Every time I start my 2020 Dodge Durango I hear and feel a hard shift into reverse. No transmission fluid loss, just increasingly louder & feeling if the shift change. ***Vehicle started this @ 20,000 miles and only has 32,000 on it now.
Dodge Durango harsh shifting problems
117 of the 13,795 owner complaints about the Dodge Durango describe harsh or hard shifting, most of them for the 1999 model year.
- owner complaints
- 117
- worst model year
- 1999
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,700
- typical mileage
- 75,536
Is there a fix? There are 10 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Ball joint 45Stalling 11Grinding brakes 10Check engine light 9Jerking 7Engine failure 7Steering noise 5Won't start 4
Trouble codes mentioned
P0730 1
What owners say
On Saturday, 04/23/2022, the Dodge Durango ran fine. I was able to back out of my driveway without incident around 12:00 PM and go to Walmart. I drove to the Sheetz gas station from Walmart and topped off the fuel tank because we wanted to take a family trip during the weekend. At 12:40 PM, I arrived back home, turned off the engine, and went inside my house to pick up my son. We entered the vehicle around 12:50 PM. I put my seatbelt on, put my foot on the brake pedal, and pushed the engine start button. Then I placed the vehicle in reverse, released the parking brake, and slowly backed my foot off the brake pedal. This time around, the vehicle did not drive backward normally like it's supposed to, but hesitated like it didn't have any power (the federal safety agency complaint 11461953). The engine hesitated several times, the RPMs dipped under 500 more than once, and then when I almost got to the street, the engine died, and the vehicle stalled. The transmission placed itself into the park position (AUTOMATIC PARK), and I could hear and feel the driveline clunk when the parking pawl locked the transmission. The "R" led started flashing on the gear shifter. I put my foot on the brake, and moved the lever from the "R" to the "N" position. The "N" position was still flashing, indicating that the vehicle is not really in "N". Then I pushed the engine start button to completely turn off the vehicle as the "RUN" led was flashing, but instead, the engine turned back on. Without taking the foot off the brake pedal I moved the shift lever from "N" to "R" and heard a loud clunk and even felt it. It sounded and felt like there was a lot of pressure on the parkin pawl and it got barely released. I am concerned that the vehicle stalling might have damaged the parking pawl somehow. I don't feel safe driving this vehicle. This is very difficult to reproduce as the vehicle exhibits this behaviour randomly, however I am concerned for my safety and my family's safety while traveling in this vehicle.
Rear shock mounts are defective. I assume this to be a design flaw. This results in poor tire wear as the upper part of the shock "wiggles" in the mount. This also affects the drivability and reaction of the vehicle while taking defensive driving actions. Dodge is aware of this issue as you can no longer buy this mount and you have to buy the entire shock with mount attached. This issue was discovered upon changing the shocks. This has been the clunking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle when going over small bump in the terrain.
Driving car on freeway when the computer locked up system of awd and sensors. The back tires would not turn and car started to jerk and slowed down. The dash board lighted up and all sensors said off off off . The mileage speedometer changed to kilometers and the mapping screen had the car going in a circle. The steering wheel was stiff and cars where passing me by. The car made a clunking sound when it first happened. I got scared trying to figure out what to do. I slowly got out of traffic and off the freeway to park the car. Had the tow person come and we hard time getting it to stay in neutral. I had to stay in the car so it would not shut off. When got it to dealers for repair the repair place said the computer must have reset itself and they could not find anything wrong?? I feel this is a big problem? This should be looked into as it could be life threating when driving along and the computer takes over like that and you have no control of the wheels. My tow person saw what it was doing also not just me. So I know it was happening. Something is wrong with that computer system where it just shuts down like that. It has done it before on a smaller area of just the high beam controls but this time it was the whole driving mechanizm. Please look into this problem. I would like to see a new computer or something done with my car so it is safer and more reliable. Sincerely, jan milos
My car gets stuck in 4low when in awd. Car stalls all the time they have not fixed that recall as of yet. My check engine comes on and tire sensors to 0 on all sides when tires are fine. I can't turn left or right without clunking jerking. Dodge dealer knows the transfer cases have issues but no recalls. The dodge forum is full of complaints about same issue happening to least 20 others I have seen so far. I'm being charged about $5000 to change transfer switch and case now. But with so many of us why hasn't this been recalled. I think the whole problem is our computers are faulty. I have all kinds of lights flashing up at times for no reason and no codes are found with cel on. I was driving out of a store car park when light flashed and car got stuck in 4low now I live only to get to is from a highway and when that is 55mph and I can only go 20mph with wide turns we have an issue.
When driving vehicle rear clunking noise on driver side is present over small or moderate bumps. Noise is becoming worse over time and dealer has no explanation. Sound is becoming more concerning and worried about my safety in the vehicle
Transmission hard downshift from 2nd to 1st gear and vehicle lurches forward when coming to a stop and from 4th to 5th gear at times while up shifts at slow cruising speed it feels like it's bogging before shifting up to 5th. Downshifting 5th to 4th feels a clunk. Brought it to the dealer 3 river dodge in pittsburgh pa when I 1st bought it they said all the software was up to date and nothing they can do for me. This seems to be a issue but I cannot get a resolution from dealer.I bought it september 27 2018 and problem still there.
