2003 Dodge Durango recalls and problems

4 recalls and 339 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Dodge Durango.

4
recalls
339
owner complaints
29
complaints mentioning a crash
18
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Dodge Durango recalls

Electrical system

NHTSA campaign 06V339000 · reported September 7, 2006 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 35,103 vehicles potentially affected

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

Suspension: front, control arm, upper ball joint

NHTSA campaign 04V596000 · reported December 21, 2004 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 592,707 vehicles potentially affected

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

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer

NHTSA campaign 04V216000 · reported May 5, 2004 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 320,188 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
Driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.
The 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.

Exterior lighting: headlights, switch

NHTSA campaign 02V322000 · reported December 2, 2002 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 3,640 vehicles potentially affected

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

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jul 18, 2026 · Seat belts

The seatbelt is locking up and won't pull out for the driver and the front passenger.

Jul 14, 2025 · Structure

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…

Jul 23, 2024 · Unknown or other

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…

Mar 14, 2022 · Electrical system · 110,000 miles

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…

Dec 10, 2020 · Power train · 160,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS MOTHER WHO OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATE THAT WHILE HIS MOTHER WAS DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED TO FIRST GEAR WITHOUT WARNING TEMPORARILY AND THEN RETURNED TO NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. LEITH CHRYSLER JEEP (5500…

Durango model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 21,07411826
2001 56656020
2002 44233513
2003 43392918
2004 81,1154574
2005 81,5673821
2006 9852169

Across all years, the 2005 Durango has the most complaints (1,567). All Dodge Durango years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Dodge Durango have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Dodge Durango, the most recent reported on September 7, 2006 (Electrical system). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Dodge Durango?
Owners have filed 339 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is suspension (91 complaints), followed by electrical system (57).
How many 2003 Dodge Durango complaints mention a crash or fire?
29 of 339 complaints report a crash and 18 a fire; 28 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 18, 2026.