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1998 Dodge Durango transmission complaints

Page 3 of 5: complaints 41 to 70 of 103, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 1998 Dodge Durango transmission problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jul 23, 2003 · Transmission, Visibility · 38,000 miles · LA

All four power windows went out in 2001. Transmission is shifting at a higher RPM. It does not shift until 3800 to 4500. This accured at 58000 miles june 4.

Filed Jul 23, 2003 · Transmission · 56,000 miles · OK

Upper and lower balljoints and front tie rod ends had to be replaced at my expense due to being totally worn out and front tires where worn bald on the inside due to this problem. Gear shift indicator is also not aligned properly since purchase, sits in between neutral and drive while in drive position, transmission will hang in first gear or slip when accelarating causing high rpms, have mainly experienced this problem when vehicle is low on gas, as strange as that may be. Have also experienced problems with the vehicle leaking a clear liquid on the passenger side floorboard which appears to be coming from the air conditioner condensation.

Filed Jul 22, 2003 · Suspension, Transmission · VA

Suspension, drive train, and front ball joints bad - 1989, dodge, durango.

Filed Jul 22, 2003 · Transmission · 94,000 miles · MI

We had noticed that the tranmission was acting very sluggish. Despite having the vehicle checked, our local shop could not find a problem. While on our way to florida, just outside of birmingham alabama with two children in the car, driving 70 MPH on the interstate, we had a catastrophic failure in the vehicle. The transfer case blew up and both driveshafts broke. We were able to be able to stop the vehicle without causing an accident, or having another vehicle hit us, despite the black coud of transfer case fluid trailing behind us. The vehicle required extensive service - to the tune of $ 2,600.00. We had 95,000 miles on the vehicle and were offered no assistance by chrysler. In fact, not even an offer to assist us with the rental cars we were forced to take.

Filed Jun 23, 2003 · Transmission · 62,000 miles · OH

Transmission: I bought a 1998 durango in 2001 and have had problems with the transmission since the day I bought it. The transmission slips horribly and may times the truck will not accelerate at all once I reach 30 MPH and the rpms red line almost every time. Now the transmission is completely shot and I've been told it will be a minimum of 2,000.00. No transmissions could be found at junk yards because it turns out that these vehicles are known to have bad transmissions.

Filed Jun 22, 2003 · Transmission · 68,460 miles · KY

The transmission slips or double shifts as you are leaving any stopped position. While at about 50 MPH and you put the gas pedal to the floor the transmission will work great. But then when you come to a stop and proceed at a normal pace the trans just slips or double shifts and jerks you around. This has been talked about on other sites that chrysler has bought back some of the durango's. I currently have a 1998 model. 5.2 automatic 4x4.

Filed Apr 9, 2003 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · NJ

1998 dodge durango transmission hesitates to shift into 3rd gear, causing RPM to fly past 3500, making it difficult to enter highways, 3 times I nearly had a rear end collision because truck will not accelerate into 3rd gear. The durango transmission is a common complaint among owners, and something needs to be done.

Filed Mar 21, 2003 · Transmission · 62,700 miles · NJ

Complete transmission failure at 60,000 miles. Symptoms prior to failure were hesitation shifting into second gear when truck was initially started.

Filed Mar 6, 2003 · Transmission · 58,800 miles · WI

1998 dodge durango with only 59200 miles on it which now needs a new transmission. (have been told it is the over drive in the transmission that is bad) this, fortunately, has not caused any type of accident but after hearing all the horror stories about the durango's, my wife and I believe there should be a recall to fix the never ending problems with these trucks - before someone does get seriously injured!

Filed Mar 4, 2003 · Transmission · NH · fire

The rear axle assembly failed and was replaced. *ak

Filed Jan 31, 2003 · Transmission · 52,000 miles · IN

I have a 1998 dodge durango with 52,000 miles on it. This past week I noticed a high pitched whine from the rear differential. I have taken the vehicle to the original dealer in corydon, indiana. That I have purchased 2 other vehicles from. They are telling me that I am responsible for either all the cost of repairs, or that they might be able to get chrysler to pay half. I think this extremely unfair. I have had rear differential vehicles with well over 100,000 miles that are still moving with no differential failures. When is someone going to make these car companies stand behind there product. Thanks, for your time. Rlc.

