DODGE DURANGO · model year

2001 DODGE DURANGO

963 NHTSA complaints, 82 crash reports, and 7 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2001DODGEDURANGO carries 963 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 82 crashes, 25 fires, 84 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2001 DURANGO is suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint with 168 filings, followed by suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint (89) and electrical system (64). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 7 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 5 investigation files overlapping the 2001 DURANGO. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

963
Complaints
82
Crashes
25
Fires
84
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

963 filings

Crashes Reported

82 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT168
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT89
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM64
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION52
SUSPENSION32
AIR BAGS27
SUSPENSION:FRONT25
SEATS22
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING19
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE19
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL16
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR15
STEERING15
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL14
EXTERIOR LIGHTING14

Recalls (7)

04V59600021/12/2004

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4X4), IF MOISTURE LEAKS INTO THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINT, EVACUATION OF THE LUBRICANT AND CORROSION OF THE JOINT MAY CAUSE THE JOINT TO WEAR OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE A CLUNKING NOI

08E06400020/10/2008

SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB

SKF IS RECALLING 2,805 HUB UNITS, PART NO. BR930361, SOLD AS A SERVICE PART FOR 1997-2004 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES AND 1999-2003 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2-WHEEL DRIVE & REAR AXLE ABS. DUE TO A SPECIFICATION ERROR, THE ROTOR PILOT FOR THE HUB UNIT MAY BE TOO LONG. THIS RESULTS IN THE WHEE

06E02400015/03/2006

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999,

00V36600009/11/2000

CHILD SEAT

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLU

06V33900007/09/2006

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BENCH SEATS ONLY, IF FLUID IS SPILLED FROM THE FLOOR MOUNTED CUP HOLDER, AN UNUSED CONSOLE POWER OUTLET CONNECTOR LOCATED UNDER THE SEAT MAY BECOME CONTAMINATED.

01V07700007/03/2001

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL DRIVE. THE ELECTRIC SHIFT TRANSFER CASE MAY NOT FULLY ENGAGE INTO GEAR WHEN THE OPERATOR MOVES THE TRANSFER CASE SELECTOR SWITCH.

07V55500004/12/2007

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

ON CERTAIN VAN AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE IGNITION/PARK SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS CAN ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED (OR IN THE "LOCK" POSITION). THIS CAN ALSO ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY

Recent Complaints

20230918ENGINE

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle; an abnormal clanking sound was coming from the vehicle. An independent mechanic was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was most likely related to a defective rod bearing. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 217,000.

Mileage: 217,000

20211019SERVICE BRAKES

The entire underneath and some panels of the vehicle are completely rusted to the point that the vehicle cannot be safely driven. The vehicle has never been in an ocean front town. Has been in Frankfurt, Germany and Atchison, Kansas.

20211019UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The entire underneath and some panels of the vehicle are completely rusted to the point that the vehicle cannot be safely driven. The vehicle has never been in an ocean front town. Has been in Frankfurt, Germany and Atchison, Kansas.

20211019STEERING

The entire underneath and some panels of the vehicle are completely rusted to the point that the vehicle cannot be safely driven. The vehicle has never been in an ocean front town. Has been in Frankfurt, Germany and Atchison, Kansas.

20210413ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

IN THE PAST YEAR MY ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAS GONE HAYWIRE. FIRST MY PASSENGERS ALL LOST THEIR ABILITY TO USE WINDOW CONTROLS, ONLY THE DRIVER HAS CONTROL, BUT EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE IT WILL WORK, PRETTY RANDOM. THEN MY LEFT HEADLIGHT WENT OUT. NOT THE BULB, THE ENTIRE HEADLAMP STOPPED WORKING, AND IF I SWITCH TO MY HIGH BEAMS THE RIGHT ONE WON'T WORK. AND NOW MY READ PASSENGER BREAK LIGHT WON'T COME ON. ALSO AFTER I TURN OFF MY CAR COMPLETELY, ONCE IN A WHILE ABOUT 30 SECONDS LATER THE RADIO WILL COME BACK ON BY ITSELF! WE CANNOT FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX ANY OF IT. WE'VE TRIED EVERYTHING! ALL OF THIS HAPPENS WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION, PARKED AND STATIONARY

