Dodge Durango - Engine Failure

I purchased my '99 Dodge Durango in 2/09 at 110,000 miles. After 24 hour driving it off the lot, the check engine light came on. The dealer had me take it to his mechanic and the idle air control valve was replaced. One week later, check engine light came on again. This time it was the oxygen sensors. Check engine light remained on even after the O2 sensors were replaced so the throttle position sensor was replaced. All seemed fine until 10/09 and the same process had to be repeated of changing the idle air control, O2 sensors and throttle position sensor. Then on 2/10, the rear brake on driver side locked up. All hardware, pads, rotors, drums, caliper and wheel cylinders were replaced.

A year later, rear brake locked up again and everything changed again plus all brake lines and brake master cylinder which seems to have cured that problem. On 4/10, a chirp was heard in the engine, turned out to be idler pulley and since it was so loose, everything in the front of the engine with a pulley on it had to be changed. Power steering pump, air conditioning unit, fan clutch etc. On 3/11, while driving, the transmission suddenly went into "limp home mode" and had to have a rebuild done. On 12/11, once again the idle air control, O2 sensors and throttle position sensor were replaced. Other random fixes have been upper and lower balljoints, u-joints, all four window motor/tracks and heater core. Now, the check gauges light came on and the oil pressure dropped to zero! From what I have read, it is a common Durango problem. It seems like Durangos have lots of problems and I think Chrysler should be held responsible for this mess they have caused. I have so much money into this truck, I cannot afford to try to sell it!

I purchased a 2002 Dodge Durango for my son for college. The SUV ran good for a while then the oil pressure started dropping every time he would drive it. I took it to a Dodge dealer and before my husband and I could describe what the vehicle was doing, they told us that it would need a new engine. They already knew what the problem was before we could tell them.

I think that Dodge should replace all the engines for free. I had to purchase another vehicle for my son to have for school because it was cheaper to buy another car than to replace the engine. The vehicle is sitting in my yard. I can't sell it and I can't fix it.

This complaint is regarding my 2005 Dodge Durango. Nothing to do with any individual, dealer, service station, etc. as I have not taken it to the shop yet. I purchased this vehicle used in May 2011 with 108,000 miles on it. It wasn't until a couple of weeks later when I started my car, pulled to the end of the driveway and waited for a car to go by when the engine abruptly stopped --no warning, no lights, no buzzing, nothing! I turned the ignition off, waited and restarted the car; It would not move out of gear, park, etc. I turned it off again and it started. Then I drove it around without incident until the next time when I filled the gas tank.

As I was pulling out of the gas station, the engine again abruptly stopped without warning. I was able to start it up and get home without incident. This has happened at least four times now, with the first time being the only time that it did not occur after fueling. The most dangerous incident occurred this past Sunday, July 31, 2011, when I was traveling on the highway doing 70 mph (the posted speed limit) and the engine abruptly stopped AGAIN without warning, lights, buzzers, etc. I had my two children in the car and we were heading home from being out of state. Thank God I was able to carefully steer my car over to the shoulder without being hit. I turned the ignition off, restarted the car and was able to drive the rest of the way without it happening again.

I have been reading hundreds of complaints about this exact same type of situation, so I know I am not the only one and no one seems to get the same answers.

I too had to replace the engine of my 98 Dodge Durango. I complained to Dodge Corp. and the local dealer on several occasions and also while stranded on the side of the road about the loss of pressure in the engine. After several visits to the dealer they claimed they could not find anything wrong. They also accused me of not changing my oil as frequently as i should.

Even after the many visits to the dealership service center for this exact problem the service techs found no records of my visits when the situation became critical and the engine needed to be replaced. Because of this I no longer trusted the dealer I purchased the car from and started dealing with another dealer across town. Apparently they felt sympathy for me by giving a reduced price on a reconditioned engine but I still felt cheated. I have also replaced my oil pump, water pump, window motors (twice), and I'm anticipating a transmission failure someday because of the burning smell I am constantly overcome with.

My Dodge Durango oil gauge would show fine one second then terrible the next. If I let it cool it would be ok and then go back to 0 pressure when I got going. I called the Dodge dealership in Waco and they told me that there was nothing they could do but replace my transmission at $2000. I showed them all the oil changes I had done and they told me I must have been getting ripped off because I had "sludge" everywhere.

