Page 5 of 14 · complaints 201–250 of 665

2001 Dodge Durango complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2001 record →

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jul 22, 200651,000 milesNJ

AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WENT ON AND WAS ADDRESSED BY A LOCAL AUTHORIZED MECHANIC, THE VEHICLE WARNING TONES BEGIN SOUNDING CONTINUOUSLY, THE REMOTE RADIO CONTROLS STOPPED FUNCTIONING AND THE REAR WIPER WOULD GO ON INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT BACK TO THE SAME MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED A COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC BUT COULD FIND NO ISSUES. AFTER WHICH ALL VEHICLE LIGHTS BEGAN FLASHING WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE TURNED ON. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 18, 200682,000 milesCA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE SLOWS TO A STOP, THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE DROPS TO ZERO. WHEN THE VEHICLE'S SPEED INCREASED, THE GAUGE WOULD RISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHERE THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING NORMALLY.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 12, 200656,765 milesOR

1. NOT SURE IF ITS TRANSMISSION OR WHAT, WHILE DRIVING, PERIODICALLY FEELS LIKE TRANSMISSION BUMPS VERY HARD LIKE IT WAS TAKEN OUT OF GEAR THEN PUT BACK IN WHILE RPM'S WERE HIGH, ALSO FEELS THAT THE OVERDRIVE SLIPS WHILE ENGAGING, WHICH THE ENGAGEMENT POINT IS SET TO LOW,IE BELOW 40 MPH. 2. WHILE DRIVING AND HOLDING THE THROTTLE STEADY AT CRUISE SPEED, OR AT TAKE OFF FROM STOP, WHEN YOU PRESS ON THE GAS PEDAL NOTHING HAPPENS, AS YOU PRESS A LITTLE FARTHER, IT ALL OF A SUDDEN IS AS IF YOU FLOORED THE ACCELERATOR. THE DURANGO HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE 4 TIMES SO FAR AND THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE NOR HAVE THE PROBLEMS BEEN FIXED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY UNDER WARRANTY. *JB

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Filed Jul 5, 2006NC

WHEN WE OPENED THE DOORS TO THE DURANGO, THERE WAS SMOKE INSIDE AND A BURNING ODOR. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO FIRE. THE LIGHTS AND THE RADIO IN THE VEHICLE DID NOT WORK. WE GOT THE CAR HOME AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. DURANGO WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND REPAIRED AT OUR COST. THE DEALERSHIP FOUND A SHORT IN THE HARNESS (FOR THE HEATED SEATS, WHICH WE DO NOT HAVE) UNDER THE SEAT. *NM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
Filed Jun 19, 2006VA

DRIVING 70 MPH ON INTERSTATE WITH MY TWO SMALL CHILDREN WITH ME, WITHOUT WARNING I LOST POWER AND ALL GAUGES WENT TO 0. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. I SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF WAITED A FEW MOMENTS AND TRIED TO RESTART. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START, ALL LIGHTS ON THE PANEL WERE ON, WINDOWS, RADIO, SEATS, AND LOCKS WORKED. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP WHERE IT STILL SITS. UNABLE TO LOCATE PROBLEM AT THIS TIME. FINDING ON FORUMS THAT IT IS A PCM ISSUE AND SEEMS TO BE MORE PREVALENT THAN THE VENDOR ADMITS. *NM

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed Jun 3, 2006CA

FAILURE ON DODGE DURANGO 2001 AIR CONDITIONING. I HAVE TALKED TO 4 OTHER PEOPLE WHO OWN A DODGE DURANGO OLDER MODELS AND I NOTICED THAT ALL OF OUR PROBLEMS ARE THE SAME; THE AIR CONDITIONING IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I MYSELF BROUGHT MY 2001 DODGE DURANGO TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES MORE THEN 10 TIMES. EVERY TIME IS THE SAME STORY NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE AIR .THE AIR CONDITIONING DOESN'T WORK WHEN THE CAR IS NOT IN MOTION OR IF IT IS I HAVE TO GO FASTER THAN 50 MILES PER HOUR JUST TO GET A NICE BREEZE. *JB

SuspensionCrash
Filed May 31, 200696,000 milesCA

IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS OF 5/27 THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER WHEEL BEARING OF MY 2001 DODGE DURANGO SUDDENLY SEPARATED WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING THE WHEEL TO COME LOOSE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSED THE DURANGO TO VEER TO THE RIGHT AND CRASH INTO TWO PARKED CARS. THE WHEEL, AXLE, BEARING, RACK AND PINION AND ASSOCIATED PARTS ARE BEING REPLACED. OLD PART WILL BE SAVED. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 5, 200663,000 milesGA

