VehicleVerdict

2000 Dodge Durango problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,471 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.5 times the median Durango year — the 2000 model ranks #4 of 29 Durango years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 13 deaths and 106 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: suspension issues account for 44% of all reports (644 of 1,471), far ahead of engine at 165.

1,471

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

4

Investigations

138

Crash-involved

42

Fires reported

106

Injuries

13

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other Durango years?

See all Durango years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 Dodge Durango problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension64444%
Engine16511%
Transmission1319%
Steering906%
Brakes886%
Electrical System664%
Airbags534%
Latches & Locks433%
Tires & Wheels373%
Seats322%
Speed Control262%
Other232%
Visibility & Wipers211%
Seat Belts161%
Fuel System161%
Lighting101%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)60%
Body & Structure40%

Does the 2000 Dodge Durango have recalls?

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

08E064000SuspensionOctober 20, 2008 · 2,805 units

Defect

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 WHEEL TO NOT BE SEATED FULLY AGAINST THE HUB FLANGE FACE DURING MOUNTING.

Consequence

IMPROPER SEATING OF THE WHEEL CAN RESULT IN EXCESSIVE VIBRATION, BRAKE ROTOR NOISE, DIFFICULTY REMOVING THE WHEEL AFTER INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, AND POSSIBLY WHEEL-END SEPARATION DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. SHOULD WHEEL-END SEPARATION OCCUR, THE DRIVER COULD LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy

SKF WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE HUB UNITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SKF VSM NORTH AMERICA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-644-8999.

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.

04V596000SuspensionDecember 21, 2004 · 592,707 units

Defect

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 NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION, WHICH MAY NOT ALWAYS BE HEARD BY THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Consequence

EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT MAY ALLOW IT TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS. THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON DECEMBER 21, 2004. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

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.

WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH CONSUMER NOTICED LOOSENESS IN STEERING AND HANDLING ROUGHLY IN A SITUATION, CONSUMER TRIED TO AVOID HITTING AN ELK, BUT COULDN'T DUE TO ERRATIC OPERATION OF THE STEERING. DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND RAN OFF THE ROAD, CRASHING. AFTER THE TRUCK WAS SERVICED CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · crash

WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THIS RESULTED IN VEHICLE BURSTING INTO FLAMES. PRIOR TO THIS OCCURRENCE DEALERSHIP REPLACED TRANSMISSION SENSOR 3 TIMES. CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNDETERMINED. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · fire

WHILE THE ENGINE WAS IDLING THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO ENGAGE INTO DRIVE WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKE. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD COLLIDING WITH A PARKED VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT "THE BRAKE DISENGAGEMENT FEATURE IS NOT ON THE VEHICLE". *LA THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THIS SAFETY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 5, 2004 · crash

DRIVER'S SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT AND THE STEERING SECTOR BROKE. AS A RESULT, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT THEN JUMPED A CURB AND WENT INTO A DITCH. THIS OCCURRED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. DEALERSHIP REPLACED BOTH BROKEN PARTS. *AK EA03-023

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 22, 2003 · crash

WHEN BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, ABS BRAKES LOCKED UP, BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, AND A REAR END COLLISION THE BRAKE SKID MARK WAS 20 FEET LONG. CONSUMER FELT THAT THIS FAILURE WAS THE SAME DEFECT AS STATED IN RECALL 99V341000…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · crash

2000 Dodge Durango — common questions

Is the 2000 Dodge Durango reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,471 complaints put the 2000 model at #4 of 29 Durango years. It is one of the Durango years to avoid.

What are the most common 2000 Durango problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (644 complaints), engine (165 complaints), transmission (131 complaints).

Does the 2000 Dodge Durango have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 Dodge Durango. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2000 Dodge Durango under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 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.