Filed Oct 24, 2002 · Engine, Suspension · IN

When co. Rep said the co. Would not compensate due to age and milage even though parts failed far short of normal service life. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Dt

Filed Aug 19, 2002 · Transmission · WI

Vehicle started losing transmission fuel, vehicle stalled out. Transfer case had a large crack in it, which was causing fuel to leak out.

Filed Jul 10, 2002 · Steering, Transmission · OH

Pinion shaft broke while driving, causing rear end to lock up. Gear busted, and there was a hole in rear end.*ak the gears broke and put a hole in the bottom of rear end.

Filed May 28, 2002 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Engine check light has come on, and from time to time light will stay on when getting vehicle checked out. Spark plugs were melted and , head cylinder was cracked.

Filed May 22, 2002 · Transmission · ID

Transfer case exploded while driving 70 MPH. Dealer was contacted. Feel free to provide any further information.

Filed May 21, 2002 · Transmission · CT

The 1998 dodge durango rear differential unit seized and failed on a major highway . I was unable to move the vehicle and caused us to immediately exit the vehicle to avoid on coming traffic. The vehicle was towed to the dealership where I was told that the rear differential was in pieces. The dealer denied to absorb the repair cost for they said it was out of warranty. I appealed to the customer service representative who denied the claim. I called an independent insurance tech rep and he concluded it was a serious design flaw. In my personal opinion I feel dodge should inspect and repair these vehicles.

Filed May 20, 2002 · Transmission · CT

While on the highway, vehicle's differential freezes and is unable to move forward or backwards.*ak this is not uncommon for this model. There have been failures reported previously by other consumers. Consumer feels dodge should recall and repair the problem.

Filed May 20, 2002 · Transmission · TN

Whole housing of rear end is defective which eats away the bearings, causing rear end to lock and stop wheels from rolling. Dealer contacted.*ak

Filed Feb 6, 2002 · Transmission · CA

Consumer has been experiencing a loud grinding noise, at first consumer thought it was the brakes, then discovered it was not the brakes, but the driveshaft, consumer was told that chrysler had been having a lot of similar problems. Could have an accident if rear end locked up. *ak chrysler was unwilling to assit with the repairs.

Filed Jan 4, 2002 · Transmission · NE

While driving in very cold weather, transmission will shift into neutral intermittently, vehicle taken to dealer numerous times in 3 years. Dealer did not have a remedy. Currently, warranty has expired, dealer wanted to rebuilt transmission.

Filed Nov 23, 2001 · Transmission · TX

While driving the vehicle, a loud whining sound was heard coming from the rear of the durango. After verifying the tire pressure was correct and attempting to make sure that the 4wd was not engaged, the whining sound became louder. I took the vehicle in for service to a dealer in north richland hills, tx (a suburb of fort worth). The service advisor was sure that the rear differential needed to be changed and all would be fine. After servicing the differential the service advisor contacted me to let me know that the problem still existed. After further investigation the dealer found that the "ring and pinon set, and cup and cones" needed to be replaced ( this is the ring and pinon gear, the pinon seal, and the side bearing that support the differential case). The estimated cost for this repair was $1323.08. I reminded the service advisor that a 1998 dodge durango with 47333 miles should not have this problem and why should I pay for this repair since I believe that the rear differential problem is a manufacture defect. The service advisor told me that there was nothing that he could do and he suggested I call dodge customer service. After speaking to dodge customer service three times, they "reviewed" my situation. Since I did not have any extended warranty, dodge offered to pay half of the repair cost as a "good will gesture". In the end, the rear differential was repaired at a cost to me of $502.28. The total cost of the repair was $1004.56 and with dodge's "good will gesture" the repair cost me out of pocket $502.28. However, after reviewing the numerous complaints listed on this site I feel more strongly that there is a defect in the rear differential of this vechicle.

Filed Nov 16, 2001 · Transmission · NY

A loud howling noise was heard coming from the rear of the vehicle. Took the vehicle to the repair shop where I was told that the rear axle bearings and possibly differential ring and pinion were bad. I was advised by my mechanic to go back to the dealer since this was an original equipment material and workmanship defect obvious by the low (22,000) mileage on the vehicle that looks like the day it came out of the showroom. This vehicle has never been used off-road. I received no satisfaction from the dealer and was told since the vehicle is 9 months out of warranty that I was responsible for repair costs. I strongly disagree. There are several other complaints listed in this section with the same problem I experienced and I've been told by an expert that the rear differential in this vehicle has a serious design defect involving the ring and pinion not being capable of handle the forces imposed by the drivetrain of this vehicle. Repair costs are estimated at $1500 - $2000. Chrysler/dodge should step forward and admit a design flaw exists. I will fight this in court if I have to. Dodge, you should be ashamed of yourself for not fessing up to this.

