2004 Dodge Durango

Photo: IFCAR / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons

2004 Dodge Durango: common problems and reliability

One of the worst Durango years.

One of the Dodge Durango years to avoid. All Durango years

1,115 owner complaints, most about engine. 9 recalls.

Should I buy a 2004 Durango?

The 2004 Dodge Durango has 1115 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 9 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine and engine cooling.

Safety record for the 2004 model year

1,115
Owner complaints
9
Recalls
45
Crash reports
74
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2004 Dodge Durango vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other Durango years only. How we score it

Is 2004 a good year for the Durango?

Across the 27 Durango model years we track, complaint volume runs from 48 (2023) to 2,043 (1999). With 1,115 complaints, the 2004 Durango sits above the model's median of 436.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

engine
326
engine and engine cooling
249
electrical system
243
air bags
143
power train
99

Recalls affecting the 2004 Durango

equipment

Campaign 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

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 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.

air bags

Campaign 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.

air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

Campaign 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.

Show 5 more recalls

exterior lighting

Campaign 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.

electrical system: instrument cluster/panel

Campaign 07V092000

ON SOME SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS, AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THAT CONTROLS INTERIOR LIGHTING MAY OVERHEAT.

electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables

Campaign 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.

electrical system:wiring:interior/under dash

Campaign 03V528000

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CIRCUIT BOARD CAPACITOR MAY OVERHEAT.

vehicle speed control:cables

Campaign 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.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is mixed but leans positive, with a clear generational divide. Long-term owner reports for the third generation (post-2011) generally describe it as a reliable, powerful, and practical family hauler when properly maintained.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Durango. See the full Durango owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Durango listings typically run $17,400–$32,197.

Other Durango model years

Compare every Durango year side by side to see how 2004 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Durango against its rivals

Looking at a specific car?

We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.

One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy