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2001 Dodge Durango engine complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 68, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2001 Dodge Durango engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Feb 21, 2013 · Engine, Suspension · 140,000 miles · MI · fire

I was driving down the road with 2 of my kids.. I started to smell antifreeze going into my car, all of a sudden there was smoke bursting out of my car. We replaced the thermostat 3 different times with in 3 months, the radiator house burst. And no lights came on.. The oil pressure also dropped. Took it to shop to have it fixed, cracked head gaskets and blown motor, now we are with out a car.... Sad because I will never buy another dodge. We were also never notifies about the recall about the ball joints and paid cash for them to be replaced.

Filed Sep 4, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 166,798 miles · GA

While driving my vehicle at 30 MPH, it shut off without warning. The vehicle had half a tank of gas, new alternator, and new battery. I was crossing an intersection when the incident occurred.

Filed May 21, 2012 · Engine · 223,000 miles · KY

Whe I drive the durango it starts out fine. When I am driving at a highway speed the oil pressure is fine, but when I slow down or come to a complete stop the oil pressue is at the line right above the 0. I have read many complaints about the sludge that the engine makes. I have 4 kids and I don't need anything to happen to this vehicle to break down. I also hear a ticking sound when I first start the engine and then it goes away. I don't have the money to pour into this vehicle! If there are so many complaints and the mechanics know about it why isn't there a recall! Very dangerous situation for anyone to be in.

Filed Nov 14, 2011 · Engine · 127,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge durango. The contact stated that she heard a loud clunking and grinding noise coming from the vehicle and felt vibration when she accelerated. Also, the check engine warning light was illuminated and there was an evap control system leak. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who informed the contact that the drive shaft failed and needed to be replaced. No repairs were performed. The current mileage was 131,000 and the approximate failure mileage was 127,000.

Filed Apr 14, 2011 · Engine · 128,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge durango. The contact was driving approximately 30-50 MPH when the vehicle suddenly stalled. The security, check gauges and check engine warning lights were illuminate on the instrumental panel. The vehicle was then inspected by a dealer and they advised that then failure could have been caused by the fuel pump, battery or ignition switch. All of which were repaired to no avail. The failure would recur on an intermittent basis. The contact stated that the dealer was unable to diagnose the exact cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Dec 27, 2010 · Engine · 103,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge durango. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, he noticed that the oil pressure gauge suddenly dropped to 0. He then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who inspected it and informed the contact that he needed to replace the oil sending unit, the pump, and the oil pan screen. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Jul 25, 2010 · Engine · 95,000 miles · AZ

Since 2007, have had many problems with overheating. One time to the point it warped both heads and had to have the engine rebuilt. Have replaced water pump, radiator, thermostat (3 times), clutch fan. When the heads warped, the upper radiator hose sheared apart and I saw no check engine light (cel) and the temperature gauge never went above half-way. Personally I think it's just a bad design. The upper radiator hose contains the radiator cap, and it's still not the highest point in the "closed" system, thusly there is always air which never purges into the overflow tank. Everytime I check radiator fluid their is none in the upper radiator hose. The fluid has to be going somewhere, although I never see any under the vehicle. I have read in internet forums of many people having this same issue. It's not year specific, nor is it engine model specific. There is an underlying issue that dodge isn't addressing, or has kept from the general public to avoid having to replace 500,000 engines. I love my vehicle. I love the way it drives as well as it's appearance. This is quite an annoyance. It has depleted what little savings my family has to insure that our daily-driver of a vehicle will be getting us from point a to point b. We have refrained from taking this vehicle on any type of trip outside our metro area for this reason alone.

Filed Oct 1, 2009 · Engine · 140,000 miles · MT · 2 injuries

2001 dodge durango engine blew on hwy while my daughter age 12 were going to missoula.

Filed Aug 12, 2009 · Engine · 72,000 miles · IL

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge durango. While driving at any speed, the contact noticed excessive heat underneath the floorboard and in the engine. She also smelled sulfur inside the passenger compartment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the catalytic converter was failing. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure persists. The contact feels that the computer system in the vehicle is malfunctioning, and causes raw fuel to flow through the cylinders. Over time, this could have caused the catalytic converter to fail. The contact filed a complaint with the manufacturer and was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for further inspection. She was provided a list of dealers to call that has special equipment to remedy the failure. When she arrived at the dealer, the equipment was unavailable for testing. The failure mileage was 72,000 and current mileage was 83,267.

Filed Mar 2, 2009 · Brakes, Engine · 26,000 miles · FL

Vehicle is 2001 dodge durango r/t 5.9. 26,000 miles. Front end ball joints needed replacing. Calipers froze/locked on both front wheels. Overheating occurred twice on front calipers. Needed out of pocket money for repairs. Air conditioning broken.

