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2000 Dodge Durango: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2000 Durango has a busy complaint file with NHTSA, and the suspension accounts for 507 of those reports[1]. Two recalls cover the front upper ball joints and the driver air bag clockspring, so check that both were done before you buy[2][3].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 1,075 owner complaints on file for the 2000 Durango[4]. Owners reported 118 crashes, 26 fires, 85 injuries and 11 deaths in those complaints[4]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name several parts.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension[1] | 507 | 18 | 1 | 10 | 49,592 |
| Engine[7] | 156 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 84,000 |
| Power train[8] | 120 | 12 | 1 | 3 | 57,115 |
| Steering[9] | 83 | 9 | 1 | 6 | 54,404 |
| Brakes[10] | 83 | 23 | 1 | 13 | 54,747 |
| Electrical system[11] | 56 | 2 | 10 | 1 | 100,000 |
| Air bags[12] | 51 | 41 | 1 | 39 | 68,000 |
| Latches, locks, linkages[13] | 42 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 58,500 |
Suspension. This group has more complaints than the next three groups combined[1][7][8][9]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe an SUV that pulls, drifts or wanders, sometimes even after repeated alignments, and that can feel hard to keep straight over bumps[1]. Others describe whining or howling from the rear end, groaning over bumps and rattles that dealers could not cure[1].
Engine. Owners in our sample describe stalling while driving or at idle, an unsteady idle and misfires that dealers could not trace[7]. A few describe smoke or fire without warning[7]. The engine group lists 13 fires[7].
Power train. Owners describe grinding, whining or clicking noises from the differentials, driveline or transfer case, often still there after several repairs[8]. Some describe transmission or shifter trouble, including a transmission that quit at low mileage[8].
Steering. Owners describe steering that wanders or has play over potholes, and steering that binds or locks until forced[9]. Two of the texts we read tie the problem to the clockspring, the part covered by recall 01V153[9][3].
Air bags and brakes. These groups are smaller, but they carry the most crash reports. Air bag complaints list 41 crashes and 39 injuries, and brake complaints list 23 crashes and 13 injuries[12][10]. Fire reports also show up under the electrical system, with 10 fires among 56 complaints[11].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2000 Durango[5].
- Front upper ball joints (04V596). On four-wheel-drive versions, moisture can get into the front upper ball joints, wash out the grease and cause corrosion. Over time the joint wears and may clunk, though you may not hear it. A badly worn joint can come apart, which could cause loss of control. Dealers replace the front upper ball joints. The campaign began in December 2004[2].
- Driver air bag clockspring (01V153). Sound deadening material inside the steering wheel can come loose and get in the way of the clockspring ribbon. That breaks the circuit, turns off the driver air bag and lights the air bag warning lamp. Dealers replace the clockspring. The recall text describes pickup trucks built at certain plants, so check by VIN whether a given Durango is covered[3].
A used seller should be able to show that both were done[2][3].
Fuel economy
Every version uses an 8-cylinder engine with a 4-speed automatic and regular fuel[6][14][15][16][17]. The smallest engine with rear-wheel drive does best, and the largest engine with four-wheel drive does worst[6][17].
| Version | City | Highway | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2WD, 4.7L[6] | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| 2WD, 5.2L[14] | 12 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| 2WD, 5.9L[15] | 11 | 16 | 13 | $5,150 |
| 4WD, 4.7L[16] | 12 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| 4WD, 5.9L[17] | 11 | 15 | 12 | $5,600 |
The annual cost figures use the EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the SUV was new.
Safety ratings
The 2000 Durango was not rated in NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program[18]. That means there is no official crash test score to compare.
Engine and size
EPA lists three 8-cylinder engine sizes for the 2000 Durango[6][14][15]. The 4.7L and 5.9L came with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and the 5.2L is listed with rear-wheel drive only[6][14][15][16][17].
The size figures below are Canadian-market specifications for the Durango 4x4 Sport/SLT, so US models can differ slightly[19].
