Engine Failure problems of the 2004 Dodge Durango - part 1

Cowl under windshield does not divert water from engine bay. Water pools on engine, getting into the coil-over-plugs (cop) and intake(gasket) causing hesitation stalling and engine failure after being exposed to water. Rain, car wash, using the windshield washer. Chrysler has made 7 different versions of the cowl to address the issue but has never issued an official recall. Those who do not have the latest version of the cowl (part# 55362453ak) have to pay for the part and have it installed or risk having engine failure while driving down the road in the rain. Part that should be included in recall 55362453ak "cowl" this is a known issue reported by "durango" owners that is all over the internet.

2004 Dodge Durango. Consumer writes in regards to engine failure. The consumer stated the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified and did not offer any assistance due to the vehicle being out of warranty.

I purchased my '04 Durango in 2014 with 70,000 miles on it and just paid it off last month. I haven't even received the title yet but yet I have a truck that doesn't run anymore. About a week or so ago I went out to start my truck and the engine began to knock very loudly. We had a small rain/snow event the night before and the truck had been sitting outside in the elements. I immediately turned off the truck and went back inside to make some calls and get on the internet. I found out that there has been an ongoing issue with this truck concerning water leaking into the engine causing it to hydrolock the engine causing catastrophic engine failure/ engine replacement. Prior to this, I had issues with the truck concerning idling and/or stalling during the rain or when going through a car wash. I read so many comments from fellow vehicle owners that have experienced this issue and have had to replace the engine. There is no other fix. The estimated fix for this is a new/used engine costing thousands of dollars (I was quoted 7000, I only paid 10,000 for the truck when I bought it). I had a mechanic come look at it and he said the truck dropped a valve, it was cylinder #3. My engine has just over 113,000 miles on it. There is no reason I should have to replace an engine at this mileage. None whatsoever. Delving into the issue it seems as if there is a replacement part (cowl fitting) that needs to be replaced that Dodge/Chrysler never issued a recall for although they knew there was an issue and it was causing its engines to blow rods and suffer irreparable damage. If I had known that this I would never ever have bought it especially from a company that doesn't correct their mistakes even when they know about them. I have never owned a Dodge before and I will never buy another again or recommend them to others. They should stand by their product.

My 2004 Dodge Durango suffered the catastrophic engine failure due to hydrolock from the poor cowl design. I live in bear country, if this had happened while I was in a remote area I could have easily been stranded with 800lbs of claws and teeth. I started the motor in my driveway during a light rain shower only to hear an obvious problem in the engine, it ran for 5 seconds then died. Plenty of vehicles have been affected by this issue, but no recall has been issued. The 2012 hemi had a very similar issue and a recall was issued.

When wife started vehicle sounded like hammers in engine results was total engine failure.

Catastrophic engine failure. The same "hemi tick" issue and consequent valve/piston rod failure that has apparently been reported and complained about by thousands of consumers and thousands of times. Mine was failed sitting in my driveway idling. This is a recurring issue that the valve springs, spring seats, and piston rods are made of garbage materials, yet Dodge refuses to acknowledge or make any effort to make right. This is a major design defect and needs to become a recall.

Hemi 5. 7 engine failure drove vehicle on Monday 7/7/2014), park vehicle overnight, went to start the vehicle on Tuesday (7/8/2014) vehicle would not start. Will not turn over, mechanic indicates the vehicle will require a new engine, approximate replacement cost is $4,500 - $4,600.

Tl-the contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. The contact attempted to start the vehicle however, the engine failed to operate without warning. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. Aw.

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, a loud bang emitted outside of the vehicle as the engine stalled. The engine warning indicator and light bulb warning icon were illuminated and the engine failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis, who stated that there was a blown engine rod and piston. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 72,833. The VIN was unavailable.

Sudden compete engine failure spun crank bearings and other rod damage. Engine had regular oil changed regularly. I used the good stuff mobile 1. Wow after reading about all of these blown up engines across the USA why haven't you done anything? price to fix $6,000. 95,000 miles and engine failure something has to be done.

I was taking off from a traffic light and I heard a pop sound and the engine shut off. I got the vehicle of the road and had towed to a repair shop. They said engine is shot something in the valve train broke loose and hit the piston. I have changed the oil and filter every 3-4000 miles since I have owned this vehicle. I have found by checking the internet that there are thousands and thousands of complaints for premature engine failure for a 2004 Dodge Durango with 5. 7l engine. It is obvious that Dodge new about this because the problem seemed to go away in 2005 models.

