Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the gears inadvertently shifted from AWD to 4WD-Low. The contact also stated that while attempting to unlock the front driver's side door, she heard the gears shifting inadvertently. The contact then stated that the driveshaft made a loud grinding sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved DTC code: P0700 (Transfer Case motor and possibly snap ring) failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
My 2005 Durango all of a sudden has decided to stall while driving . I've bought this vehicle almost 2 years ago, and this is by far the scariest experience I've had in it. The first time it happened was as I was slowing down to stop at a red light on January 17th. Since then it has been stalling one at least 3 to 5 times a week . Something isn't right. I did receive a code from my Milewise ins OBD reader today, that said P1794 URGENCY UNKNOWN - contact your mechanic . That's one of 3 I got . The other two are p 0700 Transmission control system ( MIL request ) Urgent - have checked ASAP AND - P0430 CATALYST system efficiency below threshold. Urgent - have checked ASAP This tells me something is seriously wrong and it's going to cost me a fortune. Which for me is impossible to even try to contemplate. I am disabled and my income is not enough. …
I have had problems with the 4 wheel/ all wheel drive engaging on it's own. The problem exists even when the vehicle is turned off when using the key fob to lock the vehicle. I have on a two occasions have the transmission shift into four wheel low while doing over 55 mph which made the vehicle slow down skidding drastically and made the engine hit high RPMs. After checking online for some Information I've found that it's a problem with many owners of 2004, 2005 and 2006 Durango and Dakota owners and found that the body control module, 4 wheel module and shift actuator was part of the faults. They had disconnected the wire harness to the shift actuator to remedy the chance of having an accident. I have done the same and looked into replacing faulty parts but also found that the fix was also temporary many owners reported the same problem just days after repairs. …
This vehicle will slip in and out 4 wheel drive on its own. This can occur when driving and I'm concerned it will create a dangerous situation, especially if driving at high speeds. When this issue is occurring, making tight turns (parking, neighborhood driving) becomes very dangerous as the wheels become locked and you have to press the accelerator down creating a lot of power and the vehicle becomes dangerously uncontrollable. This is very common while parking, when often pedestrians are present and the vehicle becomes unpredictable due to this issue. This will also occur at a 2 way stop when turning right in front of on-coming traffic. The vehicle will again be unpredictable and can't turn smoothly impairing traffic coming from behind.
Was on a delivery order with Doordash suddenly the truck started bucking back and forth it had felt as if someone was slaming into the back of truck anyway I was on the highway in traffic when this had started leaving me 1st and 2nd gear than final with no gears cause the transmission was burning hot to the touch causing burns on my hand when I tried to check out I was told my truck went into some kind of limp mode cause of transmission control module and shifted solenoid A on the transmission someone needs to hold Dodge responsible for its failures
The vehicle is shifting itself into 4WD HI, and sometimes even LO, while being driven - even at highway speed, which causes a sudden and dramatic drop in speed. It also makes turning the vehicle very difficult. This is dangerous and occurs regularly. There are many online forums discussing this exact issue with 2044/2005 Durango's, but no one seems to have a solution. For instance - https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t4148_ds482593
"Takata recall" I took the Durango to orange coast Dodge in costa mesa to fix the recall. They inserted a diagnostic device that showed that the air bag system was off line. No warning light was showing on the dash. When starting the vehicle the airbag light and the restraint system indicators on the dash light up for a few seconds then go off. The dealer ran a diagnostics and found that the airbag system was not initialized and that the warning light does not come on because the vehicle computer cannot connect to the system. He said its as if the system is not installed. The service associate said that he's seen this before and doesn't know for sure how it happens - maybe a voltage spike or battery issue. They performed the recall, initialized the system, tested and say everything works. Cost me $155. How will I know for sure that my airbags are online if the indicators don't show me? …
It switches into 4 high and 4 low all by its self. The vehicle can be off for hours and it still will do it. The scary thing is it will shift like that while delivering as well. Very dangerous, and lucky there was not another vehicle either coming towards me or behind me, cuz I lost control of the vehicle and I an sure a incoming car would of kill everyone. This needs to be fix. There is hound to be a law suit and I read three is alot of other and you people know it.. This will be on you people,
Vehicle started showing an intermittent "svc 4wd" light and vehicle would shift itself into low 4wd while making low speed turns. Had it checked by dealer, who said codes showed "unequal tire pressure". Tires were within 1 psi of each other. Drove vehicle again, and codes said "unequal tire speed". Dealer advised we replace all four tires, which we did. During our next trip (yesterday), the "svc 4wd" light came on and off several times, then vehicle suddenly lost all forward momentum while driving at highway speeds. Vehicle's transfer case had shifted itself neutral, leaving vehicle stranded in highway with no shoulder. While starting the car to try to troubleshoot the problem, it suddenly and without warning shifted itself into low 4wd and lurched forward. …
Two days ago I was driving down the highway about 75 MPH when my service 4 wheel drive light came on and then it switched itself into 4 wheel drive by itself. And then I herd a load pop and it started smoking. I managed to get pulled over while it was yanking me to the left the hole time. I popped the hood to fined what smelled like burned tranny fluid all over my engine. I managed to move the vehicle to the exit in front of me and had it towed from the gas station back home. I had my mechanic from the car lot I bought it from come and take a look he said the transfer motor was ready a faulty voltage and triggered the 4 wheel drive and going 75 MPH when it engaged blew my transfer case and maybe more. He have to get it back to the shop to find out more. …
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
On certain pickup trucks, sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with 42rle automatic transmissions, the cup plug that retains the park pawl anchor shaft May be improperly installed. If the shaft moves out of position, the vehicle May not be able to achieve 'park' position.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmissions and install a bracket to ensure the park pawl anchor shaft is retained in the proper position. The recall began on November 28, 2005.
NHTSA investigations
ENGINE STALL
On May 16, 2005,odi opened preliminary evaluation pe05-027 to investigate complaints of engine stalling in model year 2004-05 Dodge durango suvs and Ram 1500 series pickups equipped with the 5.7l v8 engine.information provided by daimlerchrysler during pe05-027 indicated that a large percentage of the complaints are related to an idle undershoot condition that May cause the engine to stall during turning…
ENGINE STALL
Analysis of the complaint, field report and warranty data shows that the majority of stalling incidents in the subject vehicles appear to be related to the engine calibration concerns that daimlerchrysler addressed with service bulletins releasing revised PCM software.analysis of the complaints and odi's survey of owners of vehicles that received engine management software updates under TSB #18-013-05 show that…
Transmission complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2005 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 217 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2005 Dodge Durango, 14% of the model year's 1,567 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (36 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Dodge Durango transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 05V-460 (automatic transmission, Oct 6, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Dodge Durango transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 110,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.