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Dodge Durango 1998–2003 problems by year and mileage

1st generation (DN)

NHTSA data through 18 October 20265,434 complaints, 3,136 with mileageMethod

Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.

The 1998 Dodge Durango

Close
Median failure report
70,000 mi
Complaints filed
965
Recalls naming this year
4

Most reported on the 1998

  1. Suspension540 reports · median 68,000 mi
  2. Transmission and driveline103 reports · median 68,000 mi
  3. Steering90 reports · median 64,000 mi

Recall areas Air bags · Fuel system, gasoline — storage · Service brakes, hydraulic — foundation components
Check the VIN at NHTSA

When each system fails on this generation →

The 1999 Dodge Durango

Close
Median failure report
71,000 mi
Complaints filed
1,967
Recalls naming this year
3

Most reported on the 1999

  1. Suspension1,102 reports · median 64,000 mi
  2. Engine and its cooling system281 reports · median 79,000 mi
  3. Electrical system181 reports · median 119,000 mi

Recall areas Air bags · Seat belts — front · Fuel system, gasoline — storage
Check the VIN at NHTSA

When each system fails on this generation →

The 2000 Dodge Durango

Close
Median failure report
59,000 mi
Complaints filed
1,075
Recalls naming this year
2

Most reported on the 2000

  1. Suspension507 reports · median 49,000 mi
  2. Engine and its cooling system127 reports · median 73,000 mi
  3. Transmission and driveline120 reports · median 57,000 mi

Recall areas Suspension — front · Air bags
Check the VIN at NHTSA

When each system fails on this generation →

The 2001 Dodge Durango

Close
Median failure report
55,000 mi
Complaints filed
665
Recalls naming this year
5

Most reported on the 2001

  1. Suspension265 reports · median 48,000 mi
  2. Transmission and driveline106 reports · median 69,000 mi
  3. Electrical system91 reports · median 88,000 mi

Recall areas Power train — automatic transmission · Electrical system · Suspension — front
Check the VIN at NHTSA

When each system fails on this generation →

The 2002 Dodge Durango

Close
Median failure report
58,000 mi
Complaints filed
423
Recalls naming this year
4

Most reported on the 2002

  1. Suspension144 reports · median 43,000 mi
  2. Transmission and driveline71 reports · median 81,000 mi
  3. Electrical system48 reports · median 80,000 mi

Recall areas Power train — automatic transmission · Electrical system · Suspension — front
Check the VIN at NHTSA

When each system fails on this generation →

The 2003 Dodge Durango

Close
Median failure report
63,000 mi
Complaints filed
339
Recalls naming this year
4

Most reported on the 2003

  1. Suspension91 reports · median 41,000 mi
  2. Electrical system57 reports · median 98,000 mi
  3. Engine and its cooling system40 reports · median 55,000 mi

Recall areas Electrical system · Suspension — front · Visibility — windshield wiper/washer
Check the VIN at NHTSA

When each system fails on this generation →

Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 1999; earliest: the 2001, and the 1999 is 2 years older (part of the gap is age).

The short answer

“Is the 1998–2003 Dodge Durango reliable?”

Median of reported failures
65,000 mi
90% of reports came by
138,000 mi
Reports with mileage
3,136
Recalls
12

Most reported

  1. Suspension48.7% of complaints · median 59,000 mi
  2. Engine and its cooling system11.3% of complaints · median 73,000 mi
  3. Transmission and driveline11.1% of complaints · median 68,000 mi

When each system fails ↓

Documented problems

What each one is ↓

Owners filed 5,434 complaints with NHTSA about the 1998–2003 Dodge Durango; the suspension leads with 48.7% of them, and half of the 3,136 that record an odometer reading came by 65,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.

No single peak: the middle half runs 44,000 to 98,000 miles.

Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗

How many miles does a 1998–2003 Dodge Durango last?

On the 1998–2003 Dodge Durango, half of the 3,136 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 65,000 miles and 90% by 138,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).

229 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 44 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Durango reached that mileage, not that it failed there.

Figure 1 · Dodge Durango 1998–2003 · 3,136 reports with mileage

Mileage at failure

5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 192 complaints

Mileage at failure, Dodge Durango 1998–2003Histogram of 3,136 owner-reported failures by mileage, in 5,000-mile bins from 0 to 200,000. The tallest bin is 60,000 to 65,000 miles with 192 complaints, 6.1 percent of the total. No single peak: the middle half runs 44,000 to 98,000 miles. A further 44 complaints, 1.4 percent, were reported above 200,000 miles and are shown as a separate detached bar. Median mileage at failure is 65,000.
  • Rest of the range
  • Median
  • 200,000+ — 44 complaints (1.4%), plotted separately
10%
29,000
25%
44,000
Median
65,000
75%
98,000
90%
138,000
Show the numbers
Complaints by mileage bin
MileageComplaintsShare
0–5,000712.3%
5,000–10,000321.0%
10,000–15,000441.4%
15,000–20,000461.5%
20,000–25,000642.0%
25,000–30,000682.2%
30,000–35,0001424.5%
35,000–40,0001615.1%
40,000–45,0001906.1%
45,000–50,0001665.3%
50,000–55,0001805.7%
55,000–60,0001775.6%
60,000–65,0001926.1%
65,000–70,0001544.9%
70,000–75,0001775.6%
75,000–80,0001233.9%
80,000–85,0001254.0%
85,000–90,0001163.7%
90,000–95,000802.6%
95,000–100,000832.6%
100,000–105,0001003.2%
105,000–110,000501.6%
110,000–115,000571.8%
115,000–120,000511.6%
120,000–125,000682.2%
125,000–130,000421.3%
130,000–135,000431.4%
135,000–140,000321.0%
140,000–145,000381.2%
145,000–150,000351.1%
150,000–155,000401.3%
155,000–160,000170.5%
160,000–165,000280.9%
165,000–170,000230.7%
170,000–175,000180.6%
175,000–180,00080.3%
180,000–185,000190.6%
185,000–190,000140.4%
190,000–195,00070.2%
195,000–200,000110.4%
200,000+441.4%

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.

How to read these figures

Common Durango problems, and when they happen

Figure 2 · Dodge Durango 1998–2003

When each system fails

Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)

  1. Hydraulic brake circuit429 reportsmedian 50,000middle half 27,000–81,000
  2. Suspension2,649 reportsmedian 59,000middle half 42,000–79,000
  3. Steering439 reportsmedian 65,000middle half 44,000–88,000
  4. Transmission and driveline605 reportsmedian 68,000middle half 48,000–106,000
  5. Engine and its cooling system615 reportsmedian 73,000middle half 49,000–105,000
  6. Airbag system206 reportsmedian 73,000middle half 45,000–112,000
  7. Electrical system467 reportsmedian 107,000middle half 64,000–144,000
  • Your odometer, once entered below

Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.

All systems in a table
Complaints by vehicle system
SystemComplaintsShareMedian25–75%
Suspension2,64948.7%59,00042,000–79,000
Engine and its cooling system61511.3%73,00049,000–105,000
Transmission and driveline60511.1%68,00048,000–106,000
Electrical system4678.6%107,00064,000–144,000
Steering4398.1%65,00044,000–88,000
Hydraulic brake circuit4297.9%50,00027,000–81,000
Airbag system2063.8%73,00045,000–112,000
Visibility equipment1903.5%54,00036,000–86,000
Seats1512.8%87,00055,000–125,000
Exterior lighting1142.1%87,00059,000–115,000

Known problems with the 1998–2003 Durango

Suspension 2000–2003

Upper ball joint wear and separation causing loss of steering control; subject to recall on the Durango/Dakota chassis.

Engine 2000–2003

4.7L PowerTech V8 head gasket and cylinder head cracking following overheating; the engine has little margin once coolant is lost.

Transmission

46RE overdrive clutch and governor pressure solenoid failures.

Before you buy a 1998–2003 Durango: the 3-minute check

Generated from 3,136 mileage-tagged complaints, 12 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 campaigns cover this generation.
  2. Check suspension on 2000–2003 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
  3. Check engine on 2000–2003 cars.
  4. Check transmission.
  5. Years differ here: from 339 to 1,967 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
  6. End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.

Durango problems by mileage: where your car sits

Type your odometer, or read the table.

earlier past most reports · in window inside the middle half · later before most · reports, not your odds (how to read)

Where each system’s reports sit against common odometer readings
SystemMiddle half of reports, miAt 60k mi43% belowAt 90k mi71% belowAt 120k mi84% belowAt 150k mi93% belowAt 200k mi99% below
Suspension42,000–79,000in windowearlierearlierearlierearlier
Engine and its cooling system49,000–105,000in windowin windowearlierearlierearlier
Transmission and driveline48,000–106,000in windowin windowearlierearlierearlier
Electrical system64,000–144,000laterin windowin windowearlierearlier
Steering44,000–88,000in windowearlierearlierearlierearlier
Hydraulic brake circuit27,000–81,000in windowearlierearlierearlierearlier
Airbag system45,000–112,000in windowin windowearlierearlierearlier

Figure 3 · Dodge Durango 1998–2003 · 3,136 reports with mileage

Share of reports below each mileage

Steps at bin edges (how to read it)

Cumulative share of reports by mileage, Dodge Durango 1998–2003Of 3,136 reports that record mileage, the share filed below each odometer reading, rising in steps at each 5,000-mile bin edge. 43 percent below 60,000 miles. 71 percent below 90,000 miles. 84 percent below 120,000 miles. 93 percent below 150,000 miles. 99 percent below 200,000 miles. Median 65,000 miles.
  • 60,000 mi — 43% of reports below
  • 90,000 mi — 71% of reports below
  • 120,000 mi — 84% of reports below
  • 150,000 mi — 93% of reports below
  • 200,000 mi — 99% of reports below
  • Median (the 50% line)
  • Your odometer, once entered

Linear axis, same as Figure 1.

1998–2003 Dodge Durango recalls (12)

NHTSA records 12 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).

The campaigns cluster around the transmission and driveline (2), the electrical system (2), the suspension (1) (why one area can repeat).

Summaries below shorten NHTSA’s own wording.

  1. Dec 2007 · 2001–2002 · Power TrainEither of these conditions could allow the vehicle to roll away causing a crash without warning.

    The defect. On certain van and pickup trucks equipped with automatic transmissions, the ignition/park shift interlock system may become inoperative. This can allow the shifter to be moved out of the "park" position with the ignition key removed (or in the "lock"…

    What can happen. Either of these conditions could allow the vehicle to roll away causing a crash without warning.

    The free fix. Dealers will replace the gearshift blocker and bracket assembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during january 2008. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

    NHTSA campaign 07V-555 (2007-12-04).

  2. Sep 2006 · 2001–2003 · Electrical SystemThis may allow development of a high resistive short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to…

    The defect. 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.

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

    The free 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…

    NHTSA campaign 06V-339 (2006-09-07).

  3. Dec 2004 · 2000–2003 · SuspensionExcessive wear in the upper ball joint may allow it to separate, which could result in loss of control of the…

    The defect. 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…

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

    The free 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.

    NHTSA campaign 04V-596 (2004-12-21).

  4. May 2004 · 2002–2003 · VisibilityDriver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.

    The defect. 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.

    What can happen. Driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.

    The free 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.

    NHTSA campaign 04V-216 (2004-05-05).

  5. Dec 2002 · 2003 · Exterior LightingIf the lights fail, a visibility problem could occur, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

    The defect. 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.

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

    The free 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…

    NHTSA campaign 02V-322 (2002-12-02).

  6. May 2001 · 1998–2000 · Air BagsWhen this occurs, the material could interfere with the clockspring ribbon and cause an open circuit.

    The defect. Vehicle description: pickup trucks. 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…

    What can happen. 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 free 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…

    NHTSA campaign 01V-153 (2001-05-08).

  7. Apr 2001 · 1999 · Seat BeltsIf the retractor does not work properly, it will not adequately protect occupants in the event of a crash.

    The defect. Vehicle description: certain van, wagon, pickup trucks, passenger and sport utility vehicles, fail to comply with requirements of fmvss no. 209, "Seat belt assemblies." The front seat belt retractor may not comply with the requirements of the standard.

    What can happen. If the retractor does not work properly, it will not adequately protect occupants in the event of a crash.

    The free fix. Dealers will replace the seat belt retractor. Owner notification began august 20, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the…

    NHTSA campaign 01V-119 (2001-04-11).

  8. Mar 2001 · 2001 · Power TrainThis could cause the transfer case to end up in the neutral position unexpectedly and allow the vehicle to…

    The defect. Vehicle description: light duty trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with 4-wheel drive. The electric shift transfer case may not fully engage into gear when the operator moves the transfer case selector switch.

    What can happen. This could cause the transfer case to end up in the neutral position unexpectedly and allow the vehicle to roll away if the parking brake is not applied.

    The free fix. Dealers will reprogram the transfer case control module. Owner notification began april 9, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not…

    NHTSA campaign 01V-077 (2001-03-07).

  9. Nov 2000 · 2001 · Child SeatIn the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the…

    The defect. Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 225, "Child restraint anchorage systems." Some of the owner's manuals for these vehicles are missing instructions that…

    What can happen. In the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the child.

    The free fix. Owners will be provided with an addendum to the owner's manuals.

    NHTSA campaign 00V-366 (2000-11-09).

  10. Dec 1999 · 1998–1999 · Fuel System, GasolineFuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

    The defect. Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The fuel tank strap can separate due to fatigue during operation. If this occurs, the tank will be unsupported, increasing the risk of a fuel leak.

    What can happen. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

    The free fix. Dealers will replace the double toggle lock fuel tank straps with single toggle lock design. Note: affected vehicles built through may 21, 1998, also require the rear brake tube inspection/repair. As…

    NHTSA campaign 99V-342 (1999-12-02).

  11. Dec 1999 · 1998 · Service Brakes, HydraulicIf the tube were perforated, there would be a reduction in braking from the rear wheels, increasing stopping…

    The defect. Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The rear brake tube can contact an underbody crossmember eventually wearing a hole in the tube.

    What can happen. If the tube were perforated, there would be a reduction in braking from the rear wheels, increasing stopping distances.

    The free fix. Dealers will install a rubber isolator on all vehicles that do not indicate tube contact. Vehicles that show contact and have less than 45,000 miles and no signs of red rust will have the rubber…

    NHTSA campaign 99V-341 (1999-12-02).

  12. Jan 1998 · 1998 · Electrical SystemThis condition could cause a fire in the engine compartment.

    The defect. Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The fastener which secures the generator cable to the power distribution center (pdc) has an insufficient clamp load, resulting in a loose connection and electrical arcing at the connection.

    What can happen. This condition could cause a fire in the engine compartment.

    The free fix. Dealers will retighten the generator cable and battery cable fasteners to the proper torque specifications.

    NHTSA campaign 98V-019 (1998-01-30).

Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported

Out of 5,434 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:

Crashes
400 (7.4%)
Fires
109
Injury reports
203
Fatality reports
9

Self-reported and overlapping (how to read these).

Durango problems by model year

The 1999 drew the most complaints of this generation, 1,967, most of them about the suspension, and the 2003 the fewest, 339. A typical year drew about 815.

That makes the 1999 stand out at roughly 2.4 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).

Complaints by model year
YearComplaintsWith mileageMedian milesMost reportedRecalls
199896544170,000Suspension (540)4
19991,9671,14771,000Suspension (1,102)3
20001,07560859,000Suspension (507)2
200166541355,000Suspension (265)5
200242328758,000Suspension (144)4
200333924063,000Suspension (91)4

What Durango owners reported

The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle was slow to stop. While depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The…

2000 · 165,000 miles · Hydraulic brake circuit

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle; an abnormal clanking sound was coming from the vehicle. An independent mechanic was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was most likely related to a defective rod bearing. Neither the dealer nor the…

2001 · 217,000 miles · Engine

The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH the vehicle inadvertently stopped. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic. The contact replaced the battery, fuel pump, shocks, ball joints, and disc brakes, and front rotors…

2000 · 115,000 miles · Engine

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…

2003 · 110,000 miles · Electrical system

Built from 3,136 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built

Other Durango generations

Other three-row SUVs from the same years