This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Computer chip failure causes vehicle to shut down. Dealer contacted but wants to charge $1000 for an emissions covered failure. Claims anti-freeze caused failure. Separate auto mechanic says computer is in gel pack and wasn't effected by anti-freeze and connectors are not corroded.
The vehicle is 1999 Dodge Durango. The consumer needed the tires replaced and he had an independent mechanic check the ball joints at the same time. The mechanic told him that the front top and bottom ball joints were going bad, this was in 12-2004. The consumer knew there was a recall on similar vehicles. He contacted the manufacturer and they told him that his vehicle was not included in the recall. The consumer had to get the engine replaced because of a sludge problem. The engine blew up because of the oil pressure had failed on the vehicle, on 7-17-05. About 3-4 months prior the consumer had the oil and oil filter changed; and the bearings replaced. On 7-19-05 the engine was replaced. He had them check the ball joints again on 7-20-05. They told him that they would be afraid for him to drive it off the lot. Consumer feels that the manufacture should replace this at their expense.
I have a 1999 Dodge Durango with 39000 and the ball joints are bad. Also the braking system seems to be failing, it grabs unatrally hard. I have also experienced an engine oil pressure problem.
- Auburn, WA, USA
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While driving at 55 mph oil pressure dropped. Engine started knocking and shut down. Vehicle was taken to the mechanic, who replaced the oil pump and the piston rod bearings. Also, there was a considerable slack in the steering column which would suggest that upper ball joint wore out.
The vehicle dies when coming to a stop, this has happened twice approximately 2 weeks apart. Both times when it happened the gas gauge went to the empty position then after trying to restart after a few minutes the gauge started reading again and the vehicle started and ran fine. We took it to the dealer and all they did was let it sit there and idle to try to verify the complaint. They told us that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle.
Had continous problem with the oil pressure guage flucuating, vehicle had been maintained, oil was always checked and changed when needed, told by mechanic faulty filter, said was no leaks but had to add oil at times. When it probably shouldn't have needed to, there seems to be a definite problem with this year and type of truck due to all the information found on the internet, Dodge/Chrysler should own up to their reputation and come clean, I will never buy anything that has to do with this company ever again. I was driving home with my daughter on the turnpike, the oil gauge kept dropping back and forth then all this tapping and loud noises from the engine, I pulled over and had to be towed home and was told I needed a new engine, you could see a hole, I got no satisfaction from the dealer or from the zone representative, she parroted the dealer and due to my financial status at this time I cannot afford nor do I believe I should have to put out a cent. This vehicle definitely needs to be investigated I believe it to be a lemon of a vehicle.
My engine died with 44,000 miles due to sludge build-up dealership says I did'nt change my oil but I did and I have reciepts. I have all my paper work where I took it in for repairs for the guages going off and oil pressure dropping, having to put 2 qts of oil every 200 miles, knocking in motor, and now my warranty is out I have a blown engine. Dealership refuses to accept any responsibility. My power windows and quit working in the summer could not roll down windows and the air condition was not blowing out cold air. Gas tank strap broke with a full tank of gas & was being held on with only 1 strap, gas tank was hanging down. I have several more minor gripes but the main thing now is the engine. I have read over some consumer complaints web sites and it seems I'm not the only person having the same problem.
Fortunately there was no accident. I attribute that to using synthetic oil instead of regular oil. The oil pressure guage dropped to 0 then would go back to normal. This happened several times. I hope I got it into the dealer in time. The dealer thinks I did. The dealer claims the problem is sludge caused by too infrequent oil changes. I changed the oil within the guidelines listed in the owners manual. Plus, synthetic oils are not subject to the same sludge problems as regular oils are. Dealer dropped the pan, replace the screen and oil pump and cleaned as best they could. Cost $809. This is the first vehicle I've owned (33 years) that has ever had a sludge problem. There has to be something in the design of the engine that contributes to this problem.
Gas fast as 70 miles or as slow as 10 miles per hr. Contacted Chrysler Corp. 2X no one at C. Corp could give me answer. I was told to take vehicle to dealership and start with tsb#08-24-00 to see if this could be the problem. Three attemps have been made to solve the problem. Problem still exist at a high rate of speed 70 mph on I-95 10/12/02 with heavy traffic my vehicle shut down without warning if not for my daughter following behind me, and notice my vehicle was having problems I truly believe a major accident would have occurred instead of a traffic back-up the police arrive and stayed with us until vehicle started again. This problem have me very worried since the vehicle continues to do this and the auto-tects nor Chrysler have any ideal why. Vehicle shuts down with no warning while driving I could be going.
Engine oil excessive sludge buildup, even after oil changes every 3000-4500miles. New engine recommended by dealer mechanics. Replaced oil pump, inlet screen and did engine flush as a temporary remedy. Many of these complaints can be viewed on the internet. Manufacturer will not admit to the problem with these engines.
While driving on interstate engine lost oil pressure. Seconds later smoke and noise from engine area. Engine quit running oil and coolant on ground. Connecting rod broken. Vehicle was purchase in July with approx. 35,000 miles. Now has 39,500 miles. Certified used car with extended warranty. Oil changed at 35,000 miles. Extended warranty company sent inspector to check engine after it was torn down. Inspector reports engine damage caused by lack of lubrication from a restricted oil pump screen. Extended warranty excludes damages from restricted lubrication. Research indicated many similar problems with low mileage Dodge 5.2L engines and restricted oil pump screens. Minimum of $ 4,000 to repair/replace engine.
Engine blew from supposed sludge build up that had supposedly been removed 1 year ago by jerry's Dodge. Now there saying at safford Dodge where the vehicle is currently located and has been denied the extended warrenty claim that there is really no way to remove sludge.
Engine seized up while driving. Vehicle checked by dealer who advised consumer he could not determine cause.. dealer replaced oil pressure switch the day prior.
Vehicle was running rough and the engine light illuminated, dealer replaced the oil pump and screen and stated that the oil pump was not producing enough pressure, the engine and oil light illuminated again and while consumer was pulling over the vehicle stalled, dealer stated there was sludge and chunks of oil in the pan and that this was possibly left on the engine from the previous oil pump replacement, consumer feels the engine failure is due to negligent service, consumer has not had the vehicle for six months.
Started in December 2001 with engine oil pressure was told this is due to improper oil changes.when I provided documentation they still wouldn't honor the extended warrenty anyways.had to replace the engine myself this is the same problem I'm hearing all over your web site.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Longmont, CO, USA