2002 Dodge Durango Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Durango years
- More complaints than other years 13th of 29 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 4 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 423 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Dodge Durango. That ranks 13th out of 29 Durango model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is suspension (144 complaints, 34%), typically at around 42,539 miles. Complaints mention 35 crashes, 13 fires, 38 injuries. There are 4 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 5 defect investigations involving it.
- 423owner complaints
- 4safety recalls
- 5NHTSA investigations
- 35complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2002 Dodge Durango problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension problems | 144 | 34% | 42,539 | “upper ball” (39%) | $980 |
| Power Train problems | 71 | 17% | 81,059 | “shift park” (13%) | — |
| Electrical System | 48 | 11% | 80,000 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 46 | 11% | 70,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 46 | 11% | 26,540 | — | — |
| Steering | 28 | 7% | 89,443 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 16 | 4% | 60,000 | — | — |
| Visibility | 15 | 4% | 42,000 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 11 | 3% | 62,000 | — | — |
| Engine | 10 | 2% | 183,500 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 10 | 2% | 139,250 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Air | 9 | 2% | 35,048 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 8 | 2% | 109,299 | — | — |
| Structure | 8 | 2% | 76,000 | — | — |
| Equipment | 7 | 2% | 69,750 | — | — |
| Tires | 7 | 2% | 50,000 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 6 | 1% | 18,305 | — | — |
| Seats | 6 | 1% | 70,000 | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 5 | 1% | 37,200 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 | 1% | 99,600 | — | — |
| Wheels | 5 | 1% | 71,500 | — | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 2 | 0% | 149,000 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 0% | 125,000 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 0% | — | — | — |
| Traction Control System | 1 | 0% | 55,036 | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0% | 76,000 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2002 Dodge Durango recalls (4)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
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.
Electrical system
Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with front bench seats only, if fluid is spilled from the floor mounted cup holder, an unused console power outlet connector located under the seat may become contaminated.
Risk: This may allow development of a high resistive short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the console wiring connector for corrosion, clean as required, and install a cap to prevent additional fluid from contaminating the connector free of charge. The recall began on october 30, 2006. Owners may contact daimler chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint
Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel drive (4x4), if moisture leaks into the front suspension upper ball joint, evacuation of the lubricant and corrosion of the joint may cause the joint to wear over an extended period of time. This could cause a clunking noise in the front suspension, which may not always be heard by the vehicle occupants.
Risk: Excessive wear in the upper ball joint may allow it to separate, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front suspension upper ball joints. This safety improvement campaign began on december 21, 2004. Owners can contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer
Problem: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper module motor may be susceptible to water intrusion that could cause internal corrosion and result in partial or complete loss of front windshield wiping capability.
Risk: Driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper module. Owner notification began on july 12, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Vehicle under-seat fire (EA06011) — opened Jun 19, 2006, closed Sep 22, 2006.
- Fire under the driver's seat (PE06008) — opened Feb 2, 2006, closed Jun 19, 2006, led to recall 06V339000.
- Upper ball joint separation (EA03023) — opened Nov 19, 2003, closed Feb 11, 2005, led to recall 04V596000.
- Front susp. Upper ball joint failure (PE03032) — opened Jul 16, 2003, closed Nov 19, 2003.
- Safety belt cinching latch plate (PE02082) — opened Nov 6, 2002, closed Apr 23, 2003.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
I have had my front wheel hub replaced 12 times yet my car isn't part of any recall
The hub on my 02 Durango has had to be replaced 8 times since I bought it in 2018 but everyone says my car isn't part of recall.
While pulling a travel trailer I got onto the freeway. As I have been pulling the trailer for a while now with this vehicle my comfort speed is around 45mph but will push up to 50mph maybe 55mph at the most. Anyways while entering the freeway I accelerated and as I got ready to merge I let my foot…
When driving to the store i shut vehicle off and went in . When i came out i cranked it over and it startered and then caught on fire by firewall and was ingolfed in flames
When driving, the steering wheel locks and the car dies. It has happen several times while i'm on the road. Replaced camshaft sensor but it is still dying. If you do a google search you will find that a lot of people are having the same issue. It is dangerous and my life and the life of others can…
Other Dodge Durango years
← 2001 Durango · 2003 Durango →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Durango | 14 | 0 |
| 2025 Durango | 8 | 0 |
| 2024 Durango | 14 | 0 |
| 2023 Durango | 32 | 2 |
| 2022 Durango | 59 | 7 |
| 2021 Durango | 203 | 8 |
| 2020 Durango | 55 | 2 |
| 2019 Durango | 144 | 4 |
| 2018 Durango | 233 | 5 |
| 2017 Durango | 213 | 2 |
| 2016 Durango | 161 | 3 |
| 2015 Durango | 503 | 4 |
| 2014 Durango | 782 | 11 |
| 2013 Durango | 640 | 11 |
| 2012 Durango | 640 | 10 |
| 2011 Durango | 800 | 8 |
| 2009 Durango | 12 | 4 |
| 2008 Durango | 97 | 2 |
| 2007 Durango | 191 | 4 |
| 2006 Durango | 852 | 9 |
| 2005 Durango | 1,567 | 8 |
| 2004 Durango | 1,115 | 8 |
| 2003 Durango | 339 | 4 |
| 2002 | 423 | 4 |
| 2001 Durango | 665 | 5 |
| 2000 Durango | 1,075 | 2 |
| 1999 Durango | 1,967 | 3 |
| 1998 Durango | 965 | 4 |
| 1997 Durango | 4 | 1 |
See all Dodge Durango problems by year, every Dodge model, or the Dodge VIN decoder.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Dodge Durango?
Owners most often report suspension, power train, electrical system problems. The top one, suspension, accounts for 144 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2002 Dodge Durango?
Yes, 4 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2002 Dodge Durango a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Durango model years, the 2002 has more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.