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2004 Dodge Durango engine complaints

Page 5 of 20: complaints 101 to 130 of 575, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2004 Dodge Durango engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Feb 13, 2015 · Engine · 150,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge durango. While starting the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal rattling sound. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that the engine had a hole because the rod blew out of the engine. The engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 3/31/15*cn updated 04/14/15

Filed Feb 2, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 141,300 miles · OR

Started car for first time after bad rainstorm over weekend. Heard very loud clanging noise. Hole in oil pan, oil leaked out everywhere. After taking apart the motor, service center discovered a rod shaft had sheared in half and shot through the engine block and oil pan. Discovered it was caused by water getting into engine through spark plugs. Because of this, the warranty company won't cover an engine replacement. We have taken in this vehicle to same service station before over the two years we have owned it because it would stall while driving in bad rainstorm. Could never find a problem. Read a lot of articles online attributing all of this to a design flaw in the hood of this vehicle. I know we are not the only owners of a 2004 dodge durango who have experienced this. Something needs to be done to resolve the design flaw and compensate us for having to replace an engine that, apart from being in a poorly designed car, is otherwise in great condition.

Filed Jan 27, 2015 · Engine · 77,000 miles · FL

The rain she attempted to start the vehicle a loud unknown noise came from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician diagnosed the engine needed to be replaced. No repairs were made to the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'

Filed Jan 21, 2015 · Engine · 133,000 miles · TX

Went out to start vehicle in the morning and it would not crank over. Tried several times, it was raining at the time. Left vehicle for a few hours, returned later to start and loud clunk coming from motor. Lifted hood and found intake to be totally covered in water. Water was flowing down windshield and directly over top of motor. Upon inspection connecting rod was broken due to hydro locking. Apparently this is a prominent issue with this model. Engine needs to be replaced.

Filed Jan 20, 2015 · Engine · 111,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge durango. The contact stated that while parked, the hydro extension cylinder became fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,000.

Filed Jan 19, 2015 · Engine · 160,069 miles · MO

Daughter was driving vehicle on the highway. Vehicle started shaking and then made loud noise like a hammer hitting engine, then started smoking white smoke coming from the engine. Vehicle quit running. Daughter was able to get to the shoulder. Tried starting again and engine was running very rough, smelled like electrical burn and blowing white smoke. Shut off engine and had vehicle towed. Mechanic stated engine has to be replaced. Having vehicle towed to dodge dealer for second opinion.

Filed Jan 17, 2015 · Engine · 99,851 miles · GA

As I was driving down the street in light rain my 2004 dodge durango begin to shake and stall. As I came to a stop I recall the SUV smoking. I stop the SUV immediately and could tell the smoke was coming from under the hood. I notified my mechanic and had the truck towed to the shop where he told me the cowl panel was allowing water to leak onto my engine which would cause water to get into my intake that would result into a blown engine. I notified chrysler/dodge to no avail they act as if they have never heard of the issue, which is surely incorrect because of all the post of people would common issues with there dodge durango. This should definitely be a recall.

Filed Jan 16, 2015 · Engine · 100,000 miles · KS

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge durango. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start on the first attempt. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Jan 15, 2015 · Engine · 155,000 miles · MO

We have kept this durango in immaculate shape and have consistently done of the recommended upkeep on the vehicle. We change the oil every 3,000 miles. I was driving down the road going approximately 50 miles per hour when without warning the engine just started making a loud noise. It was dangerous because I had nowhere to pull over and had to continue approximately 1 mile before I could get to a shoulder and behind me were multiple vehicles. Underneath the vehicle was oil. The mechanic says that there is a hole in the engine and it is completely blown-catastrophic. Engine failure that will cost $6000 to replace. Although we have used the vehicle for 10 years, we have barely put 12000 miles per year on it. After some research on the internet we found out that there hundreds if not thousands of other similar complaints on this engine, many of them probably unreported to the federal safety agency. The '05 and later models do not show anywhere near a similar amount of engine failure complaints. I would have to believe that there have. We are disgusted and would like someone to look into this-a class action lawsuit.

Filed Jan 12, 2015 · Engine · 130,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge durango. While driving 40 MPH, the contact heard a banging noise coming from the vehicle and the engine completely shut off without warning. The vehicle restarted and was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the engine was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Jan 11, 2015 · Engine · 141,000 miles · MD

Tried to start my truck and all I am hearing is loud knocking. No notice of anything being wrong! According to all the research I have done to figure out what the sound is, it is most likely the hydrolock problem that chrysler is aware of. I am lucky that this did not happen when I was driving , or someone could have gotten seriously hurt or killed . Is that what chrysler is waiting for before something is done? If we would have known this issue was even possible of happening we may have been able to prevent it by fixing the seal. Now we have a vehicle that looks pretty, but is undrivable, and can't afford to fix it.

Filed Dec 29, 2014 · Engine · 87,500 miles · MA

Had just fixed the sensors on the truck, put new battery and new tires. Totaling over $1200. Driving through unavoidable puddles on the highway, during a heavy rain in my area of 4.5 inches. Parked the car in my driveway and went to start it the next morning and heard this very loud grinding. Had the car towed. Diagnosis: engine hydrolock. Apparently dodge has known of this problem as I see thousands of complaints on youtube and similar sites. A $130 part could've prevented this from happening but we were never notified of the problem. Not sure what to do at this point. Dodge refusing to help and insurance saying it is a known defect so they won't cover it either.

Filed Dec 26, 2014 · Engine · 132,000 miles · IL · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge durango. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and stalled without warning. In addition, the contact smelled a burning odor and saw smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.

Filed Dec 23, 2014 · Engine · 111,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge durango. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal noise coming from the engine area. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,000.

Filed Dec 19, 2014 · Engine · 94,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge durango. The contact stated that when attempting to start the vehicle, there was a ticking noise coming from the vehicle. In addition, there was another abnormal noise coming from the passenger side of the vehicle. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where the diagnostic testing results were unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000.

Filed Dec 16, 2014 · Engine · 179,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge durango. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the pulley and timing belt were replaced but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the piston blew out. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 179,000.

Filed Dec 15, 2014 · Engine · 197,000 miles · TN

I continue to have engine failure. The vehicle continues to die when making a turn, or low speed. I have done several things to fix this. Changed the battery, oil changes, radiator flush. Please advise on what I need to do to get this fixed. There isn't any codes on the check engine computer.

Filed Dec 4, 2014 · Engine · 105,000 miles · NJ

I have a 2004 dodge durango limited with a 5.7 hemi engine. We had a heavy rain storm at night and the next morning I went to start up the car and heard a loud noise in the engine upon start up followed by a loud knocking noise from the engine. Had to get it towed to a shop where they discovered rain water seeped into the cylinder which blew the rod and pistons due to the heavy rain water coming down the windshield and sitting on top of the engine overnight. I still owe 7000.00 on the loan and needs a new engine. Now dodge knows about the flaw and will not back up there bad design flaw and fix my engine. So I have no car and a 7000.00 balance left I have to still pay. Dodge should replace my engine since their design caused it to blow up in the first place >>>please help don't let dodge get away with not fixing their mistake and now I have no car and have to walk to work or take the bus plus I have to pay ny car loan 7000.00 balance...is there any justice !!

Filed Nov 19, 2014 · Engine · 90,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge durango. After the vehicle was parked for a prolonged period of time, the contact attempted to restart the vehicle. The engine started to knock violently. The contact immediately shut off the vehicle and it was never restarted. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Nov 7, 2014 · Engine · 138,951 miles · PA

Was driving and my engine was making knocking noises, but no check engine light, and then as I accelerated, my engine made a loud bang and my check engine light came on.smoke was flying out my tail pipe and my car started to shake.

Filed Nov 7, 2014 · Engine · 130,000 miles · KS

While driving at highway speed in rain, the vehicle began making a loud,almost rough roaring sound and the vehicle started sputtering as if it were going to stall. After taking an exit to investigate, the vehicle died and took multiple attempts to restart. This has happened multiple times while driving and vehicle dies in auto car washes. After reading similar posts about this problem, I'm extremely concerned this could cause a crash with a high potential of death for me, my passengers and others that may become involved.

