CarBrief

Owners filed 423 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Durango, and suspension is the biggest group[1][2]. The SUV also has 4 recalls, and it is thirsty, with EPA combined ratings of 12 to 15 MPG[3][4][5].

423owner complaints[1]
4recalls[3]
12–15MPG combined (EPA)[4]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 423 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 35 mention a crash, 13 a fire, 38 injuries and 3 deaths[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.

Here are the largest component groups:

Component group Complaints Crashes Median mileage at failure
Suspension[2] 144 7 44,000
Power train[6] 71 2 83,117
Brakes[7] 65 11 34,000
Engine[8] 56 2 86,000
Electrical system[9] 48 1 78,705

Suspension. In a sample of suspension complaints we read, owners describe worn or failing ball joints in 4 of 10 different texts, including repeat repairs and one case of lost steering control[2]. Other texts mention a loose shock nut, a pull to one side and a loose feeling in the steering[2]. A recall covers the front upper ball joint on 4x4 models (see below)[10].

Engine. In a sample of 12 engine complaints, owners describe the vehicle stalling while driving in 6, often without warning, and dealers could not find the cause[8]. Three texts describe oil sludge found in the engine[8].

Power train. In a sample of 11 power train complaints, 6 describe transmission trouble or a transmission replacement[6]. Two describe the vehicle moving or shifting out of park without the key in the ignition[6]. That matches the shift interlock recall below[11].

Brakes. In a sample of 12 brake complaints, 10 describe a longer stopping distance, and some say the pedal went to the floor[7]. Five mention anti-lock brakes acting oddly[7]. Brakes have the most crashes of the five large groups, with 11[7].

Smaller groups can be serious. Air bags have 16 complaints, with 10 crashes, 10 injuries and 2 deaths[12]. Steering has 28 complaints with 9 injuries[13]. Visibility has 15 complaints[14].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2002 Durango[3]. Newest first:

Fuel economy

The EPA lists six versions. Ratings are city, highway and combined MPG, with the EPA's estimated annual fuel cost. All use regular gas.

Version City / Hwy / Combined Annual fuel cost
2WD, 4.7L V8, 4-speed automatic[4] 13 / 18 / 15 $4,450
2WD, 4.7L V8, 5-speed automatic[17] 13 / 17 / 14 $4,800
2WD, 5.9L V8, 4-speed automatic[18] 11 / 16 / 13 $5,150
4WD, 4.7L V8, 4-speed automatic[19] 12 / 16 / 14 $4,800
4WD, 4.7L V8, 5-speed automatic[20] 12 / 16 / 14 $4,800
4WD, 5.9L V8, 4-speed automatic[5] 11 / 15 / 12 $5,600

The EPA's fuel cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2002 Durango 3 stars for rollover resistance[21]. Our data has no other star ratings for this model year.

Engine and size

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[22][23].

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
4x4 R/T[22] 194 in 72 in 72 in 116 in 4,727 lb
4x4 SXT/SLT/SLT Plus[23] 194 in 72 in 72 in 116 in 4,630 lb

The EPA lists 4.7L and 5.9L eight-cylinder engines[4][18].

How 2002 compares with other years

1998: 965 complaints, 4 recalls19981999: 1,967 complaints, 3 recalls2000: 1,075 complaints, 2 recalls2001: 665 complaints, 5 recalls20012002: 423 complaints, 4 recalls42320022003: 339 complaints, 4 recalls2004: 1,115 complaints, 8 recalls20042005: 1,567 complaints, 8 recalls2006: 852 complaints, 9 recalls2007: 275 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 97 complaints, 2 recalls2009: 17 complaints, 4 recalls2011: 800 complaints, 8 recalls20112012: 640 complaints, 10 recalls2013: 640 complaints, 11 recalls2014: 783 complaints, 11 recalls20142015: 503 complaints, 4 recalls2016: 161 complaints, 3 recalls2017: 213 complaints, 2 recalls20172018: 233 complaints, 5 recalls2019: 144 complaints, 4 recalls2020: 55 complaints, 2 recalls20202021: 204 complaints, 8 recalls2022: 59 complaints, 7 recalls2023: 32 complaints, 2 recalls20232024: 14 complaints, 0 recalls2025: 8 complaints, 0 recalls2026: 14 complaints, 0 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Durango model year. The 2002 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19989654
19991,9673
20001,0752
20016655
20024234
20033394
20041,1158
20051,5678
20068529
20072754
2008972
2009174
20118008
201264010
201364011
201478311
20155034
20161613
20172132
20182335
20191444
2020552
20212048
2022597
2023322
2024140
202580
2026140

NHTSA lists 423 complaints and 4 recalls for 2002[3]. Of the 29 model years in the NHTSA list, 12 have more complaints than 2002 and 16 have fewer[3]. The year before, 2001, has 665 complaints and 5 recalls, and 2003 has 339 complaints and 4 recalls[3]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, so treat this as a rough guide for the same model only.

Should you buy a used 2002 Durango?

The complaint record points to suspension, brakes, engine stalling and the transmission as areas to check. Ask whether the 4x4 ball joint recall and the shift interlock recall were done[10][11]. Have a mechanic look at the front suspension and test the brakes and the shifter. Fuel costs are high at $4,450 to $5,600 a year by EPA estimates, depending on the version[4][5]. The complaint samples we read are small, so they show what owners reported, not how often problems happen.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Dodge Durango?
Suspension has the most NHTSA complaints at 144, then power train at 71 and brakes at 65[2][6][7]. In a sample of suspension complaints we read, owners describe ball joint problems[2].
Does the 2002 Dodge Durango have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls: shift interlock (07V555), console connector (06V339), front upper ball joint on 4x4 models (04V596) and wiper module (04V216)[11][15][10][16].
How many MPG does a 2002 Dodge Durango get?
EPA combined ratings run from 12 to 15 MPG depending on engine and drive[4][5]. The best is 15 MPG for the 2WD 4.7L with a 4-speed automatic[4].
How is the 2002 Durango rated for safety?
NHTSA rates rollover resistance at 3 stars[21].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 423 owner complaints on file for the 2002 Dodge Durango (35 mention a crash, 13 a fire, 38 injuries, 3 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 144 complaints name the suspension component group (7 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 44,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Dodge Durango model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 71 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 3 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 83,117). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 65 complaints name the brakes component group (11 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 56 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 3 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 86,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 48 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 5 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 78,705). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. Recall 04V596, filed December 21, 2004: Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint. NHTSA recall database
  11. Recall 07V555, filed December 4, 2007: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Column Shift. NHTSA recall database
  12. 16 complaints name the air bags component group (10 crashes, 0 fires, 10 injuries, median mileage at failure 66,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 28 complaints name the steering component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 94,686). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 15 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 42,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. Recall 06V339, filed September 7, 2006: Electrical System. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 04V216, filed May 5, 2004: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer. NHTSA recall database
  17. EPA rating for Durango 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. 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
  19. EPA rating for Durango 4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 16 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Durango 4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 16 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: rollover 3 stars. NHTSA vehicle records
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, DURANGO SUV 4X4 R/T: length 194 in, width 72 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 4,727 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, DURANGO SUV 4X4 SXT/SLT/SLT Plus: length 194 in, width 72 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 4,630 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.