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Dodge Durango transmission failure problems

71 of the 13,795 owner complaints about the Dodge Durango describe complete transmission failure, most of them for the 2000 model year.

owner complaints
71
worst model year
2000
typical repair cost reported
$3,200
typical mileage
61,000
Is there a fix? There are 10 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Apr 2, 2026 · Engine, Suspension · NJ

1) Major transmission failure, fluid leakage, and visible undercarriage corrosion on a newly leased car with under 3K miles on it. Additional: Losing vehicle function. Car would not shift into gear and would not move. Car is currently at the dealership in which it was leased. 2) Yes, huge safety concern. Losing vehicle function while traveling on a bridge—with limited ability to safely stop posed a serious risk to our safety and to others on the road. 3) Yes, problem has been confirmed by dealer. 4) The vehicle has not been inspected at this time by anyone other than the dealership in which it was leased. 5)While accelerating at approximately 30–35 mph, the vehicle began emitting a high-pitched whining noise, similar to sound of a remote-control toy car. The vehicle then started jerking back and forth during acceleration. Shortly after, the “Check Engine” light illuminated. We activated our hazard lights, reduced speed to approximately 10-20 mph, exited the bridge, and pulled into an emergency stopping area. There was no prior warning that there was a problem.

Filed May 19, 2025 · Engine · MD

Bought a used 17 Dodge Durango from Audi Hunt Valley of autonation July of 2024 nothing but any problem misfires camshaft issue camshaft has been replaced twice now in less than a year and now it needs a new transmission. I purchased an extended warranty for engine and transmission. Now they are not covering it I spoke to somebody through corporate office. Put a complaint in. I also contacted Dodge. There’s also a claim with them as well. Nobody has reached out for the corporate office so I bought a vehicle that didn’t even last a year that needs a transmission. That’s not a reliable vehicle safety concern I have all documentation from repair shops that work has been done. I’ve also have been in contact with an attorney about this so something needs to be done ASAP before I file a lawsuit. I want a different vehicle or my money back.

Filed Mar 23, 2023 · Driver assistance, Transmission · IL

When I made it to my home town I went in got gas for my truck and then a few hours later my check engine light came on so I took it to O’Reillys and got it checked out they said my second shift wasn’t responding so I took it to Dodge green and they said my transmission went out.

Filed Oct 19, 2022 · Transmission · 160,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a Customer Satisfaction Campaign: V51 (Power Train) repair; however, the contact stated that after the vehicle was retrieved; while driving at an unknown speed, the transmission failed to shift as needed with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission solenoid failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Filed Sep 19, 2022 · Transmission · VA

upon approach to a left turn yield, I attempted to accelerate into traffic when the automatic transmission failed into 4th gear ( transmission shift solenoid) and was unable to shift up or down through the gears and was unable to shift into the drive position. there were no other indications of failure prior to this point, I.E no engine or transmission warning lights. if there would have been oncoming traffic at the time of entry into the flow of traffic it may have caused a catastrophic rear end accident due to the vehicle inability to accelerate as usual. will have the vehicle serviced immediately. this has happened once before with the same vehicle approximately 2 years ago and the transmission shift solenoid was the issue and had been replaced by a local service center at the time.

