9.3

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$820
Average Mileage:
134,500 miles
Total Complaints:
183 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (108 reports)
  2. new computer (16 reports)
  3. cool down engine (12 reports)
  4. no solution factory need to call back (11 reports)
  5. replaced pcm (9 reports)
  6. wiggle the wires to the pcm (5 reports)
1999 Dodge Durango engine problems

engine problem

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1999 Dodge Durango Owner Comments (Page 1 of 10)

problem #183

Apr 202019

Durango SLE 5.9L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 187,000 miles

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

this just started. it will run fine then all of a sudden it will lose power, run rough, back fire, and then it just stops and would not start again. the battery runs down.

- Gary H., Puyallup, US

problem #182

Jul 062016

Durango SLT 3.5L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 234,646 miles

I have a 1999 Dodge Durango SLT, When I bought it from the dealer he told me that the only thing wrong with the vehicle was that the radio did not work and that the glove compartment was broken. He stated that the vehicle was inspected by their mechanic and was cleared as safe to drive. We asked directly " Has The Vehicle Ever Been In An Accident?" we were told NO. Once we drove the vehicle off the lot and went to have it registered we found out that the vehicle had not been registered since 2012, we were going to have to pay $889. in back fees. Then we took it into a mechanic shop to have it checked because it was making a slight noise, This was one week after we had it. This vehicle was not safe to drive, we were told that we were lucky that we came in when we did because the transmission was not even bolted all the way to the engine and that who ever had worked on it installed different size bolts and some were to long. We were told that if these bolts were to have backed out while driving that it could have caused the transmission to drop, dig into the pavement and flip the car. From that point on it has been a night mare. I have had to have the tie rod and right rear leaf spring replaced because the vehicle was slowly shifting to the left from the frame of the car. That's when we found out that the vehicle had been in a n accident. It was hit on the rear passenger side and snapped the Leaf spring and tie rod in the back. They told us that it was barely hanging on and that if it would have completely snapped off that it would have caused the rear driver side to snap and the whole rear end of the vehicle would have dropped to the ground and could have caused the gas tank to explode. It has been one thing after another with this vehicle. I have invested almost $3,000. into this vehicle all ready and now for some reason it keeps shutting down while driving. I live in the hills and it has already damn near caused me to either run off the cliff or run into another car because the power steering goes out and so do the power brakes. I have contacted the dodge dealer ship and they wont help, i even contacted the Dodge corporation about this, They deny that there is even a problem. I told them to Google the shut down problem and they will find dozens of complaints about the same problem that i was having. Their reply was, "we don't google anything. Take it to a dealer and see if they can fix it". I have talked to 4 other people who have taken their Durango into the dealership and they have had to pay a grip and their's came back with the same problem as it went in with. (The shut down problem). So what do we do? what is the fix? no one seems to know what the actual solution is. Dodge wont help, The dealer, I don't trust because the car was unsafe when he sold it to me in the first place. Help! does anyone have an actual fix?

- Eric G., Los Banos, CA, US

problem #181

Jul 122015

Durango SLT 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 189,000 miles

I have a '99 Durango, 5.9L. Will be driving down the road and it will just stall. Sometimes all gauges work and it starts right back up again. Other times, all gauges "flat-line" and I have to turn it off and on until gauges are working, then it restarts. I've replaced the PCM (ECM) three times, Crankshaft Positioning Sensor twice, Camshaft Position Sensor once, Idle Air Control Valve twice, MAP Sensor twice, Intake Air Temperature Sensor twice,and TPS Sensor twice. After replacing everything, it ran great for a day, then it started all over again. I love my Durango, and would like to keep it running for another 180K miles or more. I need help, as I'm at my wits end with this issue. All of this started summer of 2015. All Sensors, except the Camshaft Position Sensor, are after market. The PCM came from a reputable group in Florida.

- oldfatman51, Herriman, UT, US

problem #180

Nov 132015

Durango LS V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

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

Upon driving home from work, thank God I was on a side street going 25 mph, I was less then 2 miles from home and for no reason my car shuddered and then completely stalled. I was able to guide it to the curb and was on a flat part of the street so I did get it stopped by turning the wheels into the curb. If I had been about three feet further up, I would have been on a down slope, and don't know if I could have stopped the car, therefore sliding into traffic on a main street with much traffic during rush hour.

