2001 Dodge Durango Power Train Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Apr 1, 2026 · 106 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 106 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 2001 Dodge Durango, 16% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 69,250 miles. The words owners use most often: “gear shift” (9% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Gear shift: mentioned in 10 of 106 complaints (9%)
  • Automatic transmission: mentioned in 10 of 106 complaints (9%)
  • Lever linkage column: mentioned in 6 of 106 complaints (6%)
  • Consumer able: mentioned in 6 of 106 complaints (6%)

At what mileage do power train problems happen?

Based on 54 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles2 · 4%
10k–25k miles2 · 4%
25k–50k miles11 · 20%
50k–75k miles13 · 24%
75k–100k miles10 · 19%
100k–150k miles13 · 24%
150k+ miles3 · 6%

How serious are the reports?

Of 106 complaints, 9 mention a crash, 4 an injury.

Dodge Durango power train complaints by model year

Peak: 2005, with 217 complaints
1998: 10319981999: 1812000: 12020002001: 1062002: 7120022003: 242004: 9920042005: 2172172006: 5520062007: 182008: 420082009: 12011: 5120112012: 372013: 3420132014: 422015: 3820152016: 302017: 2320172018: 132019: 1320192020: 32021: 1020212022: 92023: 920232024: 52026: 22026

n = 1,318 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearPower Train complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2026 Durango214%651
2024 Durango536%—
2023 Durango928%55,000
2022 Durango916%—
2021 Durango105%63,000
2020 Durango35%29,980
2019 Durango139%40,000
2018 Durango136%11,763
2017 Durango2311%12,000
2016 Durango3019%23,055
2015 Durango388%29,000
2014 Durango425%32,250
2013 Durango345%44,550
2012 Durango376%49,958
2011 Durango516%51,624
2009 Durango18%88,527
2008 Durango44%118,093
2007 Durango189%102,000
2006 Durango556%109,500
2005 Durango21714%110,000
2004 Durango999%101,950
2003 Durango247%41,000
2002 Durango7117%81,059
2001 Durango10616%69,250
2000 Durango12011%57,008
1999 Durango1819%76,400
1998 Durango10311%68,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2002, with 23 complaints
2001: 9200192002: 23232003: 102003102004: 14142005: 182005182006: 442007: 4200742008: 882009: 4200942010: 332011: 2201122012: 112014: 2201422015: 332026: 120261

n = 106 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (2)

Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shiftDec 4, 2007 · NHTSA campaign 07V555000 · 576,418 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shiftMar 7, 2001 · NHTSA campaign 01V077000 · 85,400 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Durango. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V555000 (POWER TRAIN); but the failure occurred. The contact stated that the vehicle unexpectedly shifted out of park(P). After several attempts, the gear shift lever was shifted to park(P) and remained…

Received Apr 1, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11728540

Car idles fast when in park. Rpm needles also reacts. When driving car appears as if transmission isn't working. Upon acceleration the car appears as if it's about to stop. When it does accelerate it reacts very sluggish.. Thought tranny was bad, but was informed tranny. Took in for a tune-up, was…

Received Apr 9, 2015 · NHTSA complaint 10704676

Headlights, overhead dome, instrument lights all flash on and off when headlights are turned on which is impossible to drive at night without serious being a serious major safety hazard. Checked forum for dodge products, there is also a service bulletin in your database there are many complaints of…

Received Mar 4, 2015 · NHTSA complaint 10692162
Dodge Durango
Dodge Durango in SoHo, Manhattan. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Kidfly182, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all 2001 Dodge Durangos have power train problems?

No. NHTSA has 106 owner complaints about power train for the 2001 Dodge Durango (16% of the 665 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the 2001 Dodge Durango power train?

Yes: 2 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

At what mileage do power train problems start?

The median reported mileage is 69,250 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.

What do owners say about power train problems on the 2001 Dodge Durango?

The most frequent phrase is “gear shift”, in 10 of 106 complaints, followed by “automatic transmission” (10).

Other 2001 Dodge Durango problems

See all 2001 Dodge Durango problems or power train problems across all Durango years.