Door Lock & Latch complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 1% | 130,000 miles |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% | 0 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% | 56,000 miles |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% | 59,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% | 143,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 6% | 2,000 miles |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% | 126,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% | 38,000 miles |
| 2005 | 6 | 0% | 50,000 miles |
| 2004 | 2 | 0% | 91,000 miles |
| 2003 | 9 | 3% | 30,000 miles |
| 2002 | 5 | 1% | 37,000 miles |
| 2001 | 8 | 1% | 48,000 miles |
| 2000 | 42 | 4% | 59,000 miles |
| 1999 | 13 | 1% | 55,000 miles |
| 1998 | 4 | 0% | 210,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (door latches, locks, hood and tailgate latches).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
On dec 19 2008 as I was driving home during a severe thunderstorm when my driver side wind shield wiper suddenly stopped working and got tangled up with the passenger side wiper that continued to work normally. This happened minutes before I was about to enter the freeway so luckily I was in a place where I could safely pull over. I tried to wait out the storm but it was getting really bad so I had to drive at 20-30 MPH with my hazard lights on. I first thought that the bolt holding the wiper arm was stripped but after taking it to the dealer to get inspected, to my surprise I was told that it was the linkage for the wiper system. The linkage just broke out of nowhere. Our vehicle is only 3 1/2 years old and I have never heard of such a thing happening on new or old vehicles of any make. The repair technician told me that the linkage broke because of the way the part was made. …
Airbag sensor and rear liftgate. Airbag sensor has been replaced twice. Once by me at my cost through the dealer and once by them as it was under warranty. It is on again and I refuse to pay for the fix again as this seems to be a trend. Liftgate just stopped unlocking/opening. Non-powered liftgate. Only way to open the liftgate is by unlocking it with the key fob and or the electric unlock panel on the drivers side door. There is no way to open this liftgate manually. No keyhole or "escape "latch" inside the liftgate door. I am getting this fixed as the dealer said something was "jammed" in the mechanical device. I asked if I jammed something and they said nope it was a mechanical issue. $369.99 for the new electronic lock and mechanism. I have read in other forums that the 2005 Durango's and caravans have had similar issues and that the fix was approximately 350 dollars.
On June sixth, my family and I were traveling south on I-95 during a heavy rainstorm. I lowered my speed to approximately 30 m.p.h. Due to the heavy rain when suddenly traffic slowed. I decelerated keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front and when I looked in my rear view mirror, I saw a blue Ford ranger approaching. I realized that the vehicle approaching was not going to stop in time. The ranger struck our vehicle at approximately 30 m.p.h. Our vehicle was still traveling forward so the impact was dissipated to approximately 25 m.p.h. The instant the vehicle struck ours, the rear hatch popped open depositing some of our luggage and articles onto the roadway where they were stuck by the vehicle that struck ours, damaging the items. My concern was that if I had an unsecured occupant in the third seat, they might have been ejected from the vehicle. …
After removing ignition key from vehicle, owner returns to vehicle to find that ignition key will not stay in key slot or turn. Vehicle is in park, but steering wheel lock doesn't engage properly, so steering wheel can be turned multiple complete revolutions (if you're strong enough, think non-power steering). At this point, vehicle is effectively disabled. Striking the steering column with a rubber mallet directly on ignition key slot resolves problem temporarily. Based on my research (example here: http://forums.automotive.com/70/16154/Dodge/1999-Dodge-1500-van-key-wont-turn-in-ignition/index.html) this is a widespread problem that occurs on all Dodge vans and suvs from 1999 to at least 2003 model year. This type of defect can result in driver being stranded in remote locations unexpectedly. …
My 2002 Durango has developed problem where gear shift lever is sticking in park at initial startup. Will free up after several minutes delay or if brake pedal is pumped 3-4 times. Will not repeat unless engine is off several hours. Regular daily occurrence past 4 weeks. Current mileage is 100,010 miles. At first thought shift linkage freezing in winter weather but now have had problem on days with extended hours of temps well above freezing. No dealer contact yet.
Electronic controls of safety equipment do not funtion properly. Turn signals,lights,cruise. Gauges,windows,radio,airbag etc.. All have malfuntioned since the car was picked up from the dealer. It is obvious that a electrical problem exists in the vehicle but doddge/Chrysler is un willing to address the issue .this is an ongoing issue. I have numerous witnesses and have started video recording the problems.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Durango. While driving at unknown speeds, the doors would lock and unlock independently. When the vehicle was parked, the doors would unlock even after the lock had been engaged. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing, but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 136,000. The rear passenger door appeared to be permanently locked. The consumer also stated the transmission was slipping. The vehicle would move slow, when the accelerator was applied. Updated 11/10/14.
While driving at 40 MPH, the consumer heard a clanking sound coming from the front end. The vehicle has been to the dealer three times for this problem. The consumer felt that the ball joints wore out. The dealer examined the vehicle, but could not diagnose what was causing the noise. The engine light had come on, the vacuum hose leaked, and there was a knocking noise in the rear compartment. It was later found that the rear door latch rattled due to internal damage.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Durango years have door lock & latch problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (42), 1999 (13), 2003 (9), 2001 (8) and 2005 (6) model years. Door Lock & Latch complaints make up 4% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Dodge Durango door lock & latch problems?
No. NHTSA lists no locks & latches recall for any Dodge Durango model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Dodge Durango door lock & latch problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles; 39% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the doors › latch (49 mentions), followed by the hatchback/liftgate › lock (8).
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.