Upon scouting around online I found hundreds of complaints concerning this problem, as well as other major issues that I too am experiencing, such as my sway device breaking, ball joints that I keep having issues with, no heat, terrible rust issues that forced me to replace my full front bumper, as it had rusted out so badly, it was ready to fall off the car. I am also having problems with my driver side front seat belt not wanting to retract, which concerns me, as I wonder if it would work right if I had an accident.

With as many serious complaints and issues reported by so many people for specific years on this car, I feel that Dodge should take responsibility, and accountability for all of these dangerous and defective problems that could cause accidents, injury, and deaths. I do intend to call a local Dodge dealer, hopefully getting some help and satisfaction. If not, I will continually keep spreading the word by mouth, the internet, the Better Business Bureau, and any other resource that might be interested. Dodge would also lose my future business, as I would never continue to do business with a company that will not back up their product.

- Michele T., Carpentersville, US

problem #179

May 062015

Durango SLT 5.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 153,000 miles

AND I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE HAVING THE ISSUE OF MY 1999 DODGE DURANGO 5.2 DYING ANYWHERE/ANYTIME!!!!!! OMG!!!

ALL OF US THAT HAVE THIS ISSUE SHOULD STAND TOGETHER AND GET A RECALL OR LAWSUIT GOING!!!!

HOW UNSAFE AND UNRELIABLE FOR US!!!

I LOVE MY DURANGO, BUT AM SCARED TO DEATH TO DRIVE IT!!

Update from Jan 15, 2016: As of today, 1/15/16, after almost (10) Mechanics looking at my 1998 Dodge Durango, I am hoping this is the FIX! I was told that the reason it shuts down while Driving is because the Sensor on the Transmission is BAD! I have owned this Car since May of 2015 and have not been able to drive it!!!!!

I am so hoping this fixes it once and for all and has helped the 100's of people out there that are having the same ISSUE!!!!

GOD BLESS you all and E-Mail me at: bentley5038@q.com if you want to!!! Keeping my Fingers & Toes Crossed!

- bentley5038, Longview, US

problem #178

May 052015

Durango SLT 5.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 155,000 miles

GREAT LOOKING INSIDE AND OUT! EVERYTHING WORKS GREAT. TURNS HEADS WHEN SHE STARTS AND RUNS TOO GOOD! AFTER DRIVING IT FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES IT WILL JUST DIE ANYWHERE AND NOT TURN OVER AGAIN UNTIL YOU UNPLUG THE WHITE PCM PLUG TO THE PCM (COMPUTER) AND PLUG IT BACK IN AND THEN IT WILL RUN ABOUT 30 MORE MINUTES AND THEN DO THE SAME THING AGAIN! HAVE HAD IT SINCE MAY 5, 2015 AND DUMPED AND DUMPED AND DUMPED MONEY INTO HER.

REPLACED THE PCM REPLACED THE ROTOR REPLACE THE CRANK SENSOR GAVE HER A TOTAL TUNE-UP NEW SPARK PLUG WIRES AND PLUGS NEW THERMOSTAT NEW PICKUP DISTRIBUTOR PLATE OIL CHANGE TRANSMISSION OIL CHANGED CLEANED ALL GROUNDS

I REALLY LOVE THIS RIG AND HAVE HAD (5) MECHANICS TRY TO FIGURE OUT THE DARN PROBLEM! HELPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP PLEASE!!!! HAVE READ ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM WITH A LOT OF THIS YEAR!

- bentley5038, Longview, US

problem #177

Jul 012015

Durango UT V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 160,000 miles

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

Can't drive it, can't fix it, paid to much for it, can't sell it. COME ON DODGE FESS UP AND MAKE US PROUD AND RESTORE ARE FAITH IN AMERICAN CARS AND TRUCKS!!!!!!!! HELP US FIX IT.

- warwagon, Camarillo, CA, US

problem #176

Jul 012015

Durango SLT 5.9L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 167,964 miles

Problem initially started off as intermittent jumping of the tachometer (suspected a transmission control problem of some sort). Problem frequency increase and then the engine completely shut off while driving (no error code indications). I thought I fixed it by replacing the TPS sensor and the Output Speed sensor.