Filed Nov 4, 2014 · Engine · 96,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge durango. While driving during inclement weather, the vehicle hesitated to drive on multiple occasions without warning. Also, the vehicle failed to start occasionally. The contact was a mechanic and diagnosed that water seeped into the motor and caused the motor to fail. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

Filed Oct 27, 2014 · Body, Engine · 140,000 miles · FL

Rain poured through the wiper cowl and saturated the engine causing it to hydro-lock and blow a rod. This is just one of thousands of complaints about this vehicle. This is obviously a very dangerous manufacturer defect and no one is doing anything about it. Is the government waiting for more people to be killed on the highways due to this? Please advise if something is being done about this. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Filed Oct 27, 2014 · Brakes, Engine · 110,890 miles · TX · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge durango. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled during inclement weather. The vehicle was able to restart after numerous attempts. The contact also stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle was driving unstable and there was a loud abnormal noise. In addition, the steering wheel seized and the brake pedal failed to respond. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle and spun around causing it to roll over. The contact crashed into an embankment. The contact was unconscious upon hitting her head on the driver's side window. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the head, the chest that required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The VIN was not available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,890.

Filed Oct 24, 2014 · Engine · 76,000 miles · NY

After heavy rainfall, the engine would not start. The car was towed to a mechanic who told me that the engine was blown. No precursors, no check engine lights, now warning signs.

Filed Oct 22, 2014 · Engine · 75,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge durango. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the engine stalled. The vehicle was able to restart and there was an abnormal noise. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred during rain weather conditions. The contact discovered that the engine was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

Filed Oct 6, 2014 · Engine · TX

Vehicle dies when it rains or if you go through a car wash. The engine shuts off and all power is lost. This is a very well known problem of this vehicle, yet dodge has done nothing for it. It is extremely dangerous when it suddenly dies in traffic plus it is raining. We have taken it to several dodge dealers over the past five years, yet they claim they don't know how to fix it even though there is a service bulletin for it, but not a recall.

Filed Oct 3, 2014 · Engine · 115,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge durango. While driving approximately 35 MPH and making a right turn, the engine stalled without warning. The failure only occurred during inclement weather or after the vehicle was washed. The vehicle would only restart after the vehicle was completely dry. The failure occurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician diagnosed that water leaked into the engine and spark plugs, which caused corrosion. The spark plugs were replaced, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

Filed Oct 1, 2014 · Engine · 162,000 miles · MI

I was driving and accelerated to pass a vehicle. As I slowed down there was a loud bang. I pulled off to the side, lifted the hood, and saw a slight wisp of smoke. I attempted to restart the vehicle without success. As it was being towed, I noticed oil leaking from the engine. In researching this issue, I've seen hundreds of complaints of the same thing happening. The vehicle has been well maintained as far as oil changes, etc.

Filed Oct 1, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · NC

We purchased our pre-owned 2004 5.7 limited edition in january 2007. It had around 40,000 miles. Within a year or so after, the cd changer stopped working, and then the radio would sometimes not work after heavy rain. During a heavy downpour the car would shake and sometimes turn-off, leaving me and 2 small kids stranded on the side of the highway until the rain lightened enough for the car to start again. Whenever we would take the car in to be repaired for this problem, we were always told they couldn't find anything wrong that would cause those types of problems, but we had numerous repairs that we now think were probably related to the water problem, such as a new starter, repairs for a coolant leak,etc. In early 2014 the car began having problems with overheating. A few days after a two or three day period of near constant rain I went to start the car and it sounded like it was flooded or something. Then there was a long bang followed by a terrible noise coming from the engine. Had it towed and looked at by two different mechanics who said there was a hole in the block and the engine would have to be replaced. I just recently decided to search the internet to see if any other people had this problem and have found hundreds of posts by consumers who had this very same thing happen to this model dodge durango. It seems appropriate for dodge to be investigated for this and pay us for thousands of dollars spent on repairs, tows, having to sit dangerously on the side of highways when the car would turn of in the heavy rain, and the fact that we ended up just having to junk our car for a few hundred bucks and will now have to purchase a brand new car we cannot afford when we had just paid this one off two years prior. They should be held accountable for basically selling cars with defective components to unsuspecting buyers for tens of thousands of dollars!!!

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