Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
1997 Dodge Durango — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2006 to Dec 2004
The most reported issue is suspension problems (2 complaints). 1 involved fire.
Open Safety Recalls (2)
NHTSA Campaign: 06E024000
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
Risk: A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.
Fix: K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.
NHTSA Campaign: 01V153000
Component: AIR BAGS
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Owner-Reported Issues (4 of 4)
Suspension →2 issues
Your vehicle's left front wheel caught fire while driving after suspension work was completed. This is a critical safety issue that occurred following service to the suspension system. The cause needs to be investigated immediately to determine if the repair work was performed incorrectly or if components were damaged. A technician will need to inspect the entire left front suspension assembly and wheel area for damage, improper installation, or heat-related issues.
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Your ball joints—the components that connect your wheels to the suspension—have been problematic. The dealer has already replaced the upper ball joints twice, and now both the upper and lower ball joints need to be replaced again. The repeated failures suggest a possible underlying issue with how the suspension is set up or maintained.
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Vehicle Speed Control →1 issue
Your cruise control became stuck on and your vehicle accelerated on its own while driving. Even after you turned off the cruise control, the vehicle continued accelerating to 79 mph until the accelerator pedal became unstuck. This happened twice in one week and required you to forcefully press the brake pedal to regain control. The cruise control system or accelerator cable may need inspection and repair to prevent this from happening again.
Parts you may need:
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Service Brakes, Hydraulic →1 issue
Your brake pedal occasionally becomes hard and unresponsive when you're braking heavily in traffic while the air conditioning is running, then returns to normal after a moment. This intermittent brake issue could indicate a problem with the hydraulic brake system, possibly related to how the engine load affects brake operation.
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Related Vehicles
Other Dodge Durango years:
Other 1997 vehicles: