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#1
11-18-2003, 11:39 AM
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Durango Engine Failure
I recently had the motor blow on my 99 Durango at 50,000 miles. I have always kept up with regular vehicle maintenance such as oil changes, lube, air cleaners, ect... The dealer says that the failure is due to lack of maintenance because there is sludge in the engine causing it to clog the sending unit and severly damage the engine block....but since I do this myself and do not take it to the dealer so I don't get taken to the cleaners on labor charges, I have no reciepts other then the milage that I write down in a book that states when I changed the oil and other things. The dealer will not accept this as accurate maintenance proceedure because I am not a certified Dodge mechanic! I used to work at a Goodyear service station for a few years, I know what some of those certified mechanics are like! Not all, but there are quite a few out there that just don't care about other people's property and take short cuts to get the job done fast. I've seen cars come in for oil changes and all the guys would do is top it off with fresh oil and charge full $$$! That is why I do my own work on my $30,000 car! Anyway, Chrysler will not do anything to remedy the failure of their product because the dealer said it is lack of maintenance! I thought this was very strange for the motor to give so soon, so I did some digging into the mystery "sludge" and found a slew of others accross the country that had the same exact thing happen to them! From the oil pressure gage dropping to 0 and the motor blowing, to the very same responce from their dealers word for word...."It is due to a lack of maintenance"
The sad thing is that Chrysler knows there is a problem with their motors because there are other class action suite going on now with their motors in the NEON's, Stratus, and Intrepid's.....The same exact symptoms! A "Sludge" build up that accumulates even with regular 3,000 mile oil changes, and it is not covered in the warranty they are selling! It's not lack of maintenance, but a lack of quality in Chrysler's product! I also thought it was a rare occasion that I've been through 3 sets of brakes on this same truck until I read that others had the same problems too when I was looking into this engine problem. Now I am reading about balljoint problems too...what the hell did I buy a LEMON? The dealer wants to charge me $5,500 to replace the engine block, I found 2 other service stations that I trust that will do it for $3,000... so not only are they not standing behind their product, but they are trying to price gouge me as well! I'm not as dumb as they think the average joe customer is! I have submitted the problem to NHTSA, Consumer Affairs, and to bigclassaction.com, and am in the process of contacting the attorny general, and my attorny. If there are others out there that have not done so already please go to bigclassaction.com and file a complaint so we all can get some satisfaction from making the corporate monkeys pay for what they know is an inferrior product. Please post your stories here for more documentation of this great injustice! 
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#2
11-18-2003, 07:48 PM
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I had the same thing happen. My engine failed at 84,000 miles, but started having problems at 30,000 miles or so. I managed to coax it a little further, I suppose. Maybe it's that I use PTFE in every car I own.
email me for details, I'd join a class action. Please see my post on ignition problems just a bit below and see if you have any suggestions there... replaced the engine and I can't get the cloil to fire. Remember to remove the removethis... [email protected]
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#3
11-30-2003, 01:52 PM
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I have found that Dodge issued a TSB that would explain this sludge problem. Getting Dodge to acknowledge it may be a differetn issua altogether.
TSB 09-05-00 Link to info on it: http://www.pecuniary.com/newsletters/Dodge-Recall.html My Durango history: History of refusals: Refused to repair transmission, would not acknowledge the problem, claimed there was no problem. Would only allow minorrepairs. Result: Transmission failed and had to be replaced. Suspension problems began. Alignment failed, excessive wear in joints detected. Warranty claims impropoer mainenance. I showed records of proper maintenance, they agreed to repair, but limited what they would acknowledge as bad, refusing some items that were out of tolerance. Oil pressure dropped unexpectedly. Had it looked at, repair shop agreed something was wrong. Warranty claimed first that error could not be duplicated, then that it was just a sensor, no real problem. Would only allow the sensor to be replaced. While driving away after sensor replacement: engine seized due to oil pump failure. Warranty company claims improper maintenance. At no point prior had they had any problem with oil or maintenance records, including initial problem they diagnosed as sensor. I showed records, they demanded reciepts. I do my own work, so I began collecting reciepts for materials. They tried to refuse, demanding that work had to be professionally done. I referred them to the contract and that it does not specify how maintenance is to be done, only that it must be done and reciepts kept. I finished gathering all recipts and records and faxed them in (20 page fax). Warranty company claimed never to have gotten them when case was re-submitted. I re-sent, then called to verify reciept. They again claimed never recieved when re-submitted later. I called Autonation customer service and explained the issue. They asked for the reciepts and records, which I sent. They then connected me to the warranty company where I talked to a manager, and re-faxed to the manager while on the phone with him. I then conferenced the repair shop in while he still had the recipts in hand. He accepted the claim, and submitted it for re-evaluation. They then claimed that despite recipts, they concluded that maintenance was the cause of failure, and refused. When I talked to them, they said the inspector found sludge in the oil pan. I agreed that there was buildup in the pan, and that we need to find the cause, as I had demonstrated that regular oil changes had occoured. I explained the multitude of things that could start sludge buildup, and how it would continue to build even when the oil is changed once the buildup is started. I had never used a sludge cleaner or flush chemical because a clause of the warranty contract states that they can refuse to repair if additives are used or failure is due to contamibates. I did not want to give them the option of backing out of any repair simply because I had flushed the oil system. They then changed their argument to refer to that exact clause. They claim the sludge was a contaminate, and they are not responsible for repairs. They have now refused any further claims, and will not talk to me about it. Autonation customer service will not return my calls. To add insult to injury, the service records show that the prior owner was Dollar Rent-a-car. At the time of purchase, I specified that I wanted lease returns, no fleet or rental vehicles. The Durango was too popular a rental during that time, and ran the risk of improper mainenance and poor treatment due to demand. The salesman assured us that it was a lease return, which is why we bought it. I suspect that the initial problem occoured during it's rental period which consisted of almost 27,000 miles in one year, and continued to accumulate while I owned it. Now I find this TSB that explains everything. Trying Autonation again, and contacting Dodge.
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#4
12-03-2003, 12:25 PM
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12-3-03
Still no luck with Chrysler, but have talked to a few attorny's that are working on classaction suit in different states. I spoke to the repair shop that is installing my new motor today, they said it is in and runs great, but my 4 ball joints and inner tie-rods are shot! That would explain why my tires look like they have 200,000 miles on them when in fact they have 50,000 and have been rotated regularly! I used to love this truck! Now it's a piece of SHIT! 
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#5
12-07-2003, 07:47 AM
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WHat motor is in yours (the one that blew) ???
I guess my big question here is what "proof" do you have.... I had a 3rd party warranty on my 92 Dakota (which I still have with 12k miles) and the transfer case had to be rebuilt at like 60k miles....I had proof too, and went back and forth with the copany for coverage..I threatened a lawyer and they eventually paid. That is why THIS time around I bought a Chrysler warranty (max care, 7/85, $o deduct) I recently did a LOT of online research and found a few references to this "sludge" problem. Problem is, they all seem to read exactly the same...and the key is that no one seems to have receipts of any kind to show that the oil changes were actually done..... I just bought an 03 D with the 5.9.....it had the oil changed when I bought it 700 miles ago, but I bought my own Mobil One oil and trook it to a dealer yesterday and had them change it for a $11 charge plus $4.50 for the filter. This way I get a Dodge Dealer receipt for the change. I think the $11.00 is a great cost for the peace of mind I get by knowing I have a DODGE DEALER receipt of the maintenance... I talked to the service manager about this whole issue and he basically said the same thing that you were told -- sludge is due to extended periods of time without oil changes.... I can believe, however, that if the engine has an internal water leak etc sludge could form.....and if the car is used for very short trips on cool days, again, the mositure in the oil never has a chance to evaporate....in this case frquent changes are critical... I dont actually know anyone who has had this problem...I do know a few folks with Durangos with the 4.7 and they have had no problems so far.... The balljoints are a known issue and an NHTSA investigation is pending -- a recall may end up happening on those balljoints....but really, 80k on balljoints isnt bad on a 4x4...mY EXPLORER DID THE SAME THING...at 85k or so the BJs were toast.... DZ
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#6
12-08-2003, 04:21 PM
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dzavetsky,
It was a 5.2L V8 that blew out. I do infact have receipts for some of the oil changes that were done, however I do not have the reciepts from the oil and filters I purchased when I did my own oil changes. I never thought I would have to produce them in the fututre....who does? $11.00 isn't a bad cost for you to have the dealer put in your oil.....if in fact they do put it in and the tech doesn't just use the MOPAR shit and stick the MOBIL you bought in his back seat! I've seen it happen plenty of times, I used to work at a Goodyear shop about 16 years ago when I was in high school and you wouldn't believe what some of these mechanics will pull if they know they can get away with it! I've seen cars come in for oil changes that never got changed...just a new window sticker, brake jobs done without the rotors being turned, and front end alignments sold to customers that didn't even need them! that is why I usually do my own oil changes and maintenance to my vehicles. that way i know the work needed to be done actually gets done! I've been in contact with a few attorney's that are working class action suits in different states, NHTSA, FOX Problem Solvers...you name it! I'm not bending over and letting Chrysler stick me in the ass for their incompitence in manufacturing. If I wasn't taking care of my $30,000 truck why the hell would I buy it after my lease term was up?  The irony of all this is I just received a RECALL notice for my wife's 2003 Nissan Altima for a similar problem with the engine. It may be a forein car, but at least they recognize the fact that they have a possible promlem and are willing to look at it and fix it if needed for FREE! Last edited by red22769; 01-11-2005 at 11:15 AM.
