2003 Dodge Durango Reviews

Had to replace the blower motor switch - same problem I have read of elsewhere.. The blow motor runs on high, but not on any other setting - even that's intermittent. Had to fix the wiring harness to it as well, as it had melted to the switch.

The switch was a while 15 bucks at the dealer - but the wiring harness repair kit was 60.

It has tons of power, no lack there at all. Runs smooth, no problems starting. It has a very solid feel and from years of being a auto hobbyist, I can tell the engine is quite solid. Maintains consistent operating temperature, doesn't use a drop of oil. No funky little noises and none of that 'cheap vehicle' feel. Plenty of room in it and it has the best heater and A/C I've ever had in a car.

Stereo was decent, but I think the CD lens was out of whack or the rails it rode on were binding somewhere as it would skip here and there. Radio itself was fine otherwise - it was a great excuse to get an after market stereo :)

I'd buy another without a second thought.

Rear drivers' caliper failed at 35k, 3 days after we bought the truck. Was replaced under the 90 day dealer's warranty.

Blower motor resistor pack failed at 50k, replaced with new one, and started to fail at 72k again, only high speed works now at 75k. Can no longer use heat now due to strong burning smell & smoke emitting from the heater vents.

Upper ball joints are creaking, need to be replaced. Previously were replaced under a recall.

Camshaft position sensor failed at 55k.

Other than the problems we had, it's pretty reliable. It rides nice, aside from the ball joints creaking when turning. It's got plenty of pep for a 4500lb SUV, enough to give the little rice rockets in town a scare. The gas mileage... not so good. I'd say it averages 13-14 City, but Highway is pretty good.

May 2008:

ABS module

Rear wheels brake cylinders

Rack and pinion

June 2008:

Driver's side power window motor

July 2008:

Transmission

Worn front driveline

August 2008:

Upper radiator hose

September 2008:

Transfer case

Left hub bearing

October 2008:

Right front CV joint.

Lots of power, but not worth the money or time to consider buying one.

Not reliable. Be prepared to buy stock in a rental car company.

I also have a 1989 Honda Accord that has 320,000 miles that has been more trustworthy than this pile of metal, which would be of more use in a scrap pile.

When I came off the freeway, the steering wheel got stiff, but went away after away. It was because there was too much power steering fluid in it, and it got a couple of air pockets in the system.

It's a great SUV. Big, but not giant such as an Expedition.

It looks the best in the Patriot Blue color with a silver metallic trim and a chrome grill.

I raced a new Audi and the Durango won, and this is only a 4.7 liter.

Great power for an SUV and most cars.

Nothing wrong except that this vehicle is not recommended if you plan on doing your own maintenance.

Lots of torque power.

Hard on gas in the city, but very reasonable on the highway.

Absolutely recommend a regular service schedule; not something you can let slide, especially concerning transfer case fluid changes.

The front right wheel fell off at 50,000 miles. Defective wheel bearing.

Of course I got that wonderful engine knock at 70,000 miles. Sludge build up. Unless you change the oil every 500 miles, you will get sludge build up in a Durango.

Daimler Chrysler had a great opportunity to capture a significant market share with the Durango. Right vehicle at the right time.

However, the engine has a design flaw that permits oil sludge to build up in the engine. My mechanic says it is a defective oil screen.

Instead of owning up to it and making the repairs, Chrysler took the big corporation hide behind the lawyer tactic.

Makes one suspicious about Chrysler and Mercedes in general.