Filed Jan 17, 2022 · Fuel system, Transmission · MI

Several repairs for sensor Labor: Check and advise the check engine light is on and the vehicle wants to stall when accelerating. Vehicle loses engine power but has not stalled completely (low/reverse solenoid circuit. Test and replaced transmission solenoid assembly; cost: $819.65, prior to that $1200.00, $546.00. I'm unemployed and the truck costing more repairs. The plastic on radiator has cracked all the way cross and leaks coolant, stop radiator leak encourage by dealership and to seal leak or replace radiator (it's upsetting and its cost me thousands of dollars, my last two SUV was dodge Durango and I love them but this one has given the most problems and cost me financially. Plus, when I purchased the dealership replace windshield because of flaw in glass and it wasn't repaired correctly and Oakland County Sheriff said my truck was dangerous, but you said it was fine. Plus, the wrapped chrome grill has been replaced twice because it bubbles up. Information listed at your dealerships: Purchased at Milosch's Palace Chrysler Jeep Dodge (work performed) 3800 S. Lapeer Rd Lake Orion, MI 48359 Milosch Dodge Inc. 677 S. Lapeer Rd Lake Orion, MI 48326 Golling Chrysler Jeep Dodge Inc 2405 S. Telegraph Rd. Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 2483343600 Firestone Complete Auto Care Pontiac/Waterford 2385 Elizabeth Lake Rd Waterford, MI 48328-3309 Tow company from sensor: Buckhorn Service 1258 S. Lapeer Road Po box 251 lake Orion MI 48360 (248)693-9375 Goodyear Auto Service Center 50300 Woodward Avenue Pontiac, MI 48342 (248)3356167 Monro Auto dba Speedy Auto 3484 Highland Rd. Waterford Mi 48328 (248)6816500 Other Tow companies had to tow under insurance policy for sensor. It's my truck[XXX] now current address [XXX] and the service work was completed under the following names in the system [XXX] Father),[XXX] (self) and son [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Dec 4, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · 105,000 miles · AZ

I had significant oil leaks in my driveway for the last few months. I noticed my check engine light was on at 105,000 miles. I took it to a mechanic to get serviced. They replaced transmission fluid (purchased at dodge dealership) and serviced any other areas. I received the vehicle back and noticed it was still leaking a great amount. I took it back to the mechanic thinking the issue was not solved. The mechanic then advised me that there is an oil leak next to the oil cooler and when parked at an incline, it begins to leak profusely. He said this is very common with dodge durango's and reached out to the dealership to inquire about recalls. They indicated there is no current recall. This is very disappointing. I have seldom driven the car since the pandemic and have upkeep the maintenance on the vehicle. I am the second owner and purchased the vehicle in 2016.

Filed Nov 14, 2020 · Transmission · VA

The check engine light came on, and it was taken to the dealer a few days later for service. I was told that it was code p0741: torque converter clutch circuit performance and that it was a chrysler star case: s1321000013, which meant that the only solution was to replace the transmission, at a cost of $5,000. The vehicle had an extended warranty that recently expired, only has around 84,500 miles and has been serviced regularly. I contacted chrysler for financial assistance as this issue was not my fault and was denied. Called in twice, wrote a formal letter of complaint, and sent an email to chrysler complaint department. Have yet to receive any response back. Vehicle is not safe to drive and currently parked.

Filed Feb 6, 2019 · Transmission · 85,000 miles · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 dodge durango. While driving, the transmission caused the vehicle to jerk violently when the rpms reached a certain number. The failure occurred often and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that a new transmission needed to be installed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.

Filed Oct 13, 2018 · Transmission · GA

Our durango was purchased brand new in 2013. By the first 10,000 miles I could tell that the transmission was slipping. It would sound out of gear a lot of times, and would lack power when accelerating as if I weren't giving it gas. I reported this to the dealership, who repeatedly dismissed it as being nothing. Finally at approx. 30,000 miles+, my check engine light came on. The dealership dismissed it as being a sensor problem. But the check engine light came back on within a week. The dealership attributed this to the weather! Finally at approx. 45,000 miles, the dealership said my torque converter was bad and I needed a new transmission. However, instead of putting in a new transmission, they rebuilt ours. Some 40,000 miles later, we noticed the same symptoms again. However, no check engine light came on. And once again, we were told it was nothing. As the problem persist, we decided to take the vehicle in for a transmission servicing. However, the dealership could not do it. We were told that our torque converter was bad again, and we needed a new transmission. But this time we would have to pay for it, as the warranty had expired at 100,000 miles. Never mind the fact that they had to replace/rebuilt it at 45,000 miles. Go figure? Fast forward to the present.....our transmission has gone out again. This will be the third replacement, and fourth transmission for our vehicle. Something is definitely wrong. We've also noticed that the truck will stall at times while in motion. It will simply turn off! This was terrifying, and by the grace of god, didn't cause an accident.

