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1998 Dodge Durango engine problems

66 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 62,700. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
66
of this car's complaints
7%
typical mileage
62,700
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Engine
    26
  • Engine: gasoline
    18
  • Cooling system: fan
    5
  • Engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys
    4
  • Cooling system
    3
  • Cooling system: radiator assembly
    2
  • Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
    1
  • Exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Dodge Durango engine problems in other years

199820002005201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Dodge Durango engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Knocking 19Engine failure 18Stalling 10Check engine light 7Overheating 5

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 1998 Dodge Durango owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 21, 2010 · Engine · 62,000 miles · IN

62k miles doing the speed limit on I/70 east of mt comfort exit. Oil pressure went to 0 before I could slow and get to the shoulder the engine blew a rod threw the oil pan. Had it towed to my repair shop. He took the pan off and said he thought the oil pump had failed from what he could see. Local dealer did not want to talk about it. Said it was out of warranty. I told him of the failures I had found on the internet and he referred me to dodge and hung up. Dodge replied to my inquiry by telling me to talk with my local dealer.

Filed Feb 7, 2009 · Electrical, Engine · NJ

Heard metal to metal rubbing on 2/2/09 now on 2/6/09 hub bearing broke right side.... Wheel is tiled in to wheel well.

Filed Jan 25, 2008 · Engine · GA

Oil pressure drops to 0 when running. It has been parked since.

Filed Jan 6, 2007 · Engine · AL

I have had the same problem with my 98 dodge durango. Vehicle ran fine for entire time we owned it. Maintenance was done properly, as my husband is a generator mechanic in the military and keeps a very rigid maintenance schedule for all of our cars. Mid may the vehicle suddenly lost oil pressure, after and oil change vehicle was fine for months. Then mid august it starts again, again oil changes were done at least every 6000 miles by chrysler's instructions. Before we can even get off of the interstate the engine started knocking and now will run but losses oil pressure before we get out of the driveway and knocking starts soon after. Compression is lost in two head gaskets due to this and the mechanic says the sludge is the problem, though the mechanic can't explain why because he knows how often the oil has been changed. He can only explain that an oil change does not drain the build up that is already inside of the engine and that it has just been developing over time but is very abnormal. Chrysler/dodge should take action, I have seen hundreds if not thousands of complaints of this exact problem online and am very disappointed in what I thought was going to be a good vehicle.

Filed Jun 9, 2005 · Engine · 100,000 miles · MA

Dt: engine kept overheating. Had two new engines put in the vehicle, and overheated a third time, and vehicle was back in the shop. First time mechanic said it was due to oil leaking. Second time dealer got a used engine that was cracked, and third time wanted to put another used engine .

Filed Mar 23, 2005 · Engine · 71,930 miles · IN

Oil pressure on 1998 durango kept dropping to 0. Many trips to dealer were unable to determine cause of problem. Sept '01, engine failed. Replaced engine at cost of $4500. Sludge was found in old engine. Chrysler tried to say it was because of improper oil changes. Not true. March, 2005 oil pressure is dropping to 0 again. Car is at repair facility. They say it needs a new oil sending unit. I am concerned that the engine will fail again due to the apparent defect in this particular engine chrysler makes. What can be done? Dec. 2003 we replaced the ball joints for $1300. Find out in 2004 that chrysler recalled 2000-2003 durangos for defective ball joints. Why were the 1998 and 99 models left out? Is this not the same part as the 2000? Chrysler merely says no more information other than 98 is not included.

Filed Feb 3, 2005 · Engine · NY

We have had to replace our serpentine belt, and tensioner at considerable cost. This is not a standard wear item, and there are thousands of people who are replacing these belts and tensioners on a regular basis. The design and parts of this serpentine belt and tensioner system are defective.

Filed Jan 25, 2005 · Engine, Steering · 35,165 miles · PA

The consumer had to replace both left and right ball joints and tie rods due to premature wear. *ph a faulty intake gasket caused an oil leak. The consumer notified the manufacturer and requested reimbursement. The consumer was denied reimbursement. *nm *sc

Filed Jan 5, 2005 · Engine, Suspension · 50,000 miles · NY

Complaint received via e-mail. I have a 1998 ball joints, and that the car is unsafe. I figured they were just trying to make money for another job. I went directly to my neighborhood shop to see what they said and they agreed. Dodge knew that this is a problem. Also, a cash cow to them at $1500.00. I have driven this vehicle gently and only had high 50000 miles at the time of repair. 1998 durango should be included in this recall.*ak the consumer stated that the oil pump failed and the tranny failed. The intake gasket manifold failed and consumed 1 qt of oil in two days. The vehicle uses excessive anti freez. The crank shaft was replaced as well as connecting rod and bearings. The consumer stated that the vehicle had to many problems and dealer knew of the problems beforehand. Four ball joints have been replaced.

Filed Dec 26, 2004 · Engine, Transmission · 117,230 miles · KY

Driving approx. 25 MPH on icy road, turned right onto another road and "it was as if you thowed the vehicle into nuetral". Causing vehicle to come to a complete stop in the middle of the roadway.

Questions about the 1998 Dodge Durango engine

Does the 1998 Dodge Durango have engine problems?

Owners have filed 66 complaints about the engine of the 1998 Dodge Durango, 7% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Dodge Durango engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 62,700 miles.

Is there a recall for the 1998 Dodge Durango engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

Other 1998 Dodge Durango problems

Suspension 540Transmission 103Brakes 94Steering 90Visibility 50Seats 43Electrical 34Airbags 30Seat belts 27Tires 19Lights 18Fuel system 15Acceleration 14Wheels 11Body 10Locks 4Driver assistance 1

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