Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the four wheel drive engaged independently. Also, when the vehicle was slowed down, the steering wheel seized. The failures were experienced several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who believed that the four wheel drive engaged independently due to an electrical switch failure. The contact inspected the vehicle himself and believed that the four wheel drive engaged independently due to a failure in the wiring harness behind the dashboard. The contact also stated that the heater blower motor failed. The heater blower motor remained on the high setting. The contact replaced the heater panel himself, but it did not correct the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 167,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Dodge Durango. While driving at various speeds, the contact noticed an abnormal clicking noise from beneath the vehicle. The svc, 4wd, and 4lo warning lights illuminated. The engine revved independently. When the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate. When making a turn, the steering wheel seized and required excessive force. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the tie rod and front end suspension, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 183,000. Updated 09/25/15 updated 11/14/2017
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!!!!!!!!!!
My firm represents several passengers and the personal representatives of the estates of two decedent who were killed when a 2005 Dodge Durango lost steering control on the florida turnpike. The vehicle is a rental vehicle from dollar rental car. It May be a case where the bolts in the steering were missing, but is yet to be determined. Please call [phone] and ask for don hardeman. He has placed a "legal hold" on this vehicle and he is aware of the location of the vehicle. The vehicle number is 8136354. Please ask him for the location of the vehicle for inspection. NHTSA action number : pe05056.
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!
When negotiating a right turn through an intersection, my 2005 Dodge Durango would not turn in the expected direction of travel; thereby the vehicle proceeded into a ditch. No injuries to driver. No damage to property or other vehicles. After review of the vehicle for damage, the right front tire appeared to be severely misaligned and broken from the tie rod assembly. As of the date of this complaint, there severity of the damage to the vehicle has yet to be determined, and is still under review with the insurance company.
While driving at variable speeds my 2005 Dodge Durango slt 5.7l truck, without warning, will shut-off making it hard to stop & steer to safety. This has happened several times but the most recent & severe time was yesterday, I was at a speed of 55 MPH on 695 when my Durango shut-off without warning. I was able to pull onto the shoulder without causing a accident. My Dodge was able to restart without warning lights flashing or indication but will randomly shut-off without warning at least 4-6 times a week while driving.
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.
I turned left sharply into a parking spot and the vehicle completely stalled on me upon doing this. I lost all engine power, steering and brake control. I was able to restart the vehicle immediately and park the vehicle. For the previous 3 weeks or so the vehicle has sputtered and been sluggish when turning sharply into parking spots or around sharp corners but has never stalled. 8/19/15 was the first incident of the vehicle completely stalling.
When I unlock the doors with the remote or open unlocked doors, the shift motor activates, I can hear it engaging and disengaging. There is a delay upon starting my truck before the drive gear kick in and I can proceed to drive vehicle. When I make a sharp turn going forward or backing...the rear tires lock up. The AWD lights flickers on/off. Constant smell like something is burning.
NHTSA investigations
Steering wheel and shaft bolts
On October 26, 2005 odi opened pe05-056 to investigate allegations of loose or missing steering wheel or steering shaft coupling bolts in model year (my) 2004 and 2005 Dodge durango sport utility vehicles and my 2005 Dodge dakota pickup trucks manufactured by daimlerchrysler corporation (dcc).during pe05-056 odi identified 3 owner complaints to odi or dcc, 21 field reports to dcc and 142 warranty claims related to…
Steering wheel and steering shaft bolts
On March 9, 2006 odi upgraded preliminatry evaluation pe05-056 to engineerning analysis ea06-004 to investigate allegations of loose or missing steering shaft coupling bolts and steering column retaining bolts in model year (my) 2004 through 2006 Dodge durango sport utility vehicles and my 2005 through 2006 Dodge dakota pickup trucks.either condition could result in a loss of steering control.although odi identified…
Steering complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2005 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 70 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Dodge Durango, 4% of the model year's 1,567 complaints. The component named most often is column locking › anti-theft device (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Dodge Durango steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries and 2 deaths to steering 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.