2003 Dodge Durango Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 4%of 339 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,910miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Dodge Durango, 4% of the 339 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,910 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Hello yesterday I left work wasn't in my truck for 5 minutes and it started smoking white smoke came out and I seen antifreeze spray everywhere I don't know if the engine locked on me or the head gasket is blown either way what can I do about this also before this happened when it rains my truck will spin it scared the hell out of me when I was driving to work but this only happens when it rains the tires look good”
NHTSA complaint #11341817, filed 2020-07, 11,400 miles“I purchased my vehicle 10/2019. Since then I have taken to repair shop for vehicle stalls when coming to a stop or at a stop, let along when slowing for a stop. Then RPM's drop! I have almost been rear ended multiple times due to this, with my children and grandchildren in car!!! The shop I've taken to can not find out why this is happening. Granted we tried replacing hoses, valve gaskets tune up. I feel there should be a recall to find and fix this before a serious injury happens. This has also happened as I was driving and I had to put in neutral to restart. …”
NHTSA complaint #11297845, filed 2020-01, 1 miles“Never had any problems til we drove almost 5 hrs on vacation to gatlinburg and before we even got into town the check gauge light came on and realized the temp gauge was in the red. Never leaked coolant or smelled any antifreeze. The next day after letting it sit overnight it seemed fine no check light was on drove it back still no engine light on and temp was fine,few weeks later all hell broke loose! The valve train started ticking. …”
NHTSA complaint #10472425, filed 2012-08, 57,250 miles“The car started over heating last may 2013. After all the repairs, the car is still overheating - replaced the radiator, the thermostat, the hoses, flushed the coolant and put fresh coolant in it, fixed the fans. I have to add coolant to keep it from overheating however even that is not working. The issue according to the mechanic is with the engine and cooling system design that has a flaw in it. It is a re- call that should have taken place a long time ago and Dodge needs to step up and fix the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10585747, filed 2014-04, 145,000 miles“While driving, I noticed that when I accelerate after braking, the driver seat slides back and forth about an inch. Also, when I'm at a red light, with my foot on the brakes the vehicle accelerates. Both of these are very serious and dangerous issues and should be recalls.”
NHTSA complaint #10705761, filed 2015-04Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 7% |
| 2024 | 3 | 21% |
| 2023 | 5 | 16% |
| 2022 | 10 | 17% |
| 2021 | 22 | 11% |
| 2020 | 7 | 13% |
| 2019 | 25 | 17% |
| 2018 | 27 | 12% |
| 2017 | 28 | 13% |
| 2016 | 16 | 10% |
| 2015 | 38 | 8% |
| 2014 | 74 | 9% |
| 2013 | 116 | 18% |
| 2012 | 141 | 22% |
| 2011 | 180 | 23% |
| 2008 | 8 | 8% |
| 2007 | 14 | 7% |
| 2006 | 48 | 6% |
| 2005 | 113 | 7% |
| 2004 | 326 | 29% |
| 2003 | 12 | 4% |
| 2002 | 10 | 2% |
| 2001 | 13 | 2% |
| 2000 | 29 | 3% |
| 1999 | 31 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge Durango
91 complaintsElectrical system
57 complaintsEngine cooling
40 complaintsExterior lighting
39 complaintsBrakes
33 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
24 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsTires
16 complaintsWheels
14 complaintsEquipment
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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