engine problem
9.7
really awfulTypical Repair Cost:
$4,335.00
Average Mileage:
84,119 miles
Number of complaints:
29 complaints
Most common solutions:
- engine replacement (16 reports)
- not sure (8 reports)
- had to trade it in for a loss (2 reports)
- cleaned and replaced parts (1 reports)
- new engine (1 reports)
- replace faulty gasket (1 reports)
Helpful Websites About 2000 Dodge Durango oil sludge resulting in engine failure
2008Mar 17
Durango SLT 4.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 100,500 miles
October 2007 I experienced a problem with the oil pressure dropping and a ticking sound so I immediately parked the car until I could get it looked at. In January 2008 I had it looked at and they told me that I needed an oil pump, screen, oil pan gasket and timing chain tensioner and a secondary timing chair arm. Well after spending 1500.00 the oil pressure is still dropping and the ticking is much worse. I was told that the motor was so sludged up that even after cleaning it and changing the oil twice back to back it still won't let the oil flow through the motor like it should. I was told that I need a new engine and I don't have the money for that so I guess me and my 3 children will be car less because Chrysler won't recall this motor and I can't afford to pay 500.00 per month for the next 3 yrs and have another car payment.
2008Jan 08
Durango SLT 4.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 134,000 miles
Granted 130000+ miles is a bit high. But, I've regularly run autos and truck to near 200,000 miles, with regular maintenance. This Durango has been very well maintained with regular oil changes at 3000-3500 miles and all recommended mfr maintenance. On 1-8-08 the oil pressure dropped to Zero while driving. It recovered, but then started an irregular up/down. We got it home, and immediately called our service garage. They towed it into the shop, and determined that the oil pump had failed, due to wear that resulted from sludge accumulation. In researching the issue, it seems that Dodge is aware of the issue, and is engaged in legal issues with other engines of like design (the 2.7L particularly). Accordingly, I called Chrysler/Dodge and was politely told to pound sand; that the warranty ran out at 36000 miles, and they weren't responsible.
I beg to differ. This is an engineering fault; the oil ports and chases are too small to move sufficient oil, allowing the oil to cook off into sludge which accumulates in the already too small oil ports and chases. This starves the hydraulic timing chain tensioners and allows the oil pump shafts to wear their races. And, this cannot be remedied by any means other than replacing the motor.
Dodge will never have to worry about selling me another vehicle. Time to call the lawyers.
2007Aug 04
Durango SLT 4.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 127,623 miles
I had a severe engine knock. Was told the engine was bad. So I checked it for myself and found the timing chain tensioners were not pumping up due to oil sludge. The timing chains were slapping inside the engine creating the knocking sound. I removed the oil pan, tappet covers and timing chain cover. I replaced the timing chains, tensioners and guides. While in there I cleaned as much of the sludge from the top of the heads, timing chain area, crankcase and oil pump. I blew out the oil passages as much as I could with diesel fuel. Put it all back together. Filled with oil and ran it for 100 miles then switched over to a synthetic oil. I was told the synthetic would hold up better to the heat of that engine. It sounds and runs great and only cost me around $500.00 for parts. Now I am going to trade this sucker in as soon as possible before something else goes bad.
2007Nov 10
(reported on)Durango SLT 5.2L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
Experiencing similar problem as others. The oil gauge suddenly drops to 0. I can shut the engine down for a minute or so and give the sludge time to drain away from the oil pump and when I restart the engine the pressure is normal. A few miles down the road and here we go again. There has to be a solution short of engine rebuild or replacement. Dealership service departments are useless. Everyone works off commission and the prices are outrageous. They have turned into parts replacement professionals. Mechanics are suppose to troubleshoot and repair problems not replace parts until they find the real problem. I challenge the mechanics out there to come up with a reasonable solution.
2007Oct 23
(reported on)Durango SLT 4.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 77,800 miles
WE JUST GOT BACK FROM VACATION, THANK THE BIG GUY WE MADE IT HOME, STARTED VEHICLE AND CHECK GAUGES LIGHT CAME ON, CHECK OIL PRESS, I SHUT OFF ENGINE POPPED THE HOOD AND CHECKED OIL, ALL LOOKED GOOD BUT WITH SOME VEHICLES IF YOU DONT HAVE GAS CAP ON RIGHT YOU GET WARNING LIGHTS, STARTED AGAIN STILL NO OIL PRESS, CALLED MY MECHANIC HE TOWED TO HIS GARAGE AND SPENT MANY HOURS TO GET OIL PUMP OUT,AFTER HE MADE NUMEROUS CALLS TO OTHER GUYS, THEY COME UP WITH PRESS REGULATOR IN OIL PUMP? MAYBE BUT WONT KNOW TILL TRY THIS WILL RUN ABOUT 2500 PLUS TO REPAIR OR NEW ENGINE APPROX 6000
INSTALLED, I THINK I AM GOING TO PUT THE OLD GIRL DOWN, WHAT A SHAME THO, MAY EVEN CONSIDER BUYING ANOTHER ONE IN SPRING, BUT GOING TO DO MY HOMEWORK AND CHECK INTO 5.7 OR HEMI.
2007Sep 20
(reported on)Durango 5.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
I changed my oil as my manual suggested. When my engine finally shut down, the oil gauge went haywire and the engine shut off. It has not started since. I got it towed to a mechanic, who told me I had a "common" problem with Durangos. It had developed sludge in the engine. The only way to fix it was to get a new engine put in. This would cost about $4500, which is about $1000 less than what I owe.
2007Apr 15
(reported on)Durango
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
Oil Sludge, Oil Sludge, Oil Sludge, Oil Sludge, Oil Sludge.
We regularly change the oil but we still ended up with Oil Sludge. After reading the posts on this site I'm more concerned that this problem will occur again and cause a engine replacement.
2007Apr 11
(reported on)Durango SLT Plus 4.7L MAGNUM V8
- Automatic transmission
- 109,000 miles
My gas gauge was on the fritz - jumping up & down like a VU meter for about 6 months. My oil pressure gauge started to do the same thing for a week just before we left on vacation. I parked the car at airport valet lot. When we returned a week later, the car broke down as the parking attendant was driving it to us at the airport. I won't go into all the aggravation in getting it towed, getting a rental a car, etc. while we had been up for 28 hours straight. When I called the dealer where we had it towed on Monday to get the diagnosis ($140) they said I would need an engine replacement for $8000 due to no crank signal and excessive engine sludge. Car isn't worth $8000 - or even $5000 if I could find a cheaper repair. I liked the Durango, but am now going Acura or Subaru.
2007Mar 15
(reported on)Durango SLT V8 4.3
- Automatic transmission
- 96,998 miles
While driving myself, my 2 teenagers, my dog, and a flying squirrel (yes, flying squirrel) 5 hours to a funeral.... oh, wait.... while my husband was serving in Iraq........ my truck started making an awful sound...... I took it in, and was told I need an entire new engine, I was 1 1/2 hours from home 3 1/2 hours from the funeral, and had to call a friend to rescue me, and my zoo..... it is great that I am out the $4600, I wouldn't want to have wasted it on anything frivolous..... like FOOD or ELECTRICITY!!! I will NOT get another Dodge.....
2006Sep 14
(reported on)Durango
- 64,000 miles
took care of my car ... did my oil changes on time.... and still get this fricking oil slude problem...... the dealer played dumb.... liked they never heard of any other Durangos having this problem....$2400 to repair That is BS !!!!! I will never, ever buy Dodge again
2007Feb 25
(reported on)Durango SLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 47,000 miles
2000 Dodge Durango, well maintained engine. At 47,000 the oil pressure gauge went to 0. Had vehicle towed to dealer. Sludge build up was diagnosed; I had just had the oil changed 1 week ago. Dealer charged $2200.00 for parts and labor to repair.
Vehicle now has 57,000 and did the same thing. I had it towed to Dodge dealer; this time, 10,000 miles later, the vehicle needs a new $6,000.00 engine. Sludge in the motor. Warranty on the work performed only covered 12 months / 12,000 miles and it has been approximately 18 months since the first incident; NO WARRANTY.
After reading all of the complaints on "SLUDGE Problem" with the Dodge Durangos, I figured I had better send in my complaint.Hopefully Dodge will learn from these problems, as this is definitely my LAST DODGE VEHICLE!!!
