2003 Dodge Durango

Introduction The 2003 Dodge Durango is a mid-size SUV that was available with three engine options: a 3.7L V6, a 4.7L V8, and a 5.9L V8. The 3.7L V6 produced 210 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque, the 4.7L V8 produced 235 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque, and the 5.9L V8 produced 330 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 4-speed automatic for the 3.7L V6 and a 5-speed automatic for the 4.7L V8 and 5.9L V8. The Durango was praised for its spacious interior, powerful engines, and off-road capabilities, but it was criticized for its poor fuel economy and handling.

Engine

3.7L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaking from the intake manifold, decreased engine performance, rough idle.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: N/A
• Timing Chain Guide Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, decreased engine performance, Check Engine Light.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain guides and timing chain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Recalls: N/A

4.7L V8

• Valve Seat Recession
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from the exhaust, loss of engine power.
  • Solution: Replace the cylinder heads.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000
  • Recalls: 05V311000, 06E041000
• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaking from the intake manifold, decreased engine performance, rough idle.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: N/A

5.9L V8

• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling or refusing to start, Check Engine Light.
  • Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: N/A
• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaking from the intake manifold, decreased engine performance, rough idle.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: N/A

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Shift Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping or refusing to shift gears.
  • Solution: Replace the shift solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: N/A
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or slipping during acceleration.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000
  • Recalls: N/A

5-Speed Automatic

• Valve Body Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping or refusing to shift gears, delayed shifts.
  • Solution: Replace the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200
  • Recalls: N/A
• Transmission Cooler Lines Leaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking from the cooler lines.
  • Solution: Replace the transmission cooler lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: N/A

Suspension

• Front Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noise when turning or driving over bumps, excessive tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: N/A
• Rear Leaf Spring Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, handling issues.
  • Solution: Replace the leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: N/A

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, flickering lights, electrical system problems.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: N/A
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery goes dead after sitting for a period of time.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
  • Recalls: N/A

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on body panels, especially around the wheel wells and rocker panels.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the rusted areas.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of the damage
  • Recalls: N/A

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks forming on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: N/A
• Center Console Lid Breaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Center console lid breaks or becomes loose.
  • Solution: Replace the center console lid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: N/A

Summary The 2003 Dodge Durango is a reliable SUV with a number of issues that can be expensive to fix. The most common problems include engine gasket failures, transmission problems, and electrical issues. The severity of the issues varies, but some, such as valve seat recession, can lead to major engine damage. Overall, the Durango is a good choice for those who need a spacious and powerful SUV, but it’s important to be aware of the potential problems before making a purchase.