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.
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.
On 2april I went to start the Durango. Did not even turn an it stopped. I thought it was a starter motor. I was told it was not it was in the engine. I went on line an found out that Dodge had a problem with this engine(hemi). Valve problem. I looked on line I saw all the trouble people had after 100,000 mi. Dodge had a problem an did nothing till 2005. There has to be over a 100 people with this problem. Chrysler will not do nothing. They cant do anything till there is a call back. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). Updated 10/8/2014
Truck was parked in the driveway and it was raining and without warning the lights turned on and smoke was seen from the hood, the key was not in the ignition or no one was near the truck at the time the fire department was called in and the battery was disconnected. The truck was taken to the dealer for repairs and $1000 was spent on repairs and when the truck was taken for a car wash the same thing happened again the Dodge dealer does not know what causes the water to go in to the engine I was told to change the spark plug wires and cables another $600 but I was told that as water keeps going in the same problem may occur. Tests were done in the Dodge dealer shop and they confirmed that water is going in to the engine but cannot explain why and how to resolve it. If driving and it rains this may cause an accident if the truck turns off while driving.
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while attempting to pull out of a lane to pass another vehicle, there was a loud knocking noise. The contact had to reduce speed and coast the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop who diagnosed that the pistons and rods had broken resulting in damaging the block which would require the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was to be repaired. In inclement weather, during heavy rain there had been intermediate hesitation and sputtering in the engine without warning at random. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120000. Updated 6/10/14
First thing is when it rain the SUV stall and cuts off. The top part of the roof on the inside gets wet also my seatbelts. Then the second thing is the engine which threw a rod at 149000 miles. The only one that work on this vehicle was the Dodge dealership. And I just had my oil change a month before with there 23 point inspection. Someone needs to look into this water problem with this vehicle that's why these models are blowing engines at low miles. I look this problem up iam not the only one having these problems with this vehicle. This needs immediate attention before someone gets hurt or killed. Thanks for listening.
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked and stalled while driving various speeds. The failure was experienced numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who performed several diagnostic test which were unable to locate a failure code. The mechanic attempted to repair the vehicle; however, the failure was not corrected. The engine light remained illuminated and the vehicle continued to jerk and stall. The contact was unable to identify the details regarding the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. The approximate current mileage was 120,000.
- Ridgefield , CT, USA
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When raining vehicle wants to shut off due to water running down the hood/ windshield cowl and directly running onto engine electrical components. Perform a search for vehicle and issue. I am not the only one to have this issue.
From the time I purchased this vehicle there was a problem with the engine (5.7L hemi). When driving in rain or going through an automatic car wash the engine would start missing and sometimes die. This would make the check engine light come on. I took the vehicle to dealers in both Kentucky & North Carolina and to various auto parts stores as well as independent mechanics. The diagnostics reader always showed misfire in #2 cylinder but no one could tell me what caused it. Even though I kept the oil changed as well as other maintenance it started knocking and blew at 124,000 miles. I contacted Dodge and they assured me that they knew of no problems with these vehicles. I replaced the engine with one from a wrecking yard with 60,000 miles. Same problems with rain and car washes. It lasted 2 years and 21,000 miles. I contacted Dodge and got the same reply. After researching on line it seems there are hundreds of people that have experienced the same problem that I have. I was one of the lucky ones. Mine blew up in the driveway instead of on the highway. Dodge seems to have remedied the problem in 2006 & later models but still won't admit that there is a major and potentially dangerous problem in the 2004 & 2005 models. I feel that Dodge should have to repair these vehicles and reimburse the owners for repairs we have already done thank you
Vehicle was in driveway after running fine the day before. Started it up and it threw a rod through the motor and oil all over the ground. There were no lights on and vehicle had been properly maintained. Read online that there are hundreds if not thousands of people with this problem.
After making a clicking noise for a couple of days that we had been told was the starter fan (and having it replaced), we loaded up our Durango for a week long camping trip 8 hours away. 45 minutes into the drive the Durango started "dragging" like it was having a difficult time maintaining speed with cruise control. Shortly afterward, a horrible metal on metal banging noise came from under the hood and I lost all power. On the interstate, at 4 a.M. I dropped from 72 mph to 0 in a matter of seconds and barely had enough momentum to pull the truck to the side of the road. Oil just poured from under the truck. We had the Durango towed home and called our local mechanic. He took a look and informed us we had thrown a rod and complete engine replacement would be needed. We verified this through 3 different Dodge technicians who all stated that this was a known issue within the company. They know and have known that the skirting at the bottom of the windshield leaks. They know that those leaks drip water onto the intake valve resulting in water being drawn into the engine and causing engine failure through a rod being thrown. This is not a cheap fix. It could have been through recall or even notification to owners. It could have only cost about $400. But now it doesn't. now it costs anywhere from $4-6000. Unacceptable.
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, a loud bang emitted outside of the vehicle as the engine stalled. The engine warning indicator and light bulb warning icon were illuminated and the engine failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis, who stated that there was a blown engine rod and piston. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 72,833. The VIN was unavailable.
Ran great when I parked it. Came out next morning went to start it and heard loud bang. When I got out to see what happened seen oil on the ground. Engine seized. Had hole in the block. Cost to fix this $4300. When will something be done about this. I can't afford to fix it so it will sit till they have a recall.
