9.5

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,320
Average Mileage:
103,050 miles
Total Complaints:
22 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (11 reports)
  2. replace engine (8 reports)
  3. relocate the PCM (1 reports)
  4. Replace oil filter panel (1 reports)
  5. replace timing gear and oil pump (1 reports)
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problem #22

Jun 132015

Durango SLT 5.9L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 205,000 miles

This problem has happened 3 times now. Twice while coming home from work. I was driving at approximately 50 mph, rounding a curve of all places, when the engine just died. I couldn't really steer because the wheel was so stiff but I thought for a split second, put the vehicle into neutral and turned the ignition switch... Thank God the engine restarted and thank God the vehicle coming up behind me in the other lane didn't sideswipe me but I didn't get but about 2 blocks down the road when it happened again (again, neutral & turned ignition) after that I was able to drive home without further incident. Saturday 6/13, the same thing happened to me, again put the vehicle into neutral, and restarted the vehicle. When I first bought this vehicle, I was on my way to work one evening and saw a Durango that looked just like mine (color and all) rolled over and there were body bags lying next to it... It really gave me the creeps and now that I have read so many other complaints like mine it not only makes me wonder if this problem was what killed those people and it is a bit nerve wrenching to say the least.

- Ted G., Wynnewood, OK, US

problem #21

Apr 102013

Durango Limited V8 Hemi

  • Manual transmission
  • 151,000 miles

Piston blew, did all maintenance. Don't think it was made well for a SUV with this much power. Paid off a SUV I couldn't afford to fix.

- aadwillia, Milwaukee, WI, US

problem #20

Jun 182010

Durango

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

I am shocked at all these people withthe same problem. We bought my daughter who is handicapped her first car last year from a 3rd party. We have been having problems with the starter/battery etc. every since we bought it. A few months ago she was on the freeway with 4 of her fields all under the age of 21 and the engine just stopped in the fast lane. They called me crying in extreme fear as cars were flying by them going 75 miles an hour on a turn so the oncomming traffic could barely see them. Thank god a taxi driver pulled in front of them and got them off the freeway..... We could have been reading an obituary about 5 young people because of this....The car is still sitting in the driveway as we have yet to find a mechanic that can fix the piece of crap.....WHAT CAN WE DO

- Lynda D., San Dimas, CA, US

problem #19

Mar 012008

Durango SLT V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 142,000 miles

driving home on freeway and all of a sudden the car shut down (had no power steering, no brakes, no nothing!!!) and white smoke started coming our from under the car. Finally stopped. Called towing service. Dealership said I needed a new engine computer sensor chip. Replaced it. Car is shutting down while driving again. Loved this car although I can't take this uncertainty anymore. Absolutely not in a position to have a car payment and don't know what to do.

- Laurence T., San Ramon, CA, US

problem #18

Jul 292010

Durango 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 181,000 miles

The computer(pcm) is overheating and shutting down. either stick a blue ice pack behind it or move the computer inside the cab this will have to be done with some rewireing dont splice the wires use plugs to extend the wires cut a hole in the firewall for the wires and remount it inside the cab.

I READ 5 YRS OF COMPLAINTS AND LISTENED TO EVERYONES PROBLEMS WITH THIS ENGINE FALIURE AND ALL THE PARTS THEY REPLACED, ONE COMPUTER AFTER ANOTHER AND ONE SENSOR AFTER ANOTHER. THE PROBLEM IS AND IM 100% SURE THE COMPUTER IS MOUNTED UNDER THE HOOD SOMETHING THAT ISNT DONE NOW DAYS BECAUSE IT OVERHEATS AND SHUTS DOWN EITHER ICE IT WITH BLUE ICE PACKS OR MOVE THE COMPUTER INSIDE THE CAB. ITS AN EARLY DESIGN FLAW FOR COMPUTERIZED VEHICLES

- montanabubba, Coeur D Alene, ID, US

problem #17

Jun 202010

Durango LX V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 148,000 miles

So our family went out of town to celebrate Father's Day. We were traveling on the Highway when the truck stopped without warning. It appeared as if we had ran out of gas as the fuel gauge read empty. It didn't make any since, we filled up prior to our trip. We walked about a mile got gas. We continued to be stalled, after an hour in 100 degree heat, read the manual and got it restarted. Drove the other 20 miles home and it stalled again several hours later after the heat subsided. We have "No Bus" in the odometer. Help! We are still making payments on this truck!

- belk, Topeka, KS, US

problem #16

Feb 052008

Durango SLT 318 V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles

My 1999 Dodge Durango with only 103,000 miles just stops running while driving usually at a stop light on while taking off. The idle flutters and then it quits but it usually starts back up. I have replaced the TPS sensor, new plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor button, fuel filter, fuel pump, STILL DOES IT !!!!!!!!

