10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
83,760 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Dodge Durango electrical problems

electrical problem

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2002 Dodge Durango Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #24

May 122011

Durango

  • 107,305 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that all of the vehicle interior lights, the instrument panel lights, the windshield wipers and the power locks were not working. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the computer module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 107,305.

- Fort St Lucie, FL, USA

problem #23

Dec 022010

Durango 8-cyl

  • 123,015 miles
I have a 2002 Dodge Durango sport with 123K miles. I was driving 70 mph on the freeway, when my car completely shut down....I.e. power steering, power brakes, everything. Due to the fact that I could hardly turn off the road I was nearly rear ended by an 18 wheeler. I had 2 small children in the vehicle with me, and it was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. I have read online thousands of people having the same issues, which are apparently the PCM is too close the engine which causes the vehicles instruments to shut down. I find this a major reason to investigate this issue. Does Chrysler/Dodge need a whole family to die in one of their vehicles before they decide to issue a recall? this is a very serious issue that the NHTSA needs to investigate before, if it hasn't happened yet, someone gets killed.

- Davie, FL, USA

problem #22

Apr 172010

Durango

  • miles
I was in an accident because the 2002 Dodge Durango's brakes did not work and the ABS and brake light came on. This was the scariest thing I have ever experienced. I have had it checked by auto zone, Dodge dealer, local mechanic...and no answers. The brakes literally went to the floor. I have 3 children and have no other choice but to drive this death trap. I have also had problems with the ball joints/ electrical issues. I had the ABS fuse pulled, but not sure if this is a solution. Has there been other complaints of brake failure in these vehicles.

- Caledonia, OH, USA

problem #21

Feb 262010

Durango

  • 64,236 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Exterior lights, interior lights, wipers, alarm and fab stopped working. The car would start, the turn signals would work. It just stopped working all of a sudden. Dealership found nothing wrong and said the computer had reset it self. Now it is doing it again. Has happened twice. Good thing it wasn't at night. Have to take it back in.

- Napa, CA, USA

problem #20

Jan 062010

Durango

  • 78,000 miles
Problem 1. when engine is warm the instrument cluster starts flashing on and off, also all warning lights. If the engine is turned off a no bus shows in the odometer, vehicle will not start until the PCM feels cool to the touch. This problem occurs daily two or more times problem 2. the passenger seat belt unbuckles by itself. This occurs every day tw*

- Mayaguez, PR, USA

problem #19

Jul 032009

Durango

  • 114,365 miles
When it is hot outside the 2002 Dodge Durango will not start. The vehicle will also lose power while driving down the road at 70 miles per hour, no brakes, and no steering. This also happens after the engine is hot. Some fuses on the drivers side dash compartment can be removed and put back in (same fuses, not blown) and the vehicle will start.

- Fort Riley, KS, USA

problem #18

Jun 172009

Durango

  • 71,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Rear windshield wiper runs on and on and on....then shuts off, then will go on again even if you use fob to unlock doors! headlights now don't go on when desired, or will stay on even after you turn car off. Found that others with this year & model Durango have similar problems. Issue is ctm (central timer module) which should be replaced and not by the consumer so very often - but could cause hazardous driving conditions if it goes when you need to use the lights.

- Princeton, NJ, USA

problem #17

Mar 122009

Durango

  • 78,000 miles
Truck quit running and was intermittent at highway speed and then quit for 10-15 minutes.

- Alamogordo, NM, USA

problem #16

Feb 012009

Durango

  • 113,000 miles
Resistor that controls heater blower speed failed numerous times. Electrical connector that connects power to resistor also failed twice. When connector failed, evidence of significant electrical arcing between contacts and smoldering fire. Dealer service/parts claims problem mis due to original blower motor having excess current drain, so I replaced blower motor with new dealer part. Problem re-occurred with melting of connector. Five resistors and two connectors. High potential for under-dashboard fire at connection.

- Cumberland, ME, USA

problem #15

Mar 012009

Durango

  • 85,000 miles
This past week (March 1, 2009) as my family and I were driving towards our family vacation, my 2002 Durango started to make some strange noises and actions. My wipers began to activate and would not stop, my panel lights flickered on/off making some clicking sounds. All this occurred while I was driving. When I got a chance, I turn off the car and restarted it. It stopped the wipers from being on but it also stopped my electric windows, exterior lights, interior lights, wipers, alarm and fab from working. The car would start, the turn signals would work but all previously mentioned items would not work. When I arrived to my destination, my friends and I looked and tested some fuses to no avail. The next day we continue to test fuses and modules and noticed that by tapping a module box next to the left driver doors and adjacent to the brake would make the interior lights on/off. I purchased the part called the 'time and theft module part no. 56049073ak. The part was ordered from the dealer, we replaced it and it seemed to have solved the problem. Now the inconvenience was to have the key fab reprogrammed so that it can lock/unlock the doors and activate the security alarm. This was another cost that can only be done at the dealer. The purpose of this complaint is so that other Dodge Durango owners and the NHTSA can see if this should be a recall and find out if any other drivers have had similar problems. Again, my concern is that lights went out, wipers intermittently on/off, etc. If at night, I assure you that my frustration would have been much higher.

