Dodge Durango 1st generation (1998–2004)
Generation-specific owner insights from 48+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?
6,756
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 1998–2004
43
recall campaigns
suspension
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment toward the 1998-2004 Durango is predominantly negative, with the most-upvoted comments warning against purchase and citing weak transmissions, poor fuel economy, and general reliability concerns.
14 problems reported (2 very frequent, 3 recurrent, 9 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentWeak/failing automatic transmission, including band failure and rebuild needs
- Very frequentPoor fuel economy (commonly cited around 9-13 mpg)
- RecurrentBlend door actuator and HVAC vent/temperature control failures
+ 11 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentDifferential problems after fluid change requiring limited-slip friction modifier
- RecurrentRough idle and crank/no-start issues traced to bad battery connections
Idle air control, or vacuum leaks.
- IsolatedIntake manifold plate gasket failure causing oil consumption (about a quart every 500 miles)
- IsolatedOverheating at idle traced to the radiator fan
- IsolatedECU solder joint cracking in cold weather causing electrical gremlins
- IsolatedRust in tailgate and body corners
- IsolatedWindow master control panel failure (window lock stuck)
- IsolatedFast blinker from failing bulbs
- IsolatedBlown speakers
- IsolatedA/C leaks requiring dye testing
- IsolatedBad leaf/limited-slip springs in the rear unit
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Partial signal favors the V8 over the V6, with one owner calling the V8 "one of the best cars ever built" and another describing the 5.9 as "fairly decent." Late model years (2003-2004) get positive mentions for the refreshed dash and 4.7 AWD, and one owner suggests looking for a clean late-model example.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Toyota 4Runner and Toyota Sequoia.
Is a 1998–2004 Durango right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
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Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment toward the 1998-2004 Durango is predominantly negative, with the most-upvoted comments warning against purchase and citing weak transmissions, poor fuel economy, and general reliability concerns. A smaller but consistent group of long-term owners defends the vehicle as dependable, with one reporting 12 years of trouble-free ownership and another praising the V8 as "one of the best cars ever built." Criticism clusters around the automatic transmission, gas mileage, and the brand's overall reputation during this era, while praise centers on the V8 powertrain, towing capability, and the refreshed late-model interior. Late model years (2003-2004) receive noticeably warmer comments, with owners citing a refreshed dash, the 4.7 AWD, and better fit and finish compared to earlier examples.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners generally place this generation below the Toyota 4Runner and Sequoia, which are repeatedly described as more reliable and longer-lasting, and one commenter explicitly recommends the Sequoia over the Durango due to electrical/ECU concerns in cold weather. Against domestic rivals, opinion is more mixed: one owner preferred the Durango to the Blazer/TrailBlazer of the era, while another preferred the Explorer of that generation, particularly with a V8. Several owners frame the Durango as a viable choice only for towing or as a project vehicle rather than a dependable daily driver.
Recommended configurations
Owners who commented positively tended to favor V8-equipped trucks, and one specifically noted the 2003 refresh with the 4.7 AWD as fun to drive with nice fit and finish. One owner advised watching the transmission if the 5.9 is paired with an automatic. Beyond these scattered points, no clear configuration consensus emerges from the discussions.
General recommendations
This generation is best suited to buyers who specifically want one for towing or as a project vehicle, per owner comments, rather than as a primary reliable daily driver. Owners strongly recommend a pre-purchase inspection covering suspension, brakes, engine, transmission, and electronics, and several suggest negotiating aggressively or walking away at typical asking prices given the risks. Late model years (2003-2004) are viewed more favorably than early ones. Buyers are repeatedly warned to check the transmission carefully, verify maintenance history, and inspect for fluid leaks and brake condition on low-mileage examples.
Remarks
A recurring theme in owner discussions is that this generation is cheap to buy but carries meaningful risk, with one owner noting hundreds of examples listed for sale under the typical asking price. Several owners describe the vehicle as dependable when maintained, while others report it as a constant parts consumer even with only commuting use. One owner noted the 2001 model's 4.7 AWD as fun to drive with good fit and finish. Analysis based on approximately 48 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1,115 | 9 | engine |
| 2003 | 339 | 6 | suspension |
| 2002 | 436 | 6 | suspension |
| 2001 | 686 | 7 | suspension |
| 2000 | 1,116 | 4 | suspension |
| 1999 | 2,043 | 5 | suspension |
| 1998 | 1,021 | 6 | suspension |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2004 · equipmentcampaign 17V824000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
2004 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 16V352000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
2004 · air bagscampaign 14V770000
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
2004 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 15V313000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
2004 · exterior lightingcampaign 09E012000
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
2004 · electrical system: instrument cluster/panelcampaign 07V092000
ON SOME SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS, AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THAT CONTROLS INTERIOR LIGHTING MAY OVERHEAT.
2004 · electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cablescampaign 04V578000
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES BUILT WITH A 5.7L, 4.7L, OR 3.7L ENGINE, THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY CONTACT THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER CONTROL ARM MOUNTING BRACKET.
2004 · electrical system:wiring:interior/under dashcampaign 03V528000
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CIRCUIT BOARD CAPACITOR MAY OVERHEAT.
2004 · vehicle speed control:cablescampaign 04V020000
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.7L AND 4.7L ENGINES, THE THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE MAY INGEST WATER AND FREEZE DURING EXTENDED COLD TEMPERATURE.
2003 · suspension:front:control arm:upper ball jointcampaign 04V596000
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4X4), IF MOISTURE LEAKS INTO THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINT, EVACUATION OF THE LUBRICANT AND CORROSION OF THE JOINT MAY CAUSE THE JOINT TO WEAR OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION, WHICH MAY NOT ALWAYS BE HEARD BY THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
2003 · suspension:front:hubcampaign 08E064000
SKF IS RECALLING 2,805 HUB UNITS, PART NO. BR930361, SOLD AS A SERVICE PART FOR 1997-2004 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES AND 1999-2003 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2-WHEEL DRIVE & REAR AXLE ABS. DUE TO A SPECIFICATION ERROR, THE ROTOR PILOT FOR THE HUB UNIT MAY BE TOO LONG. THIS RESULTS IN THE WHEEL TO NOT BE SEATED FULLY AGAINST THE HUB FLANGE FACE DURING MOUNTING.
2003 · engine and engine coolingcampaign 06E024000
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.
12 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.