2003 Dodge Durango: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Dodge Durango: 4 recalls, 339 owner complaints and up to 15 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #02V322000 · 2002 · 3,640 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #04V216000 · 2004 · 320,188 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Suspension Vehicle recall #04V596000 · 2004 · 592,707 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Electrical Vehicle recall #06V339000 · 2006 · 35,103 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls 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.
Suspension Equipment recall #08E064000 · 2008 · 2,805 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Improper seating of the wheel can result in excessive vibration, brake rotor noise, difficulty removing the wheel after installation and operation of the vehicle, and possibly wheel-end separation during vehicle operation. Should wheel-end separation occur, the driver could loose control of the…
The fix: Skf will notify owners and replace the defective hub units free of charge. The recall began on November 5, 2008.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 18 mention a fire, 28 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Suspension (91): the most common themes are noise or vibration (32), steering problems (9).
- Electrical (57): the most common themes are electrical failure (20), door / lock issues (8), fire / smoke (7).
- Engine & cooling (40): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (16), warning light on (12), noise or vibration (7).
- Exterior lights (39): the most common themes are warning light on (5), electrical failure (4).
The 2003 Dodge Durango has 339 owner complaints, ranking #14 of 29 Durango model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 475). Complaints peaked in 2004 (64 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 62,949 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (423 complaints, 4 recalls), 2004 (1115 complaints, 8 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.9 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 13 | Regular |
| 5.9 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 16 | 13 | Regular |
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 2003 Dodge Durango.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Dodge Durango have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Dodge Durango, plus 2 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 2003 Dodge Durango problems?
Owners have filed 339 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (91), electrical (57), engine & cooling (40).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Dodge Durango get?
EPA ratings run up to 15 mpg combined (4.7 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 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.