How 2000 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 965 | 4 |
| 1999 | 1,967 | 3 |
| 2000 | 1,075 | 2 |
| 2001 | 665 | 5 |
| 2002 | 423 | 4 |
| 2003 | 339 | 4 |
| 2004 | 1,115 | 8 |
| 2005 | 1,567 | 8 |
| 2006 | 852 | 9 |
| 2007 | 275 | 4 |
| 2008 | 97 | 2 |
| 2009 | 17 | 4 |
| 2011 | 800 | 8 |
| 2012 | 640 | 10 |
| 2013 | 640 | 11 |
| 2014 | 783 | 11 |
| 2015 | 503 | 4 |
| 2016 | 161 | 3 |
| 2017 | 213 | 2 |
| 2018 | 233 | 5 |
| 2019 | 144 | 4 |
| 2020 | 55 | 2 |
| 2021 | 204 | 8 |
| 2022 | 59 | 7 |
| 2023 | 32 | 2 |
| 2024 | 14 | 0 |
| 2025 | 8 | 0 |
| 2026 | 14 | 0 |
With 1,075 complaints, the 2000 model year has the fourth highest count of any Durango year NHTSA lists[5]. Only 1999 (1,967), 2005 (1,567) and 2004 (1,115) have more[5]. Nearby years had fewer, with 965 for 1998 and 665 for 2001[5].
Its 2 recalls are on the low side[5]. 2008, 2017, 2020 and 2023 also have 2, and only 2024 through 2027 list none[5]. Keep in mind that complaint counts are not adjusted for how many were sold.
Should you buy a used 2000 Durango?
The 2000 Durango has the fourth highest complaint count of any Durango year, led by the suspension with 507 complaints[1][5]. Owners also report engine stalls and fires under the engine and electrical groups[7][11]. Before buying, confirm that the ball joint and clockspring recalls were done[2][3]. Have a mechanic check the front suspension, steering and differentials, since owners describe trouble there[1][8][9]. Expect thirsty fuel use, with EPA combined ratings between 12 and 15 MPG[17][6].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2000 Dodge Durango?
- Suspension is the largest complaint group with 507 of 1,075 complaints[1][4]. Engine (156) and power train (120) come next[7][8].
- Does the 2000 Dodge Durango have recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls[5]. One replaces front upper ball joints on 4x4 versions[2], and one replaces the driver air bag clockspring[3].
- What gas mileage does a 2000 Durango get?
- EPA combined ratings range from 15 MPG for the 2WD 4.7L to 12 MPG for the 4WD 5.9L[6][17].
- Is the 2000 Durango a reliable year?
- It has the fourth highest complaint count of any Durango year NHTSA lists, at 1,075[5]. Complaints are not adjusted for sales, so treat this as a rough guide[5].
- Which Durango years have fewer complaints than 2000?
- Among early years, 2001 (665), 2002 (423) and 2003 (339) all have fewer complaints than 2000 (1,075)[5].
Facts and sources
- 507 complaints name the suspension component group (18 crashes, 1 fires, 10 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,592). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 04V596, filed December 21, 2004: Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 01V153, filed May 8, 2001: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
- NHTSA has 1,075 owner complaints on file for the 2000 Dodge Durango (118 mention a crash, 26 a fire, 85 injuries, 11 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Dodge Durango model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Durango 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 156 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 13 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 84,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 120 complaints name the power train component group (12 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,115). NHTSA vehicle records
- 83 complaints name the steering component group (9 crashes, 1 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 54,404). NHTSA vehicle records
- 83 complaints name the brakes component group (23 crashes, 1 fires, 13 injuries, median mileage at failure 54,747). NHTSA vehicle records
- 56 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 10 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 100,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 51 complaints name the air bags component group (41 crashes, 1 fires, 39 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 42 complaints name the latches/locks/linkages component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 58,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Durango 2WD, 5.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Durango 2WD, 5.9L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 11 city / 16 highway / 13 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Durango 4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Durango 4WD, 5.9L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 11 city / 15 highway / 12 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, DURANGO 4X4 SPORT/SLT: length 194 in, width 72 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 4,599 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov