7.4

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$840
Average Mileage:
121,550 miles
Total Complaints:
67 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (39 reports)
  2. had the solenoids inside the trans fixed (8 reports)
  3. had the speed sensor replaced (7 reports)
  4. aamco says replace / rebuild entire trans (2 reports)
  5. replace governor sensor & solenoid, rerouted spark plug wire (2 reports)
  6. replace oil & filter with ATF 4 Plus every 37000 miles (2 reports)
1999 Dodge Durango transmission problems

transmission problem

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1999 Dodge Durango Owner Comments (Page 1 of 4)

problem #67

Apr 202016

Durango SLT 4x4 5.2L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 123,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

click to see larger images

not shifting properly

Hope my comment adds "two cents" for those with these problems. My Durango was not shifting properly and with the "Check Engine" indicator on all the time. After the scanner gave the P0720 code, I bought the transmission "Output Speed Sensor". The sensor has the number 04800879 (as you can see on the picture), and I found it at AutoZone as "SU1034". Around $20 for the sensor. No "Check Engine" indicator anymore. Shifting properly all the time. I decided to clear the code using the scanner, but it never came back to my dashboard. (I don't know what would happen or how long would it take to disappear if you don't clear it using a scanner).

- Carl C., Puebla, Puebla, Mexico

problem #66

Dec 012015

Durango ?

  • Automatic transmission
  • 189,000 miles

Transmission problem I hear. My Dodge Durango 1999 won't shift properly. I have to put it in reverse to crank it, Neutral to drive it and Park to reverse. If this is a manufacturing problem a recall needs to be done. I got on the freeway and almost got hit because the car would not shift into gear and would only go 30 MPH after the 18-wheeler dodged me it kicked in and allowed me to drive the speed limit.

- Kk K., Sacramento, US

problem #65

Oct 142015

Durango LL 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 149,000 miles

I got two mechanics arguing about what is wrong with it...Both test drove it - BEFORE the brakes failed... One says it's a $30 part and that if it can drive in 1 and 2 then it's just a sensor... The other one says you need to replace the transmission, citing another customer with same issues...Either way - Dodge needs to address this issue...They must be held accountable for the failure to address safety issues when assembling the vehicles...That is liability that they cannot afford to risk in the name of profit and greed...Folks will start buying older model cars and they will have warehouses full of new vehicles...

- moeak, Houston, AK, US

problem #64

Aug 112014

Durango 5.2L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 142,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

PURCHASED A 1999 DURANGO USED .. RAN GREAT TILL RECENTLY.. I HAVENT HAD MY TRUCK IN APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS .. DUE TO THE GEARS NOT SHIFTING , RPM RAISES OVER 4 BUT TRUCK AINT MOVING HAD A SENSOR'S REPLACED AND NOW A TRANSMISSION DROPPED IN IT .. STILL DONT HAVE TRUCK BACK... WHERE I LIVE I NEED TRANSPORTATION TO GET ANYWHERE.. THIS IS THE MOST ANNOYING THING I HAVE HAD TO DEAL WITH.. CAN ANYONE TELL ME IF THEY RECALLED THE 1999 DURANGO OR WHAT DID THEY DO TO FIX THE PROBLEM.. TIRED OF NOT HAVING A RIDE....

- Joy T., Vero Beach, FL, US

problem #63

Oct 242012

Durango SLT 5.2L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 175,408 miles

We found out the transmission had been rebuilt before but the system was not installed properly. Also, a transmission cooler had been added to the front of the radiator and the transmission only went to that. The parts were new assembly kit, new filter, new band, new fluid, rebuilt torque converter, new steel overdrive direct, new sensors, new sensor transducer, reconditioned forward drum, new transmission cooler lines, new transfer case seal, fluid, new radiator. The transmission was reconnected to the radiator properly. It seems the transmission still bucks, has trouble downshifting. etc. We took it back to Aamco and they tested it and it showed nothing was wrong.

They also found wrong codes were entered into the vehicle's computer and entered the correct codes.

We had Aamco replace the transmission on a 1988 Dodge conversion van and it worked perfectly.

