Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
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).
I almost died, I escaped my car moments before it completely exploded into flames. I was driving down the interstate and it said it was overheating for a couple seconds and then the car went completely dead going 70 miles per hour. My steering wheel locked up so I fought to pull it off the road and stop it, I had a bad feeling so I checked the front of the car but it was inflamed once I got out and my seat was consumed in fire
I was about to enter a storage facility and was slowly easing my foot off the brake when when the engine revved loudly my SUV lurched forward and accelerated out of my control tore through the storage gate that didn't finish opening totally destroying the facilitiy main gate. The SUV kept accelerating as I was hitting the brake then finally stopped.
The gasoline will overflow from the fuel filler pipe and cap and not shut off on its own. This happens when filling the vehicle stationary, with the car off at gas stations. It happens very consistently, regardless of the fill rate of the gas, the style of gasoline dispenser, or location of the gas station. The gasoline will continue to spill out from the fuel neck until someone manually intervenes and turns off the nozzle. There have been 2 recalls issued for this issue with 2005 Dodge Durango's (recall id# 40367, and 27198) however the recall is limited to certain vins, which does not include mine. To be clear, even though my VIN is not included in the recalls, I am experiencing the exact same issue as described in both recalls. The body on that side of the vehicle (directly under the filler cap) has been completely eaten away from the episodes of gasoline pouring out over it.
Opened the drivers door after a storm and observed standing water in the drivers side floorboard. Tried to start but the battery was dead. (daily driver w battery @ 1yr old). Placed battery on a charger and was able to start motor. Engine was reving between idle and 1500 RPM rapidly and would not respond to throttle inputs. Instrument cluster lights all on and navigation display was on but not legible. Looked for the source of the water, and it appears to be coming from around the drivers side front pillar area and leaking down the inside kick panel.
When you go to put gas in it the gas wont shut off and I have an inside light that says gas cap even though we have replaced the gas cap and I have rust where the gas has run down the car. Im also having trouble with my gauges in the vehicle and it takes spells that it doesn't want to take gas.
We recently purchase a 2005 Dodge Durango v-8 Hemi. Within 2 weeks of having it I noticed there was a considerable amount of noise coming from the driver's side door. It sounds as the door isn't closed all the way, but when I goto to re- shut it to make sure it is closed, it still sounds like it is open. Then my 2 year old son had rolled his window down the same time I had and my driver's side door began to shake violently. I literally thought the door would fly off and smack into a another car/ bicyclist on the highway while I was driving! This is a major defect that needs to be corrected right away! From reading other reviews online of the exact same thing happening, it is obvious it is a problem with a lot of these vehicles and I can only hope that Dodge will take it upon themselves to resolve this matter! …
My 05 Dodge Durango, which I am the only owner of, overflows gas while filling up the tank. I was told it is a recall, I called the local dealership to schedule an appointment to fix it, I was treated with absolute disrespect and was told my car was already fixed through the warranty, I assured them I was the only owner and it was never fixed, they again told me it was and they would not pay for it to get fixed again even if it is the same issue that the recall was for. I have had the gas overflow and spray all over me multiple times, including one time while I was holding my infant child. This is not OK and so beyond unsafe!!! It clearly wasn't fixed and I would like it fixed before someone gets hurt! The vehicle was off and parked. …
My 2005 Dodge Durango has excessive wind noise in the cabin when driving above approximately 45 miles per hour. The noise is particularly pronounced when driving in a moderate head or cross wind. At highway speeds in a moderate head or cross wind it is impossible to carry on a normal conversation within the cab of the vehicle due to the magnitude of the wind noise. The wind noise seems to be originating primarily from the front door seals. Both of the front doors can be seen flexing when driving with a head or cross wind. The noise can be lessened by pulling in with considerable force on the door while driving. This is the highest level of wind noise I have ever experienced in any vehicle I have driven and I have been driving for nearly 25 years. In the absence of a head or cross wind or at low speeds the vehicle has a very quite interior. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle in wet conditions, the engine suddenly began to misfire and the check engine light illuminated. The contact indicated that the vehicle had stalled on several occasion while being operated in the rain or after washing the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the problem was caused by water leaking into the engine compartment causing the engine sensor to activate. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Bought car in 2007 had to replace one key because of electronics at 180 dollars each, 2009 changed car battery had to reset keys at 80 dollars, 2011 keys need replaced again at 130 dollars each. Bad design so they can keep fleasing you for money. Also had fuel tank replaced, brake lines rubbed together causing hole in line and loss of brakes, dust cover on drivers seat belt broke off, screws in back tail gate keep loosening and falling out.
Body complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2005 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the body & structure of the 2005 Dodge Durango, 1% of the model year's 1,567 complaints. The component named most often is body (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Dodge Durango body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure 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 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 27% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to body & structure 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.