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 2003 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My wife had our 2003 Durango in to the local Dodge dealer for service one morning a few weeks ago, since it would not come out of 4 wheel drive and was steering funny and vibrating/clunking. They told her it was still under waranty and a part would have to be ordered (transfer module) for the control of it but it was OK to drive till it came in and could be replaced. None were available and cleveland showeded them on back-order. My wife drove to oil city, pa to pick up parts for me and it caught fire on the way ( she had talked to the dealer a few minutes earlier on her cell phone as the problem was getting worse and they assured her it was OK). She had to pull over and call 911. The fire and police were quick in responding and the fire was put out after a total loss of the vehicle. Now the dealer won't do anything about it. My wife could have easily been killed.
This company claims to sell Chrysler fluid that which almost killed my driver and me because of my disabilities and other issues and for using dexron fluid in their product. They are advertising this to other Chrysler owners. I have research and locate a few documents where this company mislead me and used dexron instead of Chrysler fluid atf4 which completely different dexron. Transtar tried to pass the blame when my 2003 Durango was working perfectly until using their fluid which cause my transmission to overheat and destroy it. I only asking them for filter. They claim to be expects in transmission and who knows who else that sell this bad product to other Chrysler/Dodge owners. Https://www.transtar1.com in the letter from transtar they upfront admitted fault of using the wrong product as they claim its good for Chrysler/Dodge, when it has not.
Tl* the contact called on behalf of his mother who owns a 2003 Dodge Durango. The contact state that while his mother was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle downshifted to first gear without warning temporarily and then returned to normal operation. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Leith Chrysler Jeep (5500 capital blvd, raleigh, nc 27616, [phone]) was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact take the vehicle to an authorized dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
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. …
I am driving 2003 Dodge durago. On 3-12-04, I went to a car wash. I shift the lever to n, and the PRNDL showed the n position. When the wash done, the dye started, I felt the car was going backward. I did not know what was happening until I hit the car behind me. The car wash mechine stopped, I notice that the PRNDL was illuminating half of the r, the car was changed to reverse! The similar thing happend before. One time I was driving on the local road(45 mile/hour), in a sudden, I heard strange load noise, then I saw the PRNDL showing "2" instead of the "d". Another time, the gear was changed from "d" to "n" when I was driving.
While driving the vehicle will switch into four wheel low. The indicator light flashes as if it is in four low. The last time we were traveling 35 miles per hour and it happened. I've read about the variety of electrical problems and believe this is one more. The key fobs quit working and we had a strange "p d one" message flash on the odometer. It has been to the dealer three separate times and they have told us we were switching the knob. They won't believe us because they can't make it happen. This, along with the transmission and other electrical complaints make me think these are very unsafe vehicles to be on the road.
Tl*- the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Durango with an odometer reading of 58132 miles. The contact stated that the upper and lower ball joints had been replaced twice. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer, and they told the contact that this vehicle was not covered by recall 04V596000 . The contact stated that the vehicle should be included under the recall because it was having the same failure. The consumer stated the cv joint failed again. Updated 03/30/07.
My Dodge Durango will not go into park, will shift without applying the brake and will not start unless vehicle is in neutral - I have had the transmission rebuild and the PCM changed and the problem is still there. I have taken it to two different mechanics and no other problem can be found that would cause this from happening. I do not feel safe driving my vehicle and I do not have any more money to have a dealer take a look at it to see if they know what is wrong.
While driving 20 MPH rear driveshaft dropped to ground, causing vehicle to come to a complete stop. Took vehicle to dealership, but the problem had not been resolved. Consumer's wife sustained a black eye, lacerated lip, and mid back pain for which she's going to physical therapy for. Consumer experienced whip lash, and his 9 year old daughter sustained lower back pain. His son was shaken up. As of 10/21/03, nothing had been done.
I currently have 65,000 miles on a 2003 Dodge Durango slt plus. This vehicle is 4x4 and has never been used for towing. I was getting a knocking noise in the front end at anything over 2700 rpms. Also, I was having a drastic lose of power on this Durango as well. I took it to my transmission mechanic and it was found to be trouble in the transmission. I am having to get the transmission rebuilt already at 65,000 miles.
Transmission complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2003 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2003 Dodge Durango, 7% of the model year's 339 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Dodge Durango transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 42,000 miles, and 35% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries 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.