Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2004 Dodge Durango — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2011 to Dec 2019
The most reported issue is engine problems (258 complaints). 45 complaints involved crashes. 74 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (9)
NHTSA Campaign: 17V824000
Component: EQUIPMENT
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V352000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
Risk: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V770000
Component: AIR BAGS
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. For vehicles that were sold, or are currently registered, in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, owners were notified and the recall began on December 5, 2014. For all other vehicles, Chrysler notified owners and the recall began on February 3, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P40 Expanded. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall 16V-352. This recall superseded the passenger air bag portion of recall 14V-354.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V313000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.
NHTSA Campaign: 09E012000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
NHTSA Campaign: 07V092000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
ON SOME SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS, AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THAT CONTROLS INTERIOR LIGHTING MAY OVERHEAT.
Risk: THIS COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE AN INSTRUMENT PANEL FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLUSTER FOR DAMAGE AND REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 2, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-140.
NHTSA Campaign: 04V578000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES BUILT WITH A 5.7L, 4.7L, OR 3.7L ENGINE, THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY CONTACT THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER CONTROL ARM MOUNTING BRACKET.
Risk: THIS CONTACT COULD ABRADE THE CABLE AND CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT, WHICH MAY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BATTERY CABLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPOSITION IT AWAY FROM THE CONTROL ARM MOUNTING BRACKET. THE RECALL BEGAN DECEMBER 14, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA Campaign: 03V528000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CIRCUIT BOARD CAPACITOR MAY OVERHEAT.
Risk: THIS COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN AN INSTRUMENT PANEL FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE CAPACITOR FROM THE CIRCUIT BOARD. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 17, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.
NHTSA Campaign: 04V020000
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.7L AND 4.7L ENGINES, THE THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE MAY INGEST WATER AND FREEZE DURING EXTENDED COLD TEMPERATURE.
Risk: THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION AND RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 19, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 1114)
Engine →4 issues
Your car was parked and working fine, but after a rainy weekend, it wouldn't start and made a grinding noise. Water leaked through the cowl (the area under the hood) and pooled on the engine, seeping into the intake and causing the engine to hydrolock—a condition where liquid prevents the engine from turning over. The repair will likely require engine rebuild or replacement, along with addressing the cowl leak to prevent future water intrusion.
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Your engine failed catastrophically due to a cylinder misfire and bent connecting rod, which the owner believes was caused by a faulty cowl panel. The engine blew when the owner tried to start it during rain. This type of engine damage typically requires either a complete engine rebuild or replacement.
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Your engine is shutting off unexpectedly during normal driving and even while stationary at a car wash, with no warning lights appearing beforehand. Water appears to be entering your engine compartment, which may be causing the stalling. The dealer was unable to diagnose or repair the problem. Fixing this will likely involve identifying and sealing the water leak into the engine area, and possibly replacing water-damaged engine components.
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Your Hemi engine's exhaust manifold may develop leaks as your vehicle ages, causing a ticking sound from the engine. This is a common problem reported on Hemi-equipped vehicles. The repair will likely involve replacing or resealing the exhaust manifold.
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Electrical System →2 issues
Your car caught fire while parked at a traffic light. White smoke appeared under the hood on the passenger side near the windshield, followed by flames dropping from the vehicle that melted plastic components. The fire spread rapidly, melting the windshield and damaging the air conditioning lines and battery before firefighters extinguished it. The issue may be related to electrical problems, as the owner had recently replaced the battery and alternator due to dashboard lights coming on and a dropping tachometer.
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Your transmission's motor case actuator is switching on and off by itself, sometimes triggered when you press the unlock button on your remote. The Service 4WD/4LO and Service Engine lights are coming on and off randomly while you're driving. At times your vehicle won't move even though everything appears to be running, especially after coming to a stop or slowing down.
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Power Train →2 issues
While driving at 65 mph, your Durango suddenly jerked and automatically shifted into four-wheel drive without you requesting it. The dealer diagnosed that your transfer case (the component that controls two-wheel vs. four-wheel drive) had failed and needed replacement. The issue occurred around 100,000 miles.
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Your vehicle is unexpectedly shifting into 4-wheel lock without any dashboard warning or indication beforehand, making it unpredictable and dangerous to drive. The service light flashes on and off frequently during low-speed turns, and you need to apply extra gas to get the vehicle moving, then it suddenly releases traction. This issue requires diagnosis of the four-wheel drive system and transmission shift controls.
