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 2003 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The obd reader on my 2003 Durango brings up code for central timing module and eeprm checksum error were the safety recall is in order but the vin number is not in the list of recall. It has all the specification of recall but vin number isn't in the list of recalls. I'm driving around in a unsafe vehicle due to manufacturing error that my vin number is the only thing why they won't fix it. Why do they not care if I kill myself or others from this that the recall is
I purchased my vehicle 10/2019. Since then I have taken to repair shop for vehicle stalls when coming to a stop or at a stop, let along when slowing for a stop. Then RPM's drop! I have almost been rear ended multiple times due to this, with my children and grandchildren in car!!! The shop I've taken to can not find out why this is happening. Granted we tried replacing hoses, valve gaskets tune up. I feel there should be a recall to find and fix this before a serious injury happens. This has also happened as I was driving and I had to put in neutral to restart. The streets and roads I have to travel are usually always busy. Also the vehicle when stopping the front driver and passenger seats slide back and forth, they are not what I would call safe... For I believe the rules ares to check mirrors, adjust seating, wear seat belts to ensure that you will be driving safely. …
Tl contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. While idling at a traffic light, the vehicle accelerated by itself. The brake pedal was depressed when the failure occurred. The rear tires turned over and pushed the vehicle out into the intersection. The vehicle then began to fishtail. The contact turned the wheel to the left and caused the vehicle to roll over. He sustained head injuries. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number 06e024000 (engine and engine cooling), which he believed to be the cause of the failure. A police report was filed. The dealer and manufacturer have not been notified, just his insurance company. The current and failure mileages were approximately 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while in park, the contact noticed that there was excessive consumption of engine oil. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to multiple independent mechanics, who were unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 166,000.
Hello yesterday I left work wasn't in my truck for 5 minutes and it started smoking white smoke came out and I seen antifreeze spray everywhere I don't know if the engine locked on me or the head gasket is blown either way what can I do about this also before this happened when it rains my truck will spin it scared the hell out of me when I was driving to work but this only happens when it rains the tires look good
While driving at 60 MPH the vehicle stalled and jerked. Another motorist informed the consumer that the vehicle was on fire. The consumer exited the vehicle, and watched the engine compartment become engulfed in flames. The fire was extinguished with no injuries. The dealer informed the consumer that engine threw a rod, and it punctured the oil pan. The engine was replaced.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the heater failed to function. The contact also stated that the connecting wires for the fan resistors were melted. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000 and the current mileage was 115,000.
Have a 2003 Dodge Durango. Was driving down the highway when it sounded like something fell off the car the car was immediately pulled over and there were flames coming from under the engine. The car quickly became total engulfed in flames and burned up. The car is a 100% lose.
I purchased a used 2003 Dodge Durango in March 2004 with 21,448 miles from enterprise rent a car. On 9/24/04 I took the vehicle to sheehy Dodge in upper marlboro, md for a check engine light problem. The code was p0440, which is for a general evaporation system failure and they replaced the purge solenoid. On 9/30/04 I took the vehicle back to sheehy, as the check engine light came back on. Sheehy's advisor contacted me later that day and said the light was not on and there were no trouble codes displayed, (the light was on when I arrived at sheehy that morning). I was told if the light came back on to bring it straight back, which I did again on 10/6/04. This time the same code came up as the first visit, p0440 and they replaced the l.d.p. Leak datec pump. Then again on 11/8/04 the light came back on again and I took it back to sheehy. …
I have to stop far away from a vehicle fear of running in the back of their vehicle. It doesn't seem to want to stop sometime, this has been happening for awhile now alot recently. It cuts off on me if I get in the highway so embarrassing and when that happens I only can take off slow. Which causes me to exit the highway and not get back on. I had bought a car vacuum and it stated smoking on me, I was using the socket in the arm rest. I have alot of problems when I use the A/C or heat it cuts off on me and it stalls to take off,it's scary for me and my kids. It rams by it's self and it acts as if it's gone cut off and most of the time it do. It make this putting sounds when it's going to cut off or even when it stops on me. The dealer replace the Cadillac converter and my oxygen sensors. I also got a tune up and two of the fuel injectors replace new parts, that I paid for myself. …
Engine complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2003 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2003 Dodge Durango, 15% of the model year's 339 complaints. The component named most often is engine (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Dodge Durango engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 4 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.