20210207SERVICE BRAKES

THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE LOCKS UP. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED FOR DAKOTAS AND DURANGOS FOR MULTIPLE YEARS. WHY HAVE YOU NOT ISSUED A RECALL AND MADE THEM FIX THIS? GOOGLE IT AND YOU SEETHAT THIS IS ANN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR THE LAST 23 YEAR MODELS. HOW MANY ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THIS PROBLEM, WHILE YOU SIT ON YOUR HANDS? DO YOU TAKE MONEY FROM THE AUTO MAKERS TO LOOK THE OTHER WAY? THE REAREND (HOUSING, DIFFERENTIAL, BACKING PLATES, SHOES, DRUMS, BRKE HARDWARE AND PROPORTIONING VALVE HAVE ALL BEEN REPLCED AND THE SHOES STILL LOCKUP. YOU HAVE TO BACKUP AND HIT THE BRAKES HARD, SOMETIMES SEVERAL TIMES, BEFORE IT "POPS" AND RELEASES. THE "POP IS A SURE SIGN THAT THE DESIGN IS FLAWED, CAUSING THE SHOES TO NOT RESEAT PROPERLY WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND YOU COME TO A FULL STOP. PLEASE DON'T TRY TO SAY YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT IT, WHEN IT IS GOOGLED BY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE AND KNOW ONE KNOWS WHAT ELSE TO DO. EVEN A FOOL WOULD KNOW THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW. YOU ASK WHEN THIS H

Mileage: 151,000

20200110CrashSEAT BELTS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH AND FAILING TO STOP FOR A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE T-BONED ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN MPH. THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT CAUSING THE CONTACT TO HIT THE WINDSHIELD. THE AIR BAGS ALSO FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION AND BRUISES ON HER CHEST AND HER ABDOMEN. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM IN AN AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT NUMBER: Z-Z0 WAS FILED. THE OTHER VEHICLE INVOLVED DID HAVE AIR BAGS DEPLOY BUT THERE WAS NO FURTHER INFORMATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED TO A IMPOUND LOT. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 230,000. *LN THE CONSUMER PROVIDED PHOTOS. *TR

Mileage: 230,000

20200110CrashAIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH AND FAILING TO STOP FOR A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE T-BONED ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN MPH. THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT CAUSING THE CONTACT TO HIT THE WINDSHIELD. THE AIR BAGS ALSO FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION AND BRUISES ON HER CHEST AND HER ABDOMEN. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM IN AN AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT NUMBER: Z-Z0 WAS FILED. THE OTHER VEHICLE INVOLVED DID HAVE AIR BAGS DEPLOY BUT THERE WAS NO FURTHER INFORMATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED TO A IMPOUND LOT. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 230,000. *LN THE CONSUMER PROVIDED PHOTOS. *TR

Mileage: 230,000

20190714STRUCTURE:BODY

AS I AM DRIVING MY BLINKERS AND RADIO STOPPED WORKING RANDOMLY . CAUSING SAFETY ISSUES WHILE ON THE ROAD . THIS HAPPENS WHILE IN MOTION AND ON THE ROAD

Mileage: 120,000

20190714ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

AS I AM DRIVING MY BLINKERS AND RADIO STOPPED WORKING RANDOMLY . CAUSING SAFETY ISSUES WHILE ON THE ROAD . THIS HAPPENS WHILE IN MOTION AND ON THE ROAD

Mileage: 120,000

20190714UNKNOWN OR OTHER

AS I AM DRIVING MY BLINKERS AND RADIO STOPPED WORKING RANDOMLY . CAUSING SAFETY ISSUES WHILE ON THE ROAD . THIS HAPPENS WHILE IN MOTION AND ON THE ROAD

