1998 Dodge Durango SLT 5.9
Summary:
The parts falling off this car are of the finest American manufacturer
Faults:
2nd to the worst vehicle I have ever owned, the k-car (not by choice) still holds that top honor.
Rear ABS didn't work since new, dealer won't fix under warranty, Chrysler's 5 star customer service is deplorable.
Been involved in three rear end accidents, front brakes have been replaced three times (not under warranty, dealer maintains there is nothing wrong) as they warp after about 300 miles. The brake failures result in uneven tirewear after about 2000 miles.
The transmission started leaking at 25000 miles. Dealer still claims no problems. Have replaced the transmission at 60k, the new one now leaks.
The fuel pump has not worked since new, Dealer claims no problems.
The rear window stopped working. Dealer got the window in the up position but did not have the parts to fix. When they did, they looked at my mileage (now out of warranty) and refused to fix it under warranty. Invoice from the first repair did not have mileage on it.
The oil pump failed at 45k miles.
The manifold gaskets needed replacement at 59k.
The oil pan gasket needed replacement at 84k.
The fan still roars and running the heater in winter has always felt like sitting naked in a frozen meat locker with your right foot on fire.
Dealer has managed to fix the rattling cigarette lighter.
Chrysler customer service offered their condolences, but nothing else.
Will not drive this vehicle with passengers. I drive it as little as possible, never in the rain!
General Comments:
Chrysler, if you're listening...
I have swayed the decisions of a lot of people to buy other SUV's rather than any of yours. I have swayed the decisions of people buying Chrysler products in general. I will keep my children, spouse, parents, in-laws, friends, co-workers, relatives, grandchildren (when I have them), and even people on the street from buying the crud you're peddling to the American people...
Have a nice day.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 9th May, 2001
20th Nov 2002, 17:03
A lot of people are always asking: My dealer is giving me the run-around, so what do I do?
This is the answer I generally give:
Call Chrysler and have them open a case file on your vehicle. This will give you a record of your case with the company. The number is 1-800-992-1997.
Call the Zone Rep and open a case file with him or her. The Zone Rep is often the most influential person in getting money to fix your vehicle.
Call NHTSA and CAS and file complaints with them, especially with NHTSA if you are having a problem like transmission, air conditioning or ABS failure. The more complaints they get, the more likely that they will investigate and order a recall, and the more likely you'll get your money back. The more people that call, the more likely something will get done! In addition, someone like CAS can put pressure on the company to fix the problem.
National Highway Traffic Safety Institute: 1-800-424-9393
Center for Automotive Safety: (202) 328-7700
Inform the media! Consumer Reports, local media (if your area is small enough)...let them know how bad you are being treated by Chrysler and it's dealerships!
Be persistent! The more you complain, the more likely stuff will get fixed! Call all the time, annoy the hell out of them. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
Save all paperwork! If you do pay for something, and it's later recalled, Chrysler will have to refund your money provided you have your receipts!
If they don't want to refund your money, call NHTSA and tell them the recall isn't being fulfilled. They'll fix that fast.
It's not easy owning a Chrysler, we all know that (otherwise, you wouldn't be looking at this page). But hopefully, if you keep at them, you'll get some sort of satisfaction.
30th May 2001, 10:24
I would like to know how a vehicle can run 110,000 miles and never have an operational fuel pump...?