2000 Dodge Durango
The 2000 Dodge Durango was a popular SUV known for its ruggedness and towing capacity. It offered a good amount of interior space for passengers and cargo, which many owners appreciated. However, it also had its share of problems. Common complaints include issues with reliability, fuel economy, and certain electrical components. Engine options included a 3.9L V6 (175 hp, 225 lb-ft of torque), a 5.2L V8 (230 hp, 330 lb-ft of torque), and a 5.9L V8 (250 hp, 345 lb-ft of torque). Transmission options were either a 42RE 4-speed automatic or a 44RE 4-speed automatic, depending on engine configuration.
Engine
3.9L V6
- Cracked Exhaust Manifold
- Description/Symptoms: Ticking noise, especially on cold starts, which may diminish as the engine warms up. May also notice reduced fuel economy and a smell of exhaust fumes.
- Solution: Replace the cracked exhaust manifold.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
5.2L V8
- “Death Flash” PCM Issue
- Description/Symptoms: Erratic engine behavior, including stalling, misfires, and difficulty starting. The engine control computer (PCM) experiences internal failures.
- Solution: Replace the PCM.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
- Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idle, coolant leaks, and possible overheating.
- Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
5.9L V8
- Oil Leaks (Rear Main Seal, Valve Cover Gaskets)
- Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks under the vehicle, oil consumption increases, and the smell of burning oil.
- Solution: Replace the rear main seal and/or valve cover gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Rear main seal: $400 - $800+; Valve cover gaskets: $150 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
42RE 4-Speed Automatic
- Soft or Delayed Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Noticeable delay when shifting gears, especially between 2nd and 3rd. Transmission may also “slip” during acceleration.
- Solution: Could be due to worn clutches, valve body issues, or low fluid level. A transmission rebuild or replacement might be necessary. Check and replace/top off fluid as needed.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $3000+
- Recalls: None Found
44RE 4-Speed Automatic
- Overdrive Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Overdrive (4th gear) stops engaging, leading to higher RPMs at highway speeds. Check engine light might illuminate with a transmission-related code.
- Solution: Could be due to a faulty solenoid, wiring issue, or internal transmission damage. Diagnose the specific cause and replace the faulty component or rebuild the transmission.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Worn Ball Joints
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Steering may feel loose or wander.
- Solution: Replace the worn ball joints.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per side
- Recalls: None Found
- Sagging Rear Leaf Springs
- Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sits lower than normal, especially when loaded. Ride quality may be poor, and the vehicle may bottom out easily.
- Solution: Replace the rear leaf springs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ for both sides
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Faulty Instrument Cluster
- Description/Symptoms: Gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge) may stop working or display incorrect readings. The entire cluster might intermittently shut off.
- Solution: Replace or repair the instrument cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Power Window/Door Lock Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Power windows may stop working or operate intermittently. Power door locks may fail to lock or unlock.
- Solution: Could be due to a faulty switch, wiring issue, or a failing window motor/door lock actuator. Diagnose the specific cause and replace the faulty component.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ per door/window
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust on Lower Body Panels and Wheel Wells
- Description/Symptoms: Visible rust forming on the rocker panels, lower door edges, and around the wheel wells.
- Solution: Rust repair and bodywork. This can involve cutting out the rusted metal, welding in new metal, and painting.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ depending on severity
- Door Handle Breakage
- Description/Symptoms: The exterior door handles, often made of plastic, can become brittle and break, especially in colder climates.
- Solution: Replace the broken door handle.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ per handle
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Cracked Dashboard
- Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, especially in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
- Solution: Replace the dashboard or install a dashboard cover.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Dashboard cover: $50 - $200+; Dashboard replacement: $500 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Headliner Sagging
- Description/Symptoms: The fabric headliner begins to detach from the roof and sag.
- Solution: Replace the headliner or re-glue the existing fabric.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2000 Dodge Durango is prone to a variety of issues, ranging from engine and transmission problems to suspension and electrical malfunctions. Many of these issues are common for vehicles of this age, but prospective buyers should be aware of them. Engine issues, particularly those related to the PCM and intake manifold gaskets, can be costly to repair. Transmission problems, especially with the 42RE and 44RE transmissions, are also prevalent. Suspension wear, rust, and interior degradation are typical for a vehicle of this age, and the severity of these issues can vary widely depending on how well the vehicle was maintained. Overall, potential buyers should carefully inspect any 2000 Durango they are considering and be prepared to address some of these common issues.