Comments: 1-15, 16-28
Well, I've learned my lesson. A great looking truck, very functional with 3rd row seating, but absolutely a money pit. I continue to pay a hefty truck payment and POUR money into it.
At 37,000 miles, AC: Drier and front expansion valve failure. Replaced front expansion valve and receiver drier. ($1300)
At 44,000 miles, Front End: Lower control arm bushings and upper spring bushings and new control arm. Replace right lower control arm and spring cushions. Align front end. ($700)
At 49,000 miles, Front end issues again. Took back to dealer on original work. Not sure exactly what they did, but something to do with bushings again.
At 56,000 miles, driver window motor replaced. ($200)
Currently, at 67,000, I'm experiencing 3 more issues. (1) I've been experiencing the "sludge" build-up that I've seen all over the Internet. My oil pressure was going from 40 PSI to 0...back and forth. The dealer flushed my engine & changed the oil. It was fine for about 7 months. Now, it's back. I'm looking at another $350 to now replace the oil pump, oil screen, pan and I need to start using synthetic oil with every change. (2) The passenger window is making a crazy noise when locking. The dealer says it's the lock actuator and I'm looking at $200 for that. (3) Hatch/lift support struts are gone. They don't hold up my hatch door any longer. I'm looking at $125 for the pair.
Other misc. stuff not right...
- Front brake rotors warped. Truck shakes when braking
- Back speakers blown. How does that happen with a factory radio/CD unit?
I love the way this truck looks, leather seats, 3rd row seating, dual air... but it is a lemon. I will never, ever buy another Dodge. I think it's time I go to a Honda or Toyota SUV to see if the rumors are true. I really can't believe the quality in my Durango. It is a junker. Do not let the great looks fool you. You'll go broke sinking money to keep in running.
My two cents...
Hey just read your post, sorry your so unhappy. Just going to tell you to have your mechanic change the plenum gasket. If this isn't done you will continue to have the sludge buildup. The faulty paper gasket has been upgraded to a rubber and metal one with new style bolts. That is your problem with sludge; oil pump is probly still good, but after changing the plenum intake gasket you'll need to have the motor flushed again. I also hear of a lot of people saying they are having front suspension problems. I've got 100 thousand miles on both my 98 Durangos and have had no issues with the suspension or bushings. I do know that that huge engine in the thing is tough on the suspension, though its gonna be. Heck that's the same motor they put into the 1500 Dodge trucks. Mine both pull through brake pads like butter and front tires wear fast, getting about 2 yrs out of a set of tires and would probly be getting less if I didn't buy the beefy knoby tires that I do. They naturally take more time to wear. I still, however, love my Dodge Durangos. It's a love/hate thing.
I guess you could say Toyota 4-Runners rock. The best ones are the older ones with the 22RE motor. Engine last virtually forever. You have to work to tear it up and I mean work hard. Don't buy a gutless Nissan whatever you do, Jay.
I have a 1999 Dodge Durango and the transmission just blew again (3rd time)! The last 2 times it was covered by the extended warranty, but this time it is out of my pocket. I have had my ball joints replaced every year and new breakes and rotors every 6 months. I have also had all 4 of the factory speakers blow (with a factory stereo). I like the look of my durango, but, I think it is time to pay someone to take it off my hands. I had a Toyota 4 runner before this and the only thing I ever had to do with it was replace a clutch (that I burned out 4 wheeling) and regular service (oil, tune-ups, washer fluid). As soon as I can get rid of this SLT, I am going to get another Toyota!!!
Brought my 2000 Durango into the mechanic to check driver's window motor (not functioning) and loosing water in radiator (bad head gasket). I received a call from the dealer mechanic asking us to come back to the shop immediately. Upon removing the engine heads and intake, found "the sludge" in the valley pan, under the intake. And sludge build-up around the valve springs on the head. I can't wait to pay an additional $250 dollars, since the bumper-to-bumper warranty will not cover this. Dodge knows there is this problem, why won't they recall it? The driver's window motor works occasionally, and the bumper-to-bumper warranty will not cover it until it stops completely!