FOR THOSE WITH THE ABS, SPEEDOMETER TROUBLE, I FIXED MINE BY REPLACING THE SPEED SENSOR ON THE TRANSMISSION AND THE ONE ON THE REAR-END.

- tsaffell, Burlington, KY, US

problem #15

Aug 022008

Durango SLT 318

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140 miles

haven't had this ride three months . my wife going 70 mph down I.75 traffic's heavy kids screaming , engine locks up ! My wife barely misses a tractor trailer , to get off roadway . what do i do theres no warnt. I suck it up buy another one . ill never bye another dodge !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! they suck!

- kevintn, Helenwood, TN, US

problem #14

May 182008

Durango

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles

We also have a 1999 Dodge Durango. It is doing the same thing as everyone else. Engine cutting out/ No Bus. Ours now sits in our driveway until we decide if we want to fix it or not. Our Mechanic could not find anything wrong. If anyone knows of a Class Action Lawsuit, please let me know otherwise, I did file a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 888-327-4236. Maybe if enough people complain, Dodge will be forced to address this problem.

- Linda S., Brooklyn Park, MN, US

problem #13

Feb 022007

Durango

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

I am having the same problem as everyone else...engine failure...at all speeds...abs light comes on...told we needed a new computer and something new under the hood for the abs, along with plugs that go to the computer..

Has anyone report this to the Attorney General (I live in New York State), to see if they will get involved? I am thinking about filing a complaint, now that I know the extent of the problems other owners are having with the same problem, and seeing what they will do. It's obvious this is not an isolated problem and someone needs to step up and help the purchasers of these vehicles. I, myself, cannot afford to try to have it fixed for hundreds of dollars, to have it happen all over again and have to pay more money to try something else.

Has anyone found the TRUE problem and repair for what is going on? I read several of the entries and found that many have tried several things, that seem to last a little while, but nothing definite.

Please give me your comments and findings, as well as if any complaints have been filed with the AG or consumer affairs.

- Diane C., Richmondville, NY, US

problem #12

May 012006

Durango Eddie Bauer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,000 miles

I bought this truck used for my son, however I "inherited" it when the problem started- the engine just quits for no reason!!

I drive it locally so I only drive it for very short periods of time so it's ok for me, I just know I can't go on any long road trips.

I see where others have suggested lawsuits against Chrysler but in my experience unless you have a very large population who are willing to sign on for this, a lawsuit is NOT the answer.

If anyone else has had luck fixing the problem by replacing the engine, please let me know since that is what I am contemplating doing especially with the price of new cars and the increase in gas prices, I certainly don't want to take on a new car payment.

My email address is hmurphy98@msn.com

- Heather M., Birmingham, AL, US

problem #11

Mar 032008

Durango V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,000 miles

Man what a problem. Engine light comes on, then goes off after a day or two, then comes back on after a day or two. Seems like it's missing and it loses power but engine missing isn't the problem here.

Been to two mechanics with no answer yet. Can be driving just fine when I start my trip and out of nowhere will start acting up. My problem is very similar to those listed here with just a slight difference here and there.

Only had this car 4 months and have had enough problems for the next 10 years. Seems like an engine change is about my only option left buy I hate sinking that much money into it with the problems I have had and the ones I have read here.

Going to take it back to the shop next Monday. Hopefully get an answer then that will fix it. Wish me luck and STAY AWAY FROM THE '99 DODGE DURANGO unless you love headaches and empty wallets.

- Michael H., Kittery Point, ME, US

problem #10

Feb 152008

Durango SLT 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 119,000 miles

1999 Dodge Durango with only 119,000 miles on it. I always changed oil on a regular bases (btwn 3000-4000 miles) All of a sudden my oil pressure needle started to jump from regular temp to zero than go back to normal. Now this past Friday, my fricken engine seized on me all of a sudden.....Now with all these complaints Dodge has not done a single thing about this.....a-holes don't care about me, I won't care bout them.... I will not buy again from them ever again.....If there is a class action suit out there that someone knows about please let me know........thanks all concerned readers......

- neveragaindodge, Linden, NJ, US

problem #9

Apr 182007

(reported on)

Durango SLT V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 117,468 miles

After reading previous complaints, I guess I am Lucky to have gotten 117,468 miles on my 1999 Dodge Durango, Same problem as others, oil gauge jumping up and down - going crazy, knocking sound started slightly and has gotten worse over last few days. Car is still running although I should not be running it. I am days away from trading this car in, and of course something major has to happen, taking into mechanic tomorrow, but I already know it will be ugly. I will definitely NOT be repairing engine and will not fork over more than $400 to fix, or else I'll dump it at first dealer that cuts me a check. I owe $2000 on it, so repair if not justified. Will keep you all posted !

