1999 Dodge Durango SLT 4X4 review from North America
"Poor Reliability"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The first problem was that a few months after purchasing the Durango it began to sit unlevel (side to side, not front to rear). This was easily noticed and when measured it was more than 1.5" out of level. The selling dealer was quick to replace the leaf spring and shock on one side of the rear axle. One day after the repair it was again unlevel. A new spring and shock were ordered for the other side, but before they arrived I solved the problem by a small adjustment to the front torsion bars.
Next, while still under warranty the front window motors failed and were replaced. At around 40,000 miles a rear window motor failed. The dealer replaced it at a reduced price ($50) since the warranty had just run out. The last window motor failed at 60,000 miles.
At around 40,000 miles the engine began consuming around 1 quart of coolant per month. This has continued to the present time (75,000 miles).
At 65,000 miles the speed sensor failed and needed replacement.
At 74,000 miles the transmission has started to delay shifting from second to third gear when the engine is cold. The dealer says an internal seal has failed and the repair will be $1800. I declined the repair to take time to consider other options. The dealer also suggested that the cause of the problem was not replacing the trans fluid at 36,000 miles. I feel this is only an excuse for Dodge to hide behind. I have been driving many years and have never changed automatic transmission fluid and never had transmission problems. Also, my vehicles are not operated in extreme conditions (high temp, high speed, or heavy towing).
The oil pressure gauge also started indicated lower oil pressure at idle at around 50,000 miles. It stays in the range considered normal, but I am concerned that this is an indication of abnormal wear on the bearings. I have changed the oil every 5000 miles and feel that this engine should easily provide 100,000 miles of trouble free driving, but these signs indicate that it will not.
General comments?
Aside from the lack of reliability I am happy with the Durango.
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| 1999 - Durango SLT Plus 5.9 V8 The Dodge Durango is an inferior product |
|
| Unreliable ( poorly designed mechanically) money pit! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.2L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 5 miles |
| Most recent distance | 75000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford F150 |
| Date of Entry | 17th January, 2003 |