Engine stalling when raining or going through car wash, reading on other complaints about this make and model of truck doing the same thing and it ends up blowing the motor, something needs to be done about this.
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that upon starting the ignition, a loud noise emitted from the engine. The contact mentioned that the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for a diagnostic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 120,000.
During medium/heavy rain the engine stalls badly or completely dies. Also happens during car washes, though not a safety issue then- just aggravating! :( restarts only after rain subsides. This creates a very dangerous driving condition- for myself and those vehicles around me. My research shows this is a very common problem for this vehicle. Despite countless complaints, it appears Dodge has refused to acknowledge or address it for several years, alienating many previously loyal customers (this was a very popular SUV). The factory waranty was expired/near to expire when most of us began to experience this so we had little recourse. As my vehicle was purchased new and has low miles for its age, I plan to keep it for the foreseeable future- circumstances permitting... thank you for letting me post my concern here! I hope something can be done to correct this very serious issue. Long overdue! step up Chrysler and stand behind your product. Thank you again for giving attention to my concern. :)
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while traveling at various speeds in the rain, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where the failure could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. Updated 4/28/14
Upon starting the engine, a loud knocking sound came from the engine. The car was at a repair facility for an unrelated issue. The mechanics believe that the engine is blown and needs replacement. This car had regular maintenance and had the oil changed recently. The mechanics checked the oil level which was normal. The engine also had a problem with it running rough after a heavy rain.
Sudden compete engine failure spun crank bearings and other rod damage. Engine had regular oil changed regularly. I used the good stuff mobile 1. wow after reading about all of these blown up engines across the usa why haven't you done anything? price to fix $6,000. 95,000 miles and engine failure something has to be done.
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the vehicle rapidly and abnormally accelerated when the accelerator pedal was engaged. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that engine oil was leaking from the vehicle and the tie rod was fractured. In addition, smoke and a small fire erupted from under the hood. The contact was able to contain the fire. The vehicle was inspected by a local mechanic, who advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 109,000.
On 12/30/13, owner started Durango and heard loud pop from engine followed by check engine light. Owner drove Durango to repair shop where he has serviced all his vehicles since moving to area 11 years ago. Shop manager inspected vehicle, noted check-engine still on and recommended engine diagnostic. On 12/31/13, shop called owner stating that engine diagnostic did not identify cause for check-engine light other than issue with cylinder #4. shop recommended an induction service to flush carbon buildup from the engine. Shop manager called later, stating that after engine flush and during test drive, the bottom of the engine blew with holes in both sides. Estimate cost for rebuilt engine and installation is $8500. Shop pointed owner to an edmunds forum where owners were reporting similar and in some cases almost identical instances of blown engines on the Dodge 5.7 hemi engine for model year 2004. Owner researched and found 100S of instances where the Dodge 5.7 hemi engine blew between 70K and 110K for model years 2004 & 2005 under similar conditions (low speeds, little to no warning prior to failure, possible association with heavy rains). Three instances involved highway speeds, one downhill and two which nearly resulted in accidents in trying to stop the vehicle. On 1/8/14, owner called Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753 and spoke with agent for help in covering cost to replace engine. Owner stated his research and what appears to be an obvious design or manufacturing problem as evident by the large number of blown engines. Owner expressed loyalty via ownership of 1984 rampage ([xxx]), 1998 Grand Caravan ([xxx]), and 2004 Durango ([xxx]). Chrysler agent stated that since the vehicle was outside the 8yr/70K mile warranty, they will not provide any compensation of help in covering the cost of the engine and installation. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
There is a problem with the Dodge hemi 5.7L engine*** I have maintained my 2004 Dodge Durango immaculately, mechanically and physically. I purchased my Durango in 2006 from a dealer with 36K miles on it. In 2010 with 155,000 miles on it, the push rod broke when I was on my was to the office. The truck was sitting in my driveway from the night before and when I went to start the engine, it made a loud popping noise and engine shutdown. I had the vehicle towed to a shop where it was confirmed the push rod had broken, oil changed on regular basis, etc.. I had the engine replaced in Nov 2010 with another Dodge hemi 5.7 L hemi engine. Over 3 years later guess what"???????" the replaced Dodge hemi engine blew on me in the same driveway 3 years later December 5, 2013. I am posting this note to other owners to steer clear of replacing the engine as it will happen again, it is not a matter of if, but when. As of December 2013 my Dodge has been sitting at the shop I had it towed to and I refuse to buy another engine. One consistent issue which I have read from the other complaints is that the engine would hard idle (act like it would stall) during heavy rain storms. I am pissed because I have a excellent conditioned vehicle appearance and mechanically I am out of a vehicle. Fortunately/unfortunately the vehicle is paid for. I am going to lodge another complaint with the NHTSA. It is unbelievable so many people have the exact same issue with this engine. How can we get chrsyler/Dodge to own this problem and make it's owners of its Dodge Durango's whole for fixing this recurring problem. I am a perfect example of replacing the engine in this vehicle once, and 3 years later the exact issue has occurred again!!!!!!!!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Milford, MA, USA