2000 Dodge Durango SLT from North America - Comments

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.

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.

I have a Dakota and had the same problem with the trans. I had the trans rebuilt at the dealer though I rebuilt one from Jasper had a better warranty (dealer was splitting the cost with me after many discussions and threat of lawsuit. After the rebuild the transmission is still junk, shifts rough. I heard the trans for the 4.7L is suppose to be better. Stay away from the 5.9L.

August 12, 2004

My 2002 Durango SLT plus is at 40,018 miles and the transmission front pump is shot. I learned from my 2000 MY Durango that buying the extended warranty is a very smart thing to do since these transmissions are not very robust.

Back in 2002 Dodge offered up the 70,000 mile warranty, but the fine print specified the transmission is 3 year / 36,000 miles. I'm not happy with the quality of the drivetrain, but am happy that I get away with a $100 deductible to get the transmission fixed. Note I said "fixed" and not replaced. The dealership would not replace it, but said that with "these" SUV's I will probably pay out another $100 deductible if the tranny goes before 100,000 miles. I also own a GM... the powertrains in those 2 other cars are, in my opinion, superior.

I love the size / styling of the Durango... but based on the multiple dealership visits I've had, I'll buy anything-but-another-Durango in the future.