After a night of heavy rain, I went out to start my Durango, and the engine had seized up. After three or four tries, it started, but was banging and knocking. I had it towed, and was told the engine had failed, with a bend or broken rod. Had to have the engine replaced. I had done the oil change every 3000 miles, and taken good care of this vehicle. I have read of many other's that have had the same problem with engine failures on this particular model. I am waiting to find out if water had gotten into the engine somehow, or if a poor quality rod was the problem.

2004 Dodge Durango limited, 5. 7l hemi, purchased on 5/15/13. Extended warranty purchased with vehicle at time of sale. Vehicle has been returned for service five times to date for same root issue. In under one year, only approximately 2600 miles have been driven due to lack of reliability and service related problems. In this case, the root problem is known to the service department and is not unique to this specific vehicle, but rather a known issue with this year, make and model. Chrysler is unable to provide direction or any technical support to assist the service department with solving the issue. It has been clearly acknowledged by the dealership service department, as well as Chrysler directly, that this matter involves a manufacturing defect that has not been corrected and was never issued as a recall. Most recently, I was notified that engine damage had been repaired and the vehicle was ready to be picked up. In the same conversation, however, I was advised that the cause of the damage, being the defect that allows water to enter the engine compartment during heavy rain or car washes, was not rectified. This issue is clearly unresolved and the safety of my family and other motorists could be in jeopardy if catastrophic engine failure were to occur. Chrysler has opted to ignore this frequently reported issue and simply push those who complain away.

The vehicle drove fine on 01/15/2013. I went out to start it on 01/16/2013 and there were a really loud metal on metal sound. It sounded like there were rocks in the engine. I quickly shut the engine off. I had it towed to a local repair shop and I was told that the engine failed. A rod broke and put a hole in the block. The vehicle has been serviced regularly and there were no prior issues. No waring light at all.

These vehicles have serious engine problems. (hemi 5. 7l) the engine shut off while driving and almost caused an accident with me and my seven children inside because ethe driver behind me didn't see that my vehicle came to a stop and steering wheel locked up. In heavy rains water gets inside somehow and stalls the engine. The engine finally locked up after taking my truck to numerous of places to see what was wrong and mechanics never seen that the engine was going bad. Looking at reports, a lot of people are experiencing engine failure and this is dangerous. Please do something before somebody gets hurt.

The vehicle, which was running fine the evening before this engine failure, was parked outside overnight in the rain. The next morning the vehicle was started and immediately started making loud mechanical noises. The vehicle was turned off immediately and a piece of the engine block was discoverd on the frame and a hole in the engine block was noticed.

Complete engine failure. From what I am reading and what my mechanic has told me, this is a common failure. Besides the financial impact of this defective, faulty engine, it poses a safety hazard to the motoring public when the engine has a total and massive failure, especially if it happens at highway speeds. This vehicle should have a mandatory recall and Dodge held responsible for the necessary repairs / replacements.

How many more Dodge Durango 2004 is it going to take to investigate. Chrysler is recalling 2012 vehicles for the same problem, what most of the complaints are about, engine failure, blown rod . Is it going to taking someone getting killed to wake you up? seems like someone is not doing their job . Doesn't anyone read the complaints other than other 2004 Dodge owners?.

2004 Dodge Durango bent rod # 7 Chrysler dealership replaced bent rod. But said need new engine because they could not find out why the engine failed. Many thousand of dollars were paid to fix and get on road again. Not sure if this would happen again, nervous with three kids in car ages 2,5,6 am I going to kill or hurt my children driving them in this car???? happened again same bent rod 1 month after repair. On 2012 October. Car sits in dealership for 8 months now. Will not move car or drive car till someone tells me that it is safe to drive kids in it. They fluxed motor pressure tested it and still they do not know what is wrong. Look at all the same complaints on line this is not just me!!! something is wrong! do my children need to die or someone elses family need to get hurt by one of these SUV's before someone takes notice. Please look in to this. [xxx], michigan e-mail [xxx] I will be posting this over again till someone hears my cry! information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Prior to the engine failure the motor would shut off during any heavy rain storm, then after one rain storm in July of 2012 the next morning went outside to start the truck the motor had locked up. Took it to the garage and was told by the mechanic that Dodge had a major design defect in the 2004-2005 Durango that caused engine failure with rain water getting into the engine. So if that is the case then Chrysler needs to refund everyone that has had these issue due to there mistake and not penalize the customers.

