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2004 Dodge Durango: key fob or push-button start problems

5 of the 1,115 complaints about the 2004 Dodge Durango describe key fob or push-button start problems.

owner complaints
5
of this car's complaints
0%
recalls
3
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls and 16 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Key fob or push-button start problems by model year

What owners say

Filed Aug 7, 2020 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 188,000 miles · AZ

I took my durango in for 3 recalls at kelly blue books direction after putting my VIN in for check on website. I went to bill luke 2425 w camelback rd invoice number [xxx] and now my driver seat is not able to be accessed from outside my door by key fob, manual unlock or door handle. My door beeps like its ajar, my tire light is on my dash, the radio cuts out in and out. I spoke with manager 2 times. I called the 800 number he provided. He stated it wasn't their fault and refused to correct it. It was not like that before I dropped it off and I addressed it before leaving the lot. Im supposed to drive across country to mn and be working. Im terrified. My fiance died. A wiring overheating fire on his way to mn and to me. I want my vehicle fixed and safe. My name is [xxx]. 2 recalls were airbags and the other was a wiring issue of overheating and causing a fire. My vehicle is in horrible shape now. It happened 08/05/2020 customer number [xxx] g07 safety recall removed and tested instrument panel cluster. Moved dome light circuit flashed the ccn. Please address the dealership and fix my wiring and door that is not able to be used even to get in now. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *cc

Filed Sep 9, 2016 · Transmission · 124,000 miles · TN

The transfer case will shift into 4 wheel drive on it's on. This happens when the vehicle is off and I unlock or lock the doors with the key fob. It also happens when the vehicle is in motion. It is unpredictable and happens very frequently. This is not very safe and can also cause very expensive damage to the powertrain.

Filed Jun 22, 2013 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 120,000 miles · NJ

My well-maintained 2004 dodge durango slt began doing something bizarre a few months ago at about 120,000 miles. This has 4.7l v8 and the awd-4hi-4lo 2-speed transfer case. The "service 4wd" and the traction control light began flashing, and it felt like the transfer case was stuck in 4hi with the tires grabbing on a turn. The selector knob on the dash would not function. I brought the truck to my mechanic who checked the function of the transfer case motor, inspected the motor and wiring, and changed the transfer case fluid again. I called my local chrysler dealer and they advised that they would need to change the transfer case motor. The motor costs $1190 plus two hours labor and two quarts of atf+4 fluid. I brought the truck back to my mechanic and he said there is nothing wrong with the motor or the transfer case or the dash selector knob. He said he believes this is a control module or programming issue. I got a third opinion at my local lee myles. They concurred that there is nothing wrong with the transfer case motor and there must be some issue with the computer, programming, or one or more of the control modules. The truck continues to do the same thing. The malfunction condition exists approximately 65% of the time. I can't afford to bring to the dealer now and spend over $1300 for a repair that I do not think will correct the problem. I have read on many message boards that this seems to be a very common issue with 2004-2006 durangos and changing the motor, or the switch does not help the situation. I also notice that at times when I open the doors or unlock the doors with the key fob, I can hear the transfer case motor cycling. This seems to be an electrical or programming issue. It is very difficult to turn the wheels at low speeds when the malfunction condition exists and I fear this is straining the transmission.

Filed Mar 29, 2011 · 46,000 miles · FL

Key fob poorly designed which leads to small interier metal prong breaking causing the key to be no good. Once the key is no longer working you have to open the doors manually by inputting the key into the door lock which sounds the alarm until the car is started. This is a true safety issue when your holding two infants and trying to open the door and stop the alarm from sounding. I was also approached by officers as there had been car break ins in this particular location and they believed I was steeling the veh because the alarm was sounding and I was leaned over attempting to get the key in the ignition to stop the alarm from sounding. I've checked on the internet and many other folks have this same issue. The dodge dealership has even advised me that this is a known issue and that mopar who manufactuers the keys for dodge has changed the design because of the issue, however, they will not fix the issue for those with keys already broke and is not willing to reiumburse for the key cost.

Filed Dec 11, 2004 · NJ

I was contacted in july by chrysler who said that my 04 dodge durango slt had a "hot bake paint problem." the female rep. Asked if I had noticed any paint fading or other problems. I told her "no, not yet." I was instructed to bring the truck back to USA dodge also known as mack dodge and return it for another truck. The same lease agreement still in effect, the new truck would have to be msrp to msrp. I asked why they just would not repaint it and put us in a loaner, she said, "sir wouldn't you like a new truck !" I said, "yes !", already having about 5,000 miles I would be starting the mileage clock to zero. Then I asked how do I know that the new truck I pick out won't have the same problem. I was told they would run the VIN to make sure. Well I was not able to find another truck msrp to msrp even after checking a few dealerships. The truck gave us problems in the past, stall, no start, no stored codes etc. They even blamed it on the key fob once. After what's been on the news I am glad they bought me out of the truck. I pray to god that my wife & 3 kids never got hurt and I will pray that no one else does either.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panelReported March 9, 2007 · 328,424 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On some sport utility vehicles, under certain operating conditions, an integrated circuit in the instrument cluster that controls interior lighting may overheat.
Risk
This could potentially cause an instrument panel fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the cluster for damage and replace it free of charge. The recall began on april 2, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-140.

Recall number 07V092000 · Recall details

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cablesReported December 8, 2004 · 71,763 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles built with a 5.7l, 4.7l, or 3.7l engine, the positive battery cable may contact the front suspension upper control arm mounting bracket.
Risk
This contact could abrade the cable and cause a short circuit, which may result in an underhood fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the battery cable and, if necessary, reposition it away from the control arm mounting bracket. The recall began december 14, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 04V578000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dashReported December 12, 2003 · 27,586 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles, an instrument cluster circuit board capacitor may overheat.
Risk
This could potentially result in an instrument panel fire.
Remedy
Dealers will remove the capacitor from the circuit board. Owner notification began on december 17, 2003. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑992‑1997.

Recall number 03V528000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2004 Dodge Durango key fob

Is key fob or push-button start problems a common problem on the 2004 Dodge Durango?

5 of 1,115 owner complaints about the 2004 Dodge Durango (0%) mention key fob or push-button start problems. The model year with the most reports is 2011.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2004 Dodge Durango?

There are 3 recalls and 16 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2004 Dodge Durango

Stalling 227Engine failure 154Knocking 87Check engine light 81Fire or smoke 68Won't start 42Airbag light 41Loss of power 32Water leak 26Wipers 26Misfire 25Power steering loss 22Harsh shifting 18Grinding brakes 17Headlights 17No deployment 15Jerking 15Overheating 15Ball joint 14Hesitation 14Steering lock-up 9Adaptive cruise 8Fuel pump 8Sudden acceleration 8Warning lights 8ABS 6Brake failure 6Door locks 6Oil consumption 6Seat belt 6

All model years of the Dodge Durango

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