Never had any problems til we drove almost 5 hrs on vacation to gatlinburg and before we even got into town the check gauge light came on and realized the temp gauge was in the red. Never leaked coolant or smelled any antifreeze. The next day after letting it sit overnight it seemed fine no check light was on drove it back still no engine light on and temp was fine,few weeks later all hell broke loose! The valve train started ticking. Had it towed to the dealership (kings cjd) and found a failed rocker & tappet had replaced 4 days later was doing it on the driver side,took it back that's when it took them a few days to figure out it was leaking coolant down into the cylinders. Chrysler didn't have cylinder heads available it took over 2 months for us to get the part (not from chrysler) as far as we know they still don't have the part available. 28 plus people are on a waiting list to receive cylinder heads that are still not available! Repeated trips to the dealership for leaking valve covers on both sides,still dealing with issue of possible leak around crank seal on timing cover. Chrysler does seem to give a darn about our time and money wasted for the supposed repairs that are not fixed!! Has anyone else reading this had any issues regarding cylinder heads???? I think when you have 28 plus people on the waiting list for the same part for the same make & model vehicle same engine 4.7 v8 obviously their is a manufacture issue not an owner issue!!! That's just a taste of what is going on their is plenty more and chrysler just keeps telling us im sorry and that's it im sorry!!! We have had several case mgrs and noone seems to be caring.
2003 Dodge Durango engine complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 52, newest first, as owners wrote them.
When driving vehicle down road engine will quit with no warning.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH he heard a loud knocking noise in the engine. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic who advised him that the valve seat came out of the head gasket causing it to open. The vehicle was repaired by decarbonating the engine. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 107,571.
While at idle or taking off slowly the truck will stall out-I have found if I run my A/C even when its cold out side it does better-but something is wrong---even when driving at highway speeds rpms go up and down--even when cruise is on gas mileage very bad---feels like something holding truck back---not smooth engine driving. No check engine light--no codes.
While driving to work on secondary roads at approx 30mph, engine smoked, seized, over-heated, bucked and failed. Had it towed and mechanic immediately noticed sludge around top of some gasket. Before further inspection, he said immediately that it was not a good sign at all and most likely would need new engine. I was shocked as this truck is our secondary vehicle and has only been driven approx 20,000 miles in 3 years with regular oil changes and no issues whatsoever! No indication was given via warning lights of any issues nor was there any change in how it drove immediately prior to seizing. After a day, the mechanic confirmed it needed total engine replacement. We assumed we were being taken advantage of and had it towed to another repair place, who only went on to say the same: new engine needed! After researching this on-line it seems that many of this make and model have had issues with this, yet there is no recourse with the manufacturer. We were owners of a 1999 dodge durango prior to this and that vehicle also needed total engine replacement after 60 days but thankfully it was covered through the dealership. We are no longer under any type of warranty and since this is a known issue, we feel that daimler chrysler should recognize this known issue based on the amount of complaints there is regarding this! Not only will we be abandoning this vehicle, as we are told that if we replace the engine for approx $4000 it will more than likely happen again, but we will never, ever purchase a vehicle through this manufacturer again! Shame on daimler/chrysler for not acknowledging their fault!
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. While driving approximately 30 MPH the vehicle stalled with the illumination of the engine warning indicator. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and resume driving. The failure occurred five times. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the heater failed to function. The contact also stated that the connecting wires for the fan resistors were melted. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000 and the current mileage was 115,000.
2003 dodge durango. Consumer states problem with blown head gasket
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle began to sputter and function with resistance. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and the diagnostic test confirmed that the engine had a slush like oil build up. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced at his expense for $6500. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 47,000.
Rocker arm comes off. Researching on the internet this is a common problem. How many people does it take to get killed due to rocker arm coming off and stopping in traffic? I do not understand why this problem continues with no action. I noticed one of the questions on this website ask if there were any injuries or deaths. I guess a number of these must happen before anything is done.
I own a 2003 dodge durango, and have always provided proper maintenance for the vehicle - oil changes, tune-up etc. On july 4, 2010 I started the vehicle and noticed a tapping sound and the oil light started flashing. I had the vehicle towed to an auto repair facility, only to find out that there was a muddy sludge build up in the oil pan which was clogging the oil pick-up screen. The vehicle only has 70k original miles on it and has had regular oil changes and I don't believe that should have happened. Upon checking various, I noticed that there was a pattern with sludge build up in this particular vehicle. I believe that the auto manufacturer should recall these vehicles and recognize and rectify the problem.
I have an 03 dodge durango and ever so often when I make a stop the RPM go up and down and makes it want to shut off and there's times where it actually cut off and some days when I want to pull off it wont move unless I sit there and let it warm for at least 2-5 minutes lugs have started to pop off had a diagnostic and they found nothing.