OIL PRESSURE DROPPED, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, PULLED ON & CHECKED OIL - OK. THEN LIGHTS CAME ON AGAIN & DURANGO STALLED AS WE WERE PULLING OVER ON THE INTERSTATE. TOWED TO SERVICE CENTER, SLUDGE IN ENGINE, NEW ENGINE $6000. REGULAR OIL CHANGED WERE PERFORMED, SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD SLUDGE IN ENGINE. I HAVE LEARNED THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF DURANGO OWNERS HAVE HAD TO PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF UNJUSTIFIED CHARGES BECAUSE OF DODGE'S FAILURE TO ADMIT THAT THE ENGINES OF SOME DURANGOS DEVELOP SLUDGE WHEN YOU CHECK THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES YOU'LL IMMEDIATELY SEE THE PATTERN: CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM, NHTSA.GOV, CARSURVEY.ORG, OR SIMPLY GOOGLE "OIL PRESSURE DURANGO" OR "DURANGO SLUDGE". *JB

Suspension › Rear › Springs
Filed Mar 6, 2006100,150 milesMI

REAR LEAF SPRINGS BREAK AND CAUSE VEHICLE TO SWAY. POSSIBLE ROLL OVER CONDITION. *JB

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint
Filed Feb 27, 200690,000 milesFL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED A RECALL LETTER WAS RECEIVED FOR THE UPPER BALL JOINTS, #04V596000. THE CONTACT PERFORMED THE RECALL WORK PRIOR TO THE RECALL AND SENT IN THE PAPERWORK AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER REQUESTED THE ORIGINAL RECEIPT. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE A RECEIPT AND WAS DENIED REIMBURSEMENT. ALSO, SINCE PURCHASE, THE ABS JERKS AND THE VEHICLE SWERVES WHEN STOPPING AT ANY SPEED. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THIS WAS HOW THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED AND NO REPAIR WAS AVAILABLE.

Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf Spring Assembly
Filed Feb 3, 200671,000 milesWI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RUBBING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THE REAR LEAF SPRING BROKE. THE DRIVER SIDE WAS REPAIRED AND THEN A YEAR LATER, THE PASSENGER SIDE BROKE AND IT WAS REPAIRED.

Suspension › Rear
Filed Jan 30, 200681,494 milesGA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD POP. THE REAR END LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOUSE AND HAS NOT BEEN SEEN BY A MECHANIC.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash
Filed Jan 18, 200663,000 milesIN

HELLO, I AM THE OWNER OF A 2001 DODGE DURANGO SLT 4X4 WHICH I PURCHASED NEW IN FEBRUARY OF 2001. IT NOW HAS 63,000 MILES ON IT AND I HAVE BEEN VERY GOOD ABOUT MAINTAINING THIS VEHICLE. ON 1-15-06 AS I APPROACHED AN INTERSECTION THAT IS AT THE BOTTOM OF A SLIGHT DOWNHILL GRADE I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 30-35 MPH. AS I WENT TO APPLY MY BRAKES THE BRAKE PEDAL IMMEDIATELY WENT SOFT BECAUSE OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ACTIVATING. THE PAVEMENT WAS DRY AND I DID NOT INITIALLY HIT THE BRAKES ANY HARDER THAN NORMAL. I KEPT FIRM PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THINKING THAT THE BRAKES WOULD COME BACK AS THEY HAVE IN THE PAST DURING SIMILAR SITUATIONS. HOWEVER THIS TIME THE BRAKES NEVER CAME BACK AND I ENDED UP REAR-ENDING THE VEHICLE STOPPED AT THE INTERSECTION. I HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO STOP AND THE PAVEMENT WAS DRY SO. THE CLOSER I GOT TO THE STOPPED VEHICLE THE MORE PRESSURE I APPLIED TO THE PEDAL BUT EVERY TIME THE ANTI-LOCK MECHANISM WOULD COMPENSATE FOR THE ADDITIONAL PRESSURE AND NEGATE IT. THE INCIDENT TOOK A VERY LONG TIME TO HAPPEN. I THINK THE LAST 3 SECONDS I WAS UNDER 10 MPH BUT STILL THE BRAKES COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. I HAVE CHECKED MY BRAKE FLUID LEVEL AND INSPECTED MY FRONT BRAKES AND COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. THERE IS STILL ONE MORE THING THAT I DO NOT UNDERSTAND. THIS DURANGO IS SUPPOSED TO BE ONLY REAR ANTI-LOCK BRAKES YET I LOST MOST OF MY BRAKING ABILITY TO MY FRONT BRAKES. THERE WAS ONLY MINOR DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE I HIT BUT BECAUSE OF WHAT HAPPENED I HAVE TO THINK IT CO

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Heater Core
Filed Jan 13, 2006WY