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#7
12-08-2003, 11:31 PM
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No doubt that there are places that pull stuff like that....
The dealer I go to has a window that looks straight down the middle of ALL the service bays.....I stood there and watched it go in..so I feel better....I had the same concern....I have heard stories....<grin> Odd that your problem was with the 5.9...that motor has been around FOREVER and one reason I bought one.....The sludge issue seems to be most common in the 4.7...... I have learned the hard way with warranties and receipts....I now expect to expect the unexpected....which is why I am having the dealer do as much of the maintenance as I can....I usually do all my own maintenance, but in the end it boils down to proving your case....If you dont have receipts and a well documented maintenance log, unfortunately you wont have a leg to stand on...... WHile talking to the guy at the dealer, he told me stories of how folks brought in obviously faked maint receipts and logs....those dont fly well either. Good luck on yours and fight the good fight...I have been there done that on a couple cars and the only way to win is to fight it..... DZ
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#8
12-28-2003, 10:01 PM
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2000 Durango Oil issues
2000 SLT 5.9 44,000 miles
I saw a couple spots of oil in the driveway. I opened the oil fill and saw an accumulation of white/green foamy build up. My oil pressure is always fine. I have not had any performance issues and I don't know what would cause the contamination. It was watery when I touched it. The oil on the dip stilk looked normal although somewhat burnt. Took to the mechanic and they flushed and changed the oil. They said that after the flush the oil started leaking worse and the leak was from the area of the timing change. They wanted to replace the gasket. After reading all these posts about Durango oil sludge I want to know what to do to interupt the problem. Can I save the engine? What should I have the dealer do? Please advise. Thanks
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#9
12-28-2003, 10:12 PM
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Re: 2000 Durango Oil issues
The leak and the foamy buildup are likely two seperate issues....but could be related.
You say you found a greenish white foamy buildup under the filler cap.....That *could* indicate an internal cooling system leak or head gasket leak...I guess it depends how bad the foamy buildup is. The majority of the "sludge buildup" issues I have read about affected the 4.7 engine, not the 5.9 or the 5.2 (two engines that have a very long and good history).... The leak you talk about *could* be related in that if you have a leaking head gasket, you might be getting some oil and collant leaking externally and internally.....you might want to have a compression check done...your garage is saying that it is coming from the timing chain cover....it COULD be a head gasket leak and dripping down that way, looking like the timing chain cover.... Just a suggestion...Good luck. Do you have an extended warranty?? DZ Quote:
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#10
12-28-2003, 10:54 PM
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The Durango's havent really stood up to be a dependable machine and is not very comfortable to ride in either. The backseats and middle seats are so small that my 7 year old cousin can't even ride back there and not bitch about it.
Other than that, the air conditioner has gone out TWICE, the radio shorts out all the time (even though they said they replaced it...TWICE!!!) it has had a rough ROUGH idle and has been missing ever since i bought it ( they said there was nothing they could do about it  ) the fan clutch locked up and i had to have the steering column replaced. PLus most of the dealerships won't do anything to help you out until the warranty goes out on it...i went down to the dealership and....made it real easy for them to make a decision on fixing it. I'm a pretty good sized guy and bench a pretty good ways over 400 and i don't think that the service manager wanted to disagree with me too much  I'm gonna sell the durango and buy a suburban once i get out of college
__________________
In Memory of Brandon "Freebird" You've all seen the "Priceless" credit card commercials, right??? How's this one: Funeral Costs to your parents: $7k New Truck for your parents: $23k Payments to the family you've torn apart: $136k Killing yourself, a 26 year-old woman, and her 4 year old Daughter from Street Racing: Not worth it... Funny? Didn't think so... Save racing for the track Rest in Peace, Brandon: Fly on, Freebird!
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#11
12-29-2003, 04:30 AM
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Re: Durango Engine Failure
I dont know what vehicles you are used to driving, but the Durango is actually bigger inisde than many comparable SUVs...note I said "comparable".....
Compared to an Explorer, Blazer, Trailblazer, Envoy, Liberty, etc, the Durango is either the same or larger...of COURSE the suburban (or similar vehicle) will be more roomy...its a completely different class of vehicle not to menetion the HUGE price differential....a new Chevy full size SUV is $44k plus. a new Durango is $34k loaded....you have to compare apples to apples.... The Durango , fo me and my family, fits the bill perfectly....I recently hauled my wife, my 4 year old and my two year old both in car seats, and two 14 year olds in my durango for a 2 hour trip and everyone said they were comfortable....so that 7 year old you mention must either be a tank or just be plain and simple bitchy. As far as dealers not helping goes, good luck with the Chevy....When I took my wife's Malibu in for a couple of things, I felt like the invisible man...I dont think that a person;s "size" has anything to do with the treatment one gets.....attitude is a lot of it.....Let them think you can be walked over and they will...ANY brand dealer....As long as you are under warranty, you represent a possible LOSS of money to them. You certainly seem to have had your share of problems with your Durango (though you didn tsay what year you had, I dont think).....I can tell you stories about my first (and last) exoereince with my Explorer.....over $6,000 in repairs in 4 years between 63k and 100k miles on the ticker....THAT expereince has turned me off from Ferds for ever I think.....My wife's Malibu has fared much better, but I thought the Trailblazer was just too car like.... I have had great expereiences with Dodge trucks...sure, I have had repairs needed.....But EVERY vehicle breaks.....NONE of them are rock solid and problem-free....THAT is why they make extended warrantys. Just my $.02... Quote:
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#12
12-29-2003, 09:42 PM
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Re: Re: Durango Engine Failure
I Have a 2000 and yeah my cuz is alittle chunky but i am used to mroe room from teh suburbans. Also, i had a 98 ram and it was a lemon too.
And i dont have too much to say about ford either...there not my favorite Quote:
__________________
In Memory of Brandon "Freebird" You've all seen the "Priceless" credit card commercials, right??? How's this one: Funeral Costs to your parents: $7k New Truck for your parents: $23k Payments to the family you've torn apart: $136k Killing yourself, a 26 year-old woman, and her 4 year old Daughter from Street Racing: Not worth it... Funny? Didn't think so... Save racing for the track Rest in Peace, Brandon: Fly on, Freebird!
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#13
01-02-2004, 04:16 AM
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Re: Re: Re: Durango Engine Failure
Yeah, the Suburbans are cavernous.....My neighbor had one....BIIIIIG vehicle....different class altogether....
Chevy's Trailblazer felt the same to me as the Durango.....actually, the D has more room..... The Yukons, etc are bigger, but in the Suburban class.... I think you can get bad experieces in ANY make. Search the web and you will find plenty of "I have a lemon" stories for EVERY make and/or model vehicle, including imports..... I dont know if the problme is that quality in general is going down or if we all just expect more these days. I can remember a time when reaching 80k miles on a car was considered its near-end-of-life...now, we complain if the car breaks down at 100k.... <grin> The Explorer STILL has a HUGE following and people swear by them....by MY experience they are junk, but plenty of folks say otherwise. I dunno...I guess its the luck of the draw......That is why like I said an extended warranty is is a requirement IMHO. DZ Quote:
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#14
01-16-2004, 12:11 AM
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Re: Durango Engine Failure
My 2000 Dakota SLT Quad Cab with the 4.7 ltr engine suddenly flahed "check gauges" on dash and by the time I looked at gauges to notice I lost all oil pressure my truck had stalled and had a difficult time steering to the shoulder of road. After having it towed to local dodge dealer and informed it would cost me $220-$300 to find problem, I was told the next day it was from SLUDGE in oil. I would have to have a new engine.
Last winter I had a transmission flush and oil change done and noticed the Sludge in oil fill tube. The service manager told me it was common due to a "Design Flaw" and it was condensation build up. I was told I could buy a "Baffle Kit" for about $30. plus labor, was shown a internal memo from Dodge to dealerships. It stated it would "REDUCE" condensation build up. I refused to pay for the part as if Dodge knew of the problem they should fix,and was told I would be ok... it wasn't a big deal and would not hurt anything. I was told it only happends in the winter months when temperature was cold. The dealership now denies any knowledge of this type of problem and after I told them I refused to put a used motor in a truck their defect ruined, the service manager said he would talk to the regional rep to get me taking care of right, and they would call me back. It has been over 1 week and I still have heard nothing. I did e-mail Dodge to which I was denied any help. You can get help here... WWW.DATATOWN.COM/CHRYSLER KEVIN FLINT MICHIGAN
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#15
01-18-2004, 11:13 PM
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Re: Durango Engine Failure
Quote:
5.9L=360 5.2L=318 What engine was it?
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