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?

8.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
103,050 miles
Total Complaints:
5 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (4 reports)
  2. just wrote it, thank you (1 reports)
2004 Dodge Durango electrical problems

electrical problem

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2004 Dodge Durango Owner Comments

problem #5

May 142016

Durango Limited 5.7L Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 116,230 miles

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

Just purchased this vehicle and I can't believe it! It ran fine for 50 miles. First thing it did was the horn started going off while opening the door to get in. I put the key in the ignition to stop it. Then while going down the road the alternator started screaming and the battery light came on. [new battery] Then the noise stopped for a while. Then a bunch of other cluster lights came on. Shortly after, the alternator began squealing again. and the speedometer stopped working also. I made it home and started writing this letter. It was against my better judgement to buy this vehicle due to some terrible luck with Dodge products when I was young. Hopefully I get this fixed and behind me soon.

Update from May 15, 2016: Yesterdays problem was mostly caused by a broken belt tensioner assembly. $45.00 and some elbow grease and that one is solved. But now today, the cluster lights came on again. I turned it off and pulled the keyout,before starting the engine again. The check engine light stayed on and continued to stay on for a few more cycles as the day moved forward. Autozone told me the code came up showing a wire harness for $45.00 that went from the speed switch to the ABS brake module. Supposedly a fix for the two devices NOT communicating properly. Or is it a cluster panel recall? Since its been doing variable issues all pertaining to the instrument panel. I will certainly be calling chrysler tomorrow and checking on recalls. I had read another's complaint whom said that their issues began after receiving service for the airbag recall, which this vehicle had done in february 2016. Then the last owner decided to sell this durango and keep an old rust bucket chevy he had sitting there with 250,000 miles on it. I may possibly be learning the reasons why he kept the chevy, lol. Time will tell and hopefully these issues get fixed cuz its a very nice riding vehicle and i need it to pull my toys. Will post some results as they happen,

sincerely, Mike

- schultzm, Suamico, WI, US

problem #4

Jun 202014

Durango Limited Slt 5.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

2004 DODGE DURANGO LIMITED shuts down while driving. Taking turns driving straight stopping or starting from a stop. This is in addition to the transfer case shifting by itself while driving or if I am just looking at my 2004 DODGE DURANGO LIMITED without even having the keys anywhere near me. I stopped driving it now until DODGE grows a pair and tells the thousands of people who have put their faith in the DODGE name how to fix the issue. Do it soon DODGE your luck is running out. some poor DODGE DURANGO owner is going to get hurt while driving your death machine!

- mhcolorado, Thornton, CO, US

problem #3

Dec 012010

Durango 4.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

I have a 2004 Dodge Durango that has various electrical issues stemming from what I think is a problem with the vehicle's Instrument Cluster and Gauges. According to Dodge is has been serviced 3 times. All for Electrical Issues. The electronic gauges and interior lights on the dash and roof console will go out without reason, and often simultaneously the car lurches or stalls out immediately. Afterward, the car will not start. It wont turn over. Turning the key will bring up the ABS light but not the gear indicators. At some point later, (wherever IT decides to) the Gear Lights return and the car will start. One dealership said it was the battery. That was 18 months ago, and this has been occurring sometimes 2 or 3 times a month. It is not reproducible. It happens whenever it wants to and then goes away.

- Timothy F., Dayton, OH, US

problem #2

Mar 292010

Durango 4.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

I own a 2004 Dodge Durango which I purchased used in Feb 2008. In Dec of 2007 Dodge issued a recall in Regards to A G07 instrument cluster panel. The vehicle had the recall done in Jan 08 before I purchased it. I had a Zip run on the vehicle to be sure that all open recalls had been done, which checked out ok. Well now the vehicle is dead in my yard undrivable due to the previous recall not being done correctly. I have no interior lights, no panel lights and the cluster will catch fire if not replaced. I took it to a Dodge dealer who on April 1, 2010 told me the panel has to be replaced again. Chrysler agreed to pay for the work but not a loaner/rental vehicle as stated they had to do in the original recall.he ordered the part. I had to rent a car from Thur April1-Monday April 4, while the vehicle was left at the dealer waiting for the part to be delivered on Monday April 4.Now the part is on back order with no delivery date. Repeated calls to Chrysler has gotten me no where and messages left with the case manager have gone unreturned. I have a loan on this vehicle and It can not be driven. I have had to contact a lawyer in the event that this part can never be shipped out. I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER DODGE IN MY LIFE AGAIN. If anyone has ever gone through this I would like to know.

- Pamela M., North Attleboro, MA, US

problem #1

Feb 102010

Durango Limited 5.7L Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

This vehicle since new has had numerous odd electrical failures from not starting, to air condition not blowing cold until you shut off and restart, same with radio, controls stop working then shut off then they work again. This latest deal happened in a snow storm, driving in deep snow so I am sure its a bad connection or snow got on the electrical connections and shorted it out for a second.

- Mike L., Avilla, IN, US

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