2001 DODGE DURANGO KEEPS GOING THROUGH HEATER CORES. I HAVE REPLACED TWO MYSELF 1 MONTH APART. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON ENGINE AGAIN LIKE BOTH PAST TIMES. I HOPE THIS IS NOT THE 3RD. ALSO THE MECHANICS SAID THAT IT HAD BEEN REPLACED BEFORE I OWNED IT. THIS IS $600 A POP + $100 AIR CONDITION CHARGE. *NM

Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear
Filed Jan 7, 2006KS

BACK WINDOW DRIVER SIDE WINDOW RACK (REGULATOR,CABLE SYSTEM) DEFAULT AND WINDOW IS INOPERABLE CALLED 3 REPAIR SHOPS AND WAS TOLD THAT WITH IN 3-5 YEARS THIS SYSTEM IS BREAKING DOWN. THE WINDOW IS CURRENTLY AND COMPLETELY IN BETWEEN THE DOOR. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash
Filed Dec 30, 200570,000 milesTX

ABS BRAKING FAILURE - THE BRAKES SLOWED THE CAR FROM 40 TO ABOUT 15 MPH. THEN THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN ANYMORE EVEN WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED ALL THE WAY. ABS ENGAGED ONCE AND THEN RELEASED AND BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE AGAIN. NO SKID MARKS, JUST CRASHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT CAUSING DAMAGE TO BOTH VEHICLES. THIS WAS A NORMAL BRAKING SITUATION WITH PLENTY OF DISTANCE TO STOP. *JB

Tires
Filed Dec 19, 200545,000 milesNY

I PURCHASED A USED 2001 DODGE DURANGO WITH GOODYEAR WRANGLER RTS P265/70R16 TIRES, THE SUV HAD APPROX. 42,000 MILES . SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE, ONE FRONT TIRE BEGAN TO LOSE AIR AND WOBBLE. AFTER INSPECTION BY THE DEALER WHO SOLD ME THE CAR, I WAS TOLD THAT IT APPEARED THE BELT WAS BROKEN AND THE FULL-SIZE SPARE WAS USED TO REPLACE THE TIRE. THIS SECOND TIRE SEEMS TO BE "DOING" THE SAME THING. IN ADDITION, I NOW HAVE A REAR TIRE THAT HAS A "FLAT SPOT" AND COORESPONDING SIDEWALL BULGE ON IT. THE CAR (AND I PRESUME, ORGINAL MANUFACTURER EQUIPMENT TIRES) HAVE APPROX. 50,000 MILES ON THEM. I WROTE TO GOODYEAR, VIA WEBSITE, ABOUT THIS CONDITION, BUT NO ONE HAS RESPONDED. *NM

Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit
Filed Nov 29, 200590,800 milesKY

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCH PACK RETAINER CLIPS BROKE, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER, WHO CONFIRMED THE DAMAGE. THIS WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED BY THE CONTACT HIMSELF. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Nov 14, 200530,000 milesMN

AT TIMES OF HIGH ACCELERATION (PASSING), THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO SLIP INTO NEUTRAL. I REMOVE MY FOOT FROM THE GAS AND RE-APPLY MORE SLOWLY THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO RE-ENGAGE AND ACCELERATE. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. I REPORTED IT TO A DEALERSHIP THAT COULD FIND NO PROBLEM. MOST RECENTLY, I HAS SOME ADDITIONAL TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND THEY FOUND A BAD TORQUE CONVERTER (DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP). THEY FELT THIS SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THE OTHER PROBLEM TOO. I THOUGHT IT HAD UNTIL IT JUST HAPPENED AGAIN. *NM

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist SystemCrash5 injured
Filed Nov 4, 2005NY

DT: THE CONTACT HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING AND FRONT END WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES SINCE MAY 2005. WHILE DRIVING ON A TWO LANE ROAD THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A NOISE, THEN IT VEERED TO THE LEFT. THIS RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DID DEPLOY.*AK

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Oct 30, 2005CA

ADHERING TO THE RECALL NOTICE WE RECEIVED ON OUR 2001 DODGE DURANGO, WE TOOK IT IN TO HAVE THE UPPER BALL JOINTS REPLACED. THREE MONTHS LATER WE TOOK THE CAR BACK FOR ITS ROUTINE OIL CHANGE. AT THAT TIME WE WERE TOLD THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE NOW IN NEED OF REPAIR. GIVEN THE RECALL ON THE UPPER BALL JOINTS AND THE MANY COMPLAINTS THAT HAVE BEEN PLACED ON THIS SUBJECT, WE FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS AN UNRELATED PROBLEM. THE RECALL SHOULD BE MODIFIED TO INCLUDE THE LOWER BALL JOINTS AS WELL. *NM