The car ran fine for about a week but now the engine simply turns off while driving. It has happened 6 or 7 times now and always when accelerating (like up a hill or on a long slight incline on the freeway). Typically I can re-start the car right away, however the last time it wouldn't start (I could crank the engine but it wouldn't start). Sat for about 15 minutes, it started and was able to drive home.

It may be heat related (happening more on really hot days) but not really sure because it happened at night one time and in the morning another time. I plan on replacing the CAM position sensor next but after additional reading on-line, it sounds more like the pcm may need to be replaced, and even then no guarantee to solve the problem. Too dangerous to allow my wife or kids to drive so I may just sell it.

- upsetuser, Renton, WA, US

problem #175

May 012015

Durango SLT 5.9L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 159,500 miles

This vehicle is the biggest mistake I have ever bought in my life. Starts and runs for about 10-20 minutes then stalls and dies as your going down the road. VERY DANGEROUS!!! This needs to be recalled NOW! I have had 2 near misses now in the last week. Will never own another Dodge in my life.

- Jeff H., Grand Island, NE, US

problem #174

Feb 082012

Durango Slt 4x4 V8 5.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

I bought a 1999 Dodge Durango for our daughter in 2012, thinking it would be a good vehicle for her, since she was in college. So glad we never got it to her. I was driving it for work it would shut down while going 65 on the freeway. This even happened with our young son in the car. When it shuts down I loose all power, for steering, braking, everything. So we took it to get it fixed, replaced sensors, fuel pump and filter, then we replaced the CPU.

The car is a lemon and Ford should never put these on the road to play RUSSAIN ROULETTE with our lives. I cannot sell the car knowing the possibilities of what can happened to anyone that's in it while driving, so it's sat in our driveway for the last 3 years.

It's 2015 now, my daughter is married and having her first baby, and her husband had the car towed to the dealership in Tempe, AZ I don't believe it can be fixed, and all Ford wants is big money to pretend they fixed it, put it back on the road with this young family makes me so mad. ( Son in law believes the mechanic, hasn't lived the shut down part!)

We paid $5000 for the car in 2012 and that guy knew what was happening and still sold it to us. We don't have much money, but I was ok with it not being on the road to hurt someone, not to mention the money already spent trying to fix the car. It was our loss but a life gained not being on the road, now it has become FORDS responsibility for saying they can fix it and put it back on the road! PS car in the shop as I said when it gets out I will post the VIN#.

- Tambra M., San TanValley, AZ, US

problem #173

Jan 302015

Durango SLT 5.9L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 305,637 miles

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

click to see larger images

shuts down while driving shuts down while driving shuts down while driving shuts down while driving shuts down while driving

I got this problem randomly, shuts down anytime, don't care if you are at high speed or low or even if you are making a stop. It happens randomly but it starts and runs like a brand new truck. Sometimes when it is off and I want to turn it on, fails, and in a few minutes it turns on. I change everything, electrical, fuse, gas, cables, distributor,etc, etc and nothing fixes my problem. All the problems were my CRANK SHAFT SENSOR AND MY FLEX PLATE. And that all cost to me 250$ for the mechanic and the parts. And that fixes my problem.

Now it is like a brand new truck. I got a 99 Dodge Durango 4*4 5.9. lt's a V8 Mágnum and I'm in love with my truck.. :) Good luck with your issues, everything on this truck can be repaired at a really cheap cost. I'm from Texas. God bless you. If you need any advice, leave me your mail and I will text you. You can check my truck pictures.

- Mm M., Laredo, TX, US

problem #172

Dec 242014

Durango 5.9V8 Magnum

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

My son and I had JUST exited off the highway when our 99 Dodge Durango suddenly just died. No signs or warning. Luckily we were on a down slope and were able to coast to the side of the road. If this had happened on the highway we would have most likely been hit and possibly killed.

I have read numerous complaints about problems with the PCM on this year and model...dying out of nowhere. It's a matter of time before someone gets hurt or is killed...if it hasn't happened already.

Chrysler makes it just about impossible to get fixed as well. Most mechanics are able to fix other PCMs for other models, but not the 99 Dodge Durango. We're hoping to find someplace we can order one from because we refuse to pay the dealer $1200 for a part that would take literally two minutes to replace. This part really needs to be recalled! It's a tragedy waiting to happen!

- Chris P., Aurora, CO, US

problem #171

Oct 012014

Durango V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 175,000 miles

Sadly there is no solution for this, I tried all the methods, has anyone been able to successfully rectify the problem?

