Engine Belts And Pulleys problems of the 1999 Dodge Durango

The contact stated while driving heard a knock in the engine. A local mechanic found the engine threw a rod. As a result, it needed a new engine, tie rod, and serpentine belt. The vehicle was taken to a dealership, and they state it needed a new rod and crankshaft. The manufacturer instructed the dealership to take the engine apart to locate the internal problems. This has not been done at this time, and no repairs have been made.

Vehicle was purchased on August 21, 1999. The ball joints were same type as those on recall for year beginning 2000. Two years and four months later the ball joints failed. The front passenger side power window had broken along with the two back power windows. There was also a cracked serpentine belt, the tensioner had frozen, the throttle body was dirty and the gasket was leaking.

Transfer case failed, timing belt broke.

1999 Dodge Durango. Multiple problems with vehicle. 6,000 miles freeze plug; 48,691 tie rod end outer, serpentine belt; 63,851 transmission speed sensor; 66,002 miles ball joints front upper; 68,175 miles ball joints lower. Consumer paid out-of-pocket for each incident. I had extended insurance that was paid for when truck was bought, but was not given any information about it. Never recieved any info from fedelity insurance about extended insurance. During investigation, by myself, to report incidents to daimler Chrysler discovered on bill of sale that extended insurance had been paid for. Contacted daimler Chrysler and fidelity insurance. Daimler Chrysler reimbursed for parts of tie rods & upper ball joints; they refused to pay for anything else and claimed it was due to consumer's failure to maintain vehicle. Fidelity insurance would only refund up to a year from initial report of 08/04/04. Refused to reimburse for anything before. Submitted all documentation to fidelity, but have yet to recieve any reimbursement. Final incident on 09/04/04 has not yet been addressed by daimler Chrysler nor fidelity insurance. Truck has had multiple incidents of needing service -- all of which should not have to be replaced under 68,000 miles. Dodge refuses to take responsabilty of defective parts and vehicle. I have read multiple incident on-line of other Durango owners and mine is minor compaired to some. Everyone has had to replace ball joint, but multiple people have had to replace transmittions a number of time. I am stuck with a defective vehicle that if not gotten rid of will cost me thousands of dollars. My truck is paid off as of 10/2004, extended insurance is up at 72,000 miles. I am unable to afford buying another car that is appropriate to my family situation.

The consumer had to replace several tires due to worn upper and lower ball joints. The consumer experienced the same recall problem as the 1998-1999 models. The right front and left windows were inoperative, there was noises coming from the serpentine belt, the vehicle had taken too long to crank after sitting for a while and the intake manifold leaked oil.

Intially I took my truck in for servicing on 04/02/02, because the vehicle would not start. I was told that I needed a new battery and my serpentine belt needed to be replaced. The work was completed and two days later, my truck completely shut down. After taking the engine apart team Dodge has told me that I need a new engine from oil sludge.