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2003 Dodge Durango: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 339 owner complaints on file for the 2003 Durango[1], and suspension is the biggest group of them[2]. EPA combined ratings run from 13 to 15 MPG[3][4][5][6].
Most reported problems
Owners filed 339 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Of those, 29 mention a crash, 18 a fire and 28 injuries, and no deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part.
The largest groups:
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension[2] | 91 | 8 | 1 | 4 | 41,362 |
| Electrical system[8] | 57 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 98,000 |
| Engine[9] | 52 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 57,250 |
| Exterior lighting[10] | 39 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 96,000 |
| Brakes[11] | 32 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 15,000 |
| Power train[12] | 24 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 36,199 |
| Visibility[13] | 22 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 48,000 |
| Steering[14] | 20 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 60,749 |
We also read a small sample of complaint texts for the top groups. What owners describe in that sample (12 texts per group):
- Suspension. In 8 of 12 texts, owners point to front end parts, such as upper and lower ball joints, a wheel or front assembly coming apart, or front-end noise[2]. 2 of 12 describe the vehicle pulling to one side[2].
- Engine. 6 of 12 texts describe stalling while driving or at idle[9]. 3 of 12 describe engine failure or damage, and 2 of 12 describe a check engine light tied to evaporative system repairs[9].
- Electrical. 7 of 12 texts describe several systems acting up together, such as lights, locks, wipers, gauges and stalling[8]. 3 of 12 mention smoke or heat from wiring[8].
- Exterior lighting. 7 of 12 texts describe flickering or failing lights and name a timer module[10]. 6 of 12 say the owner was told the vehicle was not covered by recall 02V322[10].
This is a small sample, so it shows what kinds of problems owners describe and not how common each one is.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year[7]. Newest first:
- Console power outlet connector (06V339). Dated September 2006[15]. On models with front bench seats only, a spilled drink from the floor cup holder can contaminate an unused power outlet connector under the seat. That can cause a short circuit and eventually a fire. Dealers inspect the wiring, clean it if needed and add a cap, free of charge[15].
- Front upper ball joint (04V596). Dated December 2004[16]. On four-wheel-drive (4X4) models, moisture can get into the front upper ball joint[16]. The joint can wear and may make a clunking noise that occupants do not always hear. A worn joint could separate and cause loss of control. Dealers replace the upper ball joints[16].
- Wiper module (04V216). Dated May 2004[17]. Water can get into the windshield wiper motor and corrode it, which can cut front wiping partly or completely. Reduced visibility could lead to a crash. Dealers replace the wiper module[17].
- Headlamp timer module (02V322). Dated December 2002[18]. A flaw in the central timer module could make the right headlamp low beam stop working, which raises crash risk. Dealers replace the module[18].
In the complaint sample we read, some owners said their vehicle was not included in 02V322[10]. In the complaint sample we read, some owners said their vehicle was not included in 02V322[10], so check your own vehicle by VIN.
Fuel economy
EPA lists four versions. All use regular fuel and an automatic transmission.
| Version | City | Highway | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd[3] | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| 4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd[5] | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| 2WD, 5.9L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[4] | 12 | 17 | 13 | $5,150 |
| 4WD, 5.9L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[6] | 11 | 16 | 13 | $5,150 |
The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new. The 5.9L versions cost more to fuel than the 4.7L versions in every case[3][4][5][6].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 2003 Durango 3 stars for rollover resistance[19].
Engine and size
EPA lists 4.7L and 5.9L eight-cylinder engines for this model year[3][4][5][6]. These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.
How 2003 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 |
The 2003 Durango has 339 complaints and 4 recalls[7]. Every year from 1998 to 2006 has more complaints, including 423 for 2002 and 1,115 for 2004[7]. Among the years right after, only 2007, 2008 and 2009 are lower, with 275, 97 and 17[7]. The 2004 year has 8 recalls, against 4 for 2003[7]. The 2004 year also has 8 recalls, against 4 for 2003[7].
Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so a lower count does not prove a better car.
Should you buy a used 2003 Durango?
The complaint count is lower than every year from 1998 to 2006[7], and no deaths are reported[1]. Still, suspension has the most complaints, including 8 crashes[2]. The 4WD upper ball joint recall involves a loss-of-control risk, so ask for proof that the work was done[16]. Fuel costs are high, from $4,450 to $5,150 a year by EPA's estimate[3][4]. If a seller can show the recall work and a clean front end inspection, the picture is fairer. Merge or drop a sentence, for example drop 'Fuel costs are high, ...' or join the last two: 'If a seller can show the recall work and a clean front end inspection, the picture is fairer, though our data cannot say how any single car has held up.'
Frequently asked questions
- Suspension has the most complaints at 91 of 339 on file [F1][F2], though one complaint can name several parts.
- Suspension has the most complaints at 91 of 339[1][2]. Electrical (57) and engine (52) follow[8][9].
- Does the 2003 Dodge Durango have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4: 06V339, 04V596, 04V216 and 02V322[15][16][17][18].
- What MPG does the 2003 Dodge Durango get?
- EPA combined ratings are 13 to 15 MPG depending on engine and drive[3][4][5][6].
- How safe is the 2003 Dodge Durango?
- NHTSA rates rollover at 3 stars[19]. Our data has no other star ratings.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 339 owner complaints on file for the 2003 Dodge Durango (29 mention a crash, 18 a fire, 28 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 91 complaints name the suspension component group (8 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 41,362). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Durango 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Durango 2WD, 5.9L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 17 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 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 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 / 16 highway / 13 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Dodge Durango model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 57 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 9 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 98,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 52 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 4 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,250). NHTSA vehicle records
- 39 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 96,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 32 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 15,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 24 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 36,199). NHTSA vehicle records
- 22 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 48,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 20 complaints name the steering component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,749). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 06V339, filed September 7, 2006: Electrical System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 04V596, filed December 21, 2004: Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 04V216, filed May 5, 2004: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 02V322, filed December 2, 2002: Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch. NHTSA recall database
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: rollover 3 stars. NHTSA vehicle records
- 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
- 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