- ramdurango, Kirkland, WA, US

problem #170

Nov 132013

Durango LX 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 134,000 miles

For no reason while driving on the highway the engine will shut off. All that could be done was to pull over to the side of the road. All the electrical seemed fine. The radio worked. After about 20 minutes the engine started. I replaced the ECM this week I will let you know if the problems acures

- Philip N., Orlando, Florica, US

problem #169

Aug 082013

Durango EX 5.9L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 165,000 miles

THE 32 WAY CONNECTORS TO THE PCM INTERMITTENTLY LOSE ELECTRICAL CONTACT AND THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING. LOOSE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. VERY DANGEROUS. HAVE HAD 4 CLOSE CALLS. 2 NEAR REAR END COLLISIONS AFTER I LOST MY POWER BRAKES AND STEERING.

- J. O., San Carlos, CA, US

problem #168

Apr 202014

Durango SLT 5.2L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 157,000 miles

I have only had this vehicle for a little over a month. I work 50+ hours a week with mentally handicapped people whom I have to transport. This is vehicle is by far the biggest PIECE OF CRAP I have EVER driven. I will never ever by a Dodge again. The problem needs fixed, and soon. Before myself or others get hurt. I am only 19 yrs old for heavens sake and your supposed to like your everyday driver for the most part right? Hell no. It stalls out multiple times DAILY! As I'm driving down the highway, in the city or simply sitting at a damn stop light. Sometimes even when I'm parked and have it running it does it. This needs to be fixed and there needs to be a recall !

- Amanda F., Council Bluffs, IA, US

problem #167

Jun 042012

Durango SLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 200,000 miles

Just bought a 1999 Dodge Durango SLT on 6-2-2012 and had it delivered today 6-4-2012. Went to go to the gas station to put gas in about 2 hours after the first incident,(already reported) and almost to gas station the stupid thing randomly shuts off again. I noticed when I tried to start it again and again that the fuel gauge wouldn't even register the fact that there was gas in the vehicle.

This time after waiting nearly 45 minutes in 100 degree heat with myself being pregnant and 6 kids in the car. I got a ride home from a friend and left it where it sat. Will tow it later. I have noticed that this seems to be a pretty common issue with no real definite solution according to the websites I have looked at. (haven't looked here as of yet though).

Does anyone else seem to have the same problem and/or have a solution that works short of either setting said vehicle on fire and pushing it off a cliff or trading it in??

Update from May 26, 2014: Bought a new computer about 6 months or so ago, installed it and have not has any problems since. The computer cost me about $250 bucks. So if you like to Durango and would like to keep it then I would highly recommend getting a new computer. :)

- Elizabeth S., Three Rivers, TX, US

problem #166

Jun 012011

Durango SLT 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 145,000 miles

Back in June of 2011 the Durango started dying. Was stranded many times on the freeway or parking lots. Was barely able to get off the road. Took it to the mechanic and they said it was a leaky manifold. Fixed it just for a while. Took the Durango back in to another mechanic in Dec, where they have been doing common maintenance work. They finally have that fixed and took it for a test drive and it died on them. They said it could be a crank sensor so it got replaced and now that didn't fix it and now its either the PCM or ECM on the firewall getting hot and just shutting off without a warning. Called Dodge Complaint Center 1-800-423-6343 and the man said its old and Dodge isn't recalling this part. I've sunk a lot of money in this vehicle and am tired of it. We all need to complain about this problem. Dodge complaint center can't recall it if there isn't a lot of people complaining. Please everyone with this problem call them. Right now fuming about this.

- Kathy H., Lee's Summit, MO, US

problem #165

Feb 172011

Durango 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140 miles

computer gets hot and shuts down engine.when it cools down engine will start and run about 45 minutes.

- aliciadishman, Livingston, TN, US

problem #164

May 092012

Durango 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 132,000 miles

This isn't my truck my friend bought the dam piece of sh*t, at first I couldn't figure it out, no one could then finally looked in the internet bingo! Common problem its not the pcm it starts from the crankshaft position sensor, camshaft sensor,tps,map,coil and so forth must check all these first before wasting a lot of money these are easy and fast to check. I"m currently a student in automotive a good learning experience didn't know sh*t at first, my point is get rid of it its going to be a consistent problem.

- automotive student, Hemet, CA, US

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