2004 Dodge Durango Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 2, 2026 · 1,115 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Durango years
Far more complaints than other years 3rd of 29 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 1,115 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Dodge Durango. That ranks 3rd out of 29 Durango model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (326 complaints, 29%), typically at around 120,000 miles. Complaints mention 45 crashes, 74 fires, 42 injuries. There are 8 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 9 defect investigations involving it.

Dodge Durango
Dodge Durango in SoHo, Manhattan. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Kidfly182, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2004 Dodge Durango problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine326 · ~120,000 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling249 · ~81,000 mi
Electrical System243 · ~60,500 mi
Air Bags143 · ~130,000 mi
Power Train99 · ~101,950 mi
Vehicle Speed Control49 · ~30,000 mi
Structure35 · ~84,750 mi
Steering31 · ~83,520 mi
Unknown or Other22 · ~151,607 mi
Equipment21 · ~41,591 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine problems32629%120,000“went start” (14%)$7,650
Engine and Engine Cooling problems24922%81,000“hemi engine” (8%)$8,850
Electrical System problems24322%60,500“instrument panel” (20%)$860
Air Bags problems14313%130,000“air bag” (29%)—
Power Train problems999%101,950“transfer case” (17%)—
Vehicle Speed Control494%30,000——
Structure353%84,750——
Steering313%83,520——
Unknown or Other222%151,607——
Equipment212%41,591——
Exterior Lighting212%115,106——
Fuel/propulsion System182%118,050——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic182%19,598——
Suspension182%15,350——
Visibility182%64,000——
Seat Belts131%60,000——
Interior Lighting121%59,000——
Tires121%9,794——
Fuel System, Gasoline111%60,000——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)101%120,000——
Service Brakes101%100,085——
Seats40%95,813——
Visibility/wiper30%120,000——
Wheels30%126,500——
Latches/locks/linkages20%91,452——
Service Brakes, Air20%54,130——
Child Seat10%68,300——
Electronic Stability Control10%———
Equipment Adaptive/mobility10%———
Fuel System, Other10%250——
Traction Control System10%7,500——
Trailer Hitches10%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2015, with 129 complaints
2004: 5420042005: 772006: 6020062007: 822008: 5720082009: 462010: 4920102011: 852012: 7820122013: 1272014: 10420142015: 1291292016: 6520162017: 342018: 2020182019: 262020: 920202021: 42022: 420222023: 22024: 220242026: 1

n = 1,115 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2004 Dodge Durango recalls (8)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

EquipmentDec 21, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V824000 · 61,791 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator moduleDo not driveMay 24, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V352000 · 4,648,270 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.

Risk: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.

Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator moduleDo not driveMay 26, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V313000 · 4,077,169 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.

Air bagsDec 3, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V770000 · 250,896 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. For vehicles that were sold, or are currently registered, in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, owners were notified and the recall began on December 5, 2014. For all other vehicles, Chrysler notified owners and the recall began on February 3, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P40 Expanded. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall 16V-352. This recall superseded the passenger air bag portion of recall 14V-354.

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panelMar 9, 2007 · NHTSA campaign 07V092000 · 328,424 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cablesDec 8, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V578000 · 71,763 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Vehicle speed control:cablesJan 14, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V020000 · 21,053 vehicles

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.7l and 4.7l engines, the throttle control cable may ingest water and freeze during extended cold temperature.

Risk: This could cause the throttle to stick in the open position and result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the throttle control cable. Owner notification began on january 19, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Electrical system:wiring:interior/under dashDec 12, 2003 · NHTSA campaign 03V528000 · 27,586 vehicles

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, an instrument cluster circuit board capacitor may overheat.

Risk: This could potentially result in an instrument panel fire.

Fix: 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.

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

  • Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture (EA21002) — opened Sep 17, 2021, still open.
  • Air Bag Inflator Rupture (EA15001) — opened Feb 24, 2015, still open, led to recall 14V668.
  • Steering wheel and steering shaft bolts (EA06004) — opened Mar 9, 2006, still open.
  • Air Bag Inflator Rupture (PE14016) — opened Jun 11, 2014, closed Mar 2, 2015, led to recall 13V172000.
  • Instrument panel fires (EA06015) — opened Aug 28, 2006, closed Mar 15, 2007, led to recall 07V092000.
  • Instrument panel fires (RQ06006) — opened May 5, 2006, closed Aug 28, 2006.
  • Engine stall (EA05018) — opened Nov 2, 2005, closed Aug 29, 2007.
  • Steering wheel and shaft bolts (PE05056) — opened Oct 26, 2005, closed Mar 9, 2006.
  • Engine stall (PE05027) — opened May 16, 2005, closed Nov 3, 2005.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Recall for cluster, dealership said they could not. Get the parts to fix it.they fixed the airbags said we could pick the car up, called the company that sent the recall letter they said I could buy the part,or I could call other dodge dealerships, I have not had a car since I got the do not drive…

Electrical System · received Sep 2, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11761744

I was coming home. As I pulled in my garage, hit the brake to stop and put in park. The vehicle started winding up to a point where my foot on the brake didn't matter. It accelerated forward, going through the wall of my garage, through my backyard, thru a chain guard, and into the corner of the…

Vehicle Speed Control · received Oct 4, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11618187

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 10 MPH and making a left turn in the rain, the vehicle shut off. There were no warning lights illuminated. While at a car wash, the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that the water was entering the engine…

Engine · received May 14, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11588740

Was sitting at a traffic light and a driver pull up beside me on my drive side, and ask me was my car running hot because she saw that it was smokeing, and i told her no it's not running hot and i would check it out at the service station down the street. before i could pull off another car pull up…

Electrical System · received Jul 3, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11530055

While driving my vehicle this morning my odometer completely shut off while on the freeway and all my little lights on the dashboard went on. My turn signals, as well as my brake lights stopped working as well.

Electrical System · received Mar 23, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11513425

Other Dodge Durango years

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Dodge Durango?

Owners most often report engine, engine and engine cooling, electrical system problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 326 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Dodge Durango?

Yes, 8 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2004 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 2004 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.