My 2000 Dodge Durango has been meticulously maintained since purchased new in 2000. Took it in for a routine oil change this week and upon picking it up, the mechanic asked me if I was in the market for a new vehicle? Not anytime soon...not with this economy, etc., etc., etc. Then he proceeded to explain that the entire undercarriage is rusting out causing additional brake problems which would cost up to $1300.00 to repair. The spare tire hitch is also rusted out...it would be impossible to access the spare. Price of that repair $500.00 However he doesn't recommend the repairs instead recommends that I dump the vehicle as soon as possible. I argued that although it is only 11 years old, we have maintained this vehicle to a "t" and there is only 58,000 miles on it. I asked him what could be done about the rusting undercarriage and he responded, "nothing". We already replaced the area over the rear tire wells because they rusted through...both sides. I know this is the midwest and the winters are hard on the vehicles. But we have a 1994 Chevy Blazer with way less rust than what is on this vehicle. I filed a complaint with Dodge, but after reading the other complaints here...I doubt there there will be any resolution. The only thing I can do at this point is to commit not to buy another Chrysler product and spread the word that they are not built to last or stand up to our harsh winters. I bought a 4WD vehicle to have a dependable vehicle to get through our tough winters and the snow ended up killing my vehicle...go figure.
My 2000 Dodge Durango has been meticulously maintained since purchased new in 2000. Took it in for a routine oil change this week and upon picking it up, the mechanic asked me if I was in the market for a new vehicle? Not anytime soon...not with this economy, etc., etc., etc. Then he proceeded to explain that the entire undercarriage is rusting out causing additional brake problems which would cost up to $1300.00 to repair. The spare tire hitch is also rusted out...it would be impossible to access the spare. Price of that repair $500.00 However he doesn't recommend the repairs instead recommends that I dump the vehicle as soon as possible. I argued that although it is only 11 years old, we have maintained this vehicle to a "t" and there is only 58,000 miles on it. I asked him what could be done about the rusting undercarriage and he responded, "nothing". We already replaced the area over the rear tire wells because they rusted through...both sides. I know this is the midwest and the winters are hard on the vehicles. But we have a 1994 Chevy Blazer with way less rust than what is on this vehicle. I filed a complaint with Dodge, but after reading the other complaints here...I doubt there there will be any resolution. The only thing I can do at this point is to commit not to buy another Chrysler product and spread the word that they are not built to last or stand up to our harsh winters. I bought a 4WD vehicle to have a dependable vehicle to get through our tough winters and the snow ended up killing my vehicle...go figure.
- Ron V., Skokie, IL, US