Wade Artigue
Lafayette, LA
2007Feb 15
(reported on)Durango SLT 4.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 151,000 miles
I have the same issue many of your other readers seem to have with the Durango. Oil gauge jumping followed with in 24 hours with a dead engine. Really nice of Chrysler to support their loyal customer base. I was going to look into getting a new Dodge or Chrysler model... not now.... NEVER! I thought my problems were over with the ball joints, brakes, power steering and suspension replacements... now this!!! The industry wonders why we do not buy American made vehicles,,, does this give ANYONE a CLUE? Going to the Subaru or Toyota dealer next week...
2007Jan 13
(reported on)Durango SLT 4.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 93,000 miles
I saw the oil light bounce a couple times even though the oil level was fine and recently changed. It started with a light tapping noise that got louder and louder inside of 24 hours. I took it to a mechanic and he thinks it's a problem down low in the engine that will ultimately throw something through it and lock it up. Recommendation: complete engine replacement. WTF?!?!??!
It's bad enough to replace the engine but it looks like I'd just be replacing it with the same problem. Does anyone have any info on compensation, action, coverage. Let me know please. Thanks.
2007Jan 11
(reported on)Durango
- Automatic transmission
- 74,000 miles
I purchased this used truck in June of 2006. It had only 67000 miles on it. At the time I needed a car to travel back and forth from Petersburg, Virginia. To Baltimore, Maryland. On a good day 3 hours. I only made this trip about 8 times before the motor began to knock. The oil had just been changed and I hadn't had the truck but 43 days. This was a mess. I parked the truck as soon as it started knocking in July. It is now January 2007 and I still dont have my truck fixed. I paid half of it off when I purchase the truck. I then paid 4 months up with intent to pay it off after that 4 months. The dealer said that I had to pay 2100.00 for the motor, 400.00 for towing, and the months of December and January. That would be paying the truck off if it I didn't have this problem. I took the dealer to court now the lawyers are working out something that I just pay for the motor and pick up my payments. I think that Dodge should be responsible for there actions. Will this happen again? Will I be buying another motor in a month? Someone needs to do something about this. We can pull together and make someone pay.
2006Nov 14
(reported on)Durango 4.7
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
had an oil change to get it ready to sell after oil change charged us $600.00 to clean up sludge problem. obviously didn't work, every time we drove it out of the garage it had to be towed, 5 times. now they told us the engine seized up and we have to pay for a new engine. how about we get a class action law suit going????? we are at a great loss financially
2006Oct 23
(reported on)Durango SLT
- Automatic transmission
- 115,256 miles
i bought a piece of shit first crank sensor went then the engine dont buy on of these shit boxes
2006Aug 16
(reported on)Durango LX
- 95,000 miles
When in Iraq my wife and family were driving the Durango and the engine blew out on the highway. I changed the oil every 3500 miles. To fix the truck I have to fork over 4500. I think its a lot of bull shit. Now I know that so many other people have had the same problem like I have.
2006Jul 29
(reported on)Durango SLT
- 100,000 miles
How many engines, caused by the oil sludge clogging the oil pump, have to seize up before Chrysler admits they manufactured a piece of crap!!! A lot of people spent hard earned dollars to find out they got a lemon.. We rely on good faith that what we buy is what we get.... I didn't realize I was buying a good screwing. Thanks for the memories DODGE, it was the best I ever had.
2006May 08
(reported on)Durango SXT+
- 79,900 miles
Well I bought this piece of crap that I thought was going to be a great family vehicle 2 1/2 months ago and put 3400 miles on it. While away this weekend the engine started knocking. I was 200 miles away from home with a vehicle full of girlscouts. Needless to say, I was in trouble. I thought though, when I finaly made it home that the dealer, Hampton's Dodge Chrylser Jeep, would be willing to fix the vehicle since I have barely even used it yet. Well the jerks said that the cost was going to be 5300 dollars and they may give me a 10% discount. Now I am screwed. I owe 12000 dollars on a lawn ornament. I dont know what I can do.
