The Lemon Index2004 Dodge Durango.
The 2004 Dodge Durango is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 273 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 234, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 9 recalls, and it gets 13 to 16 mpg combined. The best Dodge Durango year is 2020.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 1,115 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Dodge Durango year. 2004 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 49K to 125K miles on the car (884 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 100K–142K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 37K–110K miles
- airbags complaints mostly came at 77K–166K miles
Recalls 9
- equipment 2017
A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf.
- airbags 2016
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St.
- airbags 2015
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.
Show all 9 recalls
- airbags 2014
Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S.
- lights 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- electrical 2007
ON SOME SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS, AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THAT CONTROLS INTERIOR LIGHTING MAY OVERHEAT.
- electrical 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES BUILT WITH A 5.7L, 4.7L, OR 3.7L ENGINE, THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY CONTACT THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER CONTROL ARM MOUNTING BRACKET.
- speed control 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.7L AND 4.7L ENGINES, THE THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE MAY INGEST WATER AND FREEZE DURING EXTENDED COLD TEMPERATURE.
- electrical 2003
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CIRCUIT BOARD CAPACITOR MAY OVERHEAT.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Dodge told dealers about
Dodge sent dealers 81 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Intermittent operation of electrical components due to ignition off draw (iod) fuse not being…
- Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is…
- Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
- OpenAir bag inflator rupture2015
- OpenSteering wheel and steering shaft bolts2006
- ClosedAir bag inflator rupture2014–2015
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side — · rollover ★★★☆☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $4000–4950 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.7L 6-cyl, 4.7L 8-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Instant stalling, whether turning or going straight. Warm or cold doesn't matter. Dealer has no clue.
2004 Dodge Durango owner · NHTSA complaint 10128228
More owner reports
2004 Dodge Durango slt. Water leaking into junction block. Possible wire harness damage maybe more damage. Not sure where water is leaking in. This cost to much to find out and fix. Vehicle is still in the shop.
NHTSA complaint 10210627
My vehicle has stalled while driving on 2 occasions. Steering and braking are seriously affected.
NHTSA complaint 10107592
Quick answers
Is the 2004 Dodge Durango reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 2.3× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 234; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Dodge Durango year by this measure is 2020.
What are the most common 2004 Dodge Durango problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (39%), engine (30%) and speed control (10%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2004 Dodge Durango have?
9 safety recalls (latest: equipment). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Dodge Durango get?
13 to 16 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2004 Dodge Durango problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 49,800 and 125,900 miles. The middle report was at 94,000 miles, from 884 complaints.
Does the 2004 Dodge Durango have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 8% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2004 Dodge Durango cost in fuel a year?
About $4000 to $4950 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2004 Dodge Durango have?
3.7L 6-cyl, 4.7L 8-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl.
What Dodge Durango year is better than the 2004?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2020, 2022 and 2019.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works