1999 Dodge Durango SLT review from North America

The first serious problem occurred at about 20,000 miles when the check engine light first came on. It took five tries and five months for it to be repaired, but after replacing my spark plugs five times (which does not pass the laugh test), they discovered my cylinder head was cracked. Customer service was abysmal and despite my pleas for help from Daimler Chrysler corporate, they were rude and useless.

In the midst of these repairs my head gasket blew.

My side mirrors have both cracked.

My back window broke and would no longer go up and down. (Dealer got black tar all over the back door well.)

Since 20,000 miles I have had a constant squealing from my engine. I have replaced the belt three times and the tensioner once, to no avail, the noise is still there.

The most recent chain of events occurred right at 50,000 miles (and within three weeks of each other). The check engine light returned, this time for a speed sensor, which once replaced, did not turn the light off. The battery died; the thermostat had to be replaced (I am suspicious this may be related to the previously mentioned head gasket). Last, but not least, the transmission is not automatically shifting and revs at dangerously high levels (which is most likely related to the fact that my check engine light is still on.)

No longer under warranty and in a lease for another nine months I am trapped in this vehicle! I strongly discourage anyone from buying this car.

This car has an attractive exterior.

But, beware the maintenance problems are overwhelming!