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Dodge · Known Issues

2003 Dodge Durango Problems: 3 Known Issues

2003 model year · 630+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 630+ owner reports, the 2003 Dodge Durango has 3 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Plenum Gasket Failure (5.2L/5.9L Magnum V8) ($300-$800 repair) and Ball Joint Failure - Safety Recall ($300-$800 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Plenum Gasket Failure (5.2L/5.9L Magnum V8) with 250 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $200 to $800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Durango Engine1
  • Durango Suspension1
  • Durango Drivetrain1
  • Recalls18
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine1
  • Suspension1
  • Drivetrain1
  • Recalls18
  • FAQ

All 3 Known Issues

Filter:
ALL YEARS2023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998
Community reported
250 owners

On the 1998-2003 Dodge Durango, the plenum gasket between the intake manifold and engine block fails, allowing engine oil to be sucked into combustion chambers. Causes excessive oil consumption, pinging, and visible oily sheen inside intake manifold through throttle body. Common on all 5.2L and 5.9L Magnum V8 engines.

This issue also affects: Chrysler 200, Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler PT Cruiser

Common Symptoms

  • Engine pinging
  • Excessive oil consumption
  • Oily sheen visible inside intake through throttle body
  • Rough idle
  • Loss of power

How to Fix

Replace plenum gasket using Felpro intake manifold gasket set: MS92844 (5.2L) or MS92845 (5.9L). Hughes Engines plenum plate fix eliminates the design flaw entirely. Some owners install aftermarket M1 intake manifold which eliminates the plenum gasket.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Hughes HUG 7720FEL Magnum V8 plenum repair kit

    Replace the failed stamped plate/gasket with the complete aluminum plate, Fel-Pro gaskets, bolts and bypass hose Fitment: 1992-2003 5.2L/5.9L Magnum V8 applications, covering this 1998-2003 Durango issue $195.48 on the live manufacturer …

    hughesengines

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $800

Research This Issue

Based on 250 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerified250 owner reportsLast reported by owners Aug 2023Reviewed Aug 2026
Community reported
200 owners

On the 1998-2003 Dodge Durango, upper and lower ball joints wear prematurely, causing clunking, loose steering, and in worst cases wheel separation. NHTSA recall issued for 2001-2003 models. Same components used in 1998-2000 models which share the design. Failures reported as early as 49,000 miles.

This issue also affects: Dodge Dakota, Jeep Liberty, Chrysler Fifth Avenue

Common Symptoms

  • Clunking from front end
  • Loose or wandering steering
  • Uneven tire wear
  • Wheel wobble
  • In worst case: wheel separation

How to Fix

Replace upper and lower ball joints on both sides. Use Moog quality aftermarket parts: upper K7460, lower K7467. Inspect at every oil change. Check NHTSA recall status for 2001-2003 models.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $800

Research This Issue

Based on 200 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence200 owner reportsLast reported by owners May 2023Reviewed Feb 2026
Community reported
180 owners

On the 1998-2009 Dodge Durango, input and output shaft seals on NV242, NV244, and NV247 transfer cases fail from heat cycling and age. Causes fluid leaks, grinding or whining noise during 4WD engagement, and 4WD indicator light issues.

This issue also affects: Dodge Dakota, RAM 2500

Common Symptoms

  • Fluid leak from transfer case weep hole
  • Grinding or whining noise during 4WD engagement
  • 4WD indicator light issues
  • Difficulty engaging or disengaging 4WD

How to Fix

Replace input/output shaft seals. Change transfer case fluid with Mopar ATF+4 every 30,000 miles. Inspect weep hole at every oil change for early detection.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Mopar 68218057AC ATF+4 fluid

    Refill only an identified transfer case whose service specification calls for ATF+4 Fitment: Verified guidance includes 1998-2000 NP242 and 2001-2009 NV244 Durango branches; confirm the case tag because the issue also names NV247 Live Mo…

Typical repair cost:$200 - $600

Research This Issue

Based on 180 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerified180 owner reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2024Reviewed Aug 2026
NHTSA Recalls18 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Campaign #15V31300027/05/2015

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Dodge Durango problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 630+ owner reports, the 2003 Dodge Durango has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Plenum Gasket Failure (5.2L/5.9L Magnum V8), Ball Joint Failure - Safety Recall, Transfer Case Seal Leaks (NV242/NV244/NV247). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Dodge Durango reliable?

The 2003 Dodge Durango has 3 known issues documented across 630+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Plenum Gasket Failure (5.2L/5.9L Magnum V8) and Ball Joint Failure - Safety Recall. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Dodge Durango problems?

Repair costs for known Dodge Durango issues range from $200 to $800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Plenum Gasket Failure (5.2L/5.9L Magnum V8), typically costs $300-$800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1998-2003 Dodge Durango Plenum Gasket Failure (5.2L/5.9L Magnum V8)?

The plenum gasket between the intake manifold and engine block fails, allowing engine oil to be sucked into combustion chambers. Causes excessive oil consumption, pinging, and visible oily sheen inside intake manifold through throttle body. Common on all 5.2L and 5.9L Magnum V8 e… Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: high.

What is the 1998-2003 Dodge Durango Ball Joint Failure - Safety Recall?

Upper and lower ball joints wear prematurely, causing clunking, loose steering, and in worst cases wheel separation. NHTSA recall issued for 2001-2003 models. Same components used in 1998-2000 models which share the design. Failures reported as early as 49,000 miles. Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 630+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

Campaign #16V35200024/05/2016

AIR BAGS

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Campaign #14V77000003/12/2014

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 18,951 MY 2005 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES. THE FUEL TANK FILLER TUBE INLET CHECK VALVE MAY NOT FULLY CLOSE AT THE END OF REFUELING. THIS COULD ALLOW SOME FUEL TO ESCAPE FROM THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE FILLER NECK AT THE END OF REFUELING.

Campaign #09V00300008/01/2009

STEERING

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE RIGHT FRONT STEERING KNUCKLE MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. BECAUSE OF A BROKEN COOLING LINE, PARTS CAST IN TOOL CAVITY #63 ON JULY 18 AND JULY 19, 2006, MAY HAVE A COLD SHUT CONDITION AND COULD FRACTURE.

Campaign #06V38600011/10/2006

+ 13 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 1998-2009 Dodge Durango Transfer Case Seal Leaks (NV242/NV244/NV247)?

Input and output shaft seals on NV242, NV244, and NV247 transfer cases fail from heat cycling and age. Causes fluid leaks, grinding or whining noise during 4WD engagement, and 4WD indicator light issues. Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: medium.