At high speed (70+ MPH) the transmission has a habit of changing from Drive to Second. This obviously causes an immediate reduction in speed, of approx. 10 - 15 MPH, with no indication of this to the vehicle behind.
Today, September 3 2001, the problem occurred at 75 MPH with a semi-truck following. I do not know how the truck managed to slow down in time to not rear end us. This would have been a serious accident if the truck had run into the Durango.
After stopping, reselecting drive and calming down I immediately returned the Durango to the dealership for their follow up. I will not drive another Durango and will be trading the vehicle regardless of any dealer offered solutions to the problem.
Great comfort on long journeys.
The only "Problem" is the one listed above!
IF the problem only occurs when going over 70, then why go that fast? Isn't the maximum speed limit in the US only 70 MPH?
Nope, in South Dakota, you can go 75 MPH on the interstates.
Just sounds like the Throttle Position Sensor has failed or is gunked up. Easy fix, common problem.
The Dodge Durango doesn't actually lose speed. It just feels that way when you reach high speeds because when the vehicle is started the Overdrive is on once you reach a certain speed you should cut it off, realize how much more gas your giving it than needed, set your foot on the petal right and cut it back on. "that's one of it's best safety features".
Just wanted to comment on the last entry. We just bought our Durango and it to does the same thing and it is when you are at a high speed like interstate speed. But if this is such an easy fix why doesn't Dodge fix the problem instead of selling more vehicles with the same problem. I really love the Durango, but it is not safe for someone to be going the speed limit of 65 and have the car get sluggest. I think Dodge should fix the problem and satisfy the customers that they have.
The 2001 Durango SLT that I bought a couple of weeks ago is the best vehicle I had. No complaints so far. I live in Arizona and the speed limit here is 75 mph as well and I've had no problems with it. I hope your problem gets fixed and you reconsider keeping you Durango.
I bought a 2001 Durango two months ago. Just this morning I had the transmission slip several times on my way into work. I am extremely nervous that this is going to lead to a major problem and/or leave me stranded somewhere. Very upsetting since the vehicle is so new to us. I have done my research this morning and there seems to be a serious transmission problem in the Durango.
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