2000 Dodge Durango SLT 4.7

Summary:

This is a costly mistake

Faults:

The gear has been changing from Drive into 2nd since we bought the vehicle.

The transmission started slipping at 40,000 miles. At 50,000 miles we have to replace the transmission. The warranty is 36,000 miles for a brand new factory transmission and the warranty is 70,000 miles for a rebuilt transmission. Somebody knows that there is a problem.

The engine started making knocking noises at 30,000 miles, but when we took it back to the dealer they said that nothing was wrong. The dealer also said that they did not hear any noises.

General Comments:

There is a lot of room in the vehicle, the third seat makes it an attractive choice.

Not worth the money.

There should be something done about the transmission, since it is such a common problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th January, 2002

2000 Dodge Durango SLT 4.7

Summary:

A Matchbox car would have been a better investment

Faults:

At 2,200 miles the car cut off when you made sharp turns.

At 13,000 the locks started working by themselves.

At 15,000 the car was broken into twice, but the alarm didn't work, either time.

At 50,000 the oil pressure gauge drops, the engine light comes on and I am told I need a new engine. My extended warranty doesn't cover it.

General Comments:

I went to closest dealer to my house and they said it was a total loss after looking at it for five minutes. The dealer made me drive it off the lot at which time the engine light came on for the first time.

Then I took it to the dealer I bought it from and they're charging me $4,200 to repair the engine.

I checked the Internet and apparently this is a big problem. I also found out people with this problem were told the same thing by their dealers word for word. It was my fault and I didn't do proper maintenance every 3,000 miles. I know people who change their oil every couple of years and they don't have these problems. My next step is to file a complaint with the States Attorney's office, The National Highway Transportation Safety Board and The Better Business Bureau, then I'm hiring a lawyer. I think there might be a class action suit. If so I want to be first in line.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th October, 2001

7th Feb 2002, 22:44

Anyone who thinks changing oil every couple of years deserves to buy a motor now and then...

1st Jun 2002, 06:28

11000 miles and my locks are doing the same thing. What was the problem and how was it repaired?

17th Feb 2003, 23:18

Door locking and unlocking without input from remote is a known problem with Dodge trucks and SUV's. Refer to TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) 08-041-00 at your dealer. I have a copy of the bulletin and have had my Durango to the shop for this problem 4-5 times. They have never been able to fix this problem. It is an engineering design flaw that Dodge simply wants to go away. You will NEVER get this fixed, every time it rains the door lock actuator will short out again and the gremlins will be back. SELL IT!

2000 Dodge Durango SLT 4.7 Magnum

Summary:

A gamble

Faults:

The Durango started making a light knocking noise while turning and accelerating at the same time. The 12,000 mile check was due when I mentioned it to Rainier Dodge, in Olympia, WA. Their service department said they would check it after they replaced the transmission fluid.

Upon pick up, the service person said they did not hear the noise when they test drove the vehicle. Note: they did not drive it before the service. He proceeded to inform me the fluid was dirty and that the new fluid probably fixed the noise.

Approximately seven days after the service the transmission failed on the road about one mile from my home. It has now been three weeks since they towed it back to the dealership.

I have a family member that had the same transmission problem back in 1998. Not only have I heard stories about the transmissions, I am an example. Not to mention the full story of how unprofessional, indifferent, and sloppy the dealership was in handling the fall-out of the situation. If they are an example of a 5 star service dealer, Dodge needs to re-think their definition of "service".

General Comments:

I have been thoroughly happy with the performance, handling, and comfort of the Durango, up to the transmission failure.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd October, 2001