CarComplaints.com Notes: The second generation Durango was introduced in 2004 and instantly came under fire for, well, catching on fire.

From 2004-2006 electrical overloading in the driver's side instrument panel caused numerous reports of interior fires. The interior infernos became so commonplace that Chrysler eventually issued a recall.

The problems didn't stop there, however. Owners of the recalled vehicles complained about being treated unfairly and given take-it-or-leave-it low ball settlement offers. "They offered me $2000 under NADA retail as a settlement," said one owner, "and have been rude and hostile to deal with." Nothing says awesome service like treating your customers rudely after their cars have caught on fire.

Have we mentioned all the reports of complete engine failure due to oil sludge?

9.2

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$610
Average Mileage:
58,650 miles
Total Complaints:
8 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
  2. replace radiator (2 reports)
  3. replace head cylinder (1 reports)
  4. replaced fan clutch (1 reports)
  5. replaced water pump (1 reports)
2004 Dodge Durango cooling system problems

cooling system problem

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2004 Dodge Durango Owner Comments

problem #8

Jan 242011

Durango SLT V8 4.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

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

There was no warning or signs of overheating - Gage just went to HOT! Never a radiator problem. Still at shop & repairs are $1300 - if heads are not cracked - if they are repairs are going to be OVER $2,000!!! I am going to call Chrysler-Dodge headquarters today to explore possible recalls as I see several complaints about this problem in dodge Durango with this engine.

- Stephanie B., Waxhaw, NC, US

problem #7

Aug 102009

Durango ST 4.7

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,769 miles

Never had to replace a fan clutch at this low mileage in a vehicle I have ever owned.

- Julian A. T., Smithville, GA, US

problem #6

Jul 162009

Durango ST 4.7

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,163 miles

First time I have ever had to replace a water pump at this early mileage of any vehicle I have ever owned

- Julian A. T., Smithville, GA, US

problem #5

Apr 012009

Durango SLT 4.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

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

We have had problems with this truck's cooling system from the get go. We have replaced the entire cooling system for $1,000 and the problem went away for a few months and now the problem is starting all over again. It overheats anytime the truck is at a standstill. The truck starts to overheat about 5 minutes after starting it up in the morning unless you are in motion. The design of this cooling system is by far the biggest joke I have ever seen. I love Dodge products normally but would never suggest anyone ever buy this model. We have spent well over $1000 trying to fix the problem and it has gotten us nowhere fast.

- Wendy L., Pensacola, FL, US

problem #4

May 042009

Durango SLT 3.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,884 miles

i have never had to replace a radiator at 43000 miles, i think that is a little ridculous i should have at lease have made it to 100,000 before any major problems. plus i have spoke with the fleet guys at work and they said that the ORANGE coolent when exposed to high temps it start to clout up and plug the leach tubes.

- Stephan D., San Pedro, CA, US

problem #3

Aug 012007

Durango SLT 4.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

The vehicle would lose power because the computer was showing the engine was over heating. I can't believe the Dodge Engineers came up with this piece of crap design. I've had multiple cars with over 125K miles and never had to replace a radiator.

- manc, Elon College, NC, US

problem #2

Apr 152008

Durango 4.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 53,200 miles

When we brought the Durango they told us if we had any problems they would fix it. They put on new brakes and rotors. Then the transmission was acting up, it needed a tune-up two months later but they wouldn't pay for it and we brought the Durango in July of 2007 and all of this took place within a few months of us purchasing the vehicle.

They would tell us one thing and do another one, We told them about the car overheating but they couldn't do anything about it. We took it to the Dodge dealer and they couldn't find the problem. So we are stuck with a lemon that know one can't seem to fix the problem or isn't sure on how to solve the problem. I just want them to take the Durango back and give us another car of our choice. They also said within the first six months we can come back and trade the vehicle in for another one, we went back about 9 months later and they said it would have to be 18 months. So i am not happy with purchasing a car from Drive Time they are a bunch of liars and aren't trust worthy.

Thank you

Valerie Williams

- Valerie W., Charlotte, NC, US

problem #1

Aug 122007

(reported on)

Durango SLT 4.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,800 miles

vehicle began overheating and leaking coolant. in one week, changed thermostat, relays, water pump, fan clutch, and radiator. leaking coolant stopped, overheating continued. check engine light came on. car is with dealer now who says the computer gave codes PO116 and PO300. vehicle needs head cylinder changed. this vehicle looks good from far but is far from good.

- Anthony D., Irvington, NY, US

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