I went to my local mechanic because the dealership was rude. My local mechanic found ball bearings in my engine all over the place because my screen had blown in my oil gauge. This cost $1800. Now my Dodge is making a roaring noise. Not wanting to take it to the dealership without having had all the fluids checked, the oil and lube place told me it sounded like my fan clutch and not to run my air conditioner!! I can't wait to hear what they tell me is wrong now!

I took my 1999 Dodge Durango (68,000 miles) there because the engine was knocking and the "check oil" light was on and my oil pressure was at 0. They looked at it and told me that I had sludge built up and metal was in the engine and the only way to fix it was to get a new engine and priced it at $6,400. They told me that the oil was not changed regularly and that is a lie because we did change it. I picked my vehicle up and was taking it to get the oil changed even though it was not due until another month (they said they wouldn't do it because that wouldn't help the problem and they would be taking my money).

My grandfather told me to pick up some Lucas oil stabilizer and have the people put one quart of that in there with the oil, because it still had good mileage to be having a sludge problem. So when I took it to get the oil changed, the first thing they noticed was that my PCV valve needed to be changed and the motor belt was in very bad shape, so they fixed that for me and changed my oil and once they put in the oil stabilizer it stopped the knocking noise and the the gauge went up and the light went off.

4-99 I bought a new Dodge Durango. Had the car 2 1/2 years. At 32,000 miles my engine blew. I had previous problems with the oil pressure dropping. When I took the car in they said they needed to replace the intake manifold. It was replaced and still same problem. 6 months later while driving from one state to another for vacation, I hear my engine knocking. Next thing you know it's getting louder and louder.

We call Chrysler and they seem to be helpful. Say even though I didn't purchase the extended warranty they will "most likely" help pay for a new engine. When the time came to get that new engine, all of a sudden it was my fault for not having regular oil changes done on the car. My father's a mechanic and he did regular oil changes for me. And come on, who's going to pay that much for a car and not maintain it properly?

I felt like a fool for not purchasing the extended warranty, until I found this site. Now I'm glad I didn't shell out more money for something that was going to be worthless. There is a class action lawsuit against Chrysler for upper ball joint defects, and they are trying to get one started for oil sludge causing premature engine failure.

I purchased a 1999 Dodge Durango from Danville Chryaler Plymouth in Jan. 2001 When I bought the Durango it had 25,000 miles on it. At 69,000 miles I had to have the motor replaced. The reason was the oil pump went bad. The oil pressure droped from 50psi to 0. Upon investigation by the service department, they found a build-up of sludge in the oil pan blocking the screen to the oil pump. The service manager said that the extended warrenty that I had purchased would not cover the motor.

The warranty rep. said that the problem was due to a lack of proper oil change. Well I am an industrial mechanic for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. and I know how valuable lubrication is to machinery. I have religiously changed the oil every 3000-4000 miles myself. This made no difference to the warrranty inspector. I still had to pay for the motor change. I like my Durango and I hope that the Dodge Boys can figure out what causes the sludge build up in the motor. In my case it definitely wasn't from lack of proper care.

I bought a 1999 Dodge Durango in March 2002. Also, paid $1,600 for extended warranty. Ten months later, oil pressure gauge went to zero and check gauges light came on. I called dealership to check it out. They checked it out and gave me a rental car. Two days later they informed me that my entire engine needed to be replaced due to excessive oil sludge, due to lack of maintenance. My husband changed the oil and filter religously, so I know the "lack of maintenance" excuse was crazy. Of course they also inform me that the warranty company has refused to pay for the repairs because they feel the engine failure is due to neglect.

Why would I pay $30,000 for a car and not invest $25 to change the oil and filter? Now I'm stuck paying for the engine (and everything that goes with it) AND the rental car. I've been to the Better Business Bureau to no avail. The dealership had my Durango for 6 months!! Meanwhile, I'm making the payments and paying the insurance. The value on this car has plummeted. I owe $10,000 more than what it's worth. I'm stuck with this piece of junk that I can't trust! I've had the car back for about 3 weeks. Now the entire ABS system has shut down. And, as expected, the warranty will not cover it. There's another $1,500 down the drain. I will NEVER buy another Dodge product as long as I live!!

