Faults:

From all I am now reading on this truck I am really getting scared. It all started with the cable snapping on the drivers side power window after two months of ownership. Next was the rear passenger's window would not go up or down. The dealer replaced the motor and the regulator. The same window broke again and the same parts were replaced. So far all the windows are working, but I need to run them up and down every time I drive the truck to keep them working.

The next to go was the oil pump. The dealer insisted it was a gage problem and tried replacing the gage and the sending unit. However, I did not trust them and tested the truck before taking delivery. Sure enough the pump was bad and had to be replaced.

Then the transmission speed sensor went out at 33,000 miles and was replaced. Now at 37,500 the speed sensor in the rear end was replaced since it too has failed.

General Comments:

I am really scared that this many things have gone wrong with this truck. I know people with the same make and model that have had the transmissions go out on them. It is a nicely styled truck with plenty of room for my family, but my wallet is running out of room for this truck!

Faults:

The first serious problem occurred at about 20,000 miles when the check engine light first came on. It took five tries and five months for it to be repaired, but after replacing my spark plugs five times (which does not pass the laugh test), they discovered my cylinder head was cracked. Customer service was abysmal and despite my pleas for help from Daimler Chrysler corporate, they were rude and useless.

In the midst of these repairs my head gasket blew.

My side mirrors have both cracked.

My back window broke and would no longer go up and down. (Dealer got black tar all over the back door well.)

Since 20,000 miles I have had a constant squealing from my engine. I have replaced the belt three times and the tensioner once, to no avail, the noise is still there.

The most recent chain of events occurred right at 50,000 miles (and within three weeks of each other). The check engine light returned, this time for a speed sensor, which once replaced, did not turn the light off. The battery died; the thermostat had to be replaced (I am suspicious this may be related to the previously mentioned head gasket). Last, but not least, the transmission is not automatically shifting and revs at dangerously high levels (which is most likely related to the fact that my check engine light is still on.)

No longer under warranty and in a lease for another nine months I am trapped in this vehicle! I strongly discourage anyone from buying this car.

General Comments:

This car has an attractive exterior.

But, beware the maintenance problems are overwhelming!

Faults:

Tie Rods at 50,000.

Metallic "grinding" around moderate corners (left or right).

General Comments:

Aside from the terrible (tough to emphasize that enough) dealer service and outrageous labor rates for second rate labor, the entire Durango experience has been a relatively trouble free one. The vehicle handles well in the snow, off-road's better than 90% of it's direct competitors (save the Grand Cherokee / Range Rover), tows large loads well and has been reliable.

The down side, of course is an average of 13.5 mpg highway.

Dealership replaced passenger side tie rod at ~50k miles, and ever since the alignment has been off, steering imprecise, grinding noises around corners, thumping from the passenger side suspension over rough roads, and noticible brake vibration and fade.