While driving my 2003 dodge durango in which I am financing the vehicle since 2007 april, without warning my oil light came on and the car started to shake and the engine was banging really bad. The engine died on me., I was stuck on a bridge with 6 children 100 miles from home. The vehicle was well maintained and how could this happen. Now I am stuck paying for a truck that I can not use.
I have contacted the dodge dealer and they said that the only for my vehicle is the windshield wiper motor. I have the same issues as the only recalls and defects as well. The unintended acceleration that will cause a crash and the idling of the engine while in park and the list goes on and on. Fear for the safety of me and my kids what am I suppose to do. I am leasing this vehicle I feel like I'm paying for a lemon. I can't enjoy life with my kids they are the main reason I got a truck in the first place. Help please I don't know what to do.
I have to stop far away from a vehicle fear of running in the back of their vehicle. It doesn't seem to want to stop sometime, this has been happening for awhile now alot recently. It cuts off on me if I get in the highway so embarrassing and when that happens I only can take off slow. Which causes me to exit the highway and not get back on. I had bought a car vacuum and it stated smoking on me, I was using the socket in the arm rest. I have alot of problems when I use the A/C or heat it cuts off on me and it stalls to take off,it's scary for me and my kids. It rams by it's self and it acts as if it's gone cut off and most of the time it do. It make this putting sounds when it's going to cut off or even when it stops on me. The dealer replace the cadillac converter and my oxygen sensors. I also got a tune up and two of the fuel injectors replace new parts, that I paid for myself. It feels like my front suspension is messed up I had my brakes checked and they are not bad, but you can feel it when you press on the brakes something is not right.
Have a 2003 dodge durango 79,000 miles while driving oil pressure dropped to zero. Check gauge light came on afterwards. Took vehicle to two different repair shops both stated we needed a new engine. They said we needed a new engine due to oil sludge build up resulting in engine failure. Looked online only to find hundreds and hundreds of the same complaint on dodge durangos with low mileage. This obviously is not an isolated incident. There is a problem with the engines that people need to made aware of and dodge should be the ones to fix the problem.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. While idling at a traffic light, the vehicle accelerated by itself. The brake pedal was depressed when the failure occurred. The rear tires turned over and pushed the vehicle out into the intersection. The vehicle then began to fishtail. The contact turned the wheel to the left and caused the vehicle to roll over. He sustained head injuries. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number 06e024000 (engine and engine cooling), which he believed to be the cause of the failure. A police report was filed. The dealer and manufacturer have not been notified, just his insurance company. The current and failure mileages were approximately 100,000.
2003 dodge durango was purchased from a local dealership in wickliffe,oh in april of 08. The vehicle has been at the dealership needing to be serviced in excess of 7 times, from the bushings being replaced to the check engine light repeatedly coming on with the dealerships inability to fix it . I have been in a rental car more than I have driven the vehicle that I purchased from the dealership. There was an evap code as they so eloquently stated so they allegedly fixed that only to find that the check engine light still continually comes on. Every time that the problem was supposedly resolved, I was back at the dealership within 2 to 3 days with the same problem again. The management there stated and admitted that they simply can't fix the vehicle therefore they are going to get me out of it so they even had me to pick another vehicle which they said would fit perfectly and should not affect the payment that I have in place right now. I have been hearing about getting this replacement vehicle for over 3 months with no result. The vehicle is not safe when driving on the highway and hitting a bump because it feels as if the front end is going in two different directions. My wife wont drive it, we are scared to put our kids into it and I need your help right away.
My 2003 dodge durango sxt- had this since 2003 bought brand new and I take it to dealership for oil change, tire check etc . Follow the maintanance guide on what should be check out , now truck at a ( stop light ) it wants to stall, I was doing 35 on on the street I live on and my truck cuts off no warning, cuts light and all went out on me, an police car was infront of me across the road facing at me and as soon as the light went green he pulls me over and tell for my safety you need to check your power supply I said thank you. The next morning I bring my truck dodge dealer ship one of the guys seems like he was trying to rush my off stating that they were too busy , so I bring it back the next day they check it out and could not find nothing wrong I even paid ( $85.00 ) I think there something wrong with my electric system . Now when I am on the road it tries to stall , and the RPM go up 3.5 and back down to 0.5 went to auto zone the guy there guy gave me some after reading when my truck light came back on the codes were general evap system failure , and p0441-evap purge system performance ,p0068-manifold pressure/throttle position correlation ,p0123-throttle position sensor #1 high , system ,p2074-manifold pressure/throttle position correlation - high flow/vacuum leak, p0700-transmission control system ,p0440-general evap system failure , now every time I drive it has a lot of hesitation then power in all drop then my battery light come on on the dash and the check engine light by the time I get check out no free to check my problem I was going to report to dodge company I never had a problem now whatever it is causing me to lose power I was on high was 264 with a lots or car and my truck cuts off I could not do anything no warning light then a police car came behind me and help me off the road. Said to the officer that I got it check out and now I am stuck out here with nothing working I need some to check this out.