Steering › Rack and Pinion › RackFire
Filed Oct 21, 2005MI

I HAVE BEEN WITH THIS VEHICLE IN THE SHOP EVERY TIME YOU TURN AROUND. CURRENTLY WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND SMOKE CAME FROM THE VENTS. IT WAS A FIRE WHICH THEY ARE STILL TRYING TO FIND WHERE THE SHORT IS. ALSO THE CONVERTOR FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER IS BAD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. BECAUSE OF THE SHORT THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED TWO TIMES BECAUSE OF THE BURNING IT UP, THE SPRING BROKE WHEN I HIT A BUMP AND MY DAUGHTERS NECK WAS WRENCHED. EVERY OTHER DAY THE VEHICLE WON'T START, THE LOCKS WON'T WORK AFTER HAVING THEM REDONE BY CLIO CHRYSLER, THE WINDOWS WON'T GO UP AND DOWN, THE CAR HAS A BAD STEERING RACK WHICH WE REPORTED TO YOU QUITE SOME TIME AGO (2 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS EVALUATED AND REPORTED THIS), THE BALL JOINTS WERE BAD, THE CAR CREAKS CURRENTLY UNDERNEATH AS THOUGH IT IS GOING TO FALL IN TO PIECES. THE ALTERNATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE SENSORS ALL WERE GOING BAD AT DIFFERENT TIMES, SO EVERY OTHER DAY THE CAR WON'T RUN. THE ONE COST US A MINT IN GASOLINE BECAUSE THE CAR WOULD JUST DRINK THE GAS AND SHOOT OUT BLACK SMOKE. THIS IS A 2000 VEHICLE FROM PROBLEMS DATING FROM DAY ONE OF PURCHASE. THE VEHICLE. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Oct 21, 200581,000 milesMD

OUR 2001 DODGE DURANGO MADE A STRANGE KNOCKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE AND SUDDENLY LOST OIL PRESSURE. THE ENGINE THEN SEIZED UP AND WE ARE NOW TOLD WE NEED A NEW ENGINE IN THE VEHICLE. WE WERE TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE CAUSE WAS EXCESSIVE SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. WE HAVE DONE REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE. THE DURANGO HAS ONLY 80,00 MILES ON IT. WE HAVE A 1993 CHEVROLET TRUCK WHICH HAS 183,000 MILES ON IT . WE HAVE ALSO DONE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND REGULAR OIL CHANGES ON IT AND IT IS STILL RUNNING WELL. WE ALSO HAVE A 1993 JEEP WRANGLER WHICH HAS 170,000 MILES ON IT. IT IS ALSO RUNNING WELL. WE ARE SUSPECT THAT THERE MUST BE A MAJOR FLAW IN THE DESIGN OF THE DODGE DURANGO ENGINE AS WE HAVE SINCE HEARD OF SIMILAR STORIES FROM MANY OTHER DODGE DURANGO OWNERS. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper
Filed Sep 24, 200522,700 milesPA

DRIVERS SIDE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER SEIZED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. VEHICLE PULLED STRONGLY TO THE LEFT. WE WERE ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE SAFELY. THE CORRESPONDING WHEEL AND TIRE WERE EXTREMELY HOT FROM THE FRICTION OF THE DRAGGING BRAKE. VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO A CHRYSLER DEALER FOR SERVICE. THE DEALER REPLACE THE BRAKE CALIPER AT OUR EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE HAD 22,700 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. OLD PART WAS LEFT AT DEALER AND IS PROBABLY NOT AVAILABLE.

Electrical System › WiringFire
Filed Sep 22, 200580,000 milesSC

DT: ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2001 UNDERNEATH THE CONSOLE IN THE FRONT SEAT ROW THE WIRING HARNESS CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. ONE COULD SEE THE SMOKE COMING FROM THE PLASTIC PIECE. THERE WAS NO FOREWARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS OFF, AND THERE WERE NO KEYS IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING FOR THIRTY MINUTES. CONTACTED THE DEALER, THEY SAID INSURANCE COMPANY SHOULD BE NOTIFIED. *AK

Power Train › Axle Assembly
Filed Sep 14, 200559,736 milesIN

ON THE EVENING OF AUGUST 28, 2005 WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INDIANA TOLL ROAD NEAR MICHIGAN CITY, IN., MY 2001 DODGE DURANGO SUDDENLY STARTED TO LOOSE POWER, SHORTLY AFTER THAT WE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. IT WAS AT THAT POINT WE DISCOVERED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAD BEEN SMOKING AND AS WE WERE SLOWING DOWN WE COULD HEAR CLUNKING COMING FROM THE REAR-END. THAT NIGHT THE DURANGO WAS TOWED TO MICHIGAN CITY, AND THE NEXT DAY IT WAS TOWED TO MY LOCAL DODGE DEALERSHIP LOCHMANDY MOTORS IN ELKHART, IN FOR REPAIR. AFTER SEVERAL DAYS AND INSPECTION FROM AN INDEPENDENT INSPECTOR FROM HIRED BY INSURANCE COMPANY, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CARRIER BEARING IN THE REAR-END FAILED AND CAUSED THE REAR AXLE TO BE DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR. THE ENTIRE REAR AXLE HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR A TOTAL COST OF $1795.60. MY 2001 DODGE DURANGO ONLY HAS 59736 MILES ON IT, BUT NONE THE REPAIRS WERE COVERED BY THE WARRANTY NOT TO MENTION THE TOWING COSTS. BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND THE INDEPENDENT INSPECTOR AGREED THAT THE CARRIER BEARING BREAKING WAS A MANUFACTURES DEFECT. I FEEL ALL COSTS FOR THE REPAIR AND TOWING OF MY DODGE DURANGO SHOULD BE PAID FOR BY DAIMLER CHRYSLER. *NM

