Driving down the highway and suddenly there was zero oil pressure. I pulled to the shoulder of a dangerous highway hoping the problem might remedy after some cooling down. I went to restart the engine and it made loud knocking sounds. I immediately shut it off and had it taken to the dealership where I had purchased it (now under new ownership). They had replaced my oil pump when the vehicle was still under their warranty but hadn't told me that these engines have oil sludge buildup problems that cause the oil pumps to fail. Now my warranty just expired last year and the dealer told me I have a seized engine.

- Kalispell, MT, USA

1999 Dodge Durango, bought new, has 53,000 miles, I was driving on a highway on 4/22/05, "check gauges" lit up on dashboard, oil pressure gauge went to zero, car still drivable, pulled over after 3-4 miles into turnpike service area, checked oil stick and it read full, continued additional drive to destination of approx. 5 miles and dropped off at nearby Dodge dealership, their diagnosis is sludge in engine and oil pump has to be replaced and the entire engine will have to be replaced, they suspect lousy maintenenace by car owner regarding oil changes, I have documentation that car was well maintained, on a internet search, I found that hundreds of Durango owners have experienced the "exact" problems with this type of vehicle. In addition, I have experienced other problems with my vehicle: Replaced window moter, replaced leak in cooling system thermostat, replaced switch assembly for A/C heating unit, replaced brakes and rotors on front.

- Downingtown, PA, USA

Motor, ignition, tie rods, brakes. Heater/air have had hardly no heat or A/C for the last 4 years.. have replaced everything from fan, blower, cooling, water pump, heater core etc. Still back in the shop on 12-28-04 got back today 01-01-05 and still no heat don't know what is wrong with it.

- Roscoe, IL, USA

1999 Dodge Durango with 42,000 miles - faulty both upper and lower ball joints - both inner tied rods - water pump - excessive tire wear even though the tires were rotated every 6,0000 miles.

- Springfield, MO, USA

Vehicle was taken for a routine general maintenance, and the mechanic noticed that all four ball joints felled worn out prematurely. Also consumer had problems with water pump and the serpentine belt.

- Herndon, VA, USA

Consumer complained about a host of problems which included anti-lock brake sensor replacement along with 2 water pumps, and a belt. Also, consumer complained about a serious suspension problem which involved front upper and lower ball joints.

- Newport, NC, USA

At 70mph, on I-75 in Michigan '99 Durango transfer case blew apart causing vehicle to jump with smoke pouring out the back of the vehicle. Was barely able to get vehicle under control and off to side of road. Mechanic stated front driveshaft cracked thus maybe causing transfer case cv joint to go blowing apart transfer case. Another vehicle experienced a flat tire at high speed due to running over pieces of transfer case. Have spent over $4000 dollars in repairs to Durango in 3 years including (front driveshaft, transfer case, water pump, PCM, upper & lower ball joints, upper control arms, sway bar bushings, front rotors, brakes, etc. Only 78,000 on the vehcile when transfer case blew up. Can I file a claim for lemon law regarding ball joints. Uppers need replaced again.

- West Bloomfield, MI, USA

When the vehicle had a full tank of gas and driven on a slight incline, the engine would shut off and would not start. The cause was unknown. While driving, the consumer smelled something burning, he/she pulled over and popped the hood, and noticed the bushings on the water pump were loose, which caused the radiator fan to move back and forth. The pump was replaced, however the problem remained.

- Ionia, MI, USA

Consumer was about to switch lanes and steering got stuck. Consumer slammed brakes and vehicle landed up on right side of road and went into bush. Dealer claimed that water pump/ serpentine belt failed.

- Danbury, CT, USA

Several time my overdrive light has come on and then has shut off in the last year. The dealer has told me that there is nothing they can do unless I bring the truck in while the light is on. One day in July on my lunch hour I was sitting in the drive thru getting lunch and my overdrive light came on and wouldnt shut off. The transmission light came on and the temp gauge shot up in the red zone. I immediatley parked the vehicle and called roadside assitance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer called me and told me theire was nothing wrong. They siad you must have pushed the overdive light by accident. I dont think so I told them. They said they put the truck on their machine and it told them the lights and guages never showed they lit up or overheated. Impossible. Im afraid im going to get stranded again with my child. My airconditioner doesnt cool well and they say it cools fine. My truck is currently in the shop due to the paint is lossing its clearcoat. Love the Durango but very disgusted.

- N. Richland Hills, TX, USA

I noticed the problem while doing my first oil change on the vehicle. I always check all the fluid levels when I do an oil change and noticed that the antifreeze level did not register on the radiator dipstick. I didn't think much of it since I hadn't checked the levels of anything since I bought the used vehicle because the dealer assured me that it was given a certified 135-point inspection. Well after that I have checked the radiator fluid level on a regular basis (approximately every two weeks) and have found it to be low every time. I don't know where it's going. There are no traces of antifreeze on the garage floor and I don't see any visable leaks anywhere. I also can't detect the smell of burning antifreeze in the exhaust fumes. I took the vehicle to my local Dodge dealer on 12/2/99 and they could not detect any problems and had no answer. They put a dye in the antifreeze to be able to detect a leak using a blacklight at a later date. I have gotten on internet newsgroup web sites and have found other people that have experienced similar problems, some worse than others. They are also saying that Dodge knows it has this problem with it's larger engines. Well, that's all I can tell you for now. Thanks.

- Dewitt, MI, USA

Upon idle, the temp guage exceeds 210 and causes ac to blow hot air. After accellerating ac cools again but vehicle continually overheats and causes ac to blow hot. Dealer said it is "flaw" in the Durango and later version '99's have been upgraded already. Is there a recent tsb on this?

- Davie, FL, USA