CarComplaints.com Notes: The second generation Durango was introduced in 2004 and instantly came under fire for, well, catching on fire.
From 2004-2006 electrical overloading in the driver's side instrument panel caused numerous reports of interior fires. The interior infernos became so commonplace that Chrysler eventually issued a recall.
The problems didn't stop there, however. Owners of the recalled vehicles complained about being treated unfairly and given take-it-or-leave-it low ball settlement offers. "They offered me $2000 under NADA retail as a settlement," said one owner, "and have been rude and hostile to deal with." Nothing says awesome service like treating your customers rudely after their cars have caught on fire.
Once these Durangos get to approximately 75-90,000 miles, the calipers start filling up with brake dust causing them to stick and cause excessive wear to the brake pads (by failing to retract fully). If not cleaned and maintained every 15-20,000 miles once this starts happening, the caliper can start to fail causing it to either fail to grab/stop at all (when cold), or lock up the tire temporarily (most commonly when the pad and caliper heats up).
I had a complete rear brake job at 46K. A month later I had to have front pads and new rotors. At 62K I had to have the front and rear rotors turned. I now have about 65K on my Durango and I feel bumping/shaking when I put on my brakes (like the rotors either need to be turned OR replaced!). We have a camper that we tow occasionally and I am definitely not rough on my brakes or my vehicle in general. I have only had this Durango for a year and have already spent about $600 on brake issues. My brakes seem to wear out way too quickly. I did buy the vehicle used and expected to have to do some maintenance type stuff, BUT I have done what I thought was needed over the past year and my brakes are already worn down or something. I was very surprised to find that no one else has filed a complaint about this. I don't feel like this vehicle has every "stopped" like it should. We also have a 1996 Jeep Cherokee and it stops so much better than my much more expensive newer Durango!!
- Heather B.,
Alto, GA, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Once these Durangos get to approximately 75-90,000 miles, the calipers start filling up with brake dust causing them to stick and cause excessive wear to the brake pads (by failing to retract fully). If not cleaned and maintained every 15-20,000 miles once this starts happening, the caliper can start to fail causing it to either fail to grab/stop at all (when cold), or lock up the tire temporarily (most commonly when the pad and caliper heats up).
- Mike K., Niceville, FL, US