As a newly retired Air Force Serviceman with a family of eight, I purchased a brand-new Dodge Durango and new Dodge Neon at the same time in December of 2001. The Durango is now in need of repair (needs a new engine), and Daimler Chrysler will not honor the extended warranty and repair this vehicle. After less than 14 months with my new Durango the engine seized up and the car just stopped. I was on my way to work when the oil pressure light came on and my car just simply turned off. Luckily, I was stopped at an intersection. The car was towed to the Chrysler dealership in Leeseburg Virginia for repair.

I received a call later that day and was told by the technician that the engine had failed due to possible "sludge" in the engine. I was also informed at that time that it looked like in order to fix my vehicle I probably needed a brand new engine and that my extended warranty would cover this but only if I had kept documentation for my oil changes. I am able to document some oil changes and I am still pursuing this however, the dealership believes that I need at least five documented oil changes.

Upon researching this problem with the Dodge Durango, I was shocked to learn that I was not alone and a single "google" search on the Internet with the just two words "Durango" and "Sludge" revealed literally hundreds of people with the same exact issue. One website alone, ConsumerAffairs.com, details this Dodge sludge problem extensively and lists this problem as its number one consumer complaint for the Durango.

An interesting point in my research on this subject is that no other "sludge" searches against other auto manufactures revealed extensive issues on this same subject. Toyota was the exception to this and In February 02 Toyota finally acknowledged the condition, and started to correct the affected engines. It is my hope that Chrysler will help me. I am even more surprised that many consumers found it difficult if not impossible to have the warranty repair their Dodge Durango even after providing excellent documentation. I find it difficult to believe that loyal customers will not receive fair treatment, as is my desire. It is my desire as an honest hardworking consumer that this vehicle is fixed under warranty

I purchased a brand new 2000 Dodge Durango. After about 2 years the engine blew out on it. I was on my way to work when the oil presure light came on and there was a loud knocking sound. The car was towed to dealership for repair. I got a call later on the day that the engine had failed due to lack of oil change. I was able to document 4 oil changes. The dealership insisted that it was not enough. Since I did not have the over $5000.00 for the repair the dealership decided to reposess the truck. Now I have a reposession on my credit and no car. What can I do? I have heard this story over and over from other people who have purchased Durangos.

I bought a new 99 Dodge Durango. There was a knocking in the motor, I took it in for repair but they said they didn't hear it. Then at 10,459 miles oil pressure was dropping to 0 and panel guages came on, then it would go back normal. I took it back to dealership and they said as long as it was working fine at the time they couldn't fix it. Again at 15,000 miles same thing still happening. This time they changed intake gasket. Again at 16,000 problem still happening except knocking is worse -- the dealership did some warranty work.

Now at 48,000 miles I have a blown engine that has to be replaced. The dealership says it is due to owner neglect from not changing oil. I have reg. oil changes every 3,000 miles and have receipts to prove it.

I paid $33,000 for this car and I have kept it serviced regularly. Now I have to pay $5,000 for a new motor. The manufactur refuses to own up to shoddy work or a defect problem.

Several things have happened since we bought our Dodge Durango in May of 2000. The first was the heater core went and it took us several months before it was replaced in October of 2001. Which I had to fight with Chrysler's Warranty department to pay for, because they finally figured out what the problem was after the original warranty had run out and the added care warranty was in effect, however this was no longer a covered part.

As of February of last year 2002, we started having trouble with the oil pump. The oil pressure gauge kept dropping to zero and then bouncing back to about 40-50 pounds of pressure. We brought it in to the dealer to be fixed, only to be sent away several times, with them not being able to find the problem and it apparently wouldn't happen when they had the car. Only once it happened and the service manager was driving the car with me in it, and he kept saying it was electrical, that if it was the oil pump the motor would have seized by now.

It would happen to us all the time, to the point that I video taped it out of frustration on the way to New York City, the day they returned it to us after having been in the shop for the problem, with their permission to keep driving the car if it happened, because it was electrical and not the oil pump. By the time we got to New York City the car was ticking and we had to drive it back home. I then called the dealer the next day and told them I had it on tape, the woman on the phone told me to call them the day before I was going to bring in the car, and see if I could get it to happen, so when I brought the car in they would see it. So I did and called them when I was down the road, so the service manager could come out and see the gauge. He did, and they finally decided it wasn't electrical and it was the oil pump, what I had been telling them all along, and was told that "if it was the oil pump, we'd have more problems across the board than with just your car."