2006May 01
(reported on)Durango SLT
- 86,000 miles
After reading the other complaints I almost feel lucky to have gotten 86,000 miles from my 2000 Durango 4.7L 4X4. The typical 45-psi to 0-psi oil pressure drop several times before pressure never returned. Oil level was full, and maintenance records complete. 180 miles from home with boat in tow I incurred complete engine failure. Two Dodge dealers quoted engine replacement with a Jasper engine for $6857.00 and 6897.00. The installer in my area that the Jasper representative suggested quoted $5561.21. Guess where I�ll be going. I purchased this pre-owned Durango from my local Dodge dealer (the one with the higher quote) and still owe the equivalent of the engine replacement on it. Neither dealer told me about this sludge problem. I discovered this myself on the Internet. As of this writing the lousy thing is in my driveway while I save a few more dollars for the replacement. I did discover that with patience, lots of flushing and a .22 caliber pistol cleaning brush, you can clean enough of the sump screen to regain oil flow throughout the engine. At least you can on the 4.7L engine. In my case it is too late. Others may want to go this route to avoid the experience. Or just dump it now!
2006Mar 20
(reported on)Durango SLT
- 76,000 miles
Engine failure, same as everyone else. $30,000 vehicle with a 4.7L engine made worthless by engine failure. Had to replace entire engine with a used motor from a wrecked 2002 model that had 26,000 miles on it. Still owe $10,000 on this Durango.... How come there is not a Class Action Law Suit against DCC?
2004Oct 12
(reported on)Durango SLT
- 36,380 miles
I'm sorry.. but this excuse that Chrysler has come up with saying the engine failure due to lack of oil changes is really lame. I have never heard of an engine failing from not enough oil changes. If it would have been completely OUT of oil, yes then I would have to admit.. that is our fault, but it had plenty of oil and always ran fine. It makes more sense that this is a structural problem where the oil doesn't flow properly, that just makes more sense. Would they have us believe that ALL Chevy, Ford, Cadillac, Nissan etc. etc. etc... owners Always maitanance their vehicles exactly as they should... I think not, people just tend to procrastinate a little. If this were true, we would see vehicles stranded everywhere from this problem.. millions of them. I think it is more likely that it is just a really STUPID excuse they came up with to avoid their responsibilities. We had to trade this 34,000.00 vehicle for a new truck. The loan was upside down, we still owed $14,000 on it and would have had to add another $5,800.00 or so to it for a new engine. No bank want to loan that for a 5 year old vehicle. At least with the new one we get a decent warranty of 7 yr. or 70,000, but our payments went up 200.00/mo. then there is sales tax etc. This really was a catch 22 situation, it was hard to know what to do. When we bought the Durango in 2000, we intended to drive it till it dropped (we are very low milage drivers, too busy to go anywhere) but who would have thought it would drop at 36,380 miles. This should not have happened, and I've got to tell you, I am boiling mad at Chrysler. I wish we could have traded for a Chevy truck, but was hard to do with a blown engine. They gave is 11,000 for our Durango. We had to endure a trade deficite of $3,100.00.
2004Oct 01
(reported on)Durango
- 36,000 miles
What is up with Chrysler?... Do they program these things to blow as soon as the warranty runs out? Our 2000 Dodge Durango with all the bells and whistles always ran great, we loved this car. It was over priced in 2000 at 34,000.00 but we thought we would keep it for years and try to get some of our moneys worth out of it... but... NO!!! along comes the rip off. We were on our way to a football game minding our own business, all the sudden on comes the check gages light but it was still running OK. We thought .. how strange then noticed oil pressure on zero and thought that can't be good. We ran it for another mile or two to get to cilvilization but then IT BLEW. Had it towed to the dealership at our expense. The salesman tried to hook us up with an extended warranty real quick since the regular had just run out about 200 miles ago. We paid this extra 1000.00 thinking Chrysler would do the right thing.. but.. NO... we also got told that it was owner neglect that caused it (lack of oil changes) BULL----!! At 36,000 miles who even has time to neglect it. These acusations Chrysler is making on their customers is just rediculous!!! We are now stuck with a 4000 lb. paperweight I guess. To trade it on a new 04 or 05 model is another rip off and another story. What really burns me is after we purchased the extended warranty I e-mailed Chrysler customer service and they told me it was covered as it should be. Well... they lied.