Filed Jan 24, 2009 · Engine · 117,074 miles · WA

Dodge has a issue with their motors building up with sludge regardless of how often the oil is changed. The motor looses oil pressure immediately and motor is now bad and needs to be replaced. This is a known issue that dodge has and they have known about this problem. I am disabled and I was alone driving when this happened. I had pulled over immediately and had the vehicle hauled home on a trailer later that night. In the mean time I had no choice but to walk 3 miles to get home which took me hours.... This affected my medical problems and I was down in bed for a week after this happened. It had a big effect on my medical problems.

Filed Jan 3, 2009 · Engine · 10,200 miles · CT

Known daimler chrysler issue (engine failure after low oil pressure) has occurred. Engine failure du to sludge. Engine showed decrease in oil pressure, when checking the oil noticed sludge on oil cap. When contacting dealership they stated I had to replace the engine. $8000 is the total estimated cost. They also stated this is a well known issue and that it comes up very frequently. Mechanics have stated that they are still waiting for a recall to be issued as there have been reported deaths and injuries. I had my 5 children with me and was left in the middle of the woods with no cell reception and the temps getting to below 0. Vehicle only has 102000 miles on it and should have lasted longer. Contacted dodge with the customer support explaining that it was too bad I bought a dodge! There are not enough complaints about the engine! I have searched the internet and found hundreds of complaints. Recall this engine!

Filed Aug 1, 2008 · Engine · 183,000 miles · TX

Engine overheats with out cause changed thermostat, flushed radiator changed fans etc et.

Filed Jul 16, 2008 · Engine, Transmission · 102,000 miles · NC

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge durango. The contact can switch gears without first engaging the brake. The consumer repaired the power train: automatic transmission lever and linkage column shift per the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v555000 (power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift). Immediately after the repair, the failure recurred. The dealer stated that because the vehicle was previously repaired according to the recall, the contact would be responsible for any additional repairs. The vehicle also began overheating repeatedly. The dealer replaced the water pump, thermostat, coolant tube, fan clutch, and the control box; however, the failure still persists. The failure and current mileages were 102,000. Updated 08/08/08 *bf updated 08/12/08

Filed Apr 18, 2008 · Engine, Steering · 146,160 miles · KS

Electric fan,steering;rack and pinion; control arm; lower ball joints, front drive shaft, front bearings. Replaced drive shaft,left wheel bearing. I bought it in 2006 w/125,000 miles. Drive shaft went out at 135,000 and steering at 146,000. I still owe money on it and it sits parked because I cant afford the rest of the repairs.

Filed Jul 6, 2007 · Engine · 70,209 miles · WI

2001 dodge durango check gauge and oil light came on when riding on the highway due to faulty oil pump. **cw the consumer stated the engine was ticking and making a loud noise. The consumer stated that because the problem was not detected when she first took the vehicle to the dealer, it now needs a new engine. The consumer was informed the problem was fixed, however in may 2007, the consumer noticed the idle was off and when the consumer would come to a stop, the vehicle would not idle down. When the consumer applied the accelerator there was a noise coming from the transmission. The consumer was told there was nothing wrong with the vehicle, however when the vehicle was returned to her, she noticed the idle was fixed. The vehicle has been to the dealer on 4 separated occasions for engine related issues.

Filed Apr 19, 2007 · Engine · 69,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge durango. While driving 65 MPH on 04/06/2007 the engine failed. The vehicle would not restart and was towed to the dealer. The oil was changed at the required mileage; however, the mechanic stated that the motor was beyond it's limit with oil and caused the engine to seize up. Before the engine failed the oil pressure gauge was illuminated. The current mileage was 69,000, and the failure mileage was unknown. The engine was replaced and the owner has possession of the old engine.

Filed Apr 2, 2007 · Engine, Fuel system · 127,000 miles · GA

Transmission failure after 6 years. My transmission temperature light came on and I was not able to accelerate over 5-10 MPH. I was told by the dealer that my warranty had expired and it was over the mileage. However, I would have to pay $6,000 to have everything fixed. These were the issues: - transmission re-haul ($4,150) - catalytic converter ($1,100) - differential service ($500) *jb this is absolutely ridiculous to pay $6,000 for transmission services after 6 years old.

Filed Oct 6, 2006 · Engine · VA

After being adamant about the maintenance on my truck, the oil pressure dropped and my engine locked. Needed to be replaced, was told it was "gunked" up and pieces were in it.

Filed Jul 26, 2006 · Engine, Suspension · 64,000 miles · NC

2001 dodge durango upper ball joints were corroded. *ts the consumer received a recall letter after she had already experienced the failure. With only 64,000 miles on the vehicle, the engine failed.