Now on Father's Day weekend they are finally agreeing with me that it is the oil pump, and change it only to have the one they changed it with fail, and I had to wait for the new one they ordered to come in. I finally get my car back and drive it for 6 months and January 2003, the check gauges light started to come on again and it's the oil pump acting up all over again, only now the motor seizes, and because I don't have my receipts of the oil changes, I am now being held responsible to pay for a new motor.

They accept no responsibility in this whatsoever. They claim nothing happened to the motor before, and they are blaming us, saying it was lack of maintenance. Not to mention that I have been informed also that there is bad oil being sold on the market that sludges after 40 hours of operation, this came from someone that used to work for Chrysler and claims that Chrysler knows about it and refuses to take any responsibility in this matter whatsoever. Untop of it all, I just don't understand why they always give us and it seems like a lot of other customers as hard time when it comes to fixing covered components?

Because Chrysler refuses to take any responsibility at all and we paid for the added care warranty, which was extra, not included in the price of the car, now we have to pay for a new motor ($5103.00) and it has to be replaced at a dealership in order for the warranty to still be valid, and a car payment still. How unfair is this?

We have a 2001 Dodge Durango V8 4.7L with 56000 miles. The warranty has expired (3 years 30,000) Last week, the oil pressure dropped, the car started making an awful noise and stalled on a major interstate. We had the car towed to a certified mechanic that we have used for many years and trust him completely. He called us the following day saying that the oil pump went out but he could not get the parts. The dealership could not release them because "engineering was involved."

We had the car towed to the dealer. They dropped the oil pan (for $250.00) and told us that there is sludge in the engine and we need a whole new engine. We now have our hands tied and have to pay unbelievably inflated prices because no one but a can get parts for this car. The dealer told us to contact a representative and gave us the phone number. When we called they said that there was improper maintenance and would not let us even speak to a representative. They never even ask if we have receipts for regular oil changes. We have some, but some my husband has done himself.

The price quoted to put a new engine in this car is $6487.00 plus tax. I have missed several days of work and have had to rent a car on the days that I have been able to afford to. Why do we not have a say in the mechanic of our choice since this is no longer covered under warranty

I have a 2000 Dodge Durango. Back in Feb. 2001 I had to bring it to Morris Moore, because the oil pressure bottomed out to zero. They replaced the oil pump, and returned it and told us that there was a little engine rattle, but not to be concerned. Feb. 2001 we had to bring it back to Morris Moore for the same oil pump problem. This time extended warranty inspector looked at internal parts and said the wear was consistant with mileage on the vehicle.

My complaint it this: Once again I feel like this problem was not fixed properly the first time, and I had to wait 2 week before they let me have a loaner car, and then wanted me to pay wrecker and another deductable.

While driving my 2000 Dodge Durango it started to lose oil pressure on the guage and would go from full to 40 if I stepped on the brake. As we were driving to the mechanic the car started making loud noises. Mechanic said it was engine and covered under warranty since it is 2.5 yrs old with 32k miles. Towed to Mcgee Dodge who immediatley said it was engine failure due to lack of oil filter change and therefore our fault and not covered. He said the oil had sludgged and this is what caused the problem.

We have documented oil change at 9k with them and they say the oil filter is coded and the code shows it is the same filter they put on at 9k miles. We are sure we went to Jiffy Lube but have of course no documentation. However, upon further research we find out all these other people with same type problem. Our own mechanic says this is unacceptable. That a new engine should still not have this problem. The dealer then tells us he knows that the problem is oil sludged because he just looked at the filter. We have also hired an attorney to assist in mediating. I know I will never buy a dodge again.

Leased new 2001 Dodge Durango 5.2L. After 38,000 miles and two years of scheduled oil changes the engine blew. Owner relations claims that owner oil changes are not considered a "reputable dealer" and will not be honored. Chrysler will not stand behind their product, leaving the cunsumer to pay for the engine replacement.

