2003 Dodge Durango: harsh or hard shifting

7 of the 339 complaints about the 2003 Dodge Durango describe harsh or hard shifting.

owner complaints: 7
of this car's complaints: 2%
typical mileage: 62,899
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 11 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Harsh or hard shifting by model year

2022
1
2020
1
2018
1
2017
1
2016
2
2015
2
2014
2
2013
3
2012
2
2011
2
2006
1
2005
11
2004
18
2003
7
2002
8
2001
10
2000
10
1999
21
1998
14

What owners say

Filed Oct 29, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · MI

Vehicle has been experiencing a progression of inaccurate steering, poor turning and suspension performance. Driver and passenger are noticing a "clunking" in the right passenger and driver's side front end. Noted primarily when turning. Steering wheel is also noted to be rotated off center to the clockwise position. Braking is also poor and causes vehicle to pull to passenger side. Most importantly, vehicle is noted to feel unstable and is vibrating while at highway speeds.

Filed Jan 9, 2012 · Suspension · 88,500 miles · ME

I have notice a clunking sound in the front right of my durango for some approximately six months. I recently brought it to my mechanic who stated it would need to have the upper right ball joint replace. It was brought to my attention that this issue was recalled on other 2003 durango, however, my VIN number was not included in the campaign (04v596000). This issue appears to go beyond the cut off for the recall since review of the complaints indicates numerous other similar issues.

Filed May 18, 2009 · Suspension · 100,000 miles · VA

Front ball joint making a clicking sound. In 2005 got a recall letter. Called dealer and they said the recall didn;t effect my vehicle. Called several times in the next year to see if the recall was on my vehicle yet. The dealer told me no. Vehicle kept making clunking noise. At 100,00 miles I pulled in my driveway and the wheel feel of at the right ball joint. Tow truck couldn't tow the vehicle due to being all wheel drive. I called chrysler and they told me it wasn;t their problem. I had to hire a mechanic to replace the ball joints in my driveway. Tires have worn terrible and truck kept coming out of alignment. I kept good rotation on the tires but couldn't keep the inside from wearing. I do have the defective ball joints.

Filed Dec 19, 2008 · Suspension, Tires · 62,899 miles · WA

I noticed my tires were not wearing evenly and I felt and heard a "clunk" noise every time I back out of my parking spot at work. The dealership inspected and said that the upper and lower ball joints of the right and left wheels of my 2003 dodge durango must be replaced. I see there are recalls for all previous year durangos but not the 2003??? The dealership refused to pay for my replacement. I replaced the left side as they were actually broke, my right side still needs to be replaced and are loose and near failure. I request that dodge reimburse me for the repair as well as replace for free the right side. I would also like two new tires as they now need to be replaced due to the uneven wear and tear.

Filed Feb 11, 2007 · Transmission · 42,000 miles · PA · fire

My wife had our 2003 durango in to the local dodge dealer for service one morning a few weeks ago, since it would not come out of 4 wheel drive and was steering funny and vibrating/clunking. They told her it was still under waranty and a part would have to be ordered (transfer module) for the control of it but it was ok to drive till it came in and could be replaced. None were available and cleveland showeded them on back-order. My wife drove to oil city, pa to pick up parts for me and it caught fire on the way ( she had talked to the dealer a few minutes earlier on her cell phone as the problem was getting worse and they assured her it was ok). She had to pull over and call 911. The fire and police were quick in responding and the fire was put out after a total loss of the vehicle. Now the dealer won't do anything about it. My wife could have easily been killed.

Filed Jul 6, 2006 · Suspension · 21,000 miles · GA

Component: suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint defect summary: on my 2003 dodge durango sport utility their is a loud clunking noise in the front suspension. I call daimlerchrysler motors company llc to ask if their was a recall on my SUV. They said no, but my upper ball joint is defective.

Filed Mar 23, 2006 · Suspension · 60,000 miles · TX

Clunking noise in front suspension. Tires wearing unevenly. Inspection by mechanic by finds worn upper ball joints on my 2003 dodge durango. Joints have no lubrication and have corrosion because of this. I fear the excessive wear in the upper ball joint might cause it to separate which would result in the loss of control over my vehicle. Dodge already has a recall on this defect but my durango was not included. All durangos with this problem should be included. It's a safety thing!!!