unable to defrost the windows.

- Parker, CO, USA

problem #94

Dec 172011

Durango

  • 104,000 miles
My passenger and I were sitting at a red light. The check engine of my 2004 Dodge Durango limited (5.7ltr) came on, then the battery light came on and both of those lights started to flicker. There was a loud squeal and a pop, then the engine stalled and I felt the brake pedal fall straight to the floor. White smoke started to emerge from the engine compartment, which quickly turned a thick black color. I couldn't even see through the smoke, as it was so dense. I grabbed my phone and proceeded to call roadside assistance to get the vehicle off of the road (the vehicle was blocking a lane of a major highway in my town). I started to smell burning plastic and thought, "am I on fire?". my passenger instructed me to lower my window because another driver was yelling something and making hand gestures. When I tried to use the windows, I noticed that I had lost all power. In a panic I opened the door and instructed my passenger to do the same. That was when we heard what the other drivers were screaming. "get out of the truck, it's on fire!". when I turned to get out of the vehicle, that was when I saw the flames flowing up the windshield about 4" long. We jumped out of the vehicle and ran across the road to the curb, turned to view the vehicle, seen that it was a large fire and decided to run about 200-300 feet away from it. Just in case it exploded. The firemen were there in under a minute, but the vehicle was engulfed in flames in about 30 to 45 seconds. I have a large family and it's a good thing they were not all with me, as is the case 90% of the time. I do not know if I would've had time to get three small children out of their carseats in time. This could've ended much worse than it did.

- Phyiladelphia, PA, USA

problem #93

Oct 112011

Durango

  • 93,000 miles
At 93000 miles wheel indicator light stays on replaced tire at normal time to change, but light does not go out. Also having other inside problems, engine is making bad noises, wipers don't work half the time, air conditioner not blowing cool air even having it filled with freeon, center panel over heats. Air bag light come on and off while driving with no one else in truck.

- Elmore, AL, USA

problem #92

Jun 092010

Durango

  • 89,000 miles
I bought my Durango at a used dealers. It had 56000 miles one owner, 2010, center column panel over heated and you could smell plastic burning. The radio shut off the air condition controls well actually everything was so hot you had to turn off truck to let that center panel cool down before you could turn them off, the next thing I started hearing a bad shifting noise and it banged really loud like from the rear end I assumed. No matter if you were driving slow or fast the truck would downshift and sounding like a rod or something was going to come through the floor. I have all of the maintenance down when was told but this didn't help at the time the downshifting started it was 90,000 miles, now I am at 93,000 -or 98,000 miles and something is really knocking to me I thought it might have been a fan hitting the radiator but not the case, it also stalls out in the rain and engine wont start until after rain has stopped, it stalls out on sunny days for no reason. You still here a thud noise or it downshifting hard at 15 miles an hour or if you go any speed it continues to down shift shaking the vehicle. The windshield washer button broken off from under the hood the rubber around the hood keeps falling off inside panel lights are shorting out. Whats wrong with this truck good care fantastic vehicle love it but it has issues bad issues. Not drivable 930000#

- Elmore, AL, USA

problem #91

Oct 122011

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • 110,000 miles
When driving through a puddle, the engine stalls and the power steering goes out. I was stuck in the middle of a busy intersection for 2-3 minutes until I was able to restart the car.

- Zanesville, OH, USA

problem #90

Sep 242011

Durango

  • miles
Needing more info on just what does the gas cap do. So far I've had my engine light come on, and was told it was because the gas cap wasn't tightened. My latest discovery, I got in my vehicle, turned on the ignition, and the car eventually died, with no further turnover. I got out of the vehicle, thought of checking the gas cap, made a few turns, and got back into my vehicle, and, it turned over without difficulty. What other features does this item have that I should be aware of?

- Tunkhannock, PA, USA

problem #89

Jun 022011

Durango

  • 104,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the instrument panel lights started flashing as the vehicle stalled. The contact mentioned that she had problems starting the vehicle before the failure occurred therefore, she had to jump started the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the battery cable shorted out, melting the egr tube due to the cluster being program incorrectly. As a result, the battery cable and the egr tube needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 04V578000 (electrical system:battery:cables). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 104,000.

- Camdenton, MO, USA

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