2003Dec 11
(reported on)Durango
- 42,000 miles
Oil Pressure Gauge bounced from normal to zero and back. Tech (not dealer) checked capped off oil and said probably an indicator problem. Engine blew 12 hours later.
2003May 13
(reported on)Durango
- 32,000 miles
I have fund five credible sources that say that the oil ports on these cars are at an angle which causes the ports to clog. When this happens the next time you change your oil the new oil that you put in your car will just sit at the heads and bake causing extreme amounts of sludge and the warranty company will not cover it.
2003Aug 04
(reported on)Durango SLT
- 56,000 miles
It is August 4th, 2003, and the "people" at our local Dodge dealership have informed us that our 3 year old Durango's engine is dead. We will NEVER buy another Dodge/Chrysler again! We once owned a Dodge Caravan '96. It was our first lemon. Now, another piece of S!
The Durango is no longer under warranty, and there was plenty that went wrong while it was under warranty. First, the air conditioner (rear) had a faulty hose that leaked it's water down the interior ceiling and side doors of the Durango. Dealer repaired it. Then a clacking noise from the rear air conditioner. The dealer isn't capable of fixing it. Then a faulty valve. FIxed. The rear right side passenger window get's stuck when attempting to run it up or down. And of course the end all and be all....Engine failure. The gauges went nuts, the oil was checked and changed by local Honda dealer (used to be Dodge dealer), and within the next 2 days the engine was dead.
2003Feb 11
(reported on)Durango SLT
- 47,000 miles
November 2002, oil pressure gauge dropped, engine seized during a long trip out of town. Adjuster from extended warranty company relayed to mechanic, who then relayed to us, that it was due to a faulty "upper plenum gasket" that caused the oil to burn up in the wall of the engine, then drop down into the pan when the engine cooled, then suck back up into the screen and clog. Extended warranty company (North American) denied our claim, stating that they "did not agree" with the adjuster (????). We had to borrow over $4,000 to replace the engine. Dodge issued a bulletin for this defect in the 98-99 models. I have written and asked them to add the 2000. There is no way we should have had to replace the engine at 47,000 miles with as many oil changes as we had. There have also been other problems (inconveniences) with the vehicle (non-working windows, faulty electric door locks, clacking sound from rear air conditioner, check engine light on (sensor issue)). Currently, the locks make a loud screeching noise and do not work properly, however the extended warranty company told the dealership that we had to pay out of pocket and they would reimburse us. Based on our past experience, we cannot afford to take the chance that they will. An employee at the dealership where we purchased the vehicle stated that they no longer offer the warranty from the place where we purchased ours due to their continually denying claims.
2002Oct 01
(reported on)Durango SLT
- 44,000 miles
$30,000+ truck died after 17 mos and 44,000 miles. Oil changes performed as suggested and synthetic oil used. While driving on the Intersate, I lost oil pressure, I felt something give, smoke poured out. Towed to the dealership to be covered under extended warranty. Warranty not honored, dealership won't help, and Chrysler doesn't even want to talk with us. THEIR DIAGNOSIS: Engine failure due to oil sludge buildup. According to them it was our failure to change the oil that caused the sludge. We did our own changes and did not keep receipts handy. I don't think it would have mattered since they are determined to pawn this widespread problem on the owners every time. I have lost time, money, work, and much more because of this. Too upside down to trade in. (I can't imagine why the value of Durango's has depreciated so much) Anyway, use caution when you buy.
We have partnered with JustAnswer to offer online auto repair help and advice from expert professional automotive technicians. You describe your engine problem or ask your question and they try to help you figure it out. The fee is typically $9 to $15, but you can offer to pay more for really tough questions. You will usually receive an answer in 10 minutes or less, and you do not have to pay anything unless you accept the answer.
2008Apr 02
Durango 5.2L V8
I was driving along at 45 mph when the steering wheel began to vibrate badly. At the light, it would hardly keep running& had a bad rap-rap-rap sound. I thought it might have skipped time, but this engine has a chain, so here I am waiting on a rebuilt engine to the tune of $4200 with the same song as the others in the forum. I am so done with Dodge! Its really too bad because they have some great style...but not substance. i will drive it long enough to get a little of my money back and then leave the Chrysler family.
Kevin S.
Keller, TX, USA
SEND A COMMENT »