1999 Dodge Durango SLT Plus from North America - Comments

At 50k miles the oil in my Durango started disappearing. I check my oil regularly and I noticed right away. Also, at about the same time, what I thought was the valves, would make a loud ticking noise when I accelerated. When I reached the 60k mark the oil burning was getting pretty bad, 1 quart every 300-500 miles. I never noticed any smoke, just that the oil was missing. Thanks to this site I discovered the problem with the intake manifold gasket on V8 engines. I even found a technical service bulletin from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on it. Dodge refused to cover the repairs ($550) because I was out of warranty. I found out from the parts guy that they have made new metal gaskets and a thicker plenum pan that bolts on the bottom of the intake to solve this problem.

Long story short: It cost me $100 in dealer parts and 10 hours on a Saturday, but the oil problem and spark knock are fixed.

All that aside, I love driving my Durango and I hope that I won't have any issues with it for many miles to come.

I had the same oil burning problem with my 99 Durango SLT. 5.9 Liter. The dealer had done all of the oil changes every 3000-3500 miles and no issues. Actually had shavings in the oil when I took it in to have it checked due to loud knocking at 37,000 miles. Service department went to bat and got Dodge to replace the whole motor. It's important to stay on this so it doesn't get to where mine was if you're out of warranty.

Reading your comments makes me feel better. It is nice

to find someone who will not submit to dealer and

repair shop gouging.

I have read many negatives about the '99 Durango from

distraught owners. Oil disappearing, antifreeze

disappearing...and not doing anything about it.

If the oil dipstick is rusty and green... duh!

If oil is disappearing and there is a spark knock,

well, 40 octane oil mixed with 87 octane gas is going

to ping.

These problems cannot be ignored. As many have

learned, the consequences are expensive.

The chronic complaints about worn out ball joints

and the extraordinary expense of replacing them disgust

me. They are not difficult to change and cost less than the tire they are ruining. With no grease fittings,

they are going to fail. But the average owner is

happy that he doesn't have to bother to put in

10 cents worth of grease annually.

Hello.

I just purchased a used 2000 5.9 Dodge Durango SLT Plus two days ago with 49k miles.

I drove it from Costa Mesa to San Deigo, CA then straight to the mechanics for some preventive maint.

STEP #1 Take truck to "MY" expensive, but honest mechanic.

- Fuel Induction Cleaning $100

- Transmission Flush $130

- Cooling System Flush $80

- Computer Diagnostic Check $110.

STEP #2 Things I will do ASAP.

- Oil and Filter (Mobel 1 10w30 Synthetic) $35

- Replace oil sending unit $15 Autozone

- K & N Air Fliter $40

- Drain and flush both differentials (Rear has limited slip)

- Pull all wheels off and inspect pads, shoes, drums and rotors.

- Bull wheel bearings and pack with Synthetic Grease.

SETP #3 Prepare for the worse.

- Purchase upper engine gasket kit.

- Purchase aftermarket ball joints.

NOTES:

People, If you feel that the Durango is junk, why are you taking it back to the dealer

that sold you the OEM junk. Take it to the aftermarket mechanic, pay a few extra bucks

and get AFTERMARKET and NOT Dodge OEM products. Chances are that Dodge will replace

your old Junk with the same new junk.

Jeepnsam.

1985 Jeep CJ7 (Rock Crawler)

1996 Jeep Cherokee (Grocery Getter)

2000 Dodge Durango SLT (Tow Vehicle for CJ)

We have had a clicking noise coming from the dash and couldn't find the problem. The dealer said it was a dirty fuel rail that was causing the problem. It was cleaned and we were told to run 94 octane gas. It still clicks on a load situation a little, but it was improved. Now I know about the manifold problem I will get it replaced.

Thanks for all the comments. I have also put in some Marvel Mystery Oil in the 5.2 engine and it seems to help. The truck is a 1998 Durango 4x4.