Filed Jul 22, 2006 · Electrical, Engine · 51,000 miles · NJ

After the check engine warning light went on and was addressed by a local authorized mechanic, the vehicle warning tones begin sounding continuously, the remote radio controls stopped functioning and the rear wiper would go on intermittently. The vehicle was brought back to the same mechanic who performed a computer diagnostic but could find no issues. After which all vehicle lights began flashing when the headlights are turned on.

Filed Jul 18, 2006 · Engine · 82,000 miles · CA

Dt*: the contact stated that when the vehicle slows to a stop, the oil pressure gauge drops to zero. When the vehicle's speed increased, the gauge would rise. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer, where the dealer determined that the vehicle was operating normally.

Filed Jul 12, 2006 · Engine, Transmission · 56,765 miles · OR

1. Not sure if its transmission or what, while driving, periodically feels like transmission bumps very hard like it was taken out of gear then put back in while RPM's were high, also feels that the overdrive slips while engaging, which the engagement point is set to low,ie below 40 MPH. 2. While driving and holding the throttle steady at cruise speed, or at take off from stop, when you press on the gas pedal nothing happens, as you press a little farther, it all of a sudden is as if you floored the accelerator. The durango has been in for service 4 times so far and the dealer has not been able to duplicate nor have the problems been fixed. The vehicle is currently under warranty.

Filed Apr 5, 2006 · Engine · 63,000 miles · GA

Oil pressure dropped, check engine light came on, pulled on & checked oil - ok. Then lights came on again & durango stalled as we were pulling over on the interstate. Towed to service center, sludge in engine, new engine $6000. Regular oil changed were performed, should not have had sludge in engine. I have learned that there are hundreds of durango owners have had to pay thousands of dollars of unjustified charges because of dodge's failure to admit that the engines of some durangos develop sludge when you check the following websites you'll immediately see the pattern: consumeraffairs.com, carsurvey.org, or simply google "oil pressure durango" or "durango sludge".

Filed Oct 21, 2005 · Engine · 81,000 miles · MD

Our 2001 dodge durango made a strange knocking noise in the engine and suddenly lost oil pressure. The engine then seized up and we are now told we need a new engine in the vehicle. We were told by the dealership that the cause was excessive sludge in the engine. We have done regular oil changes and routine maintenance on the vehicle. The durango has only 80,00 miles on it. We have a 1993 chevrolet truck which has 183,000 miles on it . We have also done routine maintenance and regular oil changes on it and it is still running well. We also have a 1993 jeep wrangler which has 170,000 miles on it. It is also running well. We are suspect that there must be a major flaw in the design of the dodge durango engine as we have since heard of similar stories from many other dodge durango owners.

Filed May 23, 2005 · Engine · 47,500 miles · NY

Dt: without warning the check engine light came on and oil pressure dropped, vehicle made a noise like a ticking sound. Truck was taken to dealer, who said he would check it out, and if the engine was bad it will have to be replaced at owner's expense. Manufacturer has not been contacted yet. Caller said there was a good possibility that the problem was an oil sludge.

Filed May 16, 2005 · Engine · VA

We have regular oil changes on our 2001 dodge durango with 67,000 miles. About two week ago the oil gauge would show normal oil pressure and than would show no oil pressure at all. We had a vehicle serviced and was told that it was the oil sending unit. Two weeks later we it replaced again. Next we were told that we needed an engine flush and that would solve our problem. We told it a dodge dealer and had a bilstein engine done on it. After the engine flush we were told to bring it back around 500 miles and change the oil again. We drove it two blocks and had to return to the dealer. The oil gauge was doing the same thing and the engine was knocking. We were told by the dealership that there was probably oil sludge in the oil pan and leave it. We left it with the dealer and now we are being told that we need a new engine. I feel that there is a problem with dodge and their oil sludge issue. I find out that there are my others with this issue and are being told that they did not take of their vehicles.

Filed Mar 18, 2005 · Engine · 74,000 miles · MD

The check engine light came on. Consumer took the vehicle in to be checked and emission flow sensor was replaced, however, the check engine light was still on.

Filed Mar 15, 2005 · Engine · CA

I have a dodge durango 2001. I notice that the water pump is in the middle of the electric wires and when the water pump broke the water ruins the electric wires and they have to be changed because it starts to short circuit and the water can go to the motor and the motor can die.

Filed Oct 25, 2004 · Engine · 246 miles · TX

We purchased the car on december 1 2000 and it was back at the dealer on dec 2 2000, for over heating. Then again on 4-05-01 for over heating, and again on 8-30-01 for the same, and again on 10-16-01 for the same. Then 12 more times after the last date listed. There has been 2 new engines put into this car. The dealer has paid for the repairs every time but one. The last time this happened I was crossing two lanes of on comming traffic when my car died, I had my 3 kids in the car. We were able to role out of the intersection before being hit. We are trying to get a buy back from chrysler. Please help. If you have any info that will help in this process we would love to know about it. Thanks for your help.

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