I have a 2003 dodge durango. The vehicle has been in to the service department of my local dodge / jeep dealer due to a an engine light coming on. They have been unable to find out what is wrong with the vehicle.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. While idling, the engine would stall and the vehicle would jerk and surge forward at low speeds. Occasionally, the vehicle would shut off and then restart minutes later while idling. The contact noticed that the check engine light would illuminate during the failures. He took the vehicle to the dealer on several occasions and they replaced the nvld pump vacuum canister, the cam sensory, and the split hose solenoid canister. The check engine remains illuminated on the instrument panel. The failure mileage was 27,711 and current mileage was 42,000.
My daughter was driving my dodge durango when power was lost. She was barely able to get it to the side of the road. She called me very upset as she had just started driving only about one year before this happened. I had her sit with the truck and try to start it again. She was able to get it started and moved about 20 feet to a more secure area along the road. She was on a very busy road, a1a in indialantic, florida. Needless to say she was very upset and afraid. My youngest daughter was with her at the time and she was very upset as well. Both could have been injured when the truck lost power.
We bought a 2003 dodge durango on june 26, 2007. On august 8, 2007 all of a sudden, with no warning it started sounding funny, like a diesel, a few minutes later the oil pressure dropped to zero and just a few seconds after that the engine locked up. We were on the interstate abut 50 miles from home with 2 children. Luckily we got a ride home and had the vehicle towed later on that night. The vehicle was under a 7 yr./70,000 mile warranty, but dodge doesn't want to honor it. We had the vehicle barely over a month when this happened. I had just gotten it registered and tagged 5 days before it happened and made the first payment 7 days before it happened. Now we don't know what to do. I have read hundreds of other reports exactly like our situation. Please do something and make dodge acknowledge that there is a huge problem with their engines!!!
The cooling and heating system in the rear of the vehicle has given way. Only the front of the vehicle has A/C working. Will take vehicle to dealer to address problem.
Have a 2003 dodge durango. Was driving down the highway when it sounded like something fell off the car the car was immediately pulled over and there were flames coming from under the engine. The car quickly became total engulfed in flames and burned up. The car is a 100% lose.
While driving down highway, the oil warning light came on. Immediately we pulled over and checked oil, which was fine. We started the car and began driving. While driving, the engine began to make a clicking noise. Immediately, I pulled over again and had to have the car towed to a dodge dealership. I was told by the dodge service department that the engine failure was due to sludge in the oil that blocked the screen to the oil pump. We would require a new engine. Dodge has denied our power train warranty due to the sludge.
Vehicle has a brake pulsation and had a brake squeak. This has been going on since vehicle was purchased in 10-03. Vehicle was returned to dealership while under warranty. They replaced the brake pads and resurfaced the rotors. This did not eliminate the pulsation but did eliminate the squeak. The transmission bangs into gear and has a long delay going from park into reverse. This is an ongoing problem. The vehicle has been returned to the dealer more than 10 times. They claimed they could not duplicate the problem. This is after telling us they felt something but did not know what it was. Engine stalls and runs rough. This is intermittent and dealer could not duplicate it. I have spoken with several transmission shops and they have stated that there is a fix for the transmission problem. Chrysler will not perform the repair. They did agree to install the necessary parts if I purchased them but then this would void my warranty. And why should I pay for a repair that should be covered under my warranty??
Sudden engine failure while driving.
I have a 2003 durango, for the past several weeks, the truck will not start in the morning, you are forced to hold you foot on the gas until the truck is warmed up. When driving, when you come to a stop the idle of the truck drops so low, feels like the truck is going to stall, then it caught itself at the last moment. Truck has been back to the dealer no less then 9 times for this problem. They have not been able to duplicate the problem. The truck just went out of warranty, so I sure next time I bring it back, they will find what the problem is. I will never purchase another dodge again!
Dt: the contact stated while driving an indicator light came on. Also, the vehicle made a loud noise. The engine locked. Was then able to pull off the road without incident and checked the motor. The vehicle was then towed a dealership , who determined that the defect was the oil pickup in the engine, that caused it to lock. The dealership told the contact that the engine would need to be replaced. The vehicle has been in a repair shop for 4 months.
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