- Deborah G., Spartanburg, SC, US

problem #8

Aug 132007

(reported on)

Durango 5.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,000 miles

the solution to all of the engine problems with the durago as far as oil pressure and sludge is concerned. dodge used an upper timing gear made of aluminum and put a nylon coating of some type on the gear, the coating breaks into pieces falls down to the oil pan and it clogs the oil pump pick up screen causing low or no oil pressure wearing out the motor resulting in engine failure if not detected and replaced early enough , and a mechanic calling it oil sludge is bullshit, it does not feel like or look like oil sludge, my oil is always clean , the way the oil drain nut is in the oil pan keeps the nylon pieces from running out when you change your oil, it holds it there for the pick up screen to suck them up and keep clogging the pump, makes me wonder if they knew this was going to happen as it looks designed to happen, I just fixed mine and it took me over an hour to clean the crap out of my oil pan, so take your timing chain off and replace it with all steel one and take oil pan off clean pick up tube or replace and replace oil pump put it back together and your problem is fixed,

- Tim M., New Salisbury, IN, US

problem #7

Apr 282007

(reported on)

Durango STL 5.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 94,499 miles

I just brought the car used from a used car dealership and they told me that it need premium gas and to change all the fluids and filters so i take it to the mahcanic and they said i need a head job so after three weeks of it being in the shop and 1850 I get the car back and the very next day I'm driving on the highway with my kids and the car start making a grinding noise so i pull over on the shoulder and it starts smoking and jerking like it was about to jump out of the car. then it kills I call the mahcanic and he tell me that i need a new engine. i just spent all my money to buy the car of my dream and i don't even get to drive it and i'm broke. I h

- Michell L., Baton Rouge, LA, US

problem #6

Apr 122007

(reported on)

Durango SLT V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

I have a 1999 Dodge Durango and the check engine light keeps coming on and the oil pressure drops. I have had the engine flushed numerous times, it will work for a little while, then the same problem happens again. Dodge dealership refuses to fix the problem. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER DODGE PRODUCT AGAIN! I am in the process of getting rid of it. If someone out there have the answer to this problem please share it with everyone. Certainly the Dodge Company is not sharing the answer.

- gdingle, Hopkins, SC, US

problem #5

Mar 122007

(reported on)

Durango XLT 5.9L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles

Engine started knocking. Took it to dealer, and it seized while they were looking at it. Required complete replacement of the engine.

Cause was determined to be sludge build up in the oil pan. Extended warranty decided this was evidence enough that it was negigence, even though I could show oil changes and tune-ups every 3000 miles religiously.

I had to replace the engine myself. I found out, a year later, that Dodge has a known problem on the 318 engine... the intake manifold gasket leaks, causing the oil to sludge up! A lawyer showed me the Dodge memo to mechanics notifying them to look for it, but never told the consumers so we could watch for it.

A link to the technical Service Bulletin:

http://dodgeram. info/tsb/2000/09-05-00. htm

- dark jedi, Edmond, OK, US

problem #4

Aug 022006

(reported on)

Durango

  • 80,000 miles

This has trcuk is the worst I have ever had. The check gages turns on and then the oil starts moving like crazy until it goes all down. Then the engine will not start. THis has happen for 3 times in a year and has cost me $900.00 each time to fix it from the same defect. The mechanic has told me that it has to do with the filter of the oil. It gets very dirty and that every time the oil panel has to be cleaned or replaced every 1000 miles.

- Concepcion C., Brownsville, TX, US

problem #3

Sep 152006

(reported on)

Durango SLT

  • 47,000 miles

One day I'm taking my 1999 Durango to the inspection station for the annual sticker. Of course, on the way my Engine light comes on. SO, the tech who usually works on my SUV says it's probably just a faulty code. He checks it and the light goes off. After inspection, the light comes back on. I have the oil changed and the light goes off. A few days later, it's on again. Both my private technician and the DODGE geniuses say they can't find anything wrong, but I probably need an oil change. LOL yeah ok brainiacs!

I am driving to work, at 60mph, just about to get onto a bridge and the "check engine" light comes on, the oil pressure drops and I am losing power. (It's not fun to be driving at a high speed and lose power over water) I make it to work, 30 mins to go 2 miles. I have my problem child towed to my mechanic and he tells me he can't do anything, the engine is shot. I tow it to DODGE and they say it must have been my fault due to lack of proper oil changes. (Yea, ok, I'm gonna spend $25K and not spend $19.00 to maintain the oil properly. DODGE asked me to prove 5 consecutive oil changes. (Who saves that?) Since I couldn't, they refuse to even help with the cost.

Now I have a 2 ton paperweight on my driveway. I understand that the 99's have a defect.

Other problems I have: Rear driver window works intermittently Lock on driver door doesn't work AC freezes up and stops blowing air

NICE PRODUCT DETROIT! Chrysler deserves to lose every customer they ever had. I read that Toyota had the same type of oil related engine defect and fixed it for their customers for only $185.00.

- Leonard C., Clayton, NJ, US

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