After 50000 miles, the oil light went on, oil pressure dropped to zero, and the engine blew up. Two rods broken.
This vehicle was maintained well ahead of manufacturer's recommendations. Oil change every 3,000 miles religiously.
I have now found dozens of complaint of the exact same thing. That means there are hundreds out there. And Dodge says NOT OUR PROBLEM.
The product is not good and the company REFUSES to stand behind their product.
I have a 1999 Durango with 50,000 miles. Today, my engine blew up. The service mechanic states that the rods in the engine are now broken and that it will be necessary for me to purchase a new engine. I have documented evidence of problems with the oil sending mechanism. I have experienced oil pressure "drop-off" on different occasions. Many times this happens when I suddenly accelerate the vehicle. It is confirmed now that they have had problems with inlet screens to the oil pump. These screens must clog unusually easily.
I would like to know of additional customers that have had this problem with the Durango. Perhaps an effort can be organized to force a recall of these vehicles. Thank you.
This is very interesting... I have a 1999 Durango... Just last week the engine light went on. I looked quickly to see why (since it was full of gas)... the oil pressure had gone down to zero, but then jumped back up again to about 40... I checked the oil and it was 3 quarts low... I have 39K miles on this vehicle, I don't see any leaks, and I don't have smoke coming out the pipe...
Got the oil changed and 5 quarts added... after about 600 miles... the same thing happened... engine light; 4 quarts low...
What's going on with these vehicles... I am considering selling this one and getting into something with a more reliable engine.
Yes, I love the vehicle interior and exterior... but I can't have this covert-oil burning, gas guzzling, hog die. I don't want to put in 4 quarts of oil every 500 miles on a 1999 vehicle...
Any ideas for a reliable SUV?
2Larsons@attbi.com.
Thanks.
The mysterious oil disappearing is cuased by an Intake Manifold leak.
I have a 1999 Durango with the 5.9 Litre engine. At 50,000 miles I had the same problem. When I took it to the dealership they almost laughed when they said " Oh, you have the 5.9 L engine this is happening on a lot of them, we can get you taken care of". $$850.00 later and a new intake manifold gasket to show for it THAT problem is cured.
But that's only one of the issues I've had with mine.
Things I've replaced are:
Battery, shocks, left and right ball joints, Power steering pump, intake manifold gasket, front and rear brakes, serpentine belt, and most recently the head is leaking anti-freeze into the engine. the head alone was another $1700.00. Total of almost $5000. in maintanence. repairs in the last 4 months.
After I finish this I'm heading off to try and trade it in on a Ford or Chevy. I can't afford to keep replacing all these defective parts on a vehicle that has only $50,000 miles.
At 60k miles my Dodge Durango has a rear differential shot and needs rebuilding. I love my Durango, but not pleased with all the bad reports after 50k miles.
I purchased a 99 Dodge Durango with low mileage (32000) to be exaxt. Vehicle was in excellent condition with one previous owner. Of couse I payed premium due to condition. One week after owning this vehicle the oil light came on when I went on my first long trip. Had an oil change and the dealer rechecked the vehicle, but claimed he could find no problems, Also he used combustion cleaner to clear it up. 5 months later upon inspection I am told I need to replace the ball joints on my vehicle. Now I have spent another 497.oo to have the upper left and right ball joints replaced. The vehicle only has 37,000 miles on it. This is a problem. I purchased a Dodge as I have a full size Ram Van from 1995. It has 167,00 miles on it. Never have I had repair bills this high. What is wrong with the Durangos???
I purchased a 1999 Dodge Durango in Nov. 2002. It only had 43,000 miles and every option that I was looking for in a vehicle. I looked in a Consumer Reports book and it basically said the Durango's were fine. Well, I have had the vehicle for 2 months and it has already been in the shop for 1 week. The check gages light would come on and the oil pressure gage would stop working. The mechanic said that it was "just the oil sending unit". He reassured me that "this happens all of the time with the 5.2 liters".
I have had the vehicle back from the shop for 2 days, and it was fine for about 60 miles and needless to say, the oil pressure gage has stopped working again! I am so disgusted that I was such a fool and did not put more research into this vehicle. I am exploring options to try to trade it in before it blows up!!
Subsequent to oil pressure dropping to zero our 2000 Dodge Durango has spent one week in the shop. We have now been informed that it is un-drivable. It has to be towed to the dealership. Our options are to trade it at an enormous loss (if they will trade) or replace the engine at a cost of $6000!!! I can't believe this is happening and nothing is being done about it. What has to happen before a recall can take place. I owe $21,000 on this vehicle. The vehicle currently has 33,000 miles!!!
Can anyone offer any suggestions or help?
