2003 Dodge Durango recalls and problems

The 2003 Dodge Durango has 4 safety recalls and 339 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
339
Crashes / fires
29 / 18
Injuries / deaths
28 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Dodge Durango vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Dodge Durango recalls

Recall 06V-339: Electrical System

Reported Sep 7, 2006 · 35,103 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with front bench seats only, if fluid is spilled from the floor mounted cup holder, an unused console power outlet connector located under the seat may become contaminated.

Risk: This may allow development of a high resistive short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the console wiring connector for corrosion, clean as required, and install a cap to prevent additional fluid from contaminating the connector free of charge. The recall began on october 30, 2006. Owners may contact daimler chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Recall 04V-596: Suspension

Reported Dec 21, 2004 · 592,707 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel drive (4x4), if moisture leaks into the front suspension upper ball joint, evacuation of the lubricant and corrosion of the joint may cause the joint to wear over an extended period of time. This could cause a clunking noise in the front suspension, which may not always be heard by the vehicle occupants.

Risk: Excessive wear in the upper ball joint may allow it to separate, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle.

Fix: Dealers will replace the front suspension upper ball joints. This safety improvement campaign began on december 21, 2004. Owners can contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Recall 04V-216: Visibility

Reported May 5, 2004 · 320,188 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper module motor may be susceptible to water intrusion that could cause internal corrosion and result in partial or complete loss of front windshield wiping capability.

Risk: Driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper module. Owner notification began on july 12, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Recall 02V-322: Exterior Lighting

Reported Dec 2, 2002 · 3,640 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: On certain pickup trucks, the central timer module (Ctm) has an improperly sized circuit board trace that could potentially cause the right headlamp low beam to become inoperative.

Risk: If the lights fail, a visibility problem could occur, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the ctm. Owner notification began december 23, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

2003 Dodge Durango problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Suspension107
Electrical System57
Engine and Engine Cooling40
Exterior Lighting39
Service Brakes, Hydraulic29
Power Train27
Visibility23
Steering20
Air Bags17
Tires16
Wheels14
Engine12

Most reported parts

  • Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint — 47
  • Suspension › Front — 18
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 15
  • Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint — 13
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch — 11
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 10
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 10
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 6

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 63,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Dodge Durango complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Structure · reported Jul 14, 2025
The obd reader on my 2003 Durango brings up code for central timing module and eeprm checksum error were the safety recall is in order but the vin number is not in the list of recall. It has all the specification of recall but vin number isn't in the list of recalls. I'm driving around in a unsafe vehicle due to manufacturing error that my vin number is the only thing why they won't fix it. Why do they not care if I kill myself or others from this that the recall is
Unknown or Other · reported Jul 23, 2024
Clogged or leaking A/C drain hose. This hose is responsible for draining condensation from the A/C evaporator, the condensation pools in large quantity on the passenger floorboard. This constitute a hazard for the electrical systems near it and a risk of corrosion not to mention potential toxic mold and basically the car self flooding. A few videos document the issue and it is due to bad design where the drain hose is oriented upward and/or the seal blocking water from penetrating the passenger cabin is cracked or falls away in time. Cars from 20+ years ago like my Dodge Durango would…
Electrical System · at 110,000 miles · reported Mar 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the battery had been replaced after being drained due to an unknown electrical failure. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the alarm would inadvertently sound while the vehicle was turned off. Additionally, the lights would flash on and off intermittently. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that she was able to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle would only restart while in Neutral. The local dealer was notified of the failure and…
Engine · at 11,400 miles · reported Jul 28, 2020
Hello yesterday I left work wasn't in my truck for 5 minutes and it started smoking white smoke came out and I seen antifreeze spray everywhere I don't know if the engine locked on me or the head gasket is blown either way what can I do about this also before this happened when it rains my truck will spin it scared the hell out of me when I was driving to work but this only happens when it rains the tires look good
Structure · at 157,000 miles · reported Apr 24, 2020
The drivers side wheel, hub assembly axle bearing front suspension broke off. Completely broke off. Extremely dangerous and seriously danaged

Other Dodge Durango years

Compare all Dodge Durango years · All Dodge models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Dodge Durango have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Dodge Durango: 06V-339 (electrical system), 04V-596 (suspension), 04V-216 (visibility), 02V-322 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Dodge Durango?

Owners report suspension problems most often (107 reports), followed by electrical system (57). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 63,000 miles.

Are Dodge recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Dodge dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.