1997 Dodge Durango problems
The Dodge Durango is a mid-size/full-size SUV produced by Dodge starting with the 1998 model year. The first two generations were very similar in that both were based on the Dodge Dakota and Dodge Ram, both featured a body-on-frame construction and both were produced at the Newark Assembly Plant in Newark, Delaware through the 2009 model year.
The third-generation Durango began with the 2011 model year. It is built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, features unibody construction, and has been assembled at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan since late 2010.
Each generation had options for different engine sizes and power ratings, with different transmissions also. In 2009 a hybrid variant was introduced, but ended quickly with the second generation Durango. From 2007 to 2009 the Durango was available as the Chrysler Aspen from Chrysler. Over two million Durangos have been sold since it was introduced in 1998.
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Common 1997 Dodge Durango problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Dodge Durango 1997, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:
- Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Failure:
- The TPS tends to malfunction, causing throttle issues and engine shutdown while driving.
- Symptoms include poor engine drivability and potential check engine light activation.
- Replacement of the TPS is necessary to resolve this issue.
- Oil Sludge Build-Up in Engine:
- Commonly found in the 4.7L and 5.2L engines, leading to engine performance issues.
- Regular maintenance and oil changes are crucial to prevent sludge formation.
- Addressing this problem early can prevent costly repairs in the future.
- Transmission Problems:
- Transmission failures are prevalent in the Dodge Durango 1997, resulting in shifting issues.
- Replacements can be expensive, emphasizing the importance of regular transmission maintenance.
- Ensuring proper transmission function is essential for the vehicle's overall performance.
- PCM (Powertrain Control Module) Failure:
- The PCM, responsible for the car's computer system, is known to fail in this model.
- PCM failure leads to complete engine shutdown, rendering the vehicle inoperable.
- Timely diagnosis and replacement of the PCM are crucial to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
- Reliability Concerns with the 4.7L Engine:
- The 4.7L engine in the Dodge Durango 1997 is reported to be less reliable compared to other engine options.
- Owners are advised to avoid this engine variant and opt for more dependable alternatives like the 5.9L engine.
- Checking the engine's performance and reliability before purchase is essential for long-term satisfaction.
These common problems with the Dodge Durango 1997 highlight the importance of regular maintenance, early issue detection, and informed decision-making when purchasing or owning this vehicle. Addressing these issues promptly can help owners maintain the performance and longevity of their Dodge Durango.
Is a Dodge Durango a reliable car?
The Dodge Durango is a fairly reliable model for mid to full-size SUVs. RepairPal has rated the Durango a respectable 3.5 out of 5.0, ranking it as the third most reliable full-size SUV out of 14 models. The website also estimates the annual average repair cost of the SUV is $675, giving it an average ownership cost.
How many miles is bad for a Dodge Durango?
The Dodge Durango usually lasts from 200,000 to 250,000 miles when properly maintained. Data from the Department of Transportation reveals that, on average, car owners in the U.S. drive 13,476 miles per year. That suggests your Durango could last 14 to 18 years, depending on your driving style and range.
Is it worth buying Durango?
Is the 2024 Dodge Durango a Good SUV? Yes, the 2024 Durango is a decent midsize SUV. The Durango provides a roomy cabin, optional seating for up to seven passengers and a user-friendly infotainment system.
What is the best Durango engine?
When it comes to raw, unrivaled power 3, the Supercharged 6.2L HEMI® V8 engine is the top of our line-up. Standard on all Durango SRT® Hellcat models, it's a driving force that'll have your hair standing on end.
Is a Dodge Durango a reliable car?
The Dodge Durango is a fairly reliable model for mid to full-size SUVs. RepairPal has rated the Durango a respectable 3.5 out of 5.0, ranking it as the third most reliable full-size SUV out of 14 models. The website also estimates the annual average repair cost of the SUV is $675, giving it an average ownership cost.
How many miles is bad for a Dodge Durango?
The Dodge Durango usually lasts from 200,000 to 250,000 miles when properly maintained. Data from the Department of Transportation reveals that, on average, car owners in the U.S. drive 13,476 miles per year. That suggests your Durango could last 14 to 18 years, depending on your driving style and range.
Is it worth buying Durango?
Is the 2024 Dodge Durango a Good SUV? Yes, the 2024 Durango is a decent midsize SUV. The Durango provides a roomy cabin, optional seating for up to seven passengers and a user-friendly infotainment system.
What is the best Durango engine?
When it comes to raw, unrivaled power 3, the Supercharged 6.2L HEMI® V8 engine is the top of our line-up. Standard on all Durango SRT® Hellcat models, it's a driving force that'll have your hair standing on end.
1997 Dodge Durango car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Durango problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Suspension problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Dodge Durango vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Dodge Durango complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Dodge Durango.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-11-23
- Fire: 1
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 1999 DODGE DURANGO LEFT FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD SOME SUSPENSION WORK DONE ON NOV 21, 2005. *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-25
- VIN: 1B7GG23X8VS
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON WHEN VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER HAD TO STOMP ON ACCELERATOR IN ORDER TO STOP VEHICLE FROM INCREASING SPEED FOR THE SECOND TIME IN A WEEK. CONSUMER WILL CONTACT MANUFACTURER.*AK......WHEN CRUISE CONTROL STUCK CONSUMER TURNE DIT OFF AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE TO 79 MPH BEFORE GETTING ACCELERATOR UNSTUCK. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-16
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE DEALER REPLACED THE UPPER BALL JOINTS TWICE. NOW THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM *LA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-15
- VIN: 1B4HS28Z3XF
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE FAILURE INTERMITTENTLY WHEN APPLYING BRAKES IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WITH A/C ON, CAUSING PEDAL TO HARDEN BRIEFLY AND RESUME AGAIN. DEALER CONTACTED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
1997 Dodge Durango recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1997 Dodge Durango.
- Manufacturer: K&N ENGINEERING, INC.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.
- Consequence: A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.
- Remedy: K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.
- Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING. NOTE: THE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WERE BUILT AT THE WARREN ASSEMBLY PLANT ("S" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 16, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; ST. LOUIS NORTH ASSEMBLY PLANT ("J" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 19, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("M" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; AND SALTILLO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("G" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000. IMPORTANT: VEHICLES THAT HAVE ALREADY HAD THE PROPER CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECALL. IN ADDITION, 1997-2000 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL.
- Consequence: WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE MATERIAL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING RIBBON AND CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT. THE DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL BECOME DISABLED, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 18, 2001. ALSO SOME 1997-200 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Dodge Durango problems:
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