NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 339 owner complaints for the 2003 Dodge Durango. Most complaints involve suspension (91) and electrical system (57). The EPA rates it 13–15 mpg combined.
SKF IS RECALLING 2,805 HUB UNITS, PART NO. BR930361, SOLD AS A SERVICE PART FOR 1997-2004 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES AND 1999-2003 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2-WHEEL DRIVE & REAR AXLE ABS. DUE TO A SPECIFICATION ERROR, THE ROTOR PILOT FOR THE HUB UNIT MAY BE TOO LONG. THIS RESULTS IN THE WHEEL TO NOT BE SEATED FULLY AGAINST THE HUB FLANGE FACE DURING MOUNTING.
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.
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Durango model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 976 |
| 1999 | 2,012 |
| 2000 | 1,097 |
| 2001 | 665 |
| 2002 | 434 |
| 2003 | 339 |
| 2004 | 1,115 |
| 2005 | 1,567 |
| 2006 | 852 |
| 2007 | 275 |
| 2008 | 97 |
| 2009 | 19 |
| 2011 | 800 |
| 2012 | 640 |
| 2013 | 640 |
| 2014 | 786 |
| 2015 | 505 |
| 2016 | 161 |
| 2017 | 214 |
| 2018 | 234 |
| 2019 | 145 |
| 2020 | 56 |
| 2021 | 208 |
| 2022 | 61 |
| 2023 | 39 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 15 |
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING SOUND AND FELT IT THROUGH THE DRIVESHAFT. IN ADDITION, THE TWO FRONT TIRES WERE WORN ON THE INSIDE TREAD. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO LAKE CITY CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (4325 W US HWY 90, LAKE CITY, FL 32055, (386) 755-3444) TO VERIFY THE DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,297.”
“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 informed the contact that the vehicle would be an out of pocket expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH HE HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED HIM THAT THE VALVE SEAT CAME OUT OF THE HEAD GASKET CAUSING IT TO OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY DECARBONATING THE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 107,571.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durango 2WD Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,150 | 592 |
| Durango 4WD Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,450 | 635 |
| Durango 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 13 | $4,800 | 684 |
| Durango 4WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.9 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 16 | 13 | $4,800 | 684 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 safety recalls as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 339 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (91), electrical system (57), engine and engine cooling (40). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2003 Dodge Durango at 13–15 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).