February 25, 2003 I have a 1999 Dodge Durango with 71,000 (plus change) miles. With 51,000 miles, the check gauges light kept coming on and the oil pressure would fall to 0. I took the car in to the dealership where they checked it and said it was just the censor. Replacement was about $60. About a week later the same thing happened with the check engine light and oil gauge. I once again took it to the dealership and was told there was nothing wrong. Soon it started losing power, and I took it back to the dealership a third time. I was then informed I needed to replace the engine. A cost of $4900. I am one who changes my own oil about 50% of the time and have the mileage written down, but no receipts - naturally. The Durango never went more than 3 - 5,000 miles without an oil change, but I couldn't "prove it" to their satisfaction. Anyway, the Durango never operated properly for the next 8,000 miles or so. Finally, not knowing of any other problems with Durangos, I figured it was one of those vehicles that is just a "lemon" and I decided to buy a new 2002 Durango 4x4. I purchased this one at a different dealership, and figured I would have my other one looked at by this dealership. They fixed it (I thought), telling me that the other dealership's mechanics didn't even change the spark plugs when they put the new engine in. I parked the older one for several months until my 16 year old started learning to drive. He got his driver's license and begin driving the 99' to school. After 2 months he told me the engine was "rattling" so I took it back to the dealership who had fixed it the last time. With a 3 year, 36,000 mile warranty on the new engine, I figured they could take care of the problem. Imagine my "reaction" when on the way with the head mechanic to listen to the engine, he informed me if the problem was "sludge" in the engine, it would not be covered by the warranty (without even listening to the engine noise). Sure enough, he called me the next day and asked to see my oil change records, telling me there was a large amount of "sludge" in the engine AGAIN (with less than 15,000 miles on the new engine). After calling the 800 number for Chrysler Corp. and being absolutely humiliated, I decided to look on the net for similar problems. This was my 7th new Dodge in last 15 years and obviously Chrysler wants it to be my last.
Wow! I am so glad I am not the only one with this problem.
We just purchased a 1999 Dodge Durango SLT 2 weeks ago, private sale for 13,500.00 and our check gages light comes on and the oil pressure drops to zero. We are currently not driving it. Something has to be done about this problem. Not sure where to even start on fixing before something bad happens.
I've got the same problem with the oil pump and oil light. I've got a 1999 Durango 87,000 and at the 33000 mile oil change the attendant stated there was no oil in the case. I and he couldn't figure it out, he does all of my oil changes. Again at the 42, 000 mile oil change, no oil in the case. Now at 87,000 can't get no oil pressure at all. I can't drive it at all. The warranty is still in effect, but Chrysler laughs when I call, "Seems like you got a big problem" they say then they hang up! What can I do? I'm stark raven mad!!!
I have owned my 1999 Durango for about 3 years 2nd owner. This was a insurance wreck that I repaired, with only 3,800 miles on it. At 30,000 miles I replaced ($600.00) in new front end parts. At 48,000 miles, a brand new transmission which Dodge only would pay half for. These are a gas hog that break down a lot. The only good thing I can say is that this truck can pull better then the Chevy 1/2 ton or the jeep I have owned. I pull a 4,000 lb travel trailer and I also pull a 6,500 lb 24 ft Sea ray. I never even know that they are behind me running up to 70 miles per hour.
As far as calling when there is a problem they laugh a say they down have any recalls for that problem (transmission). In the past two years that tranny had 13 updates due to lack of oil getting into areas where it was needed.
I can't exaplain how glad I am to see that I'm not the only one with this problem. My story is similar to most. My oil light kept coming on intermittently after 47k, and then all of a sudden my engine blew out. Oil changes and maintenance's were done on time which I adhered to the manufacturers specifications (owners manual). If any is thinking about a "Class Action" suit please by all means count me in. I've found dozens of ''98-01 Durango owners on the internet with the same problems which means there may be hundreds of people with the same problem.
Thanks
Lawae Williams
lawae@yahoo.com.
18 Sep 2003 -
Purchased my 1998 Dodge Durango (63,000 miles) from a dealer in November 2002. About 90 days after purchasing, the Pitman Arm fell off. While in the shop for that, they did the free inspection. Next day, I'm told I need a new transmission cooling line, serpentine belt tensioner arm and rear shocks. Additionally, I had an oil leak from one of the gaskets up front. $1500 later, my truck was back in my hands. Less than 60 days later, the truck overheated. Back to the dealership. The radiator was leaking at the bottom seams. New thermostat, water pump and radiator. Today, I'm getting a check engine light. I have my oil changed religiously at every 3,500 miles. Hmmmmm...what's next!?
Well, this is scary. We bought a used 2000 Durango a little over 60 days ago. We are having the Check Gages light and dropping oil pressure problem. It happened twice today when I went to pick up my daughter. Both times were when I stopped just after getting off of the freeway. I got home and checked the oil. It isn't registering on the stick. We have no leaks on our cement driveway. If this is going to cost me $6000 for a new engine, I want Chrysler or the dealer (who must know that this is a problem) to pay for it. We did not get an extended warranty, but it doesn't sound like that would even matter since they are denying the problem. I am very interested in a class action suit or, better yet, a recall. Does anyone know if either of these is or will happen? mguadagno@hotmail.com.
I too have a 1999 dodge with a 5.2 liter engine-at 49,000 miles.While driving my 5 day old newborn to the emergency room, in a snowstorm the check guages light went on, oil pressure dropped to zero. I called the dodge dealer. they said sending unit. Replaced it and still the same problem. I called back to the dealer and was told the oil pump screen is blocked and I should change the oil pump also. I then called chrysler, they bascially laughed at me saying "i never heard of that problem before".They never heard of it. So I guess the people who are on this site are lying. Being a service manager for a saturn dealership makes me realize how good of a company saturn is and how terrible chrysler is. I'll never buy another.