Most common 2002 Dodge Durango problems
Share of the 423 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Durango complaints by model year
Best Durango years: 2020, 2024, 2022. Years to avoid: 1999, 2005, 2000, 1998. Compare all years →
2002 Dodge Durango recalls (4)
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.
Electrical system
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.
Remedy: 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.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
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.
Remedy: 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
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper module. Owner notification began on July 12, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 5 possible defects involving the 2002 Dodge Durango:
Fire under the driver's seat
Odi is aware of 10 reports alleging that a fire originates underneath the driver's seat.six of thefires occurred while the vehicle was parked with the ignition switch turned off (key not in the ignition).the subject vehicles are equipped with manual seats. This investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis, (ea06-011), to allow further investigation of the issue.
Front susp. Upper ball joint failure
In July 2003, odi opened pe03-032 based on 4 consumer complaints alleging separation of an upper ball joint.complaints alleged an unexpected collapse in the front end and in some occasions the ball joint separation is alleged to have resulted in the wheel, brake rotor, and steering knuckle separating from the vehicle.since opening the pe, odi has received 23 additional complaints related to ball joint separation.
Safety belt cinching latch plate
There are no injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect.while conducting this investigation, odi found that the subject cinches meet the load bearing requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 208, and that many of the reported failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations.
Vehicle under-seat fire
Daimlerchrylser corporation (dcc) will recall 35,103 my 2001-2003 Dodge durango vehicles equipped with front bench seats (recall # 06V339, see defect report for details).the subject vehicles are equipped with either front bucket seats or a 40-20-40 split front bench seat.vehicles equipped with front bench seat contain an uncapped, unused connector located under the front edge of the seat.the connector provides power…
Upper ball joint separation
Daimlerchrysler corporation (dcc) is recalling the target population of approximately 600,000 my 2000 through 2003 durango and dakota vehicles with four-wheel drive to replace the front suspension upper ball joints with redesigned parts that do not have the joint integrity concerns and have substantially improved joint retention capacity (NHTSA recall no.
What 2002 Dodge Durango owners say
Suspension all 144 →
During breaking, steering, and turning, I hear a "clacking" sound and there is a feeling of something sticking. When the SUV is parked on my drive way, I release the hand break and I can hear a strong "clack" sound. I had times where the breaking system was difficult to press. I took the SUV to pep boys and their evaluation shows that it needs upper and lower ball joints, front brakes, and shock and struts. Steering: terrible and extremely difficult to turn (super hard to steer). Some parts where changed by pep boys in an "urgent" situation. The steering "bearings" ?(a part that goes from the steering wheel down to the motor) was changed. (I have a copy of the work done).
Tl contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle veered to the right and crashed into the guard rail. The contact sustained leg and arm injuries. A police report was filed. The upper ball joints and tie rods failed and caused the crash. The dealer and manufacturer were unable to explain why this occurred and stated that no recalls were available. In 2005, the vehicle was repaired under recall number 04V596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint), in which the tie rods and ball joints were replaced. The vehicle had 46,000 miles at that time. The failure and current mileages were 69,000.
Transmission & drivetrain all 71 →
Beginning in April 2012 it was extremely hard to get gear shift out of park you had to attempt this several times this occurred every so often there was no significant routine. We took this to Dodge in gainesville several different trips and it would not repeat the problem for them. Starting around December of 2014 the vehicle would come out of park all by itself while parked and with the vehicle off then we would have trouble getting the key out or the vehicle back into park. This happens constantly and we are now scared to drive it. I called Chrysler and they said there was a recall of this nature but not on my vehicle. I find this hard to accept considering it is doing the exact same failure of other Durango's from this manufacture date. Please respond and let me know if I should junk my only vehicle or get a second mortgage to have repaired. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the gears failed to shift into park and that it was difficult to remove the key. In addition, the gears shifted independently and the key was able to be removed while the vehicle was still in motion. The contact had to apply the emergency brake at times to prevent a failure. The dealer replaced the gear shift cable and an s bracket, but the failure continued randomly. The manufacturer excluded the vehicle from NHTSA campaign number: 07V555000 (power train). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 24,347.
Brakes all 65 →
I was traveling at 25 MPH and approx. 100 feet behind other cars when someone about 10 cars ahead made a hard stop causing everyone behind them to do the same. I heard at least three cars tires screaching to a stop in front of me. When I applied my brakes in my 2002 Dodge Durango with brake pedal pushed down as far as it would go and as hard as I could the truck slowed to about 5 MPH with everything loose in the truck flying foward, but the truck did not stop. For the last 30 feet it just kept going at 5 MPH and I hit the rear of of a 97 Honda accord. The tires never locked up or did I feel any anti-lock pulsation in the brake pedal as I have on other vehicles. I had no control in this accident. If I had not had 4 wheel anti-lock brakes I would have been able to stop. Something is wrong with the braking system on this truck! But the dealer said everything was normal. …
While driving, no matter what speed the vehicle starts to sputter, loses power and will stall. I was low on gas, and took my car to a local gas station for fuel. After putting $10 in my car was running extremely rough. I was doing about 20 MPH, when it just shut off. Brakes got real hard. After re starting the vehicle all seemed normal. Then, I drove about 3 car lengths and it did it again at a red light. I tried pushing the gas to see if that would do anything, it didnt. I drove all in , about 3 miles, and the car stalled 7 times. While in the drive through, it stalled 3 abd at one point jerked so far I thought I was going to hit the car in front of me. Vehicle speed does not matter , as it will slowly lose power and turn off. I was driving locally on a city street. …
2002 Dodge Durango engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 17 / 14 |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 12 / 16 / 14 |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 12 / 16 / 14 |
| 5.9L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 11 / 16 / 13 |
| 5.9L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 11 / 15 / 12 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Dodge Durango a good car?
Based on 423 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Durango rates better than average: 42% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Durango at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Dodge Durango?
The suspension — 144 complaints, 34% of all complaints for this model year, most often about front › control arm › upper ball joint. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (71) and brakes (65).
How many recalls does the 2002 Dodge Durango have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2002 Dodge Durango, the most recent from December 4, 2007 (column shift). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Durango?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020, 2024 and 2022. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999, 2005, 2000 and 1998. See the full Dodge Durango years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Dodge Durango problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 58,000 miles; 45% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.