VehicleVerdict

1997 Dodge Durango problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 1997 Dodge Durango — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

5

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Durango years?

Durango NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted3,172 complaints1997: 5 complaints1998: 1,553 complaints1999: 3,172 complaints2000: 1,471 complaints2001: 964 complaints2002: 556 complaints2003: 484 complaints2004: 1,420 complaints2005: 2,001 complaints2006: 1,039 complaints2007: 241 complaints2008: 127 complaints2009: 13 complaints2011: 1,185 complaints2012: 917 complaints2013: 905 complaints2014: 1,029 complaints2015: 666 complaints2016: 221 complaints2017: 305 complaints2018: 326 complaints2019: 204 complaints2020: 69 complaints2021: 252 complaints2022: 79 complaints2023: 42 complaints2024: 17 complaints2025: 12 complaints2026: 11 complaints
Durango NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Durango years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Dodge Durango problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension360%
Brakes120%
Speed Control120%

Does the 1997 Dodge Durango have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E024000EngineMarch 15, 2006 · 44,386 units

Defect

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, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.

Consequence

A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.

Remedy

K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

01V153000AirbagsMay 8, 2001 · 216,100 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING. NOTE: THE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WERE BUILT AT THE WARREN ASSEMBLY PLANT ("S" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 16, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; ST. LOUIS NORTH ASSEMBLY PLANT ("J" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 19, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("M" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; AND SALTILLO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("G" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000. IMPORTANT: VEHICLES THAT HAVE ALREADY HAD THE PROPER CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECALL. IN ADDITION, 1997-2000 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL.

Consequence

WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE MATERIAL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING RIBBON AND CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT. THE DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL BECOME DISABLED, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 18, 2001. ALSO SOME 1997-200 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“1999 DODGE DURANGO LEFT FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD SOME SUSPENSION WORK DONE ON NOV 21, 2005. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 23, 2005 · fire

“BRAKE FAILURE INTERMITTENTLY WHEN APPLYING BRAKES IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WITH A/C ON, CAUSING PEDAL TO HARDEN BRIEFLY AND RESUME AGAIN. DEALER CONTACTED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 15, 2000

“CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON WHEN VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER HAD TO STOMP ON ACCELERATOR IN ORDER TO STOP VEHICLE FROM INCREASING SPEED FOR THE SECOND TIME IN A WEEK. CONSUMER WILL CONTACT MANUFACTURER.*AK......WHEN CRUISE CONTROL STUCK CONSUMER TURNE DIT OFF AND VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · November 25, 2004

1997 Dodge Durango — common questions

Is the 1997 Dodge Durango reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Dodge Durango have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Dodge Durango. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 Dodge Durango under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Durango years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Durango years to avoid are 1999, 2005, 1998, 2000, 2004, 2011, 2006, 2014, 2001, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2002, 2018, 2007, 2008, 2009. The cleanest record among Durango years belongs to 1997.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.