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Sep 13, 200577,000 milesMI

TIRE SEPARATION AFTER ONLY ABOUT 10,000 MILES. WAS DRIVING AROUND 65 MILES AN HOUR AND THERE WAS A SUDDEN VIBRATION FROM THE FRONT END. *NM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 9, 2005CT

2001 DODGE DURANGO DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE VEHICLE SHIFTED ROUGH AND THE TRANSMISSION SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS SLIPPING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR FACILITY WERE IT WAS SCANNED FOR CODES. THE CODES INDICATED THAT THE GOVERNOR SOLENOID WAS THE PROBLEM. ALTHOUGH IT WAS REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION STILL PERFORMED POORLY. *NM

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint
Filed Sep 8, 2005100,000 milesVA

DT: THE CONTACT STATES RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER ON 8-17-05 REGARDING THE UPPER BALL JOINT ON 2001 DODGE DURANGO. SHE CALLED AND SET UP AN APPOINTMENT, AND THEY TOLD HER THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY PARTS BECAUSE THERE IS A BACKORDER. SHE THINKS THE RECALL SHOULD BE FIXED IN A TIMELY MANNER. SHE REPORTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES, AND HER HUSBAND TOLD HER THIS MIGHT HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL BECAUSE THE FRONT END MAY BE WEARING OUT THE BRAKES. THE STEERING WHEEL JUMPED AROUND IN HER HAND WHEN SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 27, 200567,500 milesCO

MY SON SHIFTED THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE BRAKE NOT PRESSED. THE CAR ROLLED BUT WE WERE ABLE TO STOP IT. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (prndl)
Filed Aug 26, 200540,000 milesLA

DT: DODGE, DURANGO: THE BRAKE DO NOT HAVE TO BE APPLIED TO PLACE VEHICLE INTO GEAR OR SWITCH GEAR POSITIONS. THERE IS SIMILAR TO A RECALL. BUT THIS IS CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY BUT NOT DURANGO. NO REPAIRS OR CORRECTIONS AT THIS TIME. HAS NOT BEEN TO A DEALER OR REPAIR SERVICE AT THIS TIME. HAS NOT CONTACTED DAIMLER/CHRYSLER. CONSUMER WANTED TO FILE COMPLAINT BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.*AK

Suspension › Front
Filed Aug 15, 200584,500 milesOH

I HAVE A 2001 DODGE DURANGO R/T THAT HAS HAD SEVERE PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT END. I KNOW THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT LEAST THREE TIMES. TWO OF WHICH ARE FROM MY LOCAL DEALER AND I JUST RECEIVED A NOTICE THAT THEY WANT IT DONE AGAIN. I ALSO KNOW THAT MY LOWER BALL JOINTS ARE SHOT AND IS DEFINITELY A COMPLICATION OF THE UPPER BALL JOINT PROBLEMS DUE TO THE FACT THAT THEY ARE ON THE SAME PIVOT POINT. ALSO MY UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS ARE SEIZING UP AND CAUSING NOT ONLY A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF NOISE BUT A SEVERE AMOUNT OF WHEEL HOP WHILE AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY. WHILE CORNERING AND HITTING THE EXPANSION JOINT OF A BRIDGE OR OTHER HIGHWAY BUMP THE TRUCK SEEMS TO WANT TO BOUNCE FROM LANE TO LANE. I ALSO HAD A DRIVERS SIDE FRONT SHOCK BREAK IN HALF WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY LAST WEEK. I CONTACTED DAIMLER CHRYSLER ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS AND THEY DIDN'T SEEM THE BIT LEAST WORRIED ABOUT IT. I ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY CONSUMER COMPLAINT PROGRAM OR ANY FOLLOW UP PROCEDURE THAT I COULD BE INVOLVED WITH AND HE WAS QUICK TO SAY NO. HE ALSO INSTRUCTED ME THAT I COULD DO ONE OF TWO THINGS, I COULD HAVE THE BALL JOINTS CHANGED FOR THE FOURTH TIME OR GET RIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I ASKED HIM IF THIS WAS DODGES SINCE ON THE WHOLE PROBLEM BY OFF LOADING THE VEHICLE ONTO ANOTHER UNSUSPECTING PERSON AND HE DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING. HE JUST REPEATED HIMSELF. I AM A AIRCRAFT MECHANIC BY TRADE AND I CAN TELL YOU RIGHT NOW THAT THE FAA AND THE NTSB WOULD HAVE GROUNDED EVERY AI