Truck driving just fine on April 15th. April 16th it rained and on the 17th my engine failed. I did not go anywhere on April 16th due to the rain, but when I attempted to start my vehicle on the 17th, at first it wouldn't start but when it did the Durango sounded like boulders were in my engine and the truck was idling up and down on its own and shaking violently. My 3yr old and 18 month old were in the back seat scared to pieces. This is a shame! I have read hundreds of complaints against the 2004 Dodge Durangos and I'm just disgusted. I've only had my truck for 2 months and it is still under a 3 month 4500 mile extended warranty, but the warranty, (I'm just finding out) only covers $1,250 in repairs. As a newly separated single mother this is unacceptable and I'm furious! something has to be done.

Just like numerous 2004 Durango owners I have experienced . . . . . . . A complete engine failure once I passed 80,000 miles due to unknown causes. I am the original owner, regularly maintained it, and operated it normally. Car stalled in traffic and could have been tragic. Would like an investigation opened considering the large number of owners experiencing the same problem.

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the engine failed to start. The vehicle was not taken to a mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was unsure of what the exact cause of the failure was. The approximate failure mileage was 78,500 and the current mileage 79,000.

Slowing for a stop sign at about 15 mph rod broke and went through block. Complete engine failure. At 120,000 miles this is ridiculous. No noise or any warning , always changed oil. Daughter has Honda with 200k on it and still runs great. What is with Chrysler?? remember the old fiat== fix it again [xxx]?? if Dodge thinks they will sell me another car I don't think so!! and now the dealer is trying to put me in a new one! will give me a song for mine. It's broke. And finding a motor is not fun either. Seems the junk yards can't keep them. Sell as soon as they get them. It's to bad they won't do anything about this. How many complaints for the same problem before the government says enough is enough?? looking to put a lot of money in to this car and then I;m dumping it. Probably a Nissan or a Toyota. Sorry America I don't have any more money to throw in to America metal. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

While driving on the interstate hwy the engine failed without warning.

On September 12, 2011, I was driving my 2004 Dodge Durango (71,300mi 5. 7l hemi) when the engine failed. I had pulled onto the street and was accelerating to 45mph. I was up to approximately 35mph when I heard a very loud pop, more like an explosion, followed by very loud ã‚slappingã‚쳜 noises coming from the engine area. It sounded like a tire burst, followed by driving on a dead flat tire. The car was slowing very quickly, and it had no power. Within seconds I realized it was a major engine or transmission problem, and I was going to be stopped in the middle of the road. Before so, I was able to shift into neutral and coast off to the side. I do not believe that my wife or daughter would have been able to do the same. They would have stopped within seconds in the middle of this very busy road. The loud slapping noises stopped once the car was in neutral. I was able to put the car into park and visually check around. I saw nothing other than a small trail of oil behind the car, a small puddle under the driverã‚s side of the engine, and a large amount of oil on the underside and on the side of the engine on the driverã‚s side. I have much more details to this story, please request if needed, but the Dodge dealer told me I had thrown a rod, without even looking inside the engine. No help from the dealer or Chrysler, even though this is a hemi (supposed quality) and the warranty only expired 1300 miles ago.

My family and I were getting ready to go on vacation for memorial day. Out of nowhere with absolutely no warning, when attempting to start our Dodge Durango with a 5. 7 hemi engine, there was complete catastrophic engine failure. We had driven the vehicle the day before with no issues at all. We have a neighbor who is a certified mechanic come immediately out of his house at the sound and tell us to shut it down and get back because of a risk of fire. He gave us the good neighbor discount to get it completely rebuilt, but that is still over $4000. I think that Dodge should step up and start helping all these poor people out with these repairs, after all America helped them out when they needed it most.

2004 Dodge Durango 107,000 miles engine failure without any warning my engine blew a rod, while going 55 mph, I have always kept maintanence up to date, towed it to Dodge dealership and was told I could pay them to look at it and diagnose what was wrong, but that it was probably from oil sludge from not taking care of the car. They have been the ones doing my oil changes for the last year. They told me they know of no problems what so ever with the 04 Durango engines. . .

