Problems with 1999 Dodge Durango ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 dodge durango. while driving 25 mph, the contact heard a clunking and creaking noise coming from the front end. he took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that there was nothing wrong. in 2002, the contact took the vehicle to a specialty alignment shop and they refused to align the vehicle because the upper and lower front control arms were worn out. the contact returned to the dealer and they replaced the upper control arm on the passenger side. however, he continues to hear the clunking and creaking sound. the current mileage was 51,800 and failure mileage was 114. the upper ball joint was bad and the 4-wheel drive stayed engaged. the engine pinged a lot. updated 11/06/07.

I noticed the problem while doing my first oil change on the vehicle. i always check all the fluid levels when i do an oil change and noticed that the antifreeze level did not register on the radiator dipstick. i didn't think much of it since i hadn't checked the levels of anything since i bought the used vehicle because the dealer assured me that it was given a certified 135-point inspection. well after that i have checked the radiator fluid level on a regular basis (approximately every two weeks) and have found it to be low every time. i don't know where it's going. there are no traces of antifreeze on the garage floor and i don't see any visable leaks anywhere. i also can't detect the smell of burning antifreeze in the exhaust fumes. i took the vehicle to my local dodge dealer on 12/2/99 and they could not detect any problems and had no answer. they put a dye in the antifreeze to be able to detect a leak using a blacklight at a later date. i have gotten on internet newsgroup web sites and have found other people that have experienced similar problems, some worse than others. they are also saying that dodge knows it has this problem with it's larger engines. well, that's all i can tell you for now. thanks.

Had continous problem with the oil pressure guage flucuating, vehicle had been maintained, oil was always checked and changed when needed, told by mechanic faulty filter, said was no leaks but had to add oil at times. when it probably shouldn't have needed to, there seems to be a definite problem with this year and type of truck due to all the information found on the internet, dodge/chrysler should own up to their reputation and come clean, i will never buy anything that has to do with this company ever again. i was driving home with my daughter on the turnpike, the oil gauge kept dropping back and forth then all this tapping and loud noises from the engine, i pulled over and had to be towed home and was told i needed a new engine, you could see a hole, i got no satisfaction from the dealer or from the zone representative, she parroted the dealer and due to my financial status at this time i cannot afford nor do i believe i should have to put out a cent. this vehicle definitely needs to be investigated i believe it to be a lemon of a vehicle. dt

Vehicle accelerates/ motor makes a knocking sound. dealer replaced sparks, it caused vehicle to loose horse power and fuel economy. a new intake gasket was put in, and the computer was scanned to add a new code for more fuel. problem was not solved. *ak

Our durango has stalled and the engine completely stopped on 6 different occassions, each time in traffic, each time we have nearly had an accident. dealer and manufacturer cannot find problem, dispite 4 different inspections, though the problem did repeat for them. they still can't find the reason. beginning lemon law proceeding.

In september, a noise that i had thought to be a wind noise was identified to me by a passenger as engine knocking. the truck, which had been in to the dealer numerous times already for other issues, was brought to the dealer for checking. we were advised, contrary to the manual's suggestions, to try a higher octane fuel. the noise did not go away and we brought the truck back in in early november. we were told that there was a "ftsb" coming from the manufacturer. after a number of days they called and told me nothing was coming up and to take the truck back home. i did not hear from them for some time and the knocking was getting worse so i returned the truck for repairs. repairs were attempted twice after this with nothing correcting the problem. i just called the service department today to let them know that i was hearing the pinging again and i was told that the "tsb" they had expected 2 months ago was still supposed to come out and they want me to wait. this was their response when i told them i was tired of bringing the truck in for this repair and i felt that the truck was becoming more and more damaged as a result of the pinging. *ak

Neither dealer nor manufacturer is taking responsibility. expect engine damage ( valves ) to result if defect is not corrected.

Consumer stated that the vehicle had no power steering, dealer stated that the power steering shaft pump shaft had broken, dealer replaced power steering pump. *slc *yh

While turning into a parking lot and engine stalled/wheel locked up and power brakes quit.contacted dealer and manufacturer. has been repaired 3 times. *ak

Intermittently while driving vehicle stalls unexpectedly. also, loss of power steering which may cause a crash. about 5 minutes later, vehicle will start up again. dealer cannot determine the cause of the problem. please provide further information. *ak

This was the approximately 7th time this vechical stalled, this time resulting in an accident (power steering and brakes don't work without engine running). daimlercrysler says there is nothing wrong with the vechicle this has forced us to contact a lawyer to presue the matter. *ak

While driving driveshaft broke, causing a loss of vehicle control and a crash. dealer had to replace the driveshaft and exhaust system. please provide further information. *ak

Upon idle, the temp guage exceeds 210 and causes ac to blow hot air. after accellerating ac cools again but vehicle continually overheats and causes ac to blow hot. dealer said it is "flaw" in the durango and later version '99's have been upgraded already. is there a recent tsb on this?

Engine blew up at less than 3000 miles and was replaced. transmission problems are ongoing. dealer has been alerted and insist the vehicle is operating as designed. vehicle has been to dealer on 4 occasions for repair. now the transmission needs to be replaced.

Vehicle experiencing problem with cold start. dealer unable to correct problem, and vehicle experiencing problem with sudden acceleration while driving at 55 mph. cruise control was not engaged dealer notified, and informed consumer that they could not duplicate problem. please feel free to provide further detailson this matter. *ak