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 12, 2005NY

I HAVE A 2001 DODGE DURANGO RT I PURCHASED FROM A DEALER OFF LEASE WITH 26K MILES AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS W/THE TRANSMISSION. WAS TOLD SEVERAL TIMES AFTER THEM HOOKING IT UP TO A COMPUTER NOTHING IS WRONG W/IT HOWEVER THE TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO SLIP MOSTLY ON THE HIGHWAY IN CRUISE. THE RPMS SURGE FROM 1 1/2 TO ALMOST 3 RPMS AND YOU CAN FEEL IT SLIPPING. IT HAS SINCE BEEN IN THE TRANSMISSION SHOP 5 TIMES AND IS STILL NOT FIXED FIRST THEY SAID THEY REPLACED ALL THE SOLENOIDS THEN THIS LAST TIME VALVES BUT IT IS STILL DOING IT. I FEEL WHEN YOU PAY 20K FOR A VEHICLE W/ONLY 26K MILES YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE PROBLEMS LIKE THIS. I HOPE IF MORE PEOPLE VOICE THEIR CONCERNS MAYBE A RECALL WILL BE IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE. THIS IS NOT RIGHT AND IT TOOK DAIMLER CHRYSLER YEARS TO RECALL THE BALL JOINTS I HOPE SOMETHING HAPPENS W/THE TRANSMISSIONS. THERE'S OBVIOUSLY A HUGE PROBLEM HERE!!!!!*JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 9, 2005MO

DT: WHEN PUT FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO SHIFT VEHICLE INTO GEAR IT DOESN'T GO INTO GEAR, IT JUST ROLLS AND WILL STOP. HAS TO PLAY WITH IT UNTIL IT CATCHES OR PULLS THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. STARTED OUT SLOWLY THEN IT BECAME WORSE. THIS STARTED ON JUNE 30, 2005. IT MAKES A CLUMP WHEN PUTTING IT INTO REVERSE. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 7, 2005CT

THE AUTOMATIC SHIFTER WOULD SLIP OUT OF GEAR. IT STATES THAT IT IS IN DRIVE BUT WHEN FOOT APPLIED TO GAS VEHICLE DOESN'T MOVE LIKE IN NEUTRAL GEAR. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP NOTHING DONE. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 45,000 AND NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION WHICH WILL COST 1,500 TO 2,000 FOR A REBUILT. THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE FOR A VEHICLE WITH SO FEW MILES. NOT ONLY DID I PAY OVER $30,000 FOR THIS VEHICLE NOW I HAVE TO SPEND MONEY THAT I DO NOT HAVE TO REPAIR A TRANSMISSION THAT SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS IN THE FIRST PLACE AND IT SEEMS LIKE YOUR DEALERS DON'T WANT TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM OR AT LEAST HELP WITH FIXING IT IN THE FIRST PLACE. THIS VEHICLE WAS TAKEN SEVERAL TIMES AND ALL THAT WAS DONE WAS PUTTING TRANSMISSION FLUID IN AND THEN WHEN WARRANTY WAS UP I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER DODGE IN MY LIFE TIME OR WILL I EVER REFER ANYONE TO A DODGE DEALER. *NM

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Aug 1, 2005IA

DT: THE CONSUMER WAS COMPLAINING THAT AFTER RECALL #04V596000 WAS FIXED. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE REALIGNED. CONSUMER WAS UPSET THAT HE HAD TO PAY FOR ALIGNMENT. THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD HAVE PAID FOR THIS, AND IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL EXPENSES. THE RECALL WAS ON THE UPPER BALL JOINTS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THE OWNER HAD THE RECALL FIXED ON 7-27-05. THE CONSUMER DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO PAY THE EXTRA CHARGE. HE WILL HAVE THIS FIXED AND GO BACK TO A MECHANIC FOR ANOTHER REALIGNED. THE CONSUMER WAS GOING TO DO THIS AT A LATER DATE. CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY SAID THAT THE REALIGNMENT WASN'T SOMETHING THAT THEY WERE CONCERING. THEY WERE ONLY CONCERNED WITH THE RECALL. *AK

Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit
Filed Jul 27, 200541,968 milesMT

2001 DURANGO UNSAFE TO DRIVE WHILE IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE.*MR THE PROBLEM WAS NOT WITH THE TRANSFER CASE. THE PROBLEM WAS THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TWO DIFFERENT DIFFERENTAILS ON IT. *NM

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint
Filed Jul 11, 200585,000 milesIN

DT: CONSUMER STATES: SHE HAS A DODGE DURANGO THAT WAS RECALLED FOR THE BALL JOINTS. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE. SHE RECEIVED THE RECALL LETTER AROUND 1-05. THE DEALER DOES NOT HAVE THE PARTS. HE NAME WAS PUT ON A WAITING LIST IN 1-05 FOR THE PARTS. SHE STILL HAS NOT HEARD ANYTHING. SHE HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER AGAIN AND THEY TELL HER THE PART HAS NOT COME IN YET. THEY COULD NOT OFFER HER A LOANER TO USE UNTIL THE PARTS WERE IN. *NM

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Jul 11, 200594,000 milesTX

DT :TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER OMNI FRIDAY TO HAVE GREASED AND FREON REPLACED. DEALER SAID IT HAS A BAD FAN CLUTCH , AND A PART ON CRANK CASE COVER, HE REPLACED IT WITH A TOTALLY DIFFERENT PART, IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THEY WOULD NOT GIVE ME THE OLD PART BACK. DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM . CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY SAY IT WAS A DEALER'S PROBLEM. THE LIGHT FOR 4 WHEEL HIGH STAYED ON ALL THE TIME *AK

Power Train › Driveline › Universal Joint
Filed Jul 5, 2005120,000 milesCA

2001 DODGE DURANGO UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE. THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION RECOMEMDED ON 10 DEC 05 THAT DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL THIS VEHICLE. ON 05 JUL 05 I TALKED WITH CHARLENE WITH THE RECALL DEPARTMENT, SHE TRANFERED ME TO HEATHER WITH THE WARRENTYS DEPARTMET WHO INTURN TRANSFERED ME TO JOE, JOE STATED THAT HE HAS THE FINAL SAY IN WHAT CHRYSLER DOES AND HAS DENIED THE CLAIM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, LUCKLY MY SON AND I HAD JUST LEFT THE INTERSTATE.

Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Jun 16, 200539,518 milesCO

DT: RACK AND PINION HAD TO BE REPLACED. CALLER BELIEVED THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. DEALER REPLACED LEAKING RACK AND PINION AND THE LINE POWER OF THE STEERING. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET.*AK

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Jun 8, 200544,201 milesCA

DT: WINDOWS CABLES KEEP BREAKING IN DODGE, 2001 DURANGO. HAVE BEEN WITH DODGE, AND THE WARRANTY COVERED THE FIRST INCIDENT. THE CABLE BROKE AGAIN, AND THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. DODGE WILL NOT PAY TO HAVE THE WINDOWS FIXED. NO PRIOR WARNING TO CABLE BREAKAGE.*AK *SB

Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit
Filed Jun 3, 200541,698 milesMT

DT: THE DIFFERENTIAL ON THE FRONT OF THE 2001 DURANGO WAS DIFFERENT THAN THE ONE IN THE REAR. THIS WAS CAUSING A HAZARD FOR DRIVING. IT ENTAILED THE CHANGING ON ONE REAR END. VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT AT AN AUCTION. IT HAD A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN IN CONTACT WITH CHRYSLER, AND CHRYSLER REPAIRED THE DEFECT. CONSUMER HAD TO PAY THE BILL FOR THAT. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THIS WHEN THEY TRIED TO PUT THE DURANGO INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE, AND IT STARTED ERRATICALLY. THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL WAS THE CORRECT ONE, BUT THE REAR WAS NOT THE CORRECT ONE. THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL IS 396 AND THE BACK WAS A 355 FROM THE FACTORY.*AK THE CONSUMER STATED CHRYSLER SENT A CHECK FOR THE REPAIRS. UPDATED 11/16/05. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed May 23, 200547,500 milesNY

DT: WITHOUT WARNING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND OIL PRESSURE DROPPED, VEHICLE MADE A NOISE LIKE A TICKING SOUND. TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO DEALER, WHO SAID HE WOULD CHECK IT OUT, AND IF THE ENGINE WAS BAD IT WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. CALLER SAID THERE WAS A GOOD POSSIBILITY THAT THE PROBLEM WAS AN OIL SLUDGE. *AK

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed May 20, 2005TX

DT: CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DURANGO SLT, AND SHE IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL . THERE ARE ONLY TWO LUGS:NUTS LEFT HOLDING ON THE TIRE, AND THE STEM KEEPS BREAKING OFF. SHE IS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT IS UNSAFE.*AK

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed May 19, 200571,000 milesOK

2001 DODGE DURANGO SEAT BELTS WON'T STAYED LATCHED IN BACK SEATS,MOTOR GIVES ITSELF GAS WHILE DRIVING OR PARKED,TRANSMISSION WILL NOT BE IN ANY GEAR WHEN YOU'VE PUT IT IN DRIVE AND THEN IT WILL JERK AND FINALLY GO AND IT HAS ALSO CHANGED GEARS WHILE DRIVING I CALLED DODGE AND THEY SAID THAT IT'S ALL READY BEEN TAKEN IN ON THAT RECALL

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 16, 2005VA

WE HAVE REGULAR OIL CHANGES ON OUR 2001 DODGE DURANGO WITH 67,000 MILES. ABOUT TWO WEEK AGO THE OIL GAUGE WOULD SHOW NORMAL OIL PRESSURE AND THAN WOULD SHOW NO OIL PRESSURE AT ALL. WE HAD A VEHICLE SERVICED AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE OIL SENDING UNIT. TWO WEEKS LATER WE IT REPLACED AGAIN. NEXT WE WERE TOLD THAT WE NEEDED AN ENGINE FLUSH AND THAT WOULD SOLVE OUR PROBLEM. WE TOLD IT A DODGE DEALER AND HAD A BILSTEIN ENGINE DONE ON IT. AFTER THE ENGINE FLUSH WE WERE TOLD TO BRING IT BACK AROUND 500 MILES AND CHANGE THE OIL AGAIN. WE DROVE IT TWO BLOCKS AND HAD TO RETURN TO THE DEALER. THE OIL GAUGE WAS DOING THE SAME THING AND THE ENGINE WAS KNOCKING. WE WERE TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THERE WAS PROBABLY OIL SLUDGE IN THE OIL PAN AND LEAVE IT. WE LEFT IT WITH THE DEALER AND NOW WE ARE BEING TOLD THAT WE NEED A NEW ENGINE. I FEEL THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH DODGE AND THEIR OIL SLUDGE ISSUE. I FIND OUT THAT THERE ARE MY OTHERS WITH THIS ISSUE AND ARE BEING TOLD THAT THEY DID NOT TAKE OF THEIR VEHICLES.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor
Filed Apr 29, 200543,000 milesIN

THE INBOARD SURFACE OF BOTH BRAKE ROTORS BEGAN TO FLAKE OFF AND WEAR THIN. THE INBOARD BRAKE PAD RETAINER CLIPS WERE BENT AND RUSTED OR GONE. YOU COULD FEEL THE PULSATION OF THE UNTRUE ROTORS WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. 43,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER.*AK

Air Bags › FrontalCrash2 injured
Filed Apr 28, 2005WA

THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN TWO FRONTAL COLLISIONS. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CAUSE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. *AK THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURED ON A SLIGHT SNOW COVERED ROAD. THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHICH RESULTED IN FRONT AND SIDE DAMAGE AND THE VEHICLE WAS BACKED AGAINST THE CONCRETE BARRIER. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL WHENTHE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN OVER A SMALL ICE PATCH. THE CONSUMER HAD RUN INTO A LIGHT POLE AND COMPLETELY DAMAGED THE MIDDLE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED OF RECALL# 04V596000, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF BOTH INCIDENTS. *SC

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › CaliperFire
Filed Apr 27, 200549,000 milesOH

I WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY 2001 DURANGO COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES AT CERTAIN TIMES. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PADS, WHICH I DID. THE NEXT DAY, THE DRIVERS FRONT WHEEL STARTED SMOKING, ASSUMING IT WAS DUE TO THE NEW PADS, THE TRUCK CONTINUED TO BE DRIVEN. A DAY OR TWO LATER, IT GOT SO BAD THAT THE LEFT SIDE CALIPER SEIZED UP AND GOT SO HOT IT STARTED A FIRE. I THEN HAD COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF FRONT ROTERS, CALIPERS AND PADS. ABOUT 6 MONTHS LATER THE LEFT SIDE CALIPER STARTED HANGING UP AND SMOKING. THE ROTOR, CALIPER AND PADS WERE INSPECTED AND FOUND TO BE IN WORKING ORDER. THE ROTORS AND PADS WERE CLEANED AND TEST DRIVEN APPLYING THE BRAKES VERY HARD. AFTER THAT, THINGS SEEMED TO BE WORKING FINE. IT IS NOW ABOUT 6 MONTHS LATER AND ABOUT A YEAR AFTER THE ORIGINAL INCIDENT AND THE LEFT CALIPER IS HANGING UP AGAIN. THE BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE HAVE COST ME NEARLY $2,000 UP TO THIS POINT AND IT LOOKS LIKE IT'S GOING TO BE COSTING ME MORE $$$ TO GET IT REPAIRED. I HAVE NEVER HAD SUCH A PROBLEM WITH ANY VEHICLE I'VE EVER OWNED. AFTER MY LEASE IS UP ON MY DURANGO, I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER DODGE EVER AGAIN.

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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