Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
Was driving down wayne road when suddenly my car started slowing down everything seem to be working except the gas paddle. I had my feet on gas but it was not responding I quickly pulled to the right as it was hard to turn steering wheel. It was cars behind me and it was scary knowing someone could hit me . I called my husband and he came thought he could just give me a jump but he said its nothing wrong with battery. It looks like im not getting any gas. It wont turn over so he pushed me in the mall. Until I get off from work. I was blessed that it happen to do that on the day he was off because I just started a new job and I didn't need to miss a day as soon as I start working. I also read many similar complaints on this is. This should be taken care of and fast. I thank the lord for watching over me in trial moments.
I was coming down a driveway from a store and I attempted to stop behind another vehicle when I applied my brakes and my Durango lunged forward towards the other vehicle and it did it twice but the second time I had both my feet on the brakes and I hit the other vehicle.I have new tires and brakes and also the pavement was wet but it did not slide. It was like the accelerator stuck or something. My worry is that I could hit a pedestrian next time this happens. I had no damage to my Durango but there was damage to the other vehicle. This is the first accident I've had in years and I had a good driving record until now.
A valve seat in my cylinder head came off during normal engine operation causing total engine destruction. The valve seat (made of steel) dislodged itself and destroyed the aluminum head and the piston in that cylinder. This is a factory default common in these engines. I was driving down a busy road when the valve locked up, lost compression, causing my brakes to go out and my engine to stall. I had to pull off the road to avoid the car stopping in front of me.. This is a documented failure on 1999-2002 Chrysler- Jeep 4.7l engines.
While driving a burning odor could be detected from inside the cabin. So I pulled over to check the engine and no immediate problem could be seen. After driving for two blocks I notice that the odor was getting stronger and smoke was coming from the engine. I pulled over once more open the hood. Upon further inspection I notice flame at the fire wall within seconds the whole engine covered in flames.
Owner purchased vehicle on 7/3/03 with 1300 miles on odometer. Owner had problems with noises under the hood and in the steering column. Vehicle would slip out of park into neutral or reverse. Dealership said there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. On 11/1/03 the vehicle caught fire and burned. Fire started under hood in engine compartment, but damage too severe to determine exact cause.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle failed to restart after numerous attempts. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 187,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact replaced the crankshaft position sensor, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was unable to be determined. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 187,000.
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 be at risk.
While driving on an interstate highway at 65 miles per hour the engine shut down and I pulled off onto the shoulder. After sitting for about 5 minutes I tried the ignition key and the engine started and I continued on my way.
Engine complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2002 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2002 Dodge Durango, 13% of the model year's 423 complaints. The component named most often is engine (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Dodge Durango engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2002 Dodge Durango, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Dodge Durango engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 3 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.