The 2000 Dodge Durango is a body-on-frame SUV sharing the Dakota pickup platform. Known for transmission issues, HVAC blend door failures, and deteriorating front suspension components, particularly ball joints.
Transmission Failure (46RE/45RFE)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Delayed or harsh 2-3 upshift, Slipping under load or when hot, Burnt transmission fluid smell, Check engine light with transmission codes
Fix: Transmission rebuild or replacement required. Cooler line leaks into radiator are common and contaminate fluid, accelerating failure. Budget 12-16 hours for R&R plus rebuild time.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800
Upper and Lower Ball Joint Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps, Wandering steering or excessive play, Uneven tire wear on inside edges, Popping noise when turning at low speed
Fix: Replace upper and lower ball joints both sides preventively. Uppers separate catastrophically with no warning. Press-in style requires special tooling. 4-6 hours for both sides including alignment.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
HVAC Blend Door Actuator/Door Failure
Common · low severity
Symptoms: Clicking or tapping noise behind dash, No heat or stuck on heat only, Temperature control doesn't change air temp, Air only comes from defrost regardless of mode selection
Fix: Plastic blend door breaks or actuator motor fails. Full dash removal required for proper repair (8-12 hours). Many owners live with it or attempt cheaper aftermarket door kits.
Estimated cost: $800-1,500
Plenum Pan Gasket Leak (3.9L/5.2L/5.9L)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant loss with no external leaks, White smoke from exhaust on cold start, Rough idle or misfire after sitting, Oil looks milky or has coolant contamination
Fix: Intake manifold gasket failure allows coolant into cylinders. Requires intake removal, new gasket set, and often spark plugs. 6-8 hours labor. Check for warped intake surface.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
4.7L V8 Engine Bearing/Piston Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Rod knock or deep metallic knocking at idle, Low oil pressure at operating temperature, Metal shavings in oil or on drain plug magnet, Loss of power and excessive oil consumption
Fix: Early 4.7L engines prone to bearing wear from inadequate oiling or sludge buildup. Requires engine rebuild (20-25 hours) or replacement with used/rebuilt unit (12-15 hours). Inspect oil pump and timing chain.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000
Rear Differential Pinion Seal Leak
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear oil dripping from front of rear differential, Oil spots on driveway under rear axle, Whining noise from rear end when low on fluid, Visible oil coating on pinion yoke
Fix: Pinion seal hardens and leaks. Requires driveshaft removal, crush sleeve replacement, and proper bearing preload setup. 2-3 hours. Critical to catch before fluid level drops dangerously low.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Evaporative Emissions Leak (EVAP)
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Check engine light with P0442, P0455, or P0456, Fuel smell near fill area, Difficulty fueling or pump keeps clicking off, Failed emissions inspection
Fix: Vapor canister purge valve or vent valve failure common, but also check for cracked lines and loose gas cap. Canister itself can crack. Smoke test required for diagnosis. 1-3 hours depending on location.
Estimated cost: $150-600
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid every 30k with cooler line inspection; replace external cooler proactively to prevent radiator contamination
Inspect ball joints every oil change after 50k miles; replace at first sign of play
Use quality synthetic oil and change every 5k on the 4.7L to prevent sludge and bearing damage
Flush coolant every 30k on Magnum V8s to prevent plenum gasket degradation
Solid truck-based SUV with known transmission and front-end weak points; budget $2k first year for deferred maintenance and avoid high-mileage 4.7L examples.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Standard top post battery; located in engine compartment
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Every control module on the 1998-2003 Dodge Durango — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Body Control Module (BCM)1.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.7 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind left side of instrument panel, above fuse panel
🔧 DRB-III or StarSCAN
⚠️ Controls lighting, wipers, door locks, power accessories; VIN and configuration programming required
Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM)1.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.3 hr4WD models with electronic shift-on-fly▸ programming details
📍 Attached to transfer case, driver side of transmission tunnel
🔧 DRB-III or self-calibration
⚠️ Encoder motor calibration required; part-time and full-time systems use different modules
📍 Engine compartment, left inner fender well near PCM
🔧 DRB-III or StarSCAN
⚠️ Earlier 46RE/47RE transmissions use PCM-integrated control; 45RFE introduced standalone TCM in 2000 model year
Occupant Restraint Controller / Air Bag Control Module (ORC / ACM)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center console, beneath center floor between front seats
🔧 DRB-III or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Crash data must be cleared; impact sensor calibration may be required
Radio / Audio System (RAD)0.7 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center of instrument panel, integrated in radio housing
🔧 Radio security code entry
⚠️ Anti-theft code required; some models require DRB-III to unlock
Overhead Console / Compass Module (EVIC)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hrOverhead console with compass/temperature display▸ programming details
📍 Overhead console, above rearview mirror
🔧 Manual compass calibration procedure
⚠️ Compass zone and calibration required; communicates with BCM via PCI bus
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · 06E024000
2006-03-15
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.
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.
AIR BAGS · 01V153000
2001-05-08
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.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2000 Dodge Durango 5.2L V8 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.