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shiftReported September 18, 2023 · 125 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Dodge Durango Pursuit vehicles equipped with an instrument panel mounted shifter. The shifter may experience an interference with the shifter boot and come out of gear while driving, which can result in a sudden loss of drive power.
Risk
A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the instrument panel mounted shifter boot, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 94A.

Recall number 23V640000 · Recall details

Power train: manual transmission: column shift assemblyReported November 23, 2022 · 5,834 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Charger and Durango vehicles. The shifter assembly was not properly heat-treated, which can prevent the shifter from properly engaging in the "drive" position.
Risk
An improperly engaged shifter assembly may slip out of the "drive" position, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the shifter assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall ZB3.

Recall number 22V866000 · Recall details

Power train: driveline: differential unitReported March 26, 2020 · 515 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. The front differential may have been assembled with pinion gears that are insufficiently hardened, which can lead to the gear teeth wearing down. If both pinion gears have their teeth sufficiently worn off, torque power can not be transferred from the front wheels to the driveline, resulting in loss of power while driving and loss of the PARK function when stationary.
Risk
A sudden loss of power while driving or loss of the transmission PARK function can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front differential, free of charge. The recall began May 21, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W22.

Recall number 20V183000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported May 1, 2018 · 71 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
Risk
If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.

Recall number 18V280000 · Recall details

Power train: axle assembly: axle shaftReported August 31, 2017 · 4 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Dodge Durango vehicles. The vehicles may have been assembled with rear axle halfshafts that are too short.
Risk
If a halfshaft is too short, it may disengage from the differential causing a loss of drive and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace both halfshafts, free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T55.

Recall number 17V541000 · Recall details

Power train: driveline: differential unitReported February 6, 2013 · 278,674 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.
Risk
If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
Remedy
On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with the federal safety agency, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑247‑9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N08.

Recall number 13V038000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shiftReported December 4, 2007 · 576,418 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain van and pickup trucks equipped with automatic transmissions, the ignition/park shift interlock system may become inoperative. This can allow the shifter to be moved out of the "park" position with the ignition key removed (or in the "lock" position). This can also allow the ignition key to be removed when the shifter has not been placed in the "park" position.
Risk
Either of these conditions could allow the vehicle to roll away causing a crash without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the gearshift blocker and bracket assembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during january 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 07V555000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported September 7, 2006 · 4,770 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with automatic transmissions, the software programmed into the powertrain control module can cause a momentary lock up of the drive wheels if the vehicle is traveling over 40 MPH and the operator shifts from drive to neutral and back to drive.
Risk
If the drive wheels locked up, loss of vehicle control could occur increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module free of charge. The recall began on october 2, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 06V341000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported October 6, 2005 · 256,409 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain pickup trucks, sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with 42rle automatic transmissions, the cup plug that retains the park pawl anchor shaft may be improperly installed. If the shaft moves out of position, the vehicle may not be able to achieve 'park' position.
Risk
If this occurs and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away and cause a crash without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the transmissions and install a bracket to ensure the park pawl anchor shaft is retained in the proper position. The recall began on november 28, 2005. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 05V460000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shiftReported March 7, 2001 · 85,400 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: light duty trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with 4-wheel drive. The electric shift transfer case may not fully engage into gear when the operator moves the transfer case selector switch.
Risk
This could cause the transfer case to end up in the neutral position unexpectedly and allow the vehicle to roll away if the parking brake is not applied.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the transfer case control module. Owner notification began april 9, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 01V077000 · Recall details

Questions about the Dodge Durango transmission failure

Which Dodge Durango years have complete transmission failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2000 (16 complaints), 1999 (15 complaints) and 1998 (13 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix complete transmission failure on the Dodge Durango?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $3,200 (median of 10 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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