MotorDeets

1997 Dodge Durango: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1997 Dodge Durango: 1 recall, 4 owner complaints.

1vehicle recalls
4owner complaints
0mention a crash
–best combined mpg
No free-license photo yet

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Airbags Vehicle recall #01V153000 · 2001 · 216,100 vehicles

What's wrong: Sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. Note: the Ram pickup trucks were built at the warren assembly plant ("s" in the 11th VIN position) from May 16, 2000 through October 23, 2000; st. Louis north assembly plant ("j" in the 11th VIN position) from May 19, 2000 through October 23, 2000; lago alberto assembly plant ("m" in the 11th VIN position) from May…

Why it matters: When this occurs, the material could interfere with the clockspring ribbon and cause an open circuit. The driver air bag system will become disabled, and the air bag warning lamp will illuminate on the instrument panel.

The fix: Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly. Owner notification began June 18, 2001. Also some 1997-200 model year vehicles that, according to warranty records, have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, will also be included in this campaign.

1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Engine & cooling Equipment recall #06E024000 · 2006 · 44,386 vehicles

What's wrong: 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…

Why it matters: A jammed open throttle could cause unintended acceleration of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash or increased stoping distances when braking.

The fix: K&n will provide owners with a free repair kit along with repair instructions. The recall began on April 20, 2006.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Suspension2
Brakes (hydraulic)1
Speed control / throttle1

What owners describe

The 1997 Dodge Durango has 4 owner complaints, ranking #29 of 29 Durango model years for complaints (well below the 475 average). Neighboring years: 1998 (965 complaints, 4 recalls).

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Dodge Durango.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1997 Dodge Durango manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 1997 Dodge Durango manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 1997 Dodge Durango manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1997 Dodge Durango manual

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FAQ

Does the 1997 Dodge Durango have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1997 Dodge Durango, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 1997 Dodge Durango problems?

Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (2), brakes (hydraulic) (1), speed control / throttle (1).

Where can I get a 1997 Dodge Durango repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Durango years

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