Mileage: 120,000

20190303SERVICE BRAKES

WHILE I LOVE MY 2001 DODGE DURANGO RT, THERE ARE A COUPLE OF SERIOUS PROBLEMS / SAFETY ISSUES THE VEHICLE HAS. NUMBER ONE IS THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT IS VERY LOOSE AND ROCKS BACK AND FORTH DURING ACCELERATION AND BRAKING WHICH COULD CAUSE SEVERE INJURIES IF THE VEHICLE WAS IN A WRECK, WHIPLASH ETC. IN DOING MY RESEARCH THE AVERAGE FIX THAT THE DEALERS WILL DO COSTS BETWEEN 600-800.00 WHICH IS TO REPLACE THE MOTOR ASSEMBLY. THERE ARE LINKS ON VARIOUS FORUM FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO FIX YOURSELF FOR ABOUT 40.00 OROVOODMG A BETTER FIX THAT THE DEALERS WILL NOT PROVIDE, BUT IT IS COMPLICATED AND VERY LABOR INTENSIVE. MY NUMBER ONE CONCERN IS TO BE SAFE AND HAVE SAFE PASSENGERS! TO BE ABLE TO BRING THIS INTO DODGE AND GET THIS PERMANENTLY FIXED AT NO COST TO ME. THERE ARE UNTOLD AMOUNTS OF DODGE DURANGO OWNERS OUT THERE WITH THIS SAME ISSUE, WHICH DODGE CURRENTLY WILL NOT RECALL. THE OTHER TWO ISSUES ARE INCREDIBLY DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS. SINCE DODGE RECALLED THESE TRUCKS FOR THE BALL JOINTS MA

Mileage: 192,000

20190303SEATS

WHILE I LOVE MY 2001 DODGE DURANGO RT, THERE ARE A COUPLE OF SERIOUS PROBLEMS / SAFETY ISSUES THE VEHICLE HAS. NUMBER ONE IS THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT IS VERY LOOSE AND ROCKS BACK AND FORTH DURING ACCELERATION AND BRAKING WHICH COULD CAUSE SEVERE INJURIES IF THE VEHICLE WAS IN A WRECK, WHIPLASH ETC. IN DOING MY RESEARCH THE AVERAGE FIX THAT THE DEALERS WILL DO COSTS BETWEEN 600-800.00 WHICH IS TO REPLACE THE MOTOR ASSEMBLY. THERE ARE LINKS ON VARIOUS FORUM FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO FIX YOURSELF FOR ABOUT 40.00 OROVOODMG A BETTER FIX THAT THE DEALERS WILL NOT PROVIDE, BUT IT IS COMPLICATED AND VERY LABOR INTENSIVE. MY NUMBER ONE CONCERN IS TO BE SAFE AND HAVE SAFE PASSENGERS! TO BE ABLE TO BRING THIS INTO DODGE AND GET THIS PERMANENTLY FIXED AT NO COST TO ME. THERE ARE UNTOLD AMOUNTS OF DODGE DURANGO OWNERS OUT THERE WITH THIS SAME ISSUE, WHICH DODGE CURRENTLY WILL NOT RECALL. THE OTHER TWO ISSUES ARE INCREDIBLY DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS. SINCE DODGE RECALLED THESE TRUCKS FOR THE BALL JOINTS MA

