13th Nov 2002, 17:02

The mysterious oil disappearing is cuased by an Intake Manifold leak.

I have a 1999 Durango with the 5.9 Litre engine. At 50,000 miles I had the same problem. When I took it to the dealership they almost laughed when they said " Oh, you have the 5.9 L engine this is happening on a lot of them, we can get you taken care of". $$850.00 later and a new intake manifold gasket to show for it THAT problem is cured.

But that's only one of the issues I've had with mine.

Things I've replaced are:

Battery, shocks, left and right ball joints, Power steering pump, intake manifold gasket, front and rear brakes, serpentine belt, and most recently the head is leaking anti-freeze into the engine. the head alone was another $1700.00. Total of almost $5000. in maintanence. repairs in the last 4 months.

After I finish this I'm heading off to try and trade it in on a Ford or Chevy. I can't afford to keep replacing all these defective parts on a vehicle that has only $50,000 miles.

21st Nov 2002, 17:56

At 60k miles my Dodge Durango has a rear differential shot and needs rebuilding. I love my Durango, but not pleased with all the bad reports after 50k miles.

14th Dec 2002, 07:51

I purchased a 99 Dodge Durango with low mileage (32000 to be exact). The vehicle was in excellent condition with one previous owner. Of course I paid a premium due to its condition.

One week after owning this vehicle, the oil light came on when I went on my first long trip. Had an oil change, and the dealer rechecked the vehicle, but claimed he could find no problems, Also he used combustion cleaner to clear it up.

5 months later upon inspection, I am told I need to replace the ball joints on my vehicle. Now I have spent another 497.00 to have the upper left and right ball joints replaced. The vehicle only has 37,000 miles on it. This is a problem. I purchased a Dodge as I have a full size Ram Van from 1995. It has 167,000 miles on it. Never have I had repair bills this high. What is wrong with the Durangos???

31st Jan 2003, 09:56

I purchased a 1999 Dodge Durango in Nov. 2002. It only had 43,000 miles and every option that I was looking for in a vehicle. I looked in a Consumer Reports book and it basically said the Durango's were fine. Well, I have had the vehicle for 2 months and it has already been in the shop for 1 week. The check gages light would come on and the oil pressure gage would stop working. The mechanic said that it was "just the oil sending unit". He reassured me that "this happens all of the time with the 5.2 liters".

I have had the vehicle back from the shop for 2 days, and it was fine for about 60 miles and needless to say, the oil pressure gage has stopped working again! I am so disgusted that I was such a fool and did not put more research into this vehicle. I am exploring options to try to trade it in before it blows up!!

21st Feb 2003, 15:31

Subsequent to oil pressure dropping to zero our 2000 Dodge Durango has spent one week in the shop. We have now been informed that it is un-drivable. It has to be towed to the dealership. Our options are to trade it at an enormous loss (if they will trade) or replace the engine at a cost of $6000!!! I can't believe this is happening and nothing is being done about it. What has to happen before a recall can take place. I owe $21,000 on this vehicle. The vehicle currently has 33,000 miles!!!

Can anyone offer any suggestions or help?

23rd Mar 2003, 15:02

Wow! I am so glad I am not the only one with this problem.

We just purchased a 1999 Dodge Durango SLT 2 weeks ago, private sale for 13,500.00 and our check gages light comes on and the oil pressure drops to zero. We are currently not driving it. Something has to be done about this problem. Not sure where to even start on fixing before something bad happens.

12th May 2003, 18:10

I've got the same problem with the oil pump and oil light. I've got a 1999 Durango 87,000 and at the 33000 mile oil change the attendant stated there was no oil in the case. I and he couldn't figure it out, he does all of my oil changes. Again at the 42, 000 mile oil change, no oil in the case. Now at 87,000 can't get no oil pressure at all. I can't drive it at all. The warranty is still in effect, but Chrysler laughs when I call, "Seems like you got a big problem" they say then they hang up! What can I do? I'm stark raven mad!!!

21st May 2003, 12:12

I have owned my 1999 Durango for about 3 years 2nd owner. This was a insurance wreck that I repaired, with only 3,800 miles on it. At 30,000 miles I replaced ($600.00) in new front end parts. At 48,000 miles, a brand new transmission which Dodge only would pay half for. These are a gas hog that break down a lot. The only good thing I can say is that this truck can pull better then the Chevy 1/2 ton or the jeep I have owned. I pull a 4,000 lb travel trailer and I also pull a 6,500 lb 24 ft Sea ray. I never even know that they are behind me running up to 70 miles per hour.

As far as calling when there is a problem they laugh a say they down have any recalls for that problem (transmission). In the past two years that tranny had 13 updates due to lack of oil getting into areas where it was needed.

18th Sep 2003, 19:34

18 Sep 2003 -

Purchased my 1998 Dodge Durango (63,000 miles) from a dealer in November 2002. About 90 days after purchasing, the Pitman Arm fell off. While in the shop for that, they did the free inspection. Next day, I'm told I need a new transmission cooling line, serpentine belt tensioner arm and rear shocks. Additionally, I had an oil leak from one of the gaskets up front. $1500 later, my truck was back in my hands. Less than 60 days later, the truck overheated. Back to the dealership. The radiator was leaking at the bottom seams. New thermostat, water pump and radiator. Today, I'm getting a check engine light. I have my oil changed religiously at every 3,500 miles. Hmmmmm...what's next!?