Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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
Since purchasing this vehicle new it has had major electrical issues. The sad part, nobody at Dodge cared. It would shift into 4wd low at dangerous speeds. After taking to several Dodge dealers none could or would fix it. Dodge themselves basically laughed at ripping off yet another customer. Nhtsb has totally ignored the thousands of consumers with issues on these vehicles. Ours is another that have the pulsating lights problem that apparently NHTSA and Dodge feel it isn't an issue to have your lights turn off while driving in traffic at 70 MPH. Apparently in the automotive/govt. Relationship as long as the vehicle hasn't killed all of us yet everything is okay. At least the Dodge dealers are doing well. They've raked in more cash by denying the issue and throwing expensive parts at these lemons. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. After starting the vehicle, the headlights, tail lights, and interior lights started to flash on and off with the emergency indicator illuminating on the instrument panel. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the central timer module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 119,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the headlamp flickered on and off. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the central timer module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 02V322000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.
The problem originally started about 2 weeks ago. When I switched on the rear fan (heat or ac did not matter), the entire center console (radio, blower switches, and electronic 4wd switch) would go completely dead, and the "service 4wd" light would come on. Then this started happening when I turned on the front blower or the rear blower. Then it started happening with both blowers off and the headlights on high. Now it does it spontaneously for no apparent reason with all extra electrical components (the headlights, radio, and blowers) all off. I'm thinking there is a short somewhere, but cannot identify it. So far, I have replaced the blower motor resistor, the tccm, and the ignition switch with no apparent improvement. I've also had the dash apart and checked every electrical wire I could get to for obvious shorts. No luck. The problem is getting progressively worse. …
My headlights and interior lights started blinking accompanied by a clicking sound coming from the left side of the steering panel. The windshield wipers also do not work unless put on high, and the gas light sound beeps every 20-30 seconds continuously until gas is put in. The beeping sound for the gas light will stop once refilled but lights continue to blink, interior and exterior while vehicle is in motion. I have done research on this problem and it seems like every other person with a 2003 Dodge Durango is experiencing the exact same problem but Dodge refuses to recall the part, saying it was fixed, which is the ctm module causing this problem, when taken into a dealership it is the ctm that needs to be fixed and is absurd that more vehicles have not been recalled for this problem when every single one is experiencing the exact same problems.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. The contact was driving at night approximately 35 MPH on normal road conditions when suddenly, the headlights flickered and failed to operate. The driver was able to reach his destination without incident. The failure occurred intermittently. In addition, the interior light remained illuminated which required the removal of the fuse. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection. The failure was contributed to the central timer module (ctm). Recall NHTSA campaign id number 02v3220000, exterior lighting headlights switch is related to the failure; however, the VIN was excluded from the recall. The vehicle is in the process of being repaired for the malfunction. The failure mileage was 68,000.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact heard a clicking sound and noticed the instrument panel lights and headlights were flickering on and off. The lights flashed in 2 to 5 minute intervals. The failure occurred every time the vehicle was operated. He took the vehicle to the dealer and a technician stated that the central timer module needed to be replaced. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 02V322000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch); therefore, the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 87,100 and current mileage was 87,224. Updated 06/03/2008 the dealer replaced the time and alarm module. Updated
While applying brakes vehicle continued to stall. As a result, the vehicle lost power. Dealer stated they were not able to duplicate the problem. The consumer came to a stop to let oncoming traffic pass. The consumer put foot on the accelerator and noticed the vehicle had stalled with no warning while the headlights where still on. On other occasions headlights would dim and then get brighter as the vehicle spit and sputtered for 15 seconds. The consumer had 4 co-pilots installed and was not able to hold the recordings. The vehicles left front speaker was not working. The rear hatch light will not stay in because the retainer clips broke. The vehicle had an oil leak. The transmission is not shifting properly in the vehicle.
Friday January 25,2008 I experienced loss of headlights, electric doorlocks, interior lighting, fog lights, had to use my emergency flashers to drive home from work after taking the vehicle to my repair shop it turns out it was the central timing module, I also found a recall from the NHTSA dated December 2-2002 for the 2003 Durango and dakota, I was never notified of this recall, I had my vehicle fixed January 31,2007 the central timer module was replaced and the components are all fine. I am writing and sending copies of my bills & recall notice to the Chrysler customer center to be reimbursed my $265.00 for the part . If anyone needs the number go to the NHTSA.dot.gov web and enter campaign #02V322000.
Related recalls
Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
On certain pickup trucks, the central timer module (ctm) has an improperly sized circuit board trace that could potentially cause the right headlamp low beam to become inoperative.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ctm. Owner notification began December 23, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time…
Headlight complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2003 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the lights of the 2003 Dodge Durango, 12% of the model year's 339 complaints. The component named most often is headlights › switch (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Dodge Durango headlight problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 02V-322 (switch, Dec 2, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Dodge Durango headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 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.