- Oroville, CA, USA

problem #14

Nov 012008

Durango

  • 58,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2002 Dodge Durango the heater blower wires started to melt, the heater blower resistor failed and the plug between the wires and resistor melted together. This is the second time this has happened. First time the vehicle was in warranty and the dealer just replaced the resistor. I would have to look at my records but I believe it was around 58,000 miles on the vehicle. Now the vehicle has 80,000 miles on it. At first it smelled like something was burying when the blower fan was on. The higher the setting the worst the smell became. I have replaced the resistor but left the melted plug and wires because the dealer wants $70 just for the parts. I am guessing I will have to replace the wires and plug the next time this happens. I believe I have already thrown out the part but I will check. The melted plug is on the vehicle.

- Wind Lake, WI, USA

problem #13

May 302008

Durango

  • 47,251 miles
Problem started with the headlights flashing randomly, dash and interior lights flashing in sequence with headlights. Duration of lights being out increases the longer they are on. I was lucky I only had a few blocks to drive to get of the road. The next day the door locks, horn, and wipers stopped working also. Having headlights suddenly go out while driving could be a real safety issue. It appears the problem is the body module, which must be installed by a dealer and programmed.

- Montclair, VA, USA

problem #12

Jul 082005

Durango 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,000 miles
- the contact stated that on 07/08/05 the 2002 Dodge Durango sport caught on fire in the middle of the night while parked in the garage. The fire was caused by the unused wire connector as mentioned in recall campaign# 06V339000 which stated that on certain sport utility vehicles equipped with front bench seats only, if fluid was spilled from the floor mounted cup holder an unused console power outlet connector located under the seat may become contaminated. The contact received a recall letter in 11/06 for the same problem that caused the fire. The contact called the manufacturer, and was told that she would have to go through the insurance insurance company for reimbursement because the vehicle was repaired by someone else other than a Dodge dealership. The contact stated that the repairs done on the vehicle showed that the vehicle caught fire due to the wire connector. The contact felt that the manufacturer handled this matter unprofessional, and felt they should give her some type of reimbursement. The recall came too late, and the manufacturer should be responsible for the contacts loss. The consumer stated the point of origin of the fire seemed to have started at the plug for a power seat or heated seat. The contact has provided the invoice for the repairs and pictures of the fire. Update 4/25/07

- Eustis, FL, USA

problem #11

Dec 022006

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles
Dodge Durango just stops running at random times. This occurs at speeds of 10-60 mph or even when the car is being started. The odometer blinks and reads no bus. There are numerous reports of this on Dodge internet forums. The powertrain control module and/or crankshaft sensors end up being replaced, but the problem is hard to diagnose and dangerous because it occurs without warning and while driving. With so many reports on 1999-2002 Dodge Durangos having this problem (search Durango PCM "no bus") something must be defective. My Durango began doing this about a month ago and the dealer doesn't see anything wrong. I was mildly injured during one of the failures, when my Durango 'shut off' while I was coming down a highway ramp and I bumped my head against the driver side window while trying to stabilize the car, which suddenly and without warning had no powertrain control.

- Livingston, NJ, USA

problem #10

Dec 022006

Durango 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,000 miles
Central timer module failed unexpectedly at night, causing headlights, taillights, security indicator and horn to activate intermittently while driving. Vehicle unsafe to operate in this condition. Out of warranty, dealer charges $421 to fix. This follows several in-warranty electrical repairs - remote locking mechanism, rear axle speed sensor and powertrain control module. Defect could easily cause a wreck and poses a safety hazard.

- Springfield, VA, USA

problem #9

Nov 062006

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,600 miles
Electrical system failures have resulted in turn signals not working on four different occasions over the course of 5 years. The wiring harness under dash has been repaired under warranty, replaced not under warranty, and repaired again not under warranty. 4th failure has not yet been addressed. Right turn signal does not function. Flasher, bulbs and fuses are working. Over $1,600 invested in turn signal problems.

- Elmhurst, IL, USA

problem #8

Oct 012004

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 39,000 miles
1-electrical system on overhead digital compass system became very hot. This electrical component system did not work for a period of a few days. It has intermittently worked now. 2-when you turn the steering wheel there is a horrible noise coming from one of the rear wheels. It makes a "woo-woo" sound every time the vehicle is turned, primarily turning right. A "honest" mechanic, who is a friend, told me that Dodge (Chrysler) was infamous for this type of wheel problem. 3-the transmission seems to have a hard time shifting, which involves the above wheel problem. 4-the air conditioning system does not cool and the vehicle is only 4 years old. 5-the leather covered dash is peeling up and began last summer, when the vehicle was only 3 years old. Contacted Chrysler/Dodge hq and dealership and both have refused to repair problem.

- Frisco, TX, USA

problem #7

Jul 192006

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles
Electronic control module failure causing headlights to flicker on and off. Was advised by the dealer that total failure could result. Also advised that 700 of these items are currently on back order. I have been waiting since July for this part. It would seem to be a widespread issue.

- Brookfield, WI, USA

problem #6

May 202005

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 54,200 miles
The central timer module started malfunctioning for no apparent reason. Headlights, parking lights, interior lights, windshield wipers, 4-wheel drive and other electric accessories stop working while driving vehicle. This happens with no warning. Disconnecting battery fixes these problems temporarily, but ignition chime goes off continuously while driving until all of the above accessories stop working altogether. Vehicle is past basic warranty, so dealer refuses to pay for the module.

- Grafton, WV, USA

problem #5

Feb 182005

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 33,000 miles
Intermittently the electronic system would cause the electrical system to come on or go out by it self (headlight power door locks, windshield wipers, headlights, etc) or cause the SUV truck to stall completely. The truck has been to the dealer. The dealer was unable to duplicate the problem.

- Willowick, OH, USA

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