1998 Dodge Durango Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 4%of 965 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Dodge Durango, 4% of the 965 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,000 miles. 5 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We on the road driving around 7:30 and I noticed my truck was losing power...I looked in my side mirror and saw smoke... I pulled over and my truck was on fire... The fire dept was called they had to remove the boot around the 4 wheel drive lever to put the fire out... Truck destroyed..”
NHTSA complaint #10551626, filed 2013-11, 195,000 miles“I own a 1998 Dodge Durango and I was driving home from olympia with my son in the back seat, he was a sleep. The vehicle stalled out and I drifted to the side of the road, I smelt a funny smell and immediately got my son out of the vehicle. We were on a busy highway. The vehicle then was engulfed in black smoke coming from underneath the dash, the interior of the car was soon filled with flames, all this happened within a matter of minutes. The vehicle had 141,000 miles on it and had no previous signs of problems. …”
NHTSA complaint #10292250, filed 2009-11, 141,000 miles“The consumer went to the dealer to have a front wheel alignment done. The technician told the consumer that the alignment could not be performed because the upper and lower control arms were worn. The technician also noticed slight play in the gear box and adjusted it. A faulty solenoid in the cab controller caused the brake and ABS lights to illuminate intermittently.”
NHTSA complaint #10031993, filed 2003-09, 86,991 miles“While vehicle being inspected upper ball joints fell off. No injuries reported. Brakes were pulsating when vehicle trying to stop. It was found that rotors were out of round. Dealer replaced rotors. Vehicle doesn't start occasionally after being driven for a short time. No faults on test found; therefore, dealer couldn't duplicate problem. In addition, molding on windows, doors, and bumper.”
NHTSA complaint #10063530, filed 2004-04, 80,000 miles“Transmission fluid leaked from the vehicle and eventually the transmission was replaced with a rebuilt one. All four ball joints were and tie rods were replaced. The vehicle experienced electrical problems, because the back brake light continued to blow out. The front hub bearings and seals were replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10029897, filed 2003-08, 3,000 milesRelated recalls
- 98V019000Jan 30, 1998Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The fastener which secures the generator cable to the power distribution center (pdc) has an insufficient clamp…Covers: Dodge Durango 1998
Related service bulletins
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other…
- 10221686Jul 22, 2020KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other…
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and…
- 10176211Mar 23, 2020This SKU is a Clock Spring. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the internal spring. If the internal spring is not seated, the electrical…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 14% |
| 2025 | 5 | 63% |
| 2024 | 5 | 36% |
| 2023 | 7 | 22% |
| 2022 | 11 | 18% |
| 2021 | 41 | 20% |
| 2020 | 9 | 16% |
| 2019 | 39 | 27% |
| 2018 | 87 | 37% |
| 2017 | 62 | 29% |
| 2016 | 40 | 25% |
| 2015 | 95 | 19% |
| 2014 | 149 | 19% |
| 2013 | 290 | 45% |
| 2012 | 347 | 54% |
| 2011 | 514 | 64% |
| 2009 | 2 | 17% |
| 2008 | 10 | 10% |
| 2007 | 22 | 12% |
| 2006 | 84 | 10% |
| 2005 | 198 | 13% |
| 2004 | 243 | 22% |
| 2003 | 57 | 17% |
| 2002 | 48 | 11% |
| 2001 | 91 | 14% |
| 2000 | 56 | 5% |
| 1999 | 181 | 9% |
| 1998 | 34 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1998 Dodge Durango
540 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
103 complaintsBrakes
94 complaintsSteering
90 complaintsEngine cooling
66 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
50 complaintsSeats
43 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsEquipment
27 complaintsSeat belts
27 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaintsTires
19 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Dodge Durango
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology