8.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$240
Average Mileage:
137,250 miles
Total Complaints:
24 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (12 reports)
  2. modified air flow to the PCM (#13) (2 reports)
  3. replace old cpu with new one (2 reports)
  4. replace the power control module (PCM) (2 reports)
  5. replaced computer and ABS sensor (2 reports)
  6. add an electric cooling fan in front of radiators (1 reports)
1999 Dodge Durango engine problems

engine problem

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1999 Dodge Durango Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #24

Mar 042013

Durango 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 173,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

click to see larger images

engine runs hot and shuts down

Uuugghhh Im so irritated. My piece of sh*t durango was a waste of money. My problem with my durango started when it started getting hot. I was driving with my 4 kids in the car with me and my car stopped the middle of the expressway. I had no control of the steering and it was very hard to brake. THANK GOODNESS someone helped me out of the middle of the expressway. So my kids and I sat in the car two hours in the heat waiting on a ride. DURING the time we were sitting there I was trying to crank it back up but it wouldn't turn over. It was also showing "no bus" on the dash. I just filled up before I got in the expressway but it was saying I was on E. Everything else in the car like radio and lights were working but the car would start . So the next morning I found a ride back to the truck to get my things out n tryed to crank it. It crunk right up so I drove it to my mechanic. I got a fuel pump, ignition modern, new wires, new battery, coil packs, oil change, tune up, tps but nothing worked. After researching I found out it was my pcm box.....uuugghhh after I don spent so much money on the rest of that f#ck a pcm box and dodge. I hate that was my dream truck because it could have killed me and babies

- Precious W., Memphis, TN, US

problem #23

Nov 092012

Durango SLT V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,937 miles

at times when driving the car will shunt down and there be a written on the odometer No Bus,you have to lived it for 30 minis before it can start again, for while driving it will stop again i have to get people to push me most especially when am in traffic it's Annoying i have try my best with mechanic we still can't find the solution am really worried please help me out.And most times the engine is too hot

- kanvour, Kumasi, KS15718, Ghana

problem #22

Oct 032012

Durango 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 160,000 miles

hello durango owners,i am a master tech,i have found a solution for ur stalling problems,email limodr420@gmail.com,i can get you back on the road in no time.and what i found can save you a ton of money,so email and leave your phone # if you want me to call you and explain.emailing you back may take a few days.

- limodr, Sacramento, CA, US

problem #21

Mar 262011

Durango SLT 5.9L Magnum

  • Automatic transmission
  • 151,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

click to see larger images

engine runs hot and shuts down engine runs hot and shuts down engine runs hot and shuts down engine runs hot and shuts down engine runs hot and shuts down

Only two weeks after the March 2011 purchase, we began to experience the much reported CPU/PCM failure from hot weather. My FIRST solution tried after research was to find a molded plastic air intake flow tube from a junk vehicle, as shown in photo 1. I routed it to scoop air near the right front bumper and route it up to the CPU. This relieved the problem slightly until the really hot summer period began. Lifting the hood, and allowing the unit to cool slightly (and occasionally tapping the CPU or pressing on the connectors would allow a restart. Next, I removed the upper half of the shield to the right of the radiator (passenger side) to allow direct air flow through to the area. (This shield, designed to keep debris out of the engine compartment also keeps out air for cooling.) See photo 2. Third, I used a portion of "freezer bag" (foil bag for transporting cold foods) I cut it to size and placed it beside the CPU, held in place by the wiring harness against the air filter intake cabinet.See photo 3. Lastly, in super hot situations (or long drives) you can place a frozen cold pack in the bag to "supercool) the CPU area. See last 2 photos. This problem, at any daytime conditions over 85 degrees weather temps would happen at least once or twice a week. Until these last two measures, it made the vehicle frequently unsafe. On a May 2012 trip, we experienced six shutdown stalls on a 120 mile trip with outside temps frpom 83 to 90 degrees. I will update soon when and if the problem reoccurs. Feel free to contact me for the process used for diagnostics along the way. DODGE SHOULD RECALL BASED ON THIS PROBLEM, and either devise a new plastic installable air vent unit or provide a harness extension kit and bracket making it possible to relocate the CPU from this overheated location in the engine compartment. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AS IT OCCEUR AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, AND CAUSES LOSS OF POWER BRAKES AND STEERING until the vehicle can be restarted.

- Dave T., Zebulon, NC, US

problem #20

Jul 022011

Durango SLT 5.2L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 136,800 miles

love the truck but its still a piece of crap.now im sure why most americans buy imports.. being that its an american made vehicle.it should have been made with pride. its sad that imports kick our butts when it comes to reliability....SHAME ON YOU DODGE/CHRYSLER

- Allen C., East Stroudsburg, PA, US

problem #19

Aug 172011

Durango 5.2L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 200,000 miles

I have to say, while reading on here, I consider myself lucky. I have just started having the problem where it looks like you guys have been having it really bad for many miles under me. I love my durango, despite the problems! It is the right size for me and my family (including 2 big dogs, 1 little dog, 3 teenage daughters, myself and my husband). If your problem is not too bad, I do have a temporary fix. I do NOT recommend any new drivers do this though as it takes the full understanding of how to drive. It seems as long as I pay attention to the truck I can pretty much tell when it is going to cut out. NOW I understand some of you are past this quick fix, but for the ones who are just starting out and ONLY having it die while idling, do this: First and foremost, stop back far enough from the car/light in front of you. Put your foot on the brake push harder than you normally do to stop. Apply just enough pressure to the gas pedal to keep the RPM's up to 1000 and this will keep the truck from dying. I am going to try the fan on the PCM or relocating it to an area where it has more air flow, I will let you know how it works out for me.

- gilson, Miami, FL, US

problem #18

May 022011

Durango

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

We bought our 99 Durango used over the winter and we now know why the seller sold it in the winter!!! We have the shut off problem that is dangerous. Called Dodge, the case manager is calling me tomorrow. I am threatening to sue but like many of you, they do not care about safety, just money. I am going to fight like a fighter and hopefully some of you can help? If anyone knows if we can isolate the computer so it doesn't feel the heat of the motor? Like the same insulation they use on the floor so we don't feel the heat of the transmission? If that doesn't work, has anyone ever tried to move the computer? Would love to know, and will update if it works for us. Any information anyone has to help is soooooo appreciated.

- Jennifer N., Elmore, OH, US

problem #17

May 252010

Durango V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

Car was checked 3 (and repaired(not) times over 2 years without relief. would shut down unannounced and had to wait 30-60 minutes to restart. Bought the book for the car and my paint guy, who was painting another car for us, helped me to located the problem when it died in his shop. There is a second computer chip under the air flow . Problem solved after wasting hundreds of dollars it is listed in the book as a part to check if this problem occurs. no further problems so far.

- G H., Ponce, PR, US

problem #16

Sep 222010

Durango V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 160,000 miles

click to see larger images

engine runs hot and shuts down

Bought a used 1999 Durango at a local "auto-show" where the same dealer pulls in 1000+ cars and trucks in a large parking lot. Went with the Durango cause it has the third row seat in it and I'm fond of SUV type cars (can haul lots of stuff and hold lots of people.) Luckily I had taken it to a 3rd party garage to have them look it over during the 3-day "return policy" period. He found numerous things that needed to be addressed (heater core, serpentine belt, etc.) and the dealer I bought the truck from agreed to fix the issues at no cost to me. So they had my new car for 3 days in the first week.

On the 8th day after purchase I go and pick up the truck, drive about 2 miles to go get gas and lunch. Decide to eat lunch in my car and go and turn th ecar on - NOTHING. I get the No Bus error as well. The Security light, empty gas light, check engine light all light up and the odomoeter shows "no bus". Now since I work in IT I knew that the word "bus" is the connection or pathways used for communication between components and since it was displaying on the digital odometer display it was fairly obvious that it was a computer malfunction. In my case it was the PCM board.

Called the dealer and had them tow me back to the dealership and they loaned me a car. I just got rid of a 93 Volvo 850 that probably had the same problem as it would simply stall and die while driving down the road as well. They fixed the PCM issue again with no cost to me. Now I'm just getting very peeved that I bought this car and am having all of these issues within the first 2 weeks of ownership!

An now, 9/28/20 the check engine light is on. I'm dreading the time when the truck simply stalls while driving.

- Kevin T., Denver, CO, US

problem #15

Sep 022010

Durango SLT 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 160,000 miles

I have a 99 Durango 4X4 SLT with 160k miles and recently had experienced the same issue. I read a few blogs and it hit me, to measure the engine compartment temp until failure of the PCM. Results at 160 degrees the PCM shut off while driving and it was bit scary. The fix was to remove the left side of the radiators cover which just prevents air or debris from entering the engine bay, then I found an old clothes dryer flex pipe and ran it from the front of the grill around the air cleaner intake up to the PCM. On a hot day such as yesterday where it was 96 degrees at 4:30 pm here in Alabama and drove it 25 miles home from work with the air conditioning on and it only reached at max of 106 degrees on the PCM. I think the fault here with Dodge is that they tried to build an off/on road vechicle and to protect from outside debris they closed off all air into the engine bay except for the radiator which only draws in hot air. Also the dryer exhaust flex hose may not even be needed since cool outside air is coming in, however that's your choice.

If anyone needs to see the excel data and pictures send me an email I will not be offended just be sure to add a subject line of Dodge Durango Overheating Issue so my wife does not delete. email: heifamily@windstream.net After all Dodge won't fix it and the Government will not enforce them to correct this safety concern.

- hei, Springville, AL, US

problem #14

Jul 152009

Durango SLT 5.9L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was having the same problem (car stalling, nobus on the odometer, ABS and E break lights stuck on ect.) and after lots of research someone else who had the same problem advised me what they did to fix there durango. So i did what they said bought a new computer from autocomputerexchange.com for $279 about a year ago and have never had the issue since. The only other thing i had to replace was the ABS brake sensor located on top of the rear differential.(i bought at autozone for $34.99). By replacing this sensor if fixed my speedometer and shut off the ABS and Emergency brake lights that were stuck on.

Please let me know if i can answer any other questions, i experianced this issue for over a year and know how frustrating it can be. Just thought i would share. I wish ya the best of luck.

- Matt M., West Jordan, UT, US

problem #13

May 262010

Durango SLT V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 175,700 miles

I was driving on the highway and the car just lost all power. I didn't have power steering and there was no shoulder on this highway. I ended up in a ditch in the middle of nowhere. I waited for a while and the car started right back up. I almost got rear-ended on the highway!

- schafer, Dublin, OH, US

problem #12

Apr 242010

Durango SLT V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 173,800 miles

The car shut down one day. Had to pay to get it towed to the mechanic where it started up with no problems. They said it was the battery and I purchased a new one. That didn't solve the problem as the car has randomly turned off several times while driving.

- schafer, Dublin, OH, US

problem #11

May 282010

Durango SLT V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 175,500 miles

I was heading home and my car lost all power and steering. I waited about ten minutes and it started up again. I drove it straight to the mechanic and they called the next day to tell me they 'had NO idea" as to the problem with my car. They are going to keep it through the holiday weekend to try to figure it out. The odometer read "No Bus" after it shut down. What does that even mean?? I am a veterinary student and I am constantly on call for emergencies. I hate to think what will happen if my car dies on the way to an emergency. After reading the complaints from all other 99 Dodge Durango owners, I realize I will be charged greatly by the mechanic with nothing to show for. This is ridiculous, not to mention dangerous to have to deal with. Dodge, stand behind your product and recall. I know when I am a doctor, I will discourage others from purchasing a Dodge.

- schafer, Dublin, OH, US

problem #10

Aug 232009

Durango 5.2L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 113,000 miles

I am having the same problem as everyone else., Car just all of a sudden cuts off. Usually if you wait about 20 minutes it will start up again, but the last time it happened I had to leave it overnight. I think I will try and replace the pcm first, but as soon as I am able to purchase another car it will be a Toyota or a Nissan for sure.

- Ray W., Williamston, NC, US

problem #9

Apr 152009

Durango 5.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 147,000 miles

Sometimes my car won't start back up after I have driven it for awhile. It happens on hot days. It also has times when it dies on me while driving. We have decided the problem is the PCM is overheating due to a poor design from Dodge. The solution is to move the PCM to a new location to prevent this.

- Jenna K., Naches, WA, US

problem #8

Jul 102003

Durango SLT V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

DODGE WON'T ACKNOWLEDGE THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM!!!!!!!!

Vehicle just shuts off while driving! -You could be going 25 or 75mph-extremely dangerous. Happened to us the frist time about 6 years ago, while on vacation! FINALLY was correctly diagnosed by my husband(not the dealership!) so...all was good other than the transmission for years, BUT guess what, it's happening again! Our daughter lives out of state and just started a new job and is dealing with this issue.

We will never buy a Dodge again, this is a potentially life and death situation, that they haven't even recalled. We're also interested in a class action law suit.

- mechanicjim, Lakewood, CO, US

problem #7

Aug 052008

Durango V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 162,000 miles

when its warm weather engine shuts off without warning

- Michelle J., Lavonia, GA, US

problem #6

Jun 102008

Durango SLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

My 1999 Durango shuts down when the weather is hot. It was a big pain in my ass, it all most killed my kids and I when it died on the highway

- crivers, Syracuse, NY, US

problem #5

Apr 122009

Durango 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 180,000 miles

This same problem of shutting down in warm weather has been happening to us for almost a year now. It is very dangerous and makes the vehicle useless to drive besides in the winter.

It is really weird that Dodge seems to be ignoring our problems when they clearly must be aware of how many of their consumers are having the same problem.

I just emailed Dodge a complaint and a request for Recall and correction and will also follow up tomorrow with a phone call to see what they have to say about this.

We need to do something about this as a group. I will update everyone about what I find out and perhaps we can get together to go directly to them for help. May not help but we need to try. I can't bring myself to sell this vehicle to someone but it's useless to me.

Here is a copy of my complaint that I sent to Dodge:

I have done alot of research and have found that the Dealers do not know how to fix this problem and there are numerous web sites with fellow 1999 Dodge Durango owners who are experiencing the same problem and we are looking for your Recall to permanently correct the matter. Your Dealers have not been able to correct the problem at any price.

When the outside temperature of where ever you live gets warm, the vehicle will stop with no warning and you lose control of your vehicle. The dash says "no bus" where the mileage usually is.

It is unpredictable and dangerous to drive this vehicle although I love everything else about it.

I am sad to see that there are several years of consumers asking Dodge for help with this problem and yet there is no answer from you.

Please explain to me what you can do about this.

I do not want to be a statistic about driving a 1999 Dodge Durango and dying from it.

Please do something. I can't drive the vehicle in the Spring or Summer but don't feel right about trying to sell it and pass it on to someone else who doesn't know any better.

I am sure that you are very aware of this problem and can find several web sites with consumers asking for help and reporting similar problems just by googling 1999 Dodge Durango but here are a few links for you to visit too.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints/results.cfm

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Dodge/Durango/1999/electrical/vehicle_shuts_down_without_warning.shtml

Please do the right thing and offer your consumers the help that they need. This is not an isolated problem and you are surely aware of it.

I will await your answer about a Recall that will correct this.

Thank you, Leah

- Leah M., Las Vegas, NV, US

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