I have just found out that my 1999 Dodge Durango has an engine problem at 69,000 miles. Our mechanic says valves 5 & 6 are misfiring and have low compression. Will cost at least $1200 to fix. Talked to Dodge dealer's mechanic who says they'll have to take a look at it before saying what's wrong.

Dodge mechanic told me 3 times that I would be responsible for paying for the diagnosis work. As far as Chrylser standing behind it, they would ask about the maintenance record. Home mechanic states that it is unusual to see an engine problem with this low of miles.

I have a 1998 Dodge Durango which I purchased used in May, 2000. Less than 1 week after purchasing the vehicle, the oil gauge plummeted to zero while I was driving. I took the vehicle to a dealership and they replaced the oil sending unit. In June of 2001 while traveling to a vacation destination, the oil gauge once again went to zero. This time we left it with a Dodge Dealership in North Carolina and rented a vehicle for $500 to continue on our vacation. However, even though the dealership had it for an entire week they were unable to find anything wrong. We left our vacation a day early and picked up the vehicle and brought it home.

Several times during the next six months the oil gauge would go to zero. The Dodge Dealership in Portsmouth, Ohio checked it several times, but could never find anything wrong. When the vehicle was turned off and restarted the oil gauge would return to normal. In December of 2001, the oil gauge once again went to zero and the problem persisted. The Dodge Dealership in Portsmouth, Ohio finally thoroughly investigated the issue after keeping the vehicle approximately one week. It was discovered that the oil screen was completely clogged with oil. Initially, they tried to blame this on improper maintenance, but I was able to produce significant maintenance records.

I was required to pay for a new oil sending unit and the deductible on my extended warranty plan in addition to being without a vehicle for one week. This is a persistent problem with the Dodge Durango and not only has cost numerous consumers unnecessary expenses but has reduced the retail and trade-in value of the Dodge Durango. Chrysler should recognize this as a significant problem and should either recall the vehicle and reimburse costs to those affected or recognize the lemon law and replace or repurchase the vehicles.

Last Saturday the check gauges light lit up in our 1999 Dodge Durango and we lost oil pressure momentarily. We immediately stopped the vehicle and checked the oil. Upon restarting the engine, the pressure returned to normal. We then took the vehicle directly home (approx. 3 miles). During this short ride, the oil pressure fluctuated between zero and normal. The temperate gauge never climbed and the check engine light never came on.

Our vehicle was towed to Bob Mayberry's dealership on Monday morning for repair. We have been told that the engine was blown due to neglect. We are unable to document all of our oil changes however the vehicle only has 27,000 miles. Our warranty reads that they "cannot deny warranty due to our inablility to provide documentation". Meanwhile the dealership is demanding 50% down of the $6200 to replace the engine and we have been without a vehicle for 6 days. At this point I cannot imagine ever buying a Chrysler vehicle again.

I bought a 98 Dodge Durango new from Allen Mello Dodge in Nashua, NH. I have maintained it from day one and have all the service records. Driving home north on 93 From Boston to Lowell, 65 miles an hour and 3/4 of the way home when the engine blows. The Durango has 39,000 miles the warranty is only to 36,000.

Chrysler and Allen Mello Dodge have told me tough luck, spend $5,800 to fix the engine. I feel a V8 with a complete service record and the last service in July should last more than 39,000 miles.

There was water in the carburetor. Allen Mello Dodge told me the air filter was too clean and I must have changed it before I brought it to them. Untrue. They also said I must have driven through a puddle. I was on the highway that was dry and even if I did drive through a puddle I would assume a V8 SUV could drive through a puddle without blowing its engine.

They also told me that there was no way for water from the engine to get into the carburetor when it blew. My local mechanic has inspected the engine and said there is a hose that goes from where you put the oil in the car to the carburetor and that most likely when the rod broke and the engine blew, the pressure forced the water from the engine into the carburetor. That hose was wet and oily. The air intake was dry.

I feel that Allen Mello Dodge did not even try to find out what caused the engine to blow -- they only looked at the air filter and carburetor and determined that it was not covered for whatever reason. They then after accusing me of changing the air filter told me to put a claim on my insurance and say that it was caused by driving through water or vandalism. There is no way I will put a fraudulent claim on my insurance. I am having the engine autopsied to find the exact cause by a specialist.