2000 Dodge Durango RT 5.9

Summary:

An excellent vehicle for my needs - the wife likes it too!

Faults:

The transmission quit working in heavy snow at the end of December 2004 - replaced under extended warranty at no cost. Been fine since.

Rear shock absorbers quit working in winter - replaced with after market units - much improved ride.

General Comments:

I like the vehicle - great for towing.

Replaced air intake and filter with a KVN air filtyer kit - improved gas consumption.

Not having premium gas available locally I use an octane booster. this also helps gas consumption.

Ball joints were replaced under the recall, but they were OK.

Very comfortable, great handling, and so far reliable!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th May, 2005

20th Jan 2008, 09:26

Gotta love running premium! At least when my parts come in I have the right fuel in the tank and ready to go! My wife doesn't drive my 'truck'. Don't think of me as being mean, but I just won't let her!

2000 Dodge Durango SLT 5.2 liter

Summary:

Don't let the awesome look fool you, Durango's are JUNK!

Faults:

Well, I've learned my lesson. A great looking truck, very functional with 3rd row seating, but absolutely a money pit. I continue to pay a hefty truck payment and POUR money into it.

At 37,000 miles, AC: Drier and front expansion valve failure. Replaced front expansion valve and receiver drier. ($1300)

At 44,000 miles, Front End: Lower control arm bushings and upper spring bushings and new control arm. Replace right lower control arm and spring cushions. Align front end. ($700)

At 49,000 miles, Front end issues again. Took back to dealer on original work. Not sure exactly what they did, but something to do with bushings again.

At 56,000 miles, driver window motor replaced. ($200)

Currently, at 67,000, I'm experiencing 3 more issues. (1) I've been experiencing the "sludge" build-up that I've seen all over the Internet. My oil pressure was going from 40 PSI to 0...back and forth. The dealer flushed my engine & changed the oil. It was fine for about 7 months. Now, it's back. I'm looking at another $350 to now replace the oil pump, oil screen, pan and I need to start using synthetic oil with every change. (2) The passenger window is making a crazy noise when locking. The dealer says it's the lock actuator and I'm looking at $200 for that. (3) Hatch/lift support struts are gone. They don't hold up my hatch door any longer. I'm looking at $125 for the pair.

Other misc. stuff not right...

- Front brake rotors warped. Truck shakes when braking

- Back speakers blown. How does that happen with a factory radio/CD unit?

General Comments:

I love the way this truck looks, leather seats, 3rd row seating, dual air... but it is a lemon. I will never, ever buy another Dodge. I think it's time I go to a Honda or Toyota SUV to see if the rumors are true. I really can't believe the quality in my Durango. It is a junker. Do not let the great looks fool you. You'll go broke sinking money to keep in running.

My two cents...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th January, 2005

11th Jan 2005, 21:39

Hey just read your post, sorry you're so unhappy. Just going to tell you to have your mechanic change the plenum gasket. If this isn't done you will continue to have the sludge buildup. The faulty paper gasket has been upgraded to a rubber and metal one with new style bolts. That is your problem with sludge; oil pump is probably still good, but after changing the plenum intake gasket you'll need to have the motor flushed again. I also hear of a lot of people saying they are having front suspension problems. I've got 100,000 miles on both my 98 Durangos and have had no issues with the suspension or bushings. I do know that that huge engine in the thing is tough on the suspension, though its gonna be. Heck that's the same motor they put into the 1500 Dodge trucks. Mine both pull through brake pads like butter and front tires wear fast, getting about 2 yrs out of a set of tires and would probably be getting less if I didn't buy the beefy knobbly tires that I do. They naturally take more time to wear. I still, however, love my Dodge Durangos. It's a love/hate thing.

I guess you could say Toyota 4-Runners rock. The best ones are the older ones with the 22RE motor. Engine last virtually forever. You have to work to tear it up and I mean work hard. Don't buy a gutless Nissan whatever you do, Jay.

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