1998 Dodge Durango Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 2%of 965 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,995miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1998 Dodge Durango, 2% of the 965 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,995 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I own a 1998 Dodge Durango. The headlight switch has been replaced previously for failure to operate properly, ie: the headlights would not turn on. Subsequently, the replacement switch failed to operate properly however with slight inward pressure on the switch, the lights would come on. I have recently been informed that the switch will not pass state safety inspection in its current condition. …”
NHTSA complaint #10142339, filed 2005-11, 50,000 miles“I purchased a 1998 Dodge Durango in march of 1998. The car was brand new with 3 miles on it. The car was excellent until about 52,000 miles. 1st repair, water pump. At about 56,000 transmission rebuild. At about 61,000 heater core, and power steering fluid leaking. At 77,000 transmission rebuild again. At about 80,000 miles, steering wheel started to stiffen up and very difficult to turn wheel they told me I needed a new rack and pinion. Durangos do not have rack and pinions, they have gear boxes. At about 94,000 transmission rebuild. …”
NHTSA complaint #10090677, filed 2004-09, 50,000 miles“Vehicle acquired in july of 2004. All component system failures listed have occurred since that timeframe. Engine overheated due to two (2) freeze plugs that failed between the rear of the engine and the transmission housing. Reverse lights no longer function and cause is still under investigation. Front transaxle assemblies were replaced as were the lower ball joints. Vehicle is currently at a repair facility requiring upper ball joint and tie-rod end replacement.”
NHTSA complaint #10072937, filed 2004-05, 72,995 miles“Low beams go out when high beams are activated. This created zero visibility while driving on a dark rural road. I notified the dealer, and was told that nothing could be done.”
NHTSA complaint #10008321, filed 2003-03, 80,000 miles“Automatic transmission. Back-up lights will come on when shifting between park and reverse, but go out once fully engaged in reverse. We have noticed this on at least one Durango besides our own.”
NHTSA complaint #762373, filed 2002-05Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 7% |
| 2024 | 2 | 14% |
| 2023 | 13 | 41% |
| 2022 | 26 | 43% |
| 2021 | 94 | 45% |
| 2020 | 23 | 41% |
| 2019 | 45 | 31% |
| 2018 | 56 | 24% |
| 2017 | 82 | 38% |
| 2016 | 53 | 33% |
| 2015 | 197 | 39% |
| 2014 | 259 | 33% |
| 2013 | 18 | 3% |
| 2012 | 19 | 3% |
| 2011 | 18 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 12 | 6% |
| 2006 | 15 | 2% |
| 2005 | 11 | 1% |
| 2004 | 21 | 2% |
| 2003 | 39 | 12% |
| 2002 | 8 | 2% |
| 2001 | 18 | 3% |
| 2000 | 8 | 1% |
| 1999 | 24 | 1% |
| 1998 | 17 | 2% |
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 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsEquipment
27 complaintsSeat belts
27 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Dodge Durango
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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