Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was coming home. As I pulled in my garage, hit the brake to stop and put in park. The vehicle started winding up to a point where my foot on the brake didn't matter. It accelerated forward, going through the wall of my garage, through my backyard, thru a chain guard, and into the corner of the museum wall next door. I was finally able to stop it completely by shutting the vehicle off. Despite the speed and impact to the front of my vehicle, the airbags never deployed.
While driving my vehicle this morning my odometer completely shut off while on the freeway and all my little lights on the dashboard went on. My turn signals, as well as my brake lights stopped working as well.
I took my Durango in for 3 recalls at kelly blue books direction after putting my VIN in for check on website. I went to bill luke 2425 w camelback rd invoice number [redacted] and now my driver seat is not able to be accessed from outside my door by key fob, manual unlock or door handle. My door beeps like its ajar, my tire light is on my dash, the radio cuts out in and out. I spoke with manager 2 times. I called the 800 number he provided. He stated it wasn't their fault and refused to correct it. It was not like that before I dropped it off and I addressed it before leaving the lot. Im supposed to drive across country to mn and be working. Im terrified. My fiance died. A wiring overheating fire on his way to mn and to me. I want my vehicle fixed and safe. My name is [redacted]. 2 recalls were airbags and the other was a wiring issue of overheating and causing a fire. …
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds, while applying brake pressure the vehicle lurched forward and struck an oncoming vehicle. The vehicle sustained damage to the front end. A police report was taken. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection. Upon inspection, the dealership was unable to duplicate the problem. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop for further evaluation. The contact indicated the crash was caused by mechanical failure in the vehicle. The contact was never notified of the mechanical failure. Also, the contact did not receive NHTSA recalls o4v0120000 concerning vehicle speed cables; o3v528000 concerning electrical system wiring , and o4v578000 regarding battery cables. The contact felt aforementioned recall failures could have caused the accident.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle accelerated without applying pressure to the pedal. The contact also stated that the RPM needle would go up to 3,000 rpms after starting the engine and no pressure was applied to the accelerator. The driver side air bag deployed after slamming the driver side door. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer who stated that they would not be able to further assist. The failure mileage was 274,000. Updated 05/09/17
Dt*: the consumer stated there have been two incidents with the vehicle inadvertently accelerating. First, while in reverse pulling out of a parking place, the vehicle accelerated across the parking lot. Second, while leaving a parking lot, the vehicle accelerated forward hitting another vehicle entering the parking lot. The dealership could not duplicate the problem. The manufacturer is sending an inspector to further investigate the problem.
My vehicle stalls in the rain. It stalls at a stop or rolling speeds. It idles rough first and then stalls or shuts off. Sometimes the check engine light will come on, but not always. This only occurs in the rain. I've had several mechanics look at it, and they can't figure out how to solve the problem. I've spent a lot of money trying to get this fixed. Through online research, I've discovered that many other Durango owners are experiencing this same issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the vehicle would independently accelerate (surge forward) when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle would have to be shifted into neutral or the ignition would have to be turned off in order to slow the vehicle down. The dealer could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Dt*: the contact stated as the driver was turning into a parking space at 5 MPH; the driver's foot was on the brake when the vehicle accelerated on its own hitting a tree. There was extensive damage done to the vehicle. This also occurred one other time in January. The vehicle accelerated as the vehicle was coming to a stop. The contact placed the vehicle in neutral in order to stop the vehicle. The dealership has been informed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. With the cruise control set for 68 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently an additional 20 MPH without warning. The failure caused her to be pulled over by the police. In addition, when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the contact heard an abnormal clunk sound. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 299,000.
Related recalls
Vehicle speed control › Cables
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.7l and 4.7l engines, the throttle control cable May ingest water and freeze during extended cold temperature.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the throttle control cable. Owner notification began on January 19, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Acceleration complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2004 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 49 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2004 Dodge Durango, 4% of the model year's 1,115 complaints. The component named most often is cruise control (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Dodge Durango acceleration problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-020 (cables, Jan 14, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2004 Dodge Durango acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 31,000 miles, and 45% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to speed control & acceleration 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.