Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 in park(P). The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
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 told only spark plugs May need replaced. Did online research to discover several others having same trouble. On-line feedback suggested possible tps problem or needed to replace idle speed control module. My husband and I are both on fixed incomes and don't have money to pay for "it could be". We need a definite answer to our trouble so we can properly repair it. We use this vehicle to transport our grandkids in as well as use it for vacations. Please help!!! We need an answer asap.
Wife drove forward into a parking space. Shifted to reverse (automatic electronic transmission) and backed up to straighten vehicle. Shifted to drive. Applied gas, and vehicle continued in reverse. Backed into curb and mailbox, shifted into 2nd. Vehicle continued in reverse, shifted into 1st. Vehicle continued in reverse, shut motor off and restarted vehicle. Everything back to normal. Dealer tested vehicle and could find no fault. Comment on invoice was "npf road tested checked with drb no codes 185 ly, long lic#2069. Scc **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis*746430
Tl contact owns a 2001 Dodge Durango. While driving 45 MPH, the contact heard a thumping noise. The vehicle veered to the right and rolled over. The contact felt that the cause of crash was the drive shaft. The vehicle was destroyed. The driver sustained serious injuries. A police report was filed. The manufacturer and dealer have not inspected the vehicle to determine the cause of failure. The current and failure mileages were 115,000. The consumer stated the air bags did not deploy. Updated 09/11/07
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Durango. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the electronic door locking mechanism automatically unlocked and locked the vehicle. Additionally, the shift lever became difficult to shift out of park. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that an unknown part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 33,500.
The other driver was at a stop and I was driving between 50 and 55 MPH on the highway. The other driver pulled out infront of me from my left to right. As we impacted my air bag did not deploy but the passenger's air bag did deploy. I was the only person in my car. I struck him with such force that the vehicle I was driving was forced off the road and then was stopped by a tree. After 2 hits the driver's side air bag still did not deploy. The vehicle was deemed a total loss.
While the vehicle was parked and running in the driveway consumer's two-year old child was able to shift the vehicle out of park into drive. Vehicle commenced to roll. Then, 8 years old child was able to shift the vehicle into reverse. Consumer was able to stop the vehicle while it was rolling backward into the garage. Consumer sustained injuries to her left side while trying to get into the vehicle while it was in motion. Dealer was not notified.
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 people with the same malfunction, and mechanics told everyone same thing power train or body control module (BCM).
2001 Durango r/t. Second failure of transmission (11/26/03) @ 35000 miles. Handled by different dealerships and no one knows exactly why or how transmission is failing. RPM tachometer races between 100 - 800 RPM during driving conditions including load, light load, flat terrain, and occasionally down hill when driving of speeds greater than 45 MPH in drive and overdrive. Excessively hard clung when shifting between 1st and 2nd and between 2nd and 1st. 1st failure (2/6/02) was before PCM and transmission flash recalls @ 20000 miles. Service manager insisted that this was a normal thing and his Jeep did the same thing. After much convincing that I would prefer the opinion of a tech instead did they take the vehicle for repair. Vehicle was kept for an additional week than what was promised for delivery. …
After purchasing my Durango used from a local dealer I immediately began having issues with the transmission slipping out of gear while going up passes, passing car, towing etc. I took it back to the dealer and they stated that the transmission had been over filled causing this. I then drove it again and it still happened. In researching my Durango I found that it already had its tranny replaced at 60K miles by the previous owner. I also have the gear shift lever that will come out of gear without the brake being pressed, but I see they actually recalled that particular item so it will soon be fixed. I also have rear and passenger window that stopped rolling up or down by their controls but still operate with driver controls. And last but not least my engine service light came on right before a trip stating that I had a coolant leak. …
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
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).
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.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
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.
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…
Transmission complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 106 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Dodge Durango, 16% of the model year's 665 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (52 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Dodge Durango transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 07V-555 (column shift, Dec 4, 2007); NHTSA recall 01V-077 (column shift, Mar 7, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Dodge Durango transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.