2003 Dodge Durango Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 7%of 339 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 41,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Dodge Durango, 7% of the 339 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My Dodge Durango will not go into park, will shift without applying the brake and will not start unless vehicle is in neutral - I have had the transmission rebuild and the PCM changed and the problem is still there. I have taken it to two different mechanics and no other problem can be found that would cause this from happening. I do not feel safe driving my vehicle and I do not have any more money to have a dealer take a look at it to see if they know what is wrong.”
NHTSA complaint #10669332, filed 2014-12, 189,876 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“2003 Dodge Durango 2wd slt has had tranny failures consisting of electronic coil packs that control the band lock-up in tranny failing to engage or disengage. This problem has caused my spouse to be stuck several times and in several different places. I have found that the cost and the available procedure to fix it is to put another tranny in it with possibilities of same problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10181734, filed 2007-02, 55,500 miles“I currently have 65,000 miles on a 2003 Dodge Durango slt plus. This vehicle is 4x4 and has never been used for towing. I was getting a knocking noise in the front end at anything over 2700 rpms. Also, I was having a drastic lose of power on this Durango as well. I took it to my transmission mechanic and it was found to be trouble in the transmission. I am having to get the transmission rebuilt already at 65,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10189967, filed 2007-05, 63,000 miles“My wife had our 2003 Durango in to the local Dodge dealer for service one morning a few weeks ago, since it would not come out of 4 wheel drive and was steering funny and vibrating/clunking. They told her it was still under waranty and a part would have to be ordered (transfer module) for the control of it but it was ok to drive till it came in and could be replaced. None were available and cleveland showeded them on back-order. …”
NHTSA complaint #10182264, filed 2007-02, 42,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11010205Oct 30, 2024Plate - Planetary
- 10220471Feb 22, 2021Mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio.
- 10136527Mar 27, 201356045489A$ - Neutral Safety Switch - Trans Assy 06036369AA Screw and Washer is now available as a service part , 2 required to attach Neutral Start Switch
- 10021239Aug 25, 2006Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10013731Mar 2, 2005Powertrain control module initialization.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 20% |
| 2024 | 5 | 36% |
| 2023 | 9 | 28% |
| 2022 | 9 | 15% |
| 2021 | 10 | 5% |
| 2020 | 3 | 5% |
| 2019 | 13 | 9% |
| 2018 | 13 | 6% |
| 2017 | 23 | 11% |
| 2016 | 30 | 19% |
| 2015 | 38 | 8% |
| 2014 | 42 | 5% |
| 2013 | 34 | 5% |
| 2012 | 37 | 6% |
| 2011 | 51 | 6% |
| 2009 | 1 | 8% |
| 2008 | 4 | 4% |
| 2007 | 18 | 9% |
| 2006 | 55 | 6% |
| 2005 | 217 | 14% |
| 2004 | 99 | 9% |
| 2003 | 24 | 7% |
| 2002 | 71 | 17% |
| 2001 | 106 | 16% |
| 2000 | 120 | 11% |
| 1999 | 181 | 9% |
| 1998 | 103 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge Durango
91 complaintsElectrical system
57 complaintsEngine cooling
40 complaintsExterior lighting
39 complaintsBrakes
33 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