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 2004 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 10 MPH and making a left turn in the rain, the vehicle shut off. There were no warning lights illuminated. While at a car wash, the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that the water was entering the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 115,000.
The windshield wiper cowl became defective and let water into the engine compartment, specifically the fuel intake manifold. After about 5 years of random water related stalls (rain,dew,car washes) which could never be replicated by numerous mechanics and therefore not properly diagnosed, water eventually found its way into a piston chamber. While on the freeway in san francisco on March 31,2017, hydrolock ensued and caused the number four piston rod to snap and break through the engine block destroying the engine. I was at the Dodge dealership in colma a few weeks prior for an unrelated airbag recall fix and spoke to the a service supervisor about the water related stalling issue. He basically told me to go somewhere else because they only use oe parts and even if they could figure out the problem (no guarantee), they probably couldn't get original parts. …
Car has a new engine and third water pump. It failed after 5000 miles and engulfed in flames causing the failure of the belt, tensioner, main drive pulley and ac compressor. Today Dodge just recalled these pumps for the very same reason bearing failure and super hot conditions causing fires and failure. I was just redriving along the truck has been running well and showed no signs of issues, no noise, smell, lights or struggle. Car was at normal opperating tempurture and daytime traffic. Stopped for gas stayed for a couple minutes then drive on, within two miles without any warning or noise the car started smoking pulled over and smelled a rubber notices no leaks in the water delivery system oil, trans, or power steering, the belt was red hot and smelled like a house fire car was taken 200 yards to pep boys and repaired at the cost of $1300. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. While the vehicle was parked, the power outlet in the center console started smoking. The contact and the passenger found the source of the smoke, pulled the panel off the center console, and noticed the outlet was on fire. The contact extinguished the fire. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. On another occasion, the contact heard loud grinding noises coming from the engine. While driving 50 MPH and without warning, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted and driven to the contact's residence. Once home, the vehicle stalled. Upon further investigation, the contact stated that the spring separated from the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 135,000.
The engine hydro-locked breaking 2 rods and blowing a hole through the engine block. Caused the vehicle to lose all power and my wife drove off of the road. Luckily she did not hit anything or get injured. The vehicle needed an engine replacement. The local Dodge dealership was familiar with the issue as it turns out to be very common with this year vehicle. The windshield dam that directs rain water away from the engine is poorly designed and it allows water to flow right onto the motor. Over time the water rusts and rots the intake manifold bolts eventually allowing the water to flow into the engine causing hydro-lock. This is an issue that Chrysler should have taken responsibility for but instead they have not. My wife could have been killed and it cost me $6,000 to replace the motor.
My 2004 slt Dodge Durango was serviced for a routine oil change @42000 miles and the dealership did a routine point check evaluation. On feb. 10, 2007 @ 10:45 am while stopping at a traffic light, the vehicle began to lose speed before coming to a complete stop, the engine stopped responding & the panel lights started blinking on & off, then a burning smell started & smoke started to come out of the drivers panel and I exited the vehicle before physical harm could be done to me. I called 911 and they had the fire department to respond. My vehicle was completely engulfed with flames before they arrived. The entire interior of the vehicle was burned beyond recognition. It was extremely unnerving to be a part of this,I had not had any problems out of my vehicle before this horrible incident. …
Our 2004 Dodge Durango was purchase used, from original owner. All service records were given to us, showing proper maintenance of vehicle. I tried to start the vehicle and heard a horrible sound from the engine. After having it towed, I learned the engine threw 2 rods and put holes in the engine block. This is a complete failure to the engine, with the only solution being to replace the entire engine. Based on my mechanics observation, this is a result of water being directed into the engine compartment, therefore rusting and destroying necessary components. When the engine was pulled from my vehicle, it had been sitting in a large amount of water, even after having been garage kept for several weeks. After reading online, this is a very common occurrence with these 2004 durangos. At that, Dodge has never issued a recall. I am now out $7900 for a new engine. …
I have a 2004 Dodge Durango slt 5.7l Hemi. Never had any big issues with it until in 2014 I was driving home from work on the highway when I heard a loud bang and loud knocking noises followed shortly by an abrupt shut off. I tried immediately to get to the side of the road but when I lost power steering from the engine ceizing and couldn't correct myself enough so I went down the hill off the side of the highway while trying to break with no brake booster anymore as well. I ended up running into a couple small tree's and finally stopping . Air bags didn't deploy and I only jammed my finger and hurt my back some but I only missed a larger group of tree by inches. My front bumper was ripped off, my drivers side headlight was broke as well as my grille and my windshield cracked. …
We were very happy with our Durango until a few days ago. My husband and kids loaded up a few days before christmas to go drive up the mountain, they made just as far as the neighbors driveway when they heard a loud bang and were able to pull in to the driveway of a neighbor. The engine completly seized, all oil leaked out. The car has always been well maintained. No warning at all! A few days earlier I had drove it to town in the rain and it was idling rough, but the next day seemed fine. Now the engine is shot. We have been having heavy rain for days and looks like water was leaking in to the engine due to a faulty cowl or something, which caused the engine to fail. We had just put brand new tires on the vehicle and just received new tags for it! All this with absolutely no warning! We are just out a vehicle and 2 days before christmas! …
I have had this SUV for just a few months the day I mad my first payment it went into the shop to be fixed. At first it was apparently my #5 piston shot thru the block with only 120,000 mile on it. Than after spending the $3,700 to get that fixed it was still smoking and having issues. Next thing I know it is now the intake manifold whitch was another $700.00 and it was 84 in back order when I seen that I pulled it up online were I read that thousans and thousands of people have had this same problem with the first year of the Hemi motor in the Durango. I have three small children and I support my kids and husband due to his spine surgerys. I feel if there has been this many parts go bad that it should have a recall with it. I cant afford to keep putting money in something that is still not going to drive properly with my children in it. It has shut off while driving the SUV. …
Engine complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2004 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 575 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2004 Dodge Durango, 52% of the model year's 1,115 complaints. The component named most often is engine (76 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Dodge Durango engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2004 Dodge Durango, though it has 8 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 2004 Dodge Durango engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 105,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 22 fires and 3 injuries 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.