Durango r/t hemi awd towing package. Noticed rattle,clunking on rear passenger side, as well as increased body roll and rear end sway/road walk on road patches, road surface to bridge transitions, etc. Leading to a steering correction on steering wheel. Very noticeable at highway speeds. Made appt. For dealer inspection/repair. Dealer diagnosed as bad rear strut, ordered new struts for both rear sides and sent me home. I have been waiting almost 4 weeks now, dealer just tells me "138+ struts are on back order, no eta for the parts. Opened an incident with fca customer service over a week ago, all they are doing is sending me a daily email or vmail saying they are working on getting me the part, no eta. Meanwhile the ride continues to deteriorate.
'takata recall' there are several things that are going on with my 2005 dodge durango slt 4.7 liter v8, 4 wheel drive SUV that are alarming. Every single time I fuel the vehicle it shoots gasoline right back on out of the gas tank where you insert the fuel nozzle and covers me with gas! Plus I have replaced the throttle position sensor several times, along with the idle air control valve, and map sensor just to try and correct the stalling while either slowing down to come to a stop, or it also occurs quite frequently when the vehicle is at normal operational temperature and just idling. The RPM gauge inside the vehicle starts fluctuating irratically before stalling. You lose all power and control over the vehicle when it stalls! Another problem that's present is hard shifting, or the vehicle fails to shift until it almost pegs out the RPM gauge. It's like both idle and shift are affected creating a safety issue. The transmission has been serviced regularly, tuneups, etc. However despite staying on top of all vehicle maintenance requirements the vehicle still runs poorly and has been doing this since I have owned it at 78,000 miles. It's now got 113k on it and I honestly think the vehicle is a safety hazard and needs the manufacturing company to address all of these issues! This is an ongoing issue that no matter how many times I have the vehicle repaired and the parts replaced it continues to stall out and shift incorrectly there's 18 trouble codes that keep coming up including the air bag on the passenger side, which really doesn't seem to fit what's really going on. No trouble codes for the fuel tank shooting gas out of the inlet pipe that leads to gas tank. This stalling and loss of power happens at all speeds on the freeway, city driving, or literally parked or slowing down from any speed. Any kind of weather condition. Problem started 8/01/2014 to present day.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2005 dodge durango. When the vehicle was placed in drive, it would not accelerate and the check engine indicator illuminated. Also, whenever the four wheel drive was engaged, a loud clunking noise was heard. Furthermore, the air bag indicator was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to family chrysler dodge jeep ram (215‑492‑8600, located at 6735 essington ave, philadelphia, pa 19153), but the cause of the failures could not be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v352000 (air bags). The failure mileage was approximately 166,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Dodge Durango Pursuit vehicles equipped with an instrument panel mounted shifter. The shifter may experience an interference with the shifter boot and come out of gear while driving, which can result in a sudden loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the instrument panel mounted shifter boot, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 94A.
Recall number 23V640000 · Recall details
Power train: manual transmission: column shift assembly
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Charger and Durango vehicles. The shifter assembly was not properly heat-treated, which can prevent the shifter from properly engaging in the "drive" position.
- Risk
- An improperly engaged shifter assembly may slip out of the "drive" position, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the shifter assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall ZB3.
Recall number 22V866000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: differential unit
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. The front differential may have been assembled with pinion gears that are insufficiently hardened, which can lead to the gear teeth wearing down. If both pinion gears have their teeth sufficiently worn off, torque power can not be transferred from the front wheels to the driveline, resulting in loss of power while driving and loss of the PARK function when stationary.
- Risk
- A sudden loss of power while driving or loss of the transmission PARK function can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front differential, free of charge. The recall began May 21, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W22.
Recall number 20V183000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
- Risk
- If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.
Recall number 18V280000 · Recall details
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Dodge Durango vehicles. The vehicles may have been assembled with rear axle halfshafts that are too short.
- Risk
- If a halfshaft is too short, it may disengage from the differential causing a loss of drive and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace both halfshafts, free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T55.
Recall number 17V541000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: differential unit
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.
- Risk
- If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
- Remedy
- On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with the federal safety agency, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑247‑9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N08.
Recall number 13V038000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
- What is wrong
- On certain van and pickup trucks equipped with automatic transmissions, the ignition/park shift interlock system may become inoperative. This can allow the shifter to be moved out of the "park" position with the ignition key removed (or in the "lock" position). This can also allow the ignition key to be removed when the shifter has not been placed in the "park" position.
- Risk
- Either of these conditions could allow the vehicle to roll away causing a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the gearshift blocker and bracket assembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during january 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 07V555000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with automatic transmissions, the software programmed into the powertrain control module can cause a momentary lock up of the drive wheels if the vehicle is traveling over 40 MPH and the operator shifts from drive to neutral and back to drive.
- Risk
- If the drive wheels locked up, loss of vehicle control could occur increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module free of charge. The recall began on october 2, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 06V341000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- On certain pickup trucks, sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with 42rle automatic transmissions, the cup plug that retains the park pawl anchor shaft may be improperly installed. If the shaft moves out of position, the vehicle may not be able to achieve 'park' position.
- Risk
- If this occurs and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away and cause a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the transmissions and install a bracket to ensure the park pawl anchor shaft is retained in the proper position. The recall began on november 28, 2005. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 05V460000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with 4-wheel drive. The electric shift transfer case may not fully engage into gear when the operator moves the transfer case selector switch.
- Risk
- This could cause the transfer case to end up in the neutral position unexpectedly and allow the vehicle to roll away if the parking brake is not applied.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the transfer case control module. Owner notification began april 9, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 01V077000 · Recall details
Questions about the Dodge Durango harsh shifting
Which Dodge Durango years have harsh or hard shifting problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1999 (21 complaints), 2004 (18 complaints) and 1998 (14 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix harsh or hard shifting on the Dodge Durango?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,700 (median of 15 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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