1998 Dodge Durango 5.2

Summary:

Lemon City... fundamentally unsound...

Faults:

Car was delivered with a torn interior compartment ceiling. Replaced by the dealership.

At 12,000 miles the air conditioner failed.

At 16,000 miles brake fluid leaked behind the fire wall and into the drivers compartment (required all front space carpeting be replaced).

At 40,000 miles the front brakes required replacement (primarily highway driving).

At 42,000 miles the lower front ball joints required replacement (no off road driving to speak of). This failed the car for inspection.

General Comments:

Would have guessed most problems related to the chassis were resolved during the Dakota manufacturing run. Guessed wrong.

Dodge has been uncooperative and consistent in their unwillingness to offer assistance.

No longer allow passengers in this vehicle - not sure what will fail next.

Will not purchase another Dodge Product.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th August, 2000

1st May 2001, 20:51

This guy probably beat this car pretty bad, any truck needs brakes every 20-30 thousand miles.

30th May 2001, 10:22

No kidding has this guy ever owned a vehicle that didn't need the front pads changed @ 40,000 miles.

12th Jun 2001, 08:14

Not brake pads, Brakes. I have had the same problems.

16th Aug 2001, 21:21

Sooooo true! I have 47000 miles and need new brakes in front - the mechanic said he has seen nicer parts in the junk yard than what Dodge put on these Durango's.

I also need 2 upper and one lower ball joint and a tie rod. An easy $800 repair bill.

Never been off road! Very well maintained and also a lot of highway miles. Would not recommend this vehicle!

20th Sep 2002, 23:32

1998 Durango Owner

26,000 miles (hardly drive it)

Brakes squeal, I tried ceramic and semi-metallic pads, and then replaced the rotors with new. Still same problem.

Window switch replaced by dealer. I love the truck, and I will by another new one if they resolve, or admit to the braking system problems. Its too bad such a perfect family vehicle has so many mechanical and electrical problems...

27th Apr 2003, 15:52

I just bought a 1998 Dodge Durango. It seems to when ever I let it sit for a few hour, it take at least 2 times to start. Is this something you have experience. I was told this is normal.

Jim.

17th Aug 2006, 14:07

The Durango's have a squeal in the brakes. It's just noise and doesn't effect the brake system at all. I have over 180,000 miles on my truck and it's been a very reliable truck.