2003 Dodge Durango: engine failure

Filed Oct 24, 2011 · Engine · 80,000 miles · NY

While driving to work on secondary roads at approx 30mph, engine smoked, seized, over-heated, bucked and failed. Had it towed and mechanic immediately noticed sludge around top of some gasket. Before further inspection, he said immediately that it was not a good sign at all and most likely would need new engine. I was shocked as this truck is our secondary vehicle and has only been driven approx 20,000 miles in 3 years with regular oil changes and no issues whatsoever! No indication was given via warning lights of any issues nor was there any change in how it drove immediately prior to seizing. After a day, the mechanic confirmed it needed total engine replacement. We assumed we were being taken advantage of and had it towed to another repair place, who only went on to say the same: new engine needed! After researching this on-line it seems that many of this make and model have had issues with this, yet there is no recourse with the manufacturer. We were owners of a 1999 dodge durango prior to this and that vehicle also needed total engine replacement after 60 days but thankfully it was covered through the dealership. We are no longer under any type of warranty and since this is a known issue, we feel that daimler chrysler should recognize this known issue based on the amount of complaints there is regarding this! Not only will we be abandoning this vehicle, as we are told that if we replace the engine for approx $4000 it will more than likely happen again, but we will never, ever purchase a vehicle through this manufacturer again! Shame on daimler/chrysler for not acknowledging their fault!

Filed Apr 24, 2010 · Engine · 102,000 miles · NJ

While driving my 2003 dodge durango in which I am financing the vehicle since 2007 april, without warning my oil light came on and the car started to shake and the engine was banging really bad. The engine died on me., I was stuck on a bridge with 6 children 100 miles from home. The vehicle was well maintained and how could this happen. Now I am stuck paying for a truck that I can not use.

Filed Feb 20, 2009 · Engine · 79,000 miles · MD

Have a 2003 dodge durango 79,000 miles while driving oil pressure dropped to zero. Check gauge light came on afterwards. Took vehicle to two different repair shops both stated we needed a new engine. They said we needed a new engine due to oil sludge build up resulting in engine failure. Looked online only to find hundreds and hundreds of the same complaint on dodge durangos with low mileage. This obviously is not an isolated incident. There is a problem with the engines that people need to made aware of and dodge should be the ones to fix the problem.

Filed Jul 17, 2006 · Engine · 54,881 miles · NV

While driving down highway, the oil warning light came on. Immediately we pulled over and checked oil, which was fine. We started the car and began driving. While driving, the engine began to make a clicking noise. Immediately, I pulled over again and had to have the car towed to a dodge dealership. I was told by the dodge service department that the engine failure was due to sludge in the oil that blocked the screen to the oil pump. We would require a new engine. Dodge has denied our power train warranty due to the sludge.

Filed Jan 23, 2006 · Engine · 8,908 miles · 00

Sudden engine failure while driving.

Filed Mar 11, 2004 · Engine · 14,000 miles · VT · fire

While driving at 60 MPH the vehicle stalled and jerked. Another motorist informed the consumer that the vehicle was on fire. The consumer exited the vehicle, and watched the engine compartment become engulfed in flames. The fire was extinguished with no injuries. The dealer informed the consumer that engine threw a rod, and it punctured the oil pan. *ak the engine was replaced.