Complete engine failure. No prior warning. All oil changes and maintenance up to date. Defective engine maufactures and sold by Dodge. No recourse given to the thousands of people who bought this vehicle and had the same exact defect. Repairs estimated at $3000-6000. This car was driven without incedent the day and night before. Then the next day upon leaving for work in the morning it completely failed and had to be towed. The mechanic stated loose parts in the engine caused by overconsumpotion of oil and sludge. How the heck can a car company get away with this. I still owe money on it and cant afford to fix it.

After nothing but normal driving experiences, upon attempting to start my 2004 Dodge Durango with a 5. 7 l hemi v8, there was a large wrenching sound and the subsequent banging in the timing of the engine. The last time I drove the car it was fine and actually averaged 20 mpg as per usual highway driving. The Dodge service technician later informed me that a valve lifter, rocker arm, and piston had all gone and the vehicle requires a new motor. Since I only have 116,000 miles on it and service it regularly, I find this to be a defect. This feeling is also justified by the fact that I can easily find over 100 postings on vehicle forums related to engine failure at start-up, idle or low speeds, all with similar outcomes to mine. There was no recourse offered by the dealer, who instead offered me an option of a $6500 rebuild or $450 for the car as-is and were too eager to get me into their showroom.

I have a 2004 Dodge Durango with a blown engine. My 5. 7 hemi has approximately 96,000 miles on it. My vehicle's engine has been properly maintained for the four years I've owned it. I've kept the oil changed every 3,000 miles, have run only high octane fuel in it, and put less than 10,000 miles a year on it. My 17 year old daughter was allowed to drive it to her dental appointment which is thirty miles from our hometown. However, she was not able to get out of the driveway. She called and told me the engine was "banging," and I don't mean slang for awesome. So, she took her old maxima with over 200,000 miles to her dental appointment, and when I got home, I found out what she was talking about. The engine has thrown a rod. I called Chrysler to ask if there is a recall on the vehicle since I researched my problem on the internet and found that my engine failure is not an isolated incident. I understand completely that I have no warranty on the vehicle, but at such a low amount of miles, I assumed that Dodge had realized that they have an obvious mechanical or engineering defect that needs to be corrected. Unfortunately, Chrysler does not agree. After talking to several agents at Chrysler, I was assigned a case manager who had come to the conclusion that I was on my own, but they wanted to offer me four complimentary oil changes! I did not make that up. Four oil changes for my blown engine. I've babied this vehicle; most of the miles on my Durango have been highway miles. I've only hauled a trailer a handful of times. This vehicle should not be worn out. I still have two years to pay on it. As a poor school teacher who relied on this vehicle for transporting his family safely, I am severely disappointed with Chrysler's choice to ignore so many people who have experienced this very same problem of counting on Chrysler to protect our families with a reliable vehicle built to safely carry our families in traffic and through all types of weather.

Vehicle: 2004 Dodge Durango limited with the 5. 7l hemi v8 engine. 130,000 miles on vehicle. Driving vehicle at highways speed (50 mph) it suffered a catastrophic engine failure resulting in a hole in the side of the engine block. Rod failure. Connecting rod simply broke in half for no reason. Failure is not the result of neglected maintenance! the maintenance schedule as prescribed in the operators manual was strictly followed using the recommend oil (mobil 1 5-30w). Mechanics summation of cause was "poor quality connecting rod from manufacturer". The internals of the engine showed no wear and was very clean. Replaced engine with used engine cost was over $3000.

Engine failure at 70 mph - no warning, no prior engine problems. Rod goes through side of block. 5. 7 hemi.

Vehicle upon exiting interstate blew the engine. Steering and braking functions were disabled. 4,000lb SUV remained uncontrollable until it careened into an embankment. Someone has to do something. There are countless people with this same issue of engine failure with the same engine. Is there nothing that can be done? we paid large amounts of money to support Chrysler and their is no positive return for the buyer. . Read more...

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. While driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle suddenly shut off without warning. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the engine was replaced. A year after the failure occurred, the contact was driving 50 mph when the vehicle suddenly shut off without warning. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired when the complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000. The current mileage was approximately 73,000. Updated 06/29/10 the consumer stated the second engine failed at 73,000 miles. The #1 cylinder was found in the oil pan in pieces. The dealer stated a foreign object may have been in the cylinder head, but could not find positive proof. Updated 07/16/10.