2005 Dodge Durango

Summary:

Oversold

Faults:

I have had the Dodge Durango in the shop twice now for issues dealing with the oil light and sludge in the engine. I took it just after 7 months of ownership to the dealership because my engine/oil light kept coming on and would not go off. After three oil changes, and being told that the engine had sludge in it, it finally went off. But not for good. It came on regularly thereafter.

Just a year later, I had it back to the dealership (a different one). It was towed this time. When I got it to the dealership they told me that the engine was full of sludge and that I needed to produce receipts for oil changes. It has been three weeks now and it's still in the garage.

General Comments:

Sludge seems to be a common issue with Dodge Durangos. I am having a difficult time believing that so many people can have the same issue.

The warranty will not cover my damage, and Chrysler is pointing the finger at the customer versus the car. So I owe 26k on a vehicle that is less than 2 years old, and needs the engine replaced.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th July, 2008

13th Mar 2009, 12:27

I am looking to buy a 2005, and wanted to take a look at some reviews before I made the investment. This is a 2005, the 3rd seat, looks very well kept. I have a large family, and need a vehicle that has the space that this truck has. I guess I am torn between the complaints and the "victory stories".

What I would like to know is this: If you were to buy another Durango, what would you pay for it? I understand that this is not your favorite vehicle... but if you had to buy another one... a 2005, what would you pay?

Last question: I do not see anywhere that any buyers issues began at a certain mileage "mark" so-to-speak, but... after a certain period of time. Is that accurate? I would hate to invest money into something like this when I just paid my car off. Unfortunately, it is a sports car, and it's impossible to stuff my family of 6 into it. SO... HOW MUCH WOULD YOU PAY & LENGTH OF TIME? OR MILEAGE POINT? Thanks for your honest help!

13th Mar 2009, 15:23

Here's how I would approach it: You sound nervous enough about the vehicle to ask some pretty serious questions. You might feel better if you listen to that nervous inner voice and just get something else. Your inner voice is telling you that if you buy a Durango, you are taking a risk. Right away that tells you that you would have to get a fabulous deal to make it worthwhile, like 30-50% of Blue Book.

Look at it like this: How much would you pay for a vehicle knowing that you might have to pay another $5,000 in repairs within 2 years. Go to Kelley Blue and compare prices for similar vehicles to the Durango. Then subtract $5,000 from the average price and there you go. Or look at it like gambling -- how much would you be willing to lose? Like if the engine or transmission went out within a year.

Risk assessment is difficult. All you can do is compare options to help decide what is reasonable.

2005 Dodge Durango SLT 4.7L

Summary:

Not worth the money

Faults:

My CD player has gone out and been replaced.

The ball joints went out at exactly 35000 miles, around the same time as the 2001 Durango I had. Also I had the same problem with my 2000 Caravan.

Now the transmission valve has locked up in this vehicle.

The windshield wiper pump has gone out.

General Comments:

This truck is not worth the money. I think the whole truck is a defect. I will never purchase another Dodge product; I have learned you can not buy vehicles because they look good.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th July, 2007

19th Apr 2009, 13:08

I have bought a 2005 Dodge Durango 4.7L SLT used for just under $10.000.00. I love the truck and have had no problems with it. I might be lucky and the old owner worked out all the bugs, and that just might say something for buying used!

5th Aug 2010, 15:31

Buying a Dodge Durango Limited Hemi WILL BE YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE!!!

I have a 2004 Dodge Durango and will never buy another! My vehicle has only 59,000 miles, and the other day in town my vehicle just completely shut down. I had no steering or brakes! The man that was behind me almost ran into me, and he started blowing his horn (like it was my fault). I started the vehicle back up, and went straight home and parked it. I had a towing truck to deliver it to a Chrysler dealership.

This should never happen to anyone, and these vehicles should be re-called before someone gets killed. What if I was on the interstate going 70 mph the speed limit, and this happens, would I be here today warning others??? I am 55 years old and 3 more payments my vehicle is paid off, that is almost $35,000.00 dollars I have paid. I won't even get to celebrate my last payment. The dealer has already said it will be $315.50 to pick-up, and they cannot say if my Dodge Durango will shut down and lock-up again..

Dealers are always so happy to see you when you want to purchase a new or used vehicle, and then when something goes wrong with that purchase and you bring that vehicle back, they don't like you anymore. Where is the happiness now! YOU SHOULD MAKE ALL YOUR CUSTOMERS HAPPY (they are paying your bills) NO MATTER WHAT, OR THEY WON'T COME BACK!!!

In reply to 19th Apr 2009, 13:08

2nd Aug 2015, 20:01

I paid 10,000 for my used 2005 Durango 3 1/2 years ago. It has the 5.7 hemi. I love the power that it has. It had 103,500 miles on it when I bought it. It now has 146,500 miles. I did have to replace the water pump and the trans cooler lines. Not a surprise, especially because of the way that I was driving it. I will probably replace it with a new Durango in a few years. I am happy with it now, because it still runs so quiet and so strong. I will keep it until it dies. To me, there is nothing like a good vehicle that has no payments.