2004 Dodge Durango Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 249about this part
- Share
- 22%of 1,115 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 249 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 Dodge Durango, 22% of the 1,115 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 13 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Engine blew with out any sign no noise until it went poof and cloud of blue smoke and rod was through the block. If my husband wouldn't of been with me and my kids would of been in an accident cause I would of thought I just ran over something. It s scary to think we could of all died because of a bad rod that seems to be a problem in these 5.7 engines.”
NHTSA complaint #10446934, filed 2012-02, 122,723 miles“Just like numerous 2004 Durango owners I have experienced .......a complete engine failure once I passed 80,000 miles due to unknown causes. I am the original owner, regularly maintained it, and operated it normally. Car stalled in traffic and could have been tragic. Would like an investigation opened considering the large number of owners experiencing the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10452840, filed 2012-03, 84,000 miles“Wife drove 2004 Durango with 5.7l hemi to work last night, when started it to come home made loud noise. I trailered it home, called mechanic to look at it. He said I had broken rod in engine. Oil&filters changed every 3000 miles. No problems until this. Very upset Dodge will not cover this. Needs new motor!!!!!!!! Only 123,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10402872, filed 2011-05, 123,000 miles“Dodge Durango, hemi 5.7 liter engine went out. Started out with a ticking noise that I wound out to be the #7 cylinder connecting rod was bent and hitting the baffle above the crankshaft. It broke, as I was driving it onto the lift, and sent the rod through the side of the block. Engine is dead, 116k miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10376916, filed 2011-01, 117,000 miles“Started to warm up in morning, something broke under the hood. Turns out a connecting rod broke and need a new engine. Fantastic. Has been sitting at the shop and still is there while I take a cab to work every day. Will never buy chrysler again and have told everyone I know. What a joke!”
NHTSA complaint #10454992, filed 2012-04, 74,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10223854Sep 7, 2016Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies…
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10229181Feb 12, 2015Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must…
- 10223602Feb 12, 2015Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must…
- 10024083Jan 8, 2008Positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) system freezes in extreme cold ambient temperatures -- involves installing revised pcv system components.
- 10020194Jul 21, 2006Engine cylinder misfire or ignition coil malfunction during heavy rain or car wash.
- 10015075Apr 28, 2005New water pump for 3.7l engine - no longer common with 4.7l. Advanced service information #05-002.
- 10015058Apr 19, 2005Idle fluctuation/diagnostic trouble codes.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 7% |
| 2024 | 1 | 7% |
| 2021 | 4 | 2% |
| 2019 | 3 | 2% |
| 2018 | 2 | 1% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 | 2 | 0% |
| 2014 | 2 | 0% |
| 2013 | 4 | 1% |
| 2012 | 8 | 1% |
| 2011 | 5 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 20 | 2% |
| 2005 | 216 | 14% |
| 2004 | 249 | 22% |
| 2003 | 40 | 12% |
| 2002 | 46 | 11% |
| 2001 | 55 | 8% |
| 2000 | 127 | 12% |
| 1999 | 281 | 14% |
| 1998 | 66 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2004 Dodge Durango
326 complaintsElectrical system
243 complaintsAir bags
143 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
99 complaintsVehicle speed control
49 complaintsBody and structure
35 complaintsSteering
31 complaintsBrakes
30 complaintsFuel system
30 complaintsOther or unknown
25 complaintsEquipment
22 complaintsExterior lighting
21 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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