Common Dodge Durango Faults
Whether an old model or a new one, you can always count on the superb comfort and excellent benefits of the Dodge Durango. Although the Dodge Durango is a reliable full-size SUV, it also has its problems. Here are the common Dodge Durango failures .
How good are Dodge Durangos?
The Dodge Durango scored highly in all major reliability ratings. In one of the rankings it took third place out of 14 in the full-size SUV segment. It has enough utility to easily transport the load and a great resale value, since it only depreciates 46% in five years.
Its 2020 model was ranked 3rd out of 10 full-size SUVs after receiving an overall rating of 83 out of 100 in another ratings event. With proper handling and regular maintenance, a Dodge Durango can last well beyond its estimated useful life .
Common Dodge Durango Faults
While the Dodge Durango has its fair share of problems, it’s also generally well-reviewed and can be a good bet if you’re on the hunt for a Dodge SUV. Even so, it is important to understand the difficulties that this vehicle can present and the most common problems.
1- Engine failures
Many 2004 Dodge Durango owners had problems with their engine. Most of them complained about having a blown motor that broke out of the blue. This problem is dangerous especially if it occurs while driving in the middle of a busy road. Although some owners were able to fix the problem by replacing the engine, it’s best to take your Durango to a mechanic when you suspect you have this problem.
2- EGR tube clogged
Many owners of 1999 to 2002 and 2004 to 2009 Dodge Durangos have experienced engine shutdown and idle due to a clogged exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) tube.
Affected SUVs also tend to start hard, die suddenly, or stall frequently. Cleaning the clogged EGR tube or replacing it with a new one usually solves this problem.
3- Problems with the exhaust manifold
One of the most commonly reported common Dodge Durango failures is ticking noises coming from the exhaust manifold . This issue appeared on first through third generation Durangos, although it appears to be a recurring issue with the 2005 Dodge Durango.
Dodge did not issue a recall despite numerous reports, so the owners had to resolve this issue themselves. Some had to replace worn exhaust manifold bolts, while others had to replace the exhaust manifold gasket with a new one.
4- Failure of the camshaft sensor
Many first generation (1998-2003) Dodge Durangos experienced a camshaft position sensor failure. Most owners have reported experiencing engine failure to start or intermittent shutdown when the part failed. To fix it, most had to get a replacement.
5- Problems with door locks
Auto locks intermittently locking and unlocking are another commonly reported Dodge Durango failure. This problem was common on first generation (2000-2003) and third generation (2011-2015) Durangos.
Owners have reported that the problem occurs most often when they are driving through a car wash and in other wet conditions. Most of them had to replace the door cylinder and tailgate switches to fix the problem.
6- Accumulation of oil sludge
One of the widely reported problems with the 2000 Dodge Durango was oil sludge buildup in the engine, which causes abrupt drops in oil pressure . Owners have reported that buildup continues to occur even when the oil was recently changed. Most had to have their engine replaced to restore their SUV’s performance.
7- Air conditioning problems
Some first through third generation Durango owners have experienced an A/C malfunction due to a refrigerant leak coming from the A/C condenser.
Some of the model years affected include Durangos from 1998 to 2003, 2005, 2006, 2012, 2014, and 2018. Most drivers have been able to resolve this issue by replacing their AC capacitor.
The musty smell coming from the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system is another widely reported problem. This issue has affected Dodge Durangos from 1999 to 2016.
Owners have complained of a strong musty odor coming from the vents when the heat or air conditioning was on. To address the problem, Dodge has offered a sanitizer and evaporator coating designed to prevent bacterial growth.
8- Problems with the TIPM
The 2011 Dodge Durango has quite a few issues, one of which was a faulty Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) . The TIPM is the car’s power electronic relay center. When it goes bad, it can cause a whole bunch of electronic problems throughout the Durango.
Owners have complained of some issues, such as all the warning lights coming on and the SUV refusing to start.
A faulty TIPM was such a widespread problem that the manufacturer issued the recall for 2011 Dodge Durangos with either a 3.6L or 5.7L engine. Dodge replaced the TIPMs on the recalled models to fix this issue.
9- Worn hood grille
A worn grille is another common first (1998-2003) and second (2004-2007) generation Dodge Durango failure. Owners have complained that the faulty hood grille did not keep water out during heavy rain, causing the check engine light to activate and various engine problems . Most drivers were able to fix this problem by replacing their worn out hood louvers with new ones.
