2003 Dodge Durango Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 91about this part
- Share
- 27%of 339 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 41,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 91 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Dodge Durango, 27% of the 339 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,000 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved and 1 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.
“I have notice a clunking sound in the front right of my Durango for some approximately six months. I recently brought it to my mechanic who stated it would need to have the upper right ball joint replace. It was brought to my attention that this issue was recalled on other 2003 Durango, however, my VIN number was not included in the campaign (04v596000). This issue appears to go beyond the cut off for the recall since review of the complaints indicates numerous other similar issues.”
NHTSA complaint #10443225, filed 2012-01, 88,500 miles“Power steering rack failed at 73,000 miles. Unacceptable that the steering would fail with only 73,000 miles!! Paid $900 to have repaired. This was 6 months ago. Now they are saying our wheel bearings are failing and are not covered under the recall that was put in place back in 2004. Even though the mechanic told us that our wheel would fall off if we didn't have it fixed. That should fall under the category of the recall for the wheel hub.”
NHTSA complaint #10253076, filed 2008-12, 73,000 miles“I noticed noise in the front end of my 2003 Dodge Durango and found that I had movement in my upper right ball joint, so I pointed this out during my annual safety inspection at the dealer. Both upper ball joints were found to be worn out during the inspection. The truck has only 28,000 miles on it and is driven a mix of highway and local driving....no off road use. The repair was covered under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10088115, filed 2004-08, 28,339 miles“Clunking noise in front suspension. Tires wearing unevenly. Inspection by mechanic by finds worn upper ball joints on my 2003 Dodge Durango. Joints have no lubrication and have corrosion because of this. I fear the excessive wear in the upper ball joint might cause it to separate which would result in the loss of control over my vehicle. Dodge already has a recall on this defect but my Durango was not included. All durangos with this problem should be included. It's a safety thing!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10153513, filed 2006-03, 60,000 miles“I noticed my tires were not wearing evenly and I felt and heard a clunk noise every time I back out of my parking spot at work. The dealership inspected and said that the upper and lower ball joints of the right and left wheels of my 2003 Dodge Durango must be replaced. I see there are recalls for all previous year durangos but not the 2003??? The dealership refused to pay for my replacement. I replaced the left side as they were actually broke, my right side still needs to be replaced and are loose and near failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10252315, filed 2008-12, 62,899 milesRelated recalls
- 04V596000Dec 21, 2004On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel drive (4x4), if moisture leaks into the front suspension upper ball joint…Covers: Dodge Durango 2000–2003, Dakota 2000–2003
Related service bulletins
- 10011940Dec 16, 2004Upper ball joint extended warranty.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 13% |
| 2025 | 1 | 13% |
| 2024 | 1 | 7% |
| 2021 | 3 | 1% |
| 2020 | 1 | 2% |
| 2019 | 3 | 2% |
| 2018 | 6 | 3% |
| 2017 | 4 | 2% |
| 2016 | 5 | 3% |
| 2015 | 9 | 2% |
| 2014 | 7 | 1% |
| 2013 | 5 | 1% |
| 2012 | 6 | 1% |
| 2011 | 7 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 8% |
| 2008 | 4 | 4% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 10 | 1% |
| 2005 | 14 | 1% |
| 2004 | 18 | 2% |
| 2003 | 91 | 27% |
| 2002 | 144 | 34% |
| 2001 | 265 | 40% |
| 2000 | 507 | 47% |
| 1999 | 1,102 | 56% |
| 1998 | 540 | 56% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge Durango
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 complaintsEngine
12 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 28, 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