Could the computer be defective?

- jacsbay, Alton, VA, US

problem #62

Feb 172014

Durango SLT 5.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

My 1999 dodge durango SLT will start, but will not shift into gear properly. It might make it to the second gear.

I have tried all kinds of things to fix the problem but none of them worked. Here is a list of things I have done:

Changed throttle position sensor, IACS or Map sensor, output speed sensor, governor pressure transducer. Nothing has worked.

I am going to change the IAC again and use the dealer part to see if this will make a difference. When the machanic ran the code, the IAC showed up, even though it was changes.

Do anyone really know what the fix is for the transmission not shifting properly?

- trip123, Clinton, MD, US

problem #61

Feb 012013

Durango SLT 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 160,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

transmission is slipping, wont shift, will be driving down the road and it will red line...no power...wont go. Changed oil, filter and gasket...also tried adding lucas...hooked it up to diagnostic. tried flushing trans lines again and again. i hate this piece of sh!t!!!!!!

- Casey R., Pierce, ID, US

problem #60

Feb 202012

Durango SLT 5.2L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 175,000 miles

This is continuing the transmission problems I have had that I started describing n great detail on a previous post...Feel free to refer to it as I don't plan to repeat too much..

I think the throttle body being cleaned helped the sputtering some...but at 80 degrees, the vehicle will no lnger overheat...and the shop that replaced the fan clutch could not diagnose source of overheating...This shop, like the dealer,said the vehicle is slipping, causing the engine to rev high....and its missing 3rd gear and revving up high....

Cottman doubted the dealer reporting transmission problems, as if I was making them up for the dealer...I have repeated diagnosis from two different shops saying the transmission is not right and in likelihood his will cause the engine to overheat again (it does at 85 degrees plus)...

The engine is working too hard because the transmission is not shifting properly....the fan clutch runs from the water pump which runs from the engine...it does not run on its own....Yet Cottman blames the an clutch anything but the transmission that has had 2 acknowledged problems already...

I paid over $2000 for a transmission rebuild and lost an enormous amount of time since then with at least five or more followup trips o three different shops paying well over $200 in rental car costs....and over $1300 in another shop that arguably some to most of which did to get to the heart of he problem/....

After reading all these complaints, at least I can see I am not alone and the symptoms make some sense, but what frustrates me to no end is I expend all this money and time with people that are supposed to be professionals in this field and yet I have to diagnose myself by trial and error and see possible solutions on this site- solutions I would think the professionals should have arrived at long go and at less cost and time...

Whether under the rebuild warranty or not (did I need a full rebuild?)I see the following potential solutions from the 59 posts that might help me or someone else....and don't know why the engine would rev in park....and it doesn't always stick in first gear, usually just when it has not been moving for awhile..but this is still not right...

- Is a rebuild packet with accessories for a V6 3.9L (what my receipt says) the same as for a V8 5.2 L (what my vehicle is).....that by it self might explain why it is not performing right..

- Thrttle position sensor - this came up on the site, relates to my symptoms and has not been replace yet....IACS or Map sensor was replaced and did nothing...

- Output shaft speed sensor and speed sensor might be the same thing and are both listed on the site....I don't know if either has been tested but output speed sensor shows up on my bill and maybe this is the problem

- Governor pressure transducer?

- Powertran Cntrl Module (PCM) and Electronic Cotrol Unit (ECU)....

- Intake gasket....

I think this is fixable....this vehicle ran really well for a long time....I invested much money and time to get it running properly again...it's amazing the problems and solutions seem so elusive....disgraceful actually and seems nobody cares enough to make it easy for the customer to figure out....whether Daimer-Chrysler, Dodge, or repair shops, the attitude seems to be 'screw the customer, let them try to figure it out, we will take their money an time cause we sure as heck aren't going to try to figure it out'...and they are the professionals? Is this how bad the industry has gotten?

The dealer seemed fine to trial and error with me at $1000 a shot....? Weird..and as highly reccomended....Are we to train ourselves? Maybe we need to and rid the profession?