Mileage: 192,000

20190303SUSPENSION

WHILE I LOVE MY 2001 DODGE DURANGO RT, THERE ARE A COUPLE OF SERIOUS PROBLEMS / SAFETY ISSUES THE VEHICLE HAS. NUMBER ONE IS THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT IS VERY LOOSE AND ROCKS BACK AND FORTH DURING ACCELERATION AND BRAKING WHICH COULD CAUSE SEVERE INJURIES IF THE VEHICLE WAS IN A WRECK, WHIPLASH ETC. IN DOING MY RESEARCH THE AVERAGE FIX THAT THE DEALERS WILL DO COSTS BETWEEN 600-800.00 WHICH IS TO REPLACE THE MOTOR ASSEMBLY. THERE ARE LINKS ON VARIOUS FORUM FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO FIX YOURSELF FOR ABOUT 40.00 OROVOODMG A BETTER FIX THAT THE DEALERS WILL NOT PROVIDE, BUT IT IS COMPLICATED AND VERY LABOR INTENSIVE. MY NUMBER ONE CONCERN IS TO BE SAFE AND HAVE SAFE PASSENGERS! TO BE ABLE TO BRING THIS INTO DODGE AND GET THIS PERMANENTLY FIXED AT NO COST TO ME. THERE ARE UNTOLD AMOUNTS OF DODGE DURANGO OWNERS OUT THERE WITH THIS SAME ISSUE, WHICH DODGE CURRENTLY WILL NOT RECALL. THE OTHER TWO ISSUES ARE INCREDIBLY DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS. SINCE DODGE RECALLED THESE TRUCKS FOR THE BALL JOINTS MA

Mileage: 192,000

20180813CrashSUSPENSION

2001 DODGE DURANGO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BALL JOINT FAILURE DURING AN AUTO ACCIDENT. *LD THE CONSUMER REQUESTED INFORMATION CONCERNING RECALLED BALL JOINT FAILURE THAT MAY HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF AN ACCIDENT.*JS

20180411VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

MY WHOLE TIRE CAME OFF, LITERALLY SEPARATED FROM AXLE.. DOES NOT PICK UP SPEED.. BEEN IN THE SHOP SEVERAL TIMES. AND SHAKES. I HAD MY 2 YEAR OLD GRANDSON WITH ME WHEN THIS HAPPENED COMING OUT OF DRIVE THRU.. AFTER I PAID THE TRUCK OFF IT WAS DOWNHILL FROM THERE.

Mileage: 16,000

20180411STEERING

MY WHOLE TIRE CAME OFF, LITERALLY SEPARATED FROM AXLE.. DOES NOT PICK UP SPEED.. BEEN IN THE SHOP SEVERAL TIMES. AND SHAKES. I HAD MY 2 YEAR OLD GRANDSON WITH ME WHEN THIS HAPPENED COMING OUT OF DRIVE THRU.. AFTER I PAID THE TRUCK OFF IT WAS DOWNHILL FROM THERE.

Mileage: 16,000

20180411SUSPENSION

MY WHOLE TIRE CAME OFF, LITERALLY SEPARATED FROM AXLE.. DOES NOT PICK UP SPEED.. BEEN IN THE SHOP SEVERAL TIMES. AND SHAKES. I HAD MY 2 YEAR OLD GRANDSON WITH ME WHEN THIS HAPPENED COMING OUT OF DRIVE THRU.. AFTER I PAID THE TRUCK OFF IT WAS DOWNHILL FROM THERE.

Mileage: 16,000

20171211ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE AN UNUSUAL NOISE WHEN MAKING A TURN AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 195,922.

Mileage: 195,922

20171125STEERING

I PURCHACED A 2001 D0DGE DURANGO USED ABOUT A MPNTH AGO AND ALREADY I WAS DRIVING TO TOWN AND THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL FELT LIKE IT WAS WOBLING AND HAD A ROAR. PULLED OVER DIDNT SEE ANYTHING , SO WENT ON HOME TOOK IT TO GATEWAY AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE BALL JOINT. NOW IM PAYING PAYMENT ON A VEHICLE I CANT DRIVE.

Mileage: 163,376

Compare 2001DODGEDURANGO to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2001 DODGE DURANGO have?
The 2001 DODGE DURANGO has 963 NHTSA complaints, 82 crashes, 25 fires, 84 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2001 DODGE DURANGO?
Yes, the 2001 DODGE DURANGO has 7 recall(s). The most common affected component is SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 DODGE DURANGO?
The most-complained component for the 2001 DODGE DURANGO is SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT with 168 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2001 DODGE DURANGO safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.