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 2002 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the shift lever became stuck in and out of the park position. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was awaiting to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was exhibiting the same failures as mentioned in NHTSA campaign number: 07V555000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into the park position. The contact had shift into neutral and park on a flat surface since otherwise it would roll away. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
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. Upon entering the vehicle, the contact noticed that the gear shift was in the reverse position and was unable to shift into park. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 244,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the gear shift slipped into different gears while parked. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number :07V555000 (power train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Transmission and power train broke. Pieces of it were later found on the road. Transmission melted and caught fire, and later the whole vehicle was engulfed in flames and smoke. By the time firefighters had arrived , the whole vehicle front was burnt down. The vehicle was totaled.
When I shift automatic transmission into gear it makes a ticking noise and also when I turn they're always kind of a thump feel to the entire vehicle. I also can take my key out of ignition no matter if its in drive, par, reverse etc...
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.
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.
Transmission complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 71 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Dodge Durango, 17% of the model year's 423 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Dodge Durango transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 07V-555 (column shift, Dec 4, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Dodge Durango transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 3 fires and 1 injury 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.