- durango world, Shawnee, KS, US

problem #59

Apr 302012

Durango SLT 5.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 257,679 miles

the reason it has to check engine light on is because the solenoid inside the transmission has either opened or is bad an needs a new one.

- altonhc107, Wichita Falls, TX, US

problem #58

Jan 182011

Durango ES 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 109,000 miles

I have a 1999 Dodge Durango and it had a similar issue. I took it into the dodge dealership and they told me I needed a new transmission that would cost me upwards $4000 parts and labor. I had a gut feeling that the problem was not that serious.

I replaced the Vehicle speed sensor and it did not correct the problem.

I took the Durango to a "mom and pop" auto repair shop (well equipped and staffed) and discovered my problem was the "Throttle Position Sensor". The part cost about $50.

I have been driving my Durango for over a year since the repair without any issues.

The Dodge dealership tried to rip me off stating I needed a new transmission.

May I suggest having your "Throttle Position Sensor" replaced.

- harrisva, Fredericksburg, VA, US

problem #57

Feb 122011

Durango SLT 318

  • Automatic transmission
  • 169,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The problems began before I changed the Transmission fluid and filter. I thought if I changed the fluid and filter it would fix the problem. but it didn't it didn't take near as long for the shift to take place as it does now but it is getting worse. I have had codes run on it and nothing shows up. Then at work one night my battery goes dead my boss goes and buys me a new battery I had to go pick up my kids so he let me borrow his van. I get back and my truck is running and waiting for me. I take it home turn it off . About thirty min later i have to go to wall mart. like always do I go out start it up and leave I come back. I get up the next morning and my battery is dead I'm thinking what the Hell I just bought a new battery. So I jump it with my wif's car it starts I go to work. Now I am thinking HMmmm maybe its the alternator. So I stop at OR'ielly's and see what an alternator will cost me. OMG almost 200$ F*ck I say, I also have to get a serpentine belt because mine is dry rotted and there are several cracks in it throughout. They don't have one in stock they have to order it in. after they get I go buy everything put it in the truck ok THERE THIS SHOULD FIX EVERYTHING. wrong the f*cking battery is still being drained OMFG what the hell is wrong with this truck. So Now I have to Unhook the damn Neg. cable everytime I get out of the damn truck the transmission is still not shifting right anf I am getting real tired of having the damn thing.

- Todd J., Forsyth, MO, US

problem #56

Jan 032011

Durango SE 5.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,453 miles

I bought a used 1999 Durango with 103,000 miles. I needed Something with more room inside and able to tow but didn't break my wallet. After having it for a few months the transmission did not want to shift from second to 3rd when it was cold. Had to speed up and slow down a few times to get it to shift. After that it would shift good till it sat again. After reading all the complaints about the Durango Transmission not shifting I put them all in order cheapest to most expensive. 1st I put some Lucas Trans fix in by taking some of the fluid out by removing the 1 speed sensor on the left side of the tranny for a second letting enough drain out to add a quart of lucas. Ran it for a week and still had the same problem($20@NAPA). Then tryed replacing the speed sensors. Not a hard job, takes about 1/2 hour. You will loose some tranny fluid so have extra. I just added some more Lucas when I did this again. Ran it for a week and still had the problem ($40.00 NAPA. Started researching the web and found that the next step would be to drop the pan and replace the Shift solenoid. Doesn't sound to hard but if you have never done this IT SUCKS... I could do it again in 1 to 2 hours. THIS FIXED THE PROBLEM. I also replaced the fluid and filter. 2 solenoids, Filter with gasket and fluid ($250.00 NAPA). If you dont know anything about mechanics do not attempt to do this on your own or it will cost you a tow bill. After removing the pan and filter you need to remove the Valve body (only a couple bolts). You will need to unhook the solenoid plug on the top of the tranny along with the shift linkage. My shift linkage was rusted and had to work blind to get it un hooked. no room to get up in there to see whats up. After removing this there is a rod attached to the valve body that stops the car from moving when its in park. This runs back into the tranny. You will need to gerk the valve body to get this to pop out. A spring will come out that sits on the top of the valve body. Replace the solenoid and install everything like you took it apart. Putting the rod backin is a little sticky. line it up in the center of the hole and push hard till it re attaches. fill with fluid and should be good to go.

- jrk80, Duncannon, PA, US

problem #55

Sep 032010

Durango SLT 5.9L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 119,234 miles

transmission places only want to replace and rebuild,the problem is the durango only has a shifting problem in 2 nd gear, you have to peddle the transmission to sh*t otherwise you can pull a trailer with no problem .I'm going to try to replace the out put sensor,maybe thats the problem. dodge dealerships won't tell you this but a trans mechanic said that may solve the problem or not .it is a $30.00 part from the dealership and he said use on ly factory parts on transmissions

- Robert W., Westmont, IL, US

problem #54

Mar 012010

Durango XLT Sport V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 124,000 miles

This car is just a pain in the a$$. Spent too many $ on it. dollars after dollars just trying to figure why it would not shift properly. Just found out a couple of months ago that it was the main solenoid that died. So this piece of junk is just sitting in the garage collecting dust. It would start but when you go it would not shift gears at 20 mph. I don't know why they would build such a spendy car. Broke right now due to just trying figure out why this car wouldn't shift properly, so I hope that there is a recall on this issue.

- yangmn, Saint Paul, MN, US

problem #53

Aug 012010

Durango SLT 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 145,000 miles

problem started in feb2010 when i ran low on gas and the fuel light came on the transmission would not shift now by august 2010 the transmission will not shift out of 1st gear only when you first start in the morning will it shift but when you stop it no longer shifts im sick of this truck we have replaced lots of things and this is one more not sure exactly whats wrong if anyone has any suggestions they would be appreciated

- patricktx, Bowie, TX, US

problem #52

Apr 192010

Durango SLT 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 137,915 miles

When I crank up and go the car wants to go in and out of gear or misting or not get enough fuel or picking up trash. I have a hard to understanding what its doing. When I cranked up to go home from work, its fine. The only time its does this is when it sits for a long period of time, like overnight. That's why I'm confused on what it can be. I've had a friend that kept the car for 7 days and every evening that he drove the car it don't act up.

But no sooner that I got the car the very next day it started again. So if anyone has every had the same problem please let me know.

- Theresa N., Phil Campbell, AL, US

problem #51

Mar 192010

Durango LL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 207,000 miles

I was in another CITY and STATE for a HS friends Memorial Service. This is the ONLY vehicle up and running as the DODGE RAM that was just purchased was in the shop/garage for over 3 damn weeks. Only to find that they CANNOT fix it at this particular garage. I was following friends to Chili's in Bossier to eat after the service and visit since we had not seen each other since Graduation in '94. Thank the Lord I had Aaron with me. He mentioned to me it was the SPRING? Said it would cost about $70/not to mention the labor to tear it down and redo it. It started not wanting to SHIFT correctly into 2, 3, 4, etc. I made it home...SAFELY without wrecking. Not to mention I had just lost my friend DUE to a FATAL CAR ACCIDENT! I live 30mins away from work. Here us 2 are once again with NO vehicle that is DEPENDABLE.......THANK YOU DODGE you bastards from hell. I AM GETTING RID OF IT!!!!!!!! Any buyers?

- dkphoenix, Waskom, TX, US

problem #50

Jan 062010

Durango SLT 5.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,000 miles

My Durango would not shift 2nd to 3rd unless you put it in second and ran it up to 50 mph. I bought a quart of Lucas Transmission fix ($15) at NAPA, had a mechanic drain 1 quart of trans fluid and add that stuff, and so far its took care of that problem. I am hoping it stays good!

- agoode, Greenville, OH, US

problem #49

Sep 182009

Durango SLS 5.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

if you change the speed sensor and nothin is different with ur shifting try checking the wire from sensor to computer thats what the problem with my Durango and now am happy to have my Durango running like new.

- dpachca, Fresno, CA, US

problem #48

Aug 122009

Durango SLT 5.9L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 281,000 miles

When you always take off or go up a hill it will keep shifting in and out of the passing gear.

- Mackenzie F., Germansville, PA, US

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