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Electrical System,vehicle Speed Control,service Brakes →1 issue
Your vehicle unexpectedly accelerated while you were parking in your garage, and the brakes became unresponsive no matter how hard you pressed the pedal. The truck continued accelerating forward through your garage wall, backyard, and into a neighboring building before you were able to stop it by turning off the engine. Additionally, the airbags failed to deploy despite the severe impact. This could involve issues with the throttle control system, brake system, and airbag sensors.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,vehicle Speed Control →1 issue
While driving on the freeway, your odometer suddenly went dark and all your dashboard warning lights turned on. At the same time, your turn signals and brake lights stopped working. This suggests an electrical system failure that's affecting multiple circuits in your vehicle.
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Air Bags →1 issue
Your airbag warning light on the dashboard turns on and off intermittently, even though the Takata airbag recall was already completed. The light started appearing about 6 months ago, and you're concerned whether the airbag will work properly in a crash or might deploy unexpectedly. A dealer inspection is needed to diagnose why the warning light persists after the recall repair.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,air Bags,unknown Or Other →1 issue
After the dealership moved your dome light from the driver's door module to another location during recall service, your driver's door became inoperable and you couldn't enter normally. Multiple electrical issues then developed: your door locks cycle up and down on their own, your steering wheel no longer locks in place, your tire pressure light and other warning lights stay on, and your engine shut off unexpectedly while driving through a car wash. The dealership may have improperly disconnected or reconnected electrical components when relocating the dome light, affecting multiple systems that share that module.
Parts you may need:
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Electronic Stability Control (esc),engine →1 issue
Your engine is shutting off without warning while you're driving, causing your vehicle to come to a complete stop. This has happened multiple times. The issue may be related to the electronic stability control or engine systems, and you'll need a mechanic to diagnose why the engine is stalling and prevent it from happening again.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your car stalls and shakes when driving in rain, which is dangerous since the engine cuts off unexpectedly while you're on the road. Water is getting into engine components under the hood because the cowl (hood covering) isn't protecting them adequately from moisture, and your check engine light turns on during rain but goes away when the weather clears. This makes your vehicle unsafe to drive in wet conditions. The fix will likely involve inspecting and sealing the cowl or hood area to prevent water intrusion, and possibly replacing any water-damaged electrical components.
Parts you may need:
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Steering →1 issue
While driving home, your steering suddenly became very stiff and difficult to turn. You discovered that power steering fluid was leaking everywhere, caused by burst hydraulic transfer lines. This happened at only 100,000 miles. The repair will likely involve replacing the damaged power steering hoses and refilling the power steering fluid system.
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Electrical System,air Bags,engine →1 issue
Your airbag sensor is malfunctioning, and your oil pressure warning light flickers on the dashboard when you brake at idle. These issues started recently despite regular maintenance and no accident history. A mechanic will need to diagnose the airbag sensor fault and check your oil pressure system, which may involve replacing the oil pressure sensor or addressing low oil levels.
Parts you may need:
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Unknown Or Other →1 issue
When you tried to trade in your 2004 Dodge Durango at a dealership in July 2020, a CARFAX report indicated a possible odometer rollback — meaning the mileage may have been rolled back when you originally purchased the vehicle in 2013. The original dealership acknowledged the issue but then stopped responding to your calls and never followed up, leaving you unable to complete subsequent vehicle purchases. You have documentation of the CARFAX report, sales contract, title, and service records to support your claim.
Parts you may need:
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Vehicle Speed Control,unknown Or Other,electronic Stability Control (esc) →1 issue
After taking your Durango to the dealership for recall work, your driver's door won't unlock using the key fob, manual handle, or lock button—the door also beeps as if it's ajar. Additionally, your tire pressure warning light is on and your radio cuts in and out. The dealership has refused to address these issues, claiming they're not responsible for the problems that appeared after the recall service.
Parts you may need:
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Fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your fuel tank's inlet check valve isn't working properly, which prevents fuel from entering the tank normally and causes it to spill out as if the tank is full when it isn't. The owner reports that Dodge has only issued a recall for 2005 models, but believes this manufacturing defect affects earlier model years like yours as well. Getting the check valve repaired or replaced should resolve the issue.
Parts you may need:
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Trailer Hitches →1 issue
Your trailer hitch is experiencing rust and corrosion. This is a cosmetic issue that doesn't affect the hitch's structural integrity, but you may want to address it to prevent further deterioration. The fix would typically involve cleaning the rust and applying a protective coating or rust treatment.
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Related Vehicles
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