Dodge Durango engine failure problems

Filed Sep 19, 2026 · Engine · MO

Defect causes premature wear and deterioration of camshafts and lifters, causing engine failure.

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · Engine · PA

Started having problems with the engine losing power and sputtering was told by a repair shop that the engine needs replaced it has been sitting since

Filed Apr 16, 2026 · Engine · CA

Engine light came on, no warning. Took to garage to check diagnostic system, went through system, did some work and light went off. Week later, light back on..took back to garage - they documented all they saw within diagnostic system and sent me to dealer. There was no indication of failure, drove fine but dealer made appt. Did some research and found out this year/make/model had complete engine failure at low mileage. No recall ever made. 3.6L Pentastar V6. Dealer took apart manifold, ran compression test, intake/exhaust valves leaking, engine block flatness - had to replace engine block. No precipitation of this issue other than engine light. A complete engine failure without an accident, at low mileage and a known issue without a recall on a specific engine is quite concerning. I basically paid $14, 400 for a new engine where I could have bought a used Durango . My 2000 Durango had well over 100k miles when I donated to charity and purchased this 2015 in 2016 off lot as used with 22 miles on it. I am not sure how to reconcile this damage and out-of-pocket expense for a known issue when no recall was made. Did I buy a lemon? Given the same engine was put back in, will I have to replace again in another 50k miles? I feel like I am due some type of refund given this problem is a known problem but no recall was issued. Thankfully it did not overheat, blow the engine while driving or cause an accident given this issue was a ticking time bomb.

Filed Jan 13, 2026 · Engine · VA

Over time, the valvetrain in my engine became gradually louder. Because there were no check engine lights or fault codes, I initially assumed this was a normal characteristic of the engine. That changed on January 2, 2026, when I began to hear a pronounced knocking/loud tapping noise accompanied by a cylinder 8 misfire. At that point, I stopped driving the vehicle and had it towed to a repair shop. Based on the symptoms, we initially believed the issue would be limited to a camshaft and lifter replacement. However, after draining the oil and cutting open the oil filter, a significant amount of metal debris was discovered. Further inspection revealed that one camshaft lobe had been worn down nearly smooth and the corresponding lifter had failed. When the camshaft was removed for full evaluation, all other lobes showed normal, even wear. Only the lobe associated with the failed lifter exhibited catastrophic damage beyond repair. As a result of the metal contamination throughout the engine, a full engine replacement was required rather than a repair of individual components. The basis of my complaint is that this failure appears to be a well-documented and common issue with the 6.4L HEMI engine equipped with MDS. I have since reviewed numerous reports and forum discussions describing nearly identical failures—often beginning with increased valvetrain noise, followed by a single-cylinder misfire and extensive internal damage. This was not the result of neglect or abuse, but rather a known failure mode that ultimately led to the complete loss of the engine.

Filed Jan 6, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CO

Took vehicle in for cooling issues, leaking coolant. Garage did courtesy inspection and determined oil cooler failure had caused catastrophic damage to the engine, requiring replacement. Mechanic informed me this particular shop deals with this issue 3-5 times every week, with about one per month requiring full engine replacement. The engine is the 3.6L V6 Pentastar, which is standard in Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep and Plymouth vehicles and this is a defect known to the manufacturer. My mechanic informed me that both Dodge and the current manufacturer of the engine had tried and failed to correct the problem, because it is an actual design flaw. Caused in part, by the oil cooler being constructed of plastic and mounted at the top of the engine, it is subject to heat and warping which causes the failure. . Mechanic said this is typical around 100k miles. My Durango has 108k, 6k out of the warranty I bought for $4,500 at the dealership, just shy of 3 years ago. This is a known defect. Why is there no recall or remedy for a consumer now facing a $17,000 engine replacement on a $30,000 used vehicle? Dodge knows this is a problem, what is a consumer’s recourse for trusting they make quality vehicles when this presents a major safety issues to anyone with the 3.6L? My dealership never notified me of this issue, nor did the manufacturer. At least a heads up to change to an aftermarket metal oil cooler, to avoid catastrophic loss? This is wrong.

Filed Oct 27, 2025 · Electrical · PA

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Durango. The contact was informed that the vehicle was serviced under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V813000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), but the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the RPM fell to zero. In addition, the engine stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle still functioned; however, the engine failed to operate as designed. The contact stated that the failure persisted. Occasionally, the contact was able to coast to the side of the roadway, and at other times the vehicle remained in the roadway. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the failure occurred a short distance later. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Aug 14, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · NY

While enroute to a priority call our officer experienced a catastrophic engine failure. Said vehicle was in the day before for brakes, and our mechanic always does PM to include a check of coolant fluid level, oil and windshield washer fluid, and car was fine. Vehicle overheated, and shut down shortly after, taking officer out of service and leaving call without an police unit to respond. For personal vehicles this creates a risk of car failure, but for emergency responders it is a much higher safety risk based on the nature of our calls we are responding to. At one point last year i had 4 cars all down at once for same issue. I spoke with Dodge dealer who said this is a very common issue. I tried to file a complaint with Stellantis which was not helpful.

Filed Jun 27, 2025 · Engine · CA

2018 Dodge Durango GT with 47,000. The check engine light came on. Took it to a Dodge dealer for service. Diagnosis was head gasket failure, allowing coolant into the cylinder causing engine misfire and potential overheat and a blown engine. This appears to be an ongoing issue with the Penstar V6 engine. This is a safety concern because the vehicle may break down while driving or overheat without warning, creating a power loss while driving

Filed Jun 11, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · NY

The heating hose exploded due to unknown pressure and ended up getting steaming, hot coolant, and all the cylinders and causing engine failure on a Dodge Durango that I purchased 80 days ago. and I have manufacturer, the dealer and an extended warranty, and after verbal and written promises, now I’m left with almost a $20,000 bill and no car and wasting money on rentals. I have filed to BBB and other complaints towards the dealership. I have tons of other people who have had similar problems with this year and model and newer.

Filed Jan 24, 2025 · Brakes · WA

Vehicle fitted with optional high-performance Brembo brakes as part of the tow-n-go package. Front calipers are seized at just over 40k miles. Passenger side pads worn 1/4" more than drivers side. Luckily did not cause an accident however this seems to be a very common problem with these brakes if you google it, many similar reports. Vehicle barely 4 years old. $5k+ repair bill at a Dodge dealer for new calipers, discs and pads and Dodge won't cover it under (now expired) warranty even though the uneven pad wear was missed at last service (so much for safety inspection).