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?

7.0

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
8,440 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.

2004 Dodge Durango suspension problems

suspension problem

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2004 Dodge Durango Owner Comments

problem #4

Jul 142004

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,700 miles

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

This represents the 5th time my 2004 Dodge Durango has gone back to martin Dodge for the same problem. The vehicle makes a popping noise in the rear as it goes down the road. The rear is also loose over normal roadway conditions. On the first repair, the dealership replaced rear shocks, sway bar, & tightened the rear. On the second attempt, they replaced a stripped bolt in the rear. On the third attempt, they replaced the bolt's housing & the bolt again. On the fourth attempt, they tightened & lubed the entire rear. The service manager's remarks on the latest invoice is that he is going to talk to Chrysler corporation about this continued problem. The service manager relayed to my wife that it sounds like metal to metal is being rubbed together somewhere in the rear. He also expressed that this was a problem on previous Durango models, & that Chrysler fixed same by inserting plastic spacers of some kind. The service manager & my wife test drove the Durango after today's fourth repair attempt. The popping & sway was as great as it ever was. I will be represented by david J. gorberg, esq. With regard to a NJ lemon law claim. To date, I have not been contacted by NHTSA regarding my 4 previous complaints.

- Sewell, NJ, USA

problem #3

Jul 082004

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,527 miles
Today represents the fourth time that my new Durango goes back to my dealership for the same problem. The vehicle has a distinct "popping" noise from the rear when driving. There's also excessive bounce in the rear suspension. It is my opinion that this excessive bounce should become a full recall, as it is unsafe. On the first repair attempt, martin Dodge changed the rear shocks, sway bar, & "tightened" the rear. On the second attempt, they replaced a stripped bolt in the rear. On the third attempt, they replaced the housing that held this bolt in place. Immediately after leaving the dealership after the third repair attempt, my wife & I continued to experience the same exact problems. It is for these reasons that the vehicle will go back to martin Dodge for a fourth repair attempt. I will also contact a lemon law attorney today to seek remedy.

- Sewell, NJ, USA

problem #2

Jun 132004

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8,532 miles
My 2004 Dodge Durango went back to martin Dodge for excessive bounce in the rear end along with a continued popping noise during said bounce. Martin Dodge advised me that the "bell crank bushing" was stripped & was replaced. The vehicle was in their shop for 3 days initially, & 4 days the second time. I was advised that new shocks & sway bar were ordered to be installed. As per the invoice of June 11, 2004, same was not completed. The part is listed at $81.55. The labor is listed at $13. $13 labor for a vehicle in the shop 4 days"????? I first drove the vehicle today, June 13, 2004. The exact same problem is occurring. The vehicle will be back at the dealership tomorrow morning. The bounce is simply not safe. The popping noise is annoying. However, I don't know what is causing same. Also, there was no explanation why there would be a stripped bolt on a new vehicle. What caused this "bell crank bushing" to become stripped"

- Sewell, NJ, USA

problem #1

May 182004

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,000 miles
I recently bought a 2004 Dodge Durango slt with the hemi engine. When I accelerate or come to stops, there will be a "popping" noise coming from somewhere in the rear suspension. This occurs daily without fail. Also, when travelling over roadways, at normal speed, there is excessive bounce of the vehicle from the rear along with this popping noise/sensation. I will be bringing the vehicle into the dealer today for this repair. I'm not sure if this problem is associated with three other NHTSA technical service bulletins involving the power train: Axle assembly, the stabilizer bar bushing squawk, or the exhaust drone.

- Sewell, NJ, USA

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