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 2005 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Engine surge causes vehicle to lurch. First instance was on March 10th 2006. The vehicle was running, I entered the vehicle put it into reverse and the tachometer jumped to almost 2000 rpms and vehicle lurched backwards then stopped. The second instance was on March 28th 2006 my wife was entering a parking space facing a store and reported stepping on the brake and the vehicle lurched forward jumping the concrete parking block with all 4 wheels, hitting the building then stopping. I believe this really is a problem as I now realize that during the first incident I needed to have the brake depressed to move the gear lever from park to reverse. Maybe related to NHTSA odi id#s 10112496,10125643, 10141521, and 10152704.
This has happened on multiple occasions!!!!! It happens at any speed, the truck will lose all power and shut off without warning. I can't steer or do anything but put the truck in park and restart the truck. I have taken it in the be looked at and nothing can be figured out as it does it randomly. I have four children and this last time we were turning and the truck just shut off while another vehicle was coming down the street. I have researched this and sees others are having the same issue. I have had some of the suggestions done such as replacing the EGR valve and flushing the system. I need an answer as I do not feel safe!!!!!!!!!!
2005 Dodge Durango goes dead while driving on any type of road doesn't matter if on interstate or dirt road it just dies and you don't even know it as all lights and radio work. Results in lose of ability to steer, breaks, and speed. Have to put the Durango in park once it rolls to a stop than cut it off and back on for it to work again. Sometimes it will go 25 miles with out problem at other times 5 feet. No check engine light is on and took to an automotive shop and no codes reading on the diagnostic computer. Stalls while moving on highways, dirt roads, & interstates!
My 2005 Dodge Durango will go into 4 wheel low with out warning and will shift into 4 wheel lock with out warning there is something goin on with the 2005 Dodge Durango I have read many forums with 500 people saying the same thing . Please make Dodge recall this as it is going to result in fatalities . A lot of people are changing the transfer case , transfer case motor and electrical and it keeps doing the same thing to make these vehicles unreliable and can cause death to my family and others as well please make Dodge recall the 4 wheel drive . Thank you
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Dodge Durango. While the vehicle was being operated, the vsc sensor warning light illuminated and the power steering suddenly failed. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to maneuver. In addition, the transmission switched to all wheel drive and the speed drastically reduced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure was unable to be duplicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 175,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop light, the service four wheel drive warning light illuminated as the vehicle independently shifted into four wheel drive. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to move forward. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 158,000.
Today my Durango lurched forward uncontrollably, hitting 3 cars in the parking lot at the elementary school where I work. My foot was not on the accelerator. There was no way I could have accelerated that quickly in 12-14 feet to cause that kind of damage. If there had been any children out there, they could have been killed! It was the most terrifying thing that ever happened to me. A recall needs to be issued immediately or someone will be hurt or killed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Dodge Durango. While reversing into a parking space and pulling forward to straighten the vehicle, it suddenly accelerated. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle failed to stop. The contact had to place the gear shifter in park in order for the vehicle to stop. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
I was reversing out of my garage, stopped and shifted into park to pull up a little and then was going to reverse again. While shifting into drive the car stuttered three times and accelerated forward at full speed crashing into my house and going right through my bathroom and laundry room. My daughter said she heard the screeching tires from inside the house. My friend and I were both injured in the incident as well as now having to repair my house.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Dodge Durango. After the vehicle was serviced for routine maintenance, the cruise control switch failed. The contact stated the cruise control speed was set but would not maintain the set speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was unable to be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000. The VIN was not available.
Acceleration complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2005 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2005 Dodge Durango, 3% of the model year's 1,567 complaints. The component named most often is cruise control (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Dodge Durango acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2005 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 2005 Dodge Durango acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries 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.