Faults:

Moisture corrosion of electrical contacts for alarm system (make sure under your floor mat is drying properly as this can and will happen to you) - Warranty repaired.

Water pump at 127,000 miles.

Lower ball joints at 94,000 - Warranty repaired.

Upper ball joints at 125,000 miles.

Evaporator at 123,000 miles.

Other than that, basic maintenance, brakes pads (rotors once because I waited too long), tires, tune-ups, light-bulbs, etc.

General Comments:

Not all Durango's are lemons, with over 135k miles and climbing, the work I've had done one mine is what I expected. I plan on buying a new one to replace this next year and by then I should have well over 150k.

Tires average 50-55k miles before I feel they are unsuitable for safety reasons.

First major tune-up was at 94k miles.

Some of the items I didn't like about my 98 (was ordered, not one of those "off the lot" deals) were subsequently corrected in later models.

Suggestions - figure out how much you drive and get the Maximum Care warranty, even though I barely used mine, any time I went to the dealer they took care of the problems with little or no fuss. If your dealer is a problem - find another dealer.

Faults:

Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with this vehicle.

I did however have to replace the upper and lower ball-joints prior to state inspection. This was expected.

General Comments:

This is the second during we've owned. The first one was also a 1998 but with a 360V8 instead of this one's 318V8.

We sold the first one so we could buy our 1998 Dodge Ram.

Anyway, we love our each of our Durango's. These SUV's have a unique look that sets them apart from all of the "Me too wannabees".

Before anyone can claim that we're biased. Let's set the record straight. We've owned vehicles from all the big three and most every import under the sun with the exception of Mercedes, Volvo and Saab.

All of the Dodge's we've owned were by far the most reliable and dependable vehicles.

Someone else posted that these vehicles aren't for the casual owner who habitually avoids routine maintenance. I may tend to agree. I'm a skilled and disciplined 'shade-tree-mechanic'. All of my vehicles are extremely well maintained.

I would strongly recommend the Dodge Durango to anyone willing and able to maintain what is a fine SUV!

It's got more than ample power out of the box. There's after-market support to improve stock power and suspension if you so choose.

Bottom line: This SUV tows like a gorilla is strong and blasts through 2-foot deep snow effortlessly.

Only suggestion: Get rid of the stock Goodyear Wrangler tires and upgrade to BF Goodrich AT/KO's!!! You will love your SUV :)

Faults:

The stock battery had to be replaced at a rate of 1 per year until the warranty expired whereupon I installed a non-OEM battery. My family was stranded twice from this problem.

Intake manifold gasket blew at around 4,000 miles.

Torque Sensor (?) failed at about 10,000 miles. Transmission would not shift from 1st gear while in "Drive".

Air conditioner developed a "leak" at about 12,000 miles. It's been quoted as a $1,000 repair. I continue to replace leaking refrigerant.

The brakes are inadequate on this truck!! Leave yourself plenty of stopping room!!

Passenger window motor has worked intermittently since about 5,000 miles.

Bypass hose blew at about 65k, leaving my entire family stranded on a long trip.

Water pump seized immediately after replacing all hoses because of above.

Brand new serpentine belt was ruined by the seized water pump above.

General Comments:

I love driving this car. It's not as fast as I'd like. But, it merges on highway very adequately.

I've spent FAR TOO MUCH MONEY on this car in repairs and replacement transportation (rental) costs. I've spent too much time tending with repairs.

Daimler/Chrysler needs to lengthen their warranty and provide loaner cars during warranty repairs. They might then feel some pressure to increase quality control on this vehicle.