Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On dec 10 I was driving well below the posted speed limit of 35 MPH. With all the chirstmas traffic and the light rain falling I was being what I thought extremely careful. The vehicle in front of me was at least 5 car links ahead. When that vehicle applied their brakes I immediately appllied mine and nothing happened. I tried to steer to the right to go around the vehicle which at this time had stopped in front of me and again nothing happened. Even though the tires turned my 2003 Durango would not follow. I slammed into the back of the vehicle in front of me. Since I am a widow with 3 children one of which is handicapped I only collect social security. Now my 2003 Durango is sitting in my drive way and I am unable to drive it. Also the ball joints I am having trouble with prior to the accident just like everybody else. …
Vehicle has a brake pulsation and had a brake squeak. This has been going on since vehicle was purchased in 10-03. Vehicle was returned to dealership while under warranty. They replaced the brake pads and resurfaced the rotors. This did not eliminate the pulsation but did eliminate the squeak. The transmission bangs into gear and has a long delay going from park into reverse. This is an ongoing problem. The vehicle has been returned to the dealer more than 10 times. They claimed they could not duplicate the problem. This is after telling us they felt something but did not know what it was. Engine stalls and runs rough. This is intermittent and dealer could not duplicate it. I have spoken with several transmission shops and they have stated that there is a fix for the transmission problem. Chrysler will not perform the repair. …
Driving home from north carolina to new york, I-95, legal speed limit of 65mph, truck shut off displaying "no bus" in odometer screen. Was able to pull over safely, thank god, and turned ignition off for a couple of seconds and than restarted truck. Thankfully it started up and I was able to proceed on my way. This happened a few times more while on my trip to new york. Driving locally didn't encounter any other problems. Have scanner at home as I'm a auto repairman at a novice level, and was surprised that not one code was stored in the computer. None of the forums seem to be able to give me any insight as to what caused this problem as none of the recommended checks produced any bad tests. This is a serious problem that should be recalled and fix by the Chrysler corp before someone gets killed.
Vibration in front end of SUV. The vibration occurs when driving. Dealer states this is normal also vibrates when braking I am a service mgr. For farm dealership and deal with complaint everyday this is not normal problem with SUV but one that has been ongoing from the day the truck was bought and now Dodge and the dealer do not wont to repair this problem it has been to the shop 3 time going to different dealer this also had new tire installed at dealers request at my cost and had the tire balanced three times the vehicle has app 15,000 miles on now it is 2003 Durango.
2003 Dodge Durango - vibration occurred when braking. At approx. 11,000 miles dealer replaced all four brake rotors. Following replacement of rotors breaking capability decreased significantly. Vibration re-appeared at 24,000 miles. Front brake rotors replaced again. Now at 30,000 miles vibration has re-appeared. I took the Durango to a local garage since dealer was saying no problem with braking capacity. Local garage indicates front rotors need turned again and also that rear brake calipers do not appear to be working.
While applying the brake pedal vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the brakes needed to be replaced, and replaced them three times. On 04/2004 at 9029 miles, they said replaced brake pads with heavier ones and turned the rotors and that would take care of the problem. On 03/2005 19356 miles, they said replaced the calipers which sticking. Brake pads again and turned rotors again. Headlights dim when rolling down power windows.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that he noticed a leak from the brake lines. Upon further inspection he noticed corrosion of the brake lines. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where all of the brake lines were replaced. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 95,000. Updated 8/12/13 the consumer stated rust resistance lines were installed on the vehicle. Updated 09/05/13
While driving approximately 45 MPH, the consumer applied the brake pedal and the vehicle failed to stop completely and rear ended the vehicle in front of his. Both frontal air bags did not deploy. However, the driver and one other passenger sustain minor injuries. The vehicle was towed to a body shop for inspection. The cause has not been determined at this time. Please provide further details.
While driving vehicle was hopping when braking. First, at high speeds and now at any speed. Owner took the vehicle to the dealer, and was informed that the rotors were made of a different alloy which was not compatible to the brake pads, causing the rotors to warp.
I have had 3 wrecks . 2 I hit deer head on the last, my brakes failed steering failed as I skid and I hit a tree in feb 2013. At no time did my airbags inflate. I wore my seat belt on all 3 occasions not injured except lower back pain every once in a while.
Brake complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2003 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Dodge Durango, 10% of the model year's 339 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Dodge Durango brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2003 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 2003 Dodge Durango brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 15,000 miles, and 71% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to brakes 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.