Here Are The Dodge Durango Years To Avoid
Dodge Durango by Kevauto — CC-BY-SA-4.0
The Dodge Durango is a mid-size sports utility vehicle that has grown in popularity over the years. It’s been manufactured since 1998, taking a brief pause in 2003 before picking right back up again in 2011. If you want this car, you might wonder - what are the Dodge Durango years to avoid?
Read on to learn more about the Dodge Durango years to avoid. Many issues have appeared with certain models, and it’s best to steer clear of these for the safest driving experience. The more you know about the various models of the Dodge Durango, the better the choice you can make for your future vehicle.
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Dodge Durango Years to Avoid
The Dodge Durango has had some great years, but there are some Dodge Durango years to avoid if you want to have the best possible driving experience. We’ll help you learn about some of the models you should steer clear from at all costs.
The Dodge Durango years to stay away from include:
- 1999
- 2000
- 2004
- 2005
- 2011
- 2012
These are some of the worst years in existence for the Dodge Durango.
Several unique factors made the Dodge Durango less than ideal during these years. We’ll talk about these next to give you a better idea of the rationale behind avoiding these models. Each model comes with its problems.
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What Makes These Years Worth Avoiding?
There are a few factors that support these models as the Dodge Durango years to avoid if you’re looking into investing in a used car. We’ll talk about each of them so you can understand some of the issues these cars suffered from in operation.
According to carcomplaints.com, some of the most prominent issues with these years include:
- Engine troubles
- Electrical problems
- Brake issues
These were the three top complaints about the Dodge Durango, though there were several others.
Keep reading to learn more about these three issues that come with the Dodge Durango models listed above. Each of them can impact the ownership of a vehicle differently. All will cost you money in repairs, which could tilt your future off-course.
Engine Troubles
Engine issues were the most prominent complaint with these models, particularly the 2004 model. This version of the vehicle tends to experience engine shutdown in the middle of driving, which can cause an array of issues, from loss of vehicle control to deadly car accidents.
Some of the other engine troubles include:
- Engine failure due to oil sludge
- Engine stalling without warning
- Engine shaking and dying when it rains
These are just a few issues that can arise with the Dodge Durango models written above.
Engine failure and troubles of any kind can be dangerous on the road. They can also be expensive, and engine problems repeat over time. If you want to steer clear of excess engine expenses, steer clear of the Dodge Durango models we talked about earlier.
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Electrical Problems
Next up are electrical problems. Typically, these issues mean that the car won’t start. Unfortunately, the Dodge Durango models we talked about above are especially prone to faulty electrical issues. This problem is particularly prominent in the 2011 models, though the problem has gone away in newer versions.
A few of the other electrical issues include:
- Alternator stopped working
- The engine won’t turn over or start
- The battery isn’t holding charge
These aren’t appealing to anyone, especially if you want a Dodge Durango model that is dependable at any time of the day, whether it’s freezing outside or a hundred degrees.
You’re paying lots of money for a car. The least you should get is a vehicle that turns on whenever you ask it to at any point in your day. Avoid the models above and settle with a better-reviewed model for better reliability in your drive.
Brake Issues
Finally, we have some brake issues. The brakes aren’t a prominent issue in any models, but scattered negative brake reports have appeared on almost all models listed above. From emergency failure to boost breakage, these can be expensive to fix. Nobody wants to pay lots of money to fix their brakes, especially if it happens repeatedly.
The newer models of the Dodge Durango have worked on and fixed the brake problems. Since the brakes are such a critical aspect of a vehicle, you must invest in a car that will stop correctly every time you press on the pedal. Stay as safe as you can on the road with the Dodge Durango.
8 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN BUYING A USED CAR
So you’re in the market for a used vehicle? We’ve gone ahead and prepped some essential questions to ask when buying a used car.
Which Years are Safe to Buy Used?
We’ve talked about the worst models, but what about the safest Dodge Durango available on the market? There’s a lot to think about with a new vehicle purchase.
According to carcomplaints.com, some of the best years for the Dodge Durango include:
- 2014
- 2015
- 2018
- 2020
These four models stand out as the best versions of the Dodge Durango available for purchase on the market.
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect version of the Dodge Durango, one of these four will work for you. None have the number of faults that the others had, guaranteeing an excellent driving experience no matter what road you take on in your day.
Conclusion
Knowing which Dodge Durango is the safest can make every driving experience quality. You don’t want to invest in a car that will cost more in repairs than you anticipated. You also want to ensure that you’re safe. Faulty vehicles can put you in lots of danger on the road, so be careful with the one you pick.
Now that you know about some of the problems that appeared with previous Dodge Durango models, you can take this information and select a newer version that will work best for you and your life. The newer ones are the best, and there are four excellent choices you can invest in instead of the faultier versions.
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