1998 Dodge Durango: complete transmission failure

Filed Dec 28, 2006 · Transmission · 99,350 miles · NJ

Tl* - on 3/13/06 the contact took 1998 dodge durango to cottman transmission because the transmission was slipping into first gear. At that time, cottman replaced the valve body. On 3/31/06 the contact took it back to cottman for the same reason, and cottman stated that they would rebuild the whole transmission. When contact picked up the vehicle it was making a loud squeaking noise, and cottman told him to drive it for a few days and the noise would go away. After driving it for a few days contact continued to hear the same squeaking noise, so cottman replaced the transmission. At which point the contact continued to hear the same noise, he took vehicle to at pro transmission and they stated to the contact that the damage was probably internal because they couldn't see anything wrong with the vehicle. On 6/16/06 contact took it back to cottman, and cottman stated that they replaced the transmission; after contact picked it up he continued to hear the same squeaking noise, so contact brought vehicle back to cottman on 12/11/06. Cottman once again replaced the transmission. The contact stated that the transmission is pouring fluid from the pump. Contact will take the vehicle to cottman. *ak updated 2/6/2007 -

Filed Jun 10, 2004 · Transmission · 59,000 miles · PA

1998 doge durango - 60000 miles. Transmission failure. Had problems with transmission since purchase in 1999.

Filed Feb 2, 2004 · Transmission · 136,000 miles · AL

I started having problems with my transmission shifting on its own and the 4x4 selector would slip and make an awful noise when you put it in gear. On 31 january 2004, my transmission went out and left my 2-toddlers and I stranded approximately 2-hours away from home. It is a 1998 dodge durango. It is ironic that an older gentlemen had asked me if I had problems a month earlier with my transmission. When I spoke with a couple repair shops (even a technician at hilikelly dodge in daphne, al), all of them stated that it was a common problem with the dodge transmissions.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · 40,000 miles · CA

Front brakes (replaced 3x's in one year) keep failing on dodge durango causing uneven tire wear and alignment to shift. I've had to replace the front tires 4 times and the rear tires twice since I bought this vehicle january 2,2000. All tires wear at an angle with several bald spots in different places. I also replaced the water pump and radiator february 2003. Now the air conditioner is not working. The transmission went out a couple of months after I purchased the vehicle. It was still under warranty, but I still had to pay 300.00 out of pocket for whatever reason.

Filed Sep 16, 2003 · Brakes, Electrical · KY

I had to have the ball joints replaced 6 months after I bought the truck. The dealership said that my wheels were getting ready to fall off and the truck was to dangerous to drive. Then the transmission went out in august of 2003. I barely had 50,000 miles on it. The brakes on it are terrible. When it is raining I hydroplane just about ever time I put on the brakes. The anti lock brake system is not working properly. The light is now on. The speedometer is now broken. It stays at zero most of the time but will occasionally jump up and down while driving. The electric door lock makes a horrible sound when it locks. Last but not least whenever I drive on the interstate and go over 60 MPH the engine makes a rattling noise.

Filed Aug 22, 2003 · Electrical, Steering · 3,000 miles · OH

Transmission fluid leaked from the vehicle and eventually the transmission was replaced with a rebuilt one. All four ball joints were and tie rods were replaced. The vehicle experienced electrical problems, because the back brake light continued to blow out. *ak the front hub bearings and seals were replaced.

Filed Aug 1, 2003 · Transmission · 65,623 miles · OH

Transmission went out at 65000, costing $2300 to replace (I was unemployed at the time too). A chrysler a-500 transmission was installed with complete pump assembly, torque converter (which had pieces of metal rattling around inside of it) value body, a complete rebuild. This vehicle never towed anything and always maintained. Notified dodge of this problem and they replied, sorry but not under warranty so nothing they would do about it. Even asked if they would reimburse for the parts only and they just said sorry. Spoke to several mechanics and they were very knowledgable about the problems with dodge transmissions. Will be checking the ball-joints out now after the latest reports.

Filed Jul 31, 2003 · Transmission · 61,000 miles · OH

I had a complete automatic transmission failure at just over 60,000 miles. I contacted dodge and they acted as if it wasn't their problem. Cost me $2000 dollars for a complete rebuild. Then after one month of having transmission redone the air conditioning went and cost me another $800 dollars. I complained again and again was treated as if it were my fault. I have a friend that works for a local dodge dealership and he told me that dodge does know about this problem and are denying it exists because of the large number of recalls that would result. He said they did a study and found out that the transmissions that were installed from '97 until 2000 were to small to handle the payload of the durango. They have since fixed that problem but will not admit to earlier damages to the earlier models. By the way, dodge only charges the dealers $400 dollars for the rebuild kits.

Filed Jul 28, 2003 · Suspension · 60,000 miles · OK

My durango has just over 60,000 miles on it. It has been very well cared for. During the first 3 years (while under warranty), the vehicle was taken to the dealer to check for squeaks in the front end. They said they lubricated the ball joints and the noise would go away for a day or two... Then return. Recently on inspection, I was notified that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.because of recent announcements of failure of that front assembly due to ball joints, I wanted to add my bit of history as well.*ak this car also has leaking seals on transfer case. I understand many people have had that problem along with transmission failure in the 60-70,000 mile range... So I probably have that to look forward to. If I can provide further information, please let me know. Thanks.

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 Dec 6, 2000 · Transmission · WA

Transmission failure at 52,000 miles. Total rebuild costing $2,084.00.