2001 Dodge Durango Sport 4.7 from North America

Summary:

Wouldn't risk it

Faults:

My 2001 Dodge Durango only has 56,000 miles and it died on a very busy interstate in Atlanta a few weeks ago. First the oil pressure gauge dropped, then it started making a horrible noise. We had the car towed to our mechanic that we have used for years, only to find out that he could not get any parts to our vehicle because the dealership could not release them to anyone. We had the Durango towed to the Dealer. They told us there was sludge in the engine and we needed a new engine. They told us to contact a representative from Daimler Chrysler. We tried, but the lady who answered the phone would not even let us speak to anyone. She told us it was due to improper maintenance, end of story, did not even ask us if we had receipts for regular oil changes. The new engine cost $6000, but you can bet that we saved the old motor.

General Comments:

This is happening far too often. There must be something wrong with these engines.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th March, 2003

19th Jun 2003, 22:06

There's a class action lawsuit on the "oil sludge" problem.

Another person mentioned that the plenum gasket part has gone through 4 designs -- I noticed all "oil sludge" problems were 2000 model Durangos. Has it been fixed for 2001+?

Good luck.

13th Oct 2003, 19:23

My Dodge Durango Nightmare - I purchased a brand new 2001 Dodge Durango in September of 2001. In late September of 2002 the motor went out. The vehicle began overheating. I took in for repair several times only to get it back and it continue to overheat. The motor finally gave out.

My vehicle had 49,000 miles on because I drive 100 per day. After filing a Lemon Law complaint with the State of Texas I finally, after 3 months of arguing my point, got the motor replaced by Dodge. The dealer even verbally admitted to me that there is a flaw with the motor.

Today, my vehicle has 85,000. When the motor got replaced back in October of 2002, Dodge gave me a 100,000 mile warranty.

Today my husband took my vehicle to get inspected and it didn't pass emissions testing and the vehilce is leaking fluids. The mechanic asked my husband if the car had been overheating. My car is back in for service and I have a bad feeling that the engine is going out again based on what the mechanic told my husband.

I also have yet to receive any type of recall parts notice from Dodge on the Durango. I know there is a list of about 10 or more out on the web, but they have not sent me any notices. I have had the same address for the past 10 years.

23rd Mar 2009, 23:01

My Dodge Durango Sport is now eight years old (2001-2009), and I have never had any problems with it.

The particular model which I own is equipped with the 4.7L v8 engine, it has been an incredibly reliable vehicle, and contrary to popular belief, it is not a big gas guzzler. I average around 18-20 mpg.

Its engine produces a surprising amount of power, and it has seating for eight.

Overall the 2001 Dodge Durango Sport is a great vehicle for whatever purposes it is needed.

29th Mar 2010, 09:21

I own a 2001 Dodge Durango with the 4.7 liter V8 in it.

At about 60,000 miles my truck started overheating. I replaced the thermostat, water pump radiator and heating sensors. I still have a vehicle that is overheating. I do not understand how a vehicle can have so many problems with such low mileage.

Also, my rear heating system will not blow heat only cool air. I replaced the rear control to no avail. I get about 13 miles to the gallon. Truck is in mint condition other than the heating problem. Any ideas?

2001 Dodge Durango SLT 4.8 V8 from North America

Summary:

Not good

Faults:

Engine seized at 29,000 miles. My wife was driving when the Durango died. Luckily she wasn't on a highway while it did. It died next to a Dodge dealership. I was told the engine has seized due to sludge build up and I was guilty of non-maintinance and voided my warranty. I am so upset at this and feel I have a fight on my hands. I will not allow Dodge to take advantage of me this way.

General Comments:

Otherwise, no problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th January, 2003