We have already replaced 3 of the 4 window motors, catalytic converter, water pump, still haven't figured out what the rattling near the heat shield is coming from. Replaced the AC condenser unit, compressor, both upper ball joints, and upper control arm. Brake booster, and disc brake calipers, and wheel cylinder.
The Durango is beautiful inside, and handles well, but we are going broke, even with the extended warranty. The rental car company knows us on a first name basis!
We just leased a 2004 Durango, top of the line, hemi engine, seat heaters, sunroof with 3 controls. Love the car, love the look, LOVE the speed, but occasionally it won't start.
Brought it in and they had no idea why. Yesterday it went dead in a parking lot. They had to tow it. Now they say it's the programmed keys that malfunctioned. How can that be?
They wanted both keys brought in, but only one person ever drives this car, therefore only one key has been used. Anyone know what they are talking about?
Also there is a vibration in the engine at 2 RPM. This is a new car. Problem started when it had 100 miles on it. They are also fixing that today. I just spoke to manager and told him I'm assuming there won't be any charges since this is a new car, I had to be towed and it's the 2nd time it's in for the same problem.
Maybe we should take advantage of the lemon law if Durango won't recall. We are taking this to the top.
I have had my 2000 Durango(5.9liter, 4wd, limited slip, loaded you get the picture). Never had any major problems with it. I use original parts, I don't allow the dealership to part swap, and the maintenance and recall notices are observed strictly. Bought this truck new now has over 160K. vehicles are very expensive and should be taken care much as you would your home, don't let a small problem snowball into something large. When you go to a service dept at a dealership ask questions like who is going to be working on my vehicle and how experience and training does he have. This will usually put them on notice. I have never let the youngsters under my hood, they haven't earned that privlege yet.
Hey Just Wanted To Say That I Know How You Feel My Wife Owns, A 00 Durango Sport We Had The Shaking In The Front End Come To Find Out We Had to Replace The Calipers, Rotors, Brakes All b/c The Driver's Side Caliper Had Seized Up Well That Was A Quick Spent 550 Dollars. I Will Never Put Money Into This p.o.s Ever Again Especially After I Just Read All These Reviews About The Engine Sludge. All I Can Hope For Is That We Don't Acquire That Problem With Ours. I Don't Have That Kind Of Money To Be Putting Into This Truck Again. I'll Go Buy A Toyota.
I wish I had found this Web site a week ago, I just dropped $10,000 on a 2000 Durango SLT, and I had no idea they were so problematic. I believe it tho, three days after I bought the thing I noticed a noise when I make sharp turns. And the passenger side door lock doesn't work. Also, my hatch won't stay up. No complaints about the engine, smooth and strong. I knew about the bad gas mileage before I bought it. I am going to investigate some of the other issues that I have read here, such as the sludge build up in the engine.
We have a 2001 Dodge Durango - we just had a new condenser put in as we picked up damage from a rock - after that there have been three times we have this vibration coming under the driver's side - lasts a few seconds for about three times and then quits -if seems to happen after we have hit a bump (like those cement speed bumps) -we like the vehicle and don't want to trade, but are concerned what the noise might be -any suggestions helpful -
I have a 2000 durango with the 5.9 liter engine. Today I got in and it wouldn't start. After jumping off the battery with another vehicle, I noticed that the engine would not stay running unless I kept my foot on the gas. Also, the voltmeter gauge climbs all the way to maximum value after a few seconds of keeping the engine runing at high R.P.M. Any ideas what might be causing these problems?
Regarding the Durango not running without keeping your foot on the gas, the same thing happened to my 2000 Durango the other night. You need to reset the computer. Disconnect a battery cable, wait about a minute, and reconnect. Then turn the key to the on position without starting, and pump the gas pedal 2 or 3 times to the floor. This allows the computer to read the throttle body. You should then be able to start it up fine. It's just a matter of the computer resetting the idle speed.