Filed Nov 12, 2001 · Transmission · OH

Transmission hesitates between 2nd and 3rd gear. When it does shift into 3rd gear the vehicle surges. When shifting into reverse the transmisson gives a clunk noise. Took vehicle to dealership for diagnosis and repair. Was told from dealer the minimum repair would cost $1400-$1500 but could be more. I opted for a local repair facility. I was shown a complete service and technical bulletin describing the problem and repair for dodge vehicles. The local repair facility service owner had just gotten back from a training seminar on this problem. This really sounded odd, as the dealer when asked by me if there was a class problem in transmissions denied any. Then why would they print manuals and train personnel for problems that do not normally occur. The local repair facility performed hydraulic pressure testing and determined all pressure parameters were being met. Then changed all transmission fluids to a higher viscosity. Since this was done, I have not experienced any shifting hesitation or problems. The dealer when pressured would only offer 10% off the repair costs. Dodge regional refused to assist in any way. I have personally talked to 4 individuals who own dodges and have had similar problems.

Filed Oct 9, 2001 · Suspension, Transmission · CO

All four ball joints have failed. Lowers replaced at 80000 miles and uppers at 100000. Seems excessive. Front axle inner bearings complerte failure which damaged front axle itself and needed replaced. From looking at the many other front suspension complaints lodeged, there appears to be a real problem that should be investigated. Front suspension is a real safety concern.

Filed Sep 17, 2001 · Brakes, Steering · MA

This vehicle has had major component breakdowns since purchase. Initially, immediately after purchase there was a clicking sound in the steering column. The dealer indicated that there was a tsb and replaced steering column. The second problem occurred in february 2000, some three months after purchase. We began to notice a significant pulsing in the brake pedal. The dealer attributed this to ABS brakes. Several months later when the pulsing was significantly greater and the braking was being affected, an independent shop reviewed the brakes and indicated that the rotors were severely warped and causing the pulsing sensation. This was repaired out of pocket. In february, 2001 the temperature began fluctuating, spiking higher temperatures causing the check gauge light to illuminate. It would then reset. Hanover dodge, a different dealer indicated that the thermostat housing seal was leaking and replaced the thermostat and gasket. This was paid out of pocket. Approximately ten days later, the radiator had a major failure requiring replacement. This was paid out of pocket in the amount of $610.33. In may, 2001we were alerted to a problem involving the front end. In bringing the vehicle to the dealer, a leak was noticed from the transmission cooler and also and more critically it was determined that the left upper ball joint required replacement as well as the inner tie rods. These repairs were also paid out of pocket in the amount of $923.45. The latest issue arose several weeks ago when a howling sound was noticed coming from the rear of the vehicle. Through research and independent evaluation it has been determined that the rear differential has a design defect whereby the ring and pinion cannot handle the load of the vehicle. I have noted several of the same complaints being made to your organization in this database. We believe that the vehicle we have is defective. Each problem has involved a major component or system.

Filed Sep 14, 2001 · Transmission · NJ

While backing out of driveway car made a loud noise, car was inoperable, car was towed to dealer. Was notified by the dealer that the ring and pinion gar had cracked, and rear needs to be replaced.

Filed Sep 5, 2001 · Transmission · MI

Transfer case exploded on I-75 near west branch michigan with parts flying in all directions. Lost power and parts blew out driver side rear tire. Durango almost flipped over going at this speed. Fortunately, there was very little traffic going southbound and as I fishtailed form lane to lane I was able to stop it with incidence. I felt this was an extremely dangerous situation. I still have the damaged transfer case that shows how it exploded. There was no warning. Crysler could not have cared less about this situation. All they said was that parts fail so live with it.

Filed Aug 21, 2001 · Transmission · NM · crash

A three year old son climbed into vehicle and shifted gear from park to reverse and again from reverse to drive without ever applying brakes. Then, shifted again into forward without touching the gas pedal or brake pedal. Crashed into the garage.

Filed Aug 15, 2001 · Transmission · OR

Vehicle was experiencing loud noise from the rear differential unit. Took to repair shop and they replaced left and right side of rear differential. Wanted to also repair differential ring and pinion because there was still a loud noise.

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