2000 Dodge Durango R/T review from North America

Front brake pads and rotors have been replaced three times. Twice under warranty and once at my expense. (330.00)

Transmission slips in overdrive. This problem has existed since vehicle was new. So far they have flashed the transmission control module replaced the modulator valve, turned up the shift pressure, replaced the filter and fluid 3 times and it still slips in overdrive. The ball joints were replaced two times as well as the front wheel bearings and drive axles. The rear leaf springs and all the bushings were replaced for a clunking noise over slow speed bumps. The repairs on the front end seem to work for approx 10000 miles then the same problems return again. There was a squeak in the A pillar on the drivers side. I'm not talking about a once in a while squeak I'm talking about a "blast the radio so loud you can't hear yourself think" just to drown out the awful noise. The dealership had the vehicle for 2 weeks and claimed they couldn"t find the cause of the noise. I needed the vehicle for a trip so they put the dash back in and the windshield wiper cowl back on and the steering column was replaced because the technician damaged it during removal. To my amazement the squeak was gone when I picked the vehicle up even though the service manager was telling me to bring it back for a factory rep to look at it when I returned from my trip. Well the vehicle was under warranty at that time it had 35K on it. Of course after my trip it had 38K and the squeak returned. Now the dealer says they can't fix it under warranty because my warranty has expired even though I have a repair order that states that further repairs are needed.

The R/T truly lives up to its billing. The performance is great for a SUV. I tow a 3000lb boat on the weekends and it handles this task with ease. There is plenty of room for the kids the dog and all the lake going gear. It handles great in foul weather even with the factory Goodyear's on it. The factory tires have lasted 48K and should be replaced soon. But no complaints there. It seems as if the dealership could fix the problems right the first time I wouldn't have as much grief. But when you pay 38K for a new vehicle and it gets rebuilt in the first 24 months of ownership it tends to leave a bad taste in your mouth. Next time I'll try a Expedition or maybe even a Mercedes 520.