I am the original owner of a 2000 Durango, 2wd, have almost 100K of mostly city, but some long distance driving on it, and I am pleased to say that I haven't had much in the way of problems with it.
Shortly after I bought it, the motors in 3 of the windows died, the driver's window twice to make 4 events (lots of fun going to a drive up), but the dealer replaced them promptly and no further problems. Was just a horrible inconvenience to have to go to the dealership!
The only other problem I have had was it not starting intermittently. I would clean the terminal connector things (oh, btw, I'm a girl) and put them back on and she would go! But then it wouldn't start several days in a row so I replaced the battery. No good.
Took it to my mechanic and he replaced the alternator. Next day -- same problem with starting. After a LONG week of not starting, towing, and calling in to work (and they didn't believe me!) it turned out the clutch in my A/C had gone out. Once they fixed that, she purred like a kitten and still does! And my mechanic gave me my $ back for the alternator, but left the alternator in.
I have followed the maintenance schedule and had all the recommended stuff done, which I think has contributed to its good performance. All in all, I have been VERY pleased with my Durango and would buy it all over again! I've had a lemon car or two in the past, so I feel your pain!
I am the owner of a 2003 Dodge Durango. I will never own another as long as I may live. I have had more problems with it than a quaker has oats. I work 40plus hours a week and hard I may add. I am an honest consumer who has taken my vehicle in to dealership 5 times for a problem with AC. It blows out hot air. I am time after time told I do not know how to turn it on right and it is 45 degrees when they test it with their temp gauge. RIGHT!!! At any rate, I have been duped. I have filed a complaint with the BBB, but I don't look for amazing results there either. Now I have a POS that sucks gas and will burn you up I summer. Time for a heat stroke and time to buy TOYOTA. aNY SUGGESTIONS FOLKS? tcrocker0003@kctcs.edu.
Who said anything about awesome looks?
I have a '99 Durango. Bought it in 2000 and have over 200k miles on it. It has been great for me, no major problems at all, just regular maintenance. Had the front rotors replaced early, before they caused problems with the suspension (another common problem with the '99) ; alignment and breaking was much better afterwards. Just replaced the rear door lift struts myself last month (to me that's regular maintenance as well, they just go bad after awhile i.e. 5-6 years). And now the door lock actuator is going bad on me. Should be able to replace that as well. Overall it's been a great SUV. I take it camping 2 or 3 times a year and love the cargo space available with the rear seats down (some friends of mine have an Envoy and can't carry half of what I can). Sorry to hear of others having problems, I've always bought Dodge. First car was an '84 Charger which I kept for 12 years (over 200k miles) before it's motor finally gave out. Overall, I've been very happy. Too bad the new Durango look so ugly.
We own a 2000 Durango and it has been nothing, but trouble. First in 2003 with 104,000 miles on it the engine blew. After $2800 with our local mechanic, it ran for about four months before the cooling system began to go bad. We had the water pump, thermostat, and radiator replaced. Then we had the charging system begin it's problem with overcharging then undercharging. Changed the battery and alternator. The back passenger door lock buzzes when you lock it. And now after 50,000 miles on the new engine, the oil pressure is beginning to drop whenever we slow down or stop! The maintenance has always been done on time with this vehicle! I am happy for the people on here who have had no problems, but I am hearing more from the ones who are having troubles. I am going to change the oil pump, and screen and then take it and trade it in for a Toyota. Our Toyota Previa has 276,000 on it and it is 15 years old. Tells you something doe it not! I will never again own a Dodge, not because the cars have troubles, but because Dodge does not have good enough service. If they would just own up to the problems with these vehicles